The JansZens are so different than Maggies in so many ways that comparisons may not be relevant and against the 1.7s the price makes it an unfair fight.
We can't help ourselves however when we get something new to compare against the incumbent. On sound alone:
1. The JansZen's ESL panels top any Maggie on midrange and high frequency clarity and realism. I have heard more than one Maggie with the true ribbon tweeter and my comment stands. I think any properly designed ESL takes this point. The ESL approach was what caught my attention to begin with.
2. The JansZens can play much louder and without distortion despite their small size.
3. The JansZens have a much wider sweetspot than the 1.7s. I used my 1.7s with the tweeters in, and that I know narrowed the spot to one seat. Still, point to the JansZens.
4. The soundstage seems wider with the JansZens and is different. Placement plays a large part here and the 1.7s demanded a very different placement.
5. The Maggies have a taller soundstage, but this is only in my small room. I tried the JansZens briefly also in my large family room and from across the room the stage was huge. They are tilted back for time allignment, but this also raises the stage over distance.
6. The 1.7s and the JansZens both are rated at bass to 40Hz. I have a lot yet to listen to so I'll hold off on bass comments. Both have excellent bass qualities but obviously very different approaches.
7. Both speakers are totally seamless across the full frequency range.