Ben,
Can't speak directly to the 1.7's as I have not heard them. But I can speak from my experience with 1.6's I have had for 8 years.
Break in - very long. At least a month of almost 24/7 at various levels.
Accoustic and Female vocals - play very nicely on 1.6's. One of their strengths.
Aggressive & loud rock - almost. Big soundstage and plenty of SPL's but a little weak below 60hz which is where you get some of the impact of loud rock from. You also have be prepared for some sonic disappointments from the early recordings. They can show up a little weak on Maggies.
Sub - does help. Very hard to integrate seamlessly because of the cone/planar difference. The EQed subs might be easier.
Listening space - you need some room behind the speakers. Mine are 52 inches out into the room for the best balance of properties. Moving them out and back changes the quarter wave cancellation frequencies and bass/mid bass response. So, you can play around a little/lot to get the best balance for your tastes.
Amplification - need lots of power to start to bloom. You will never believe the difference unless you try it with low power and high power amps.
FWIW - rather than spend a lot on high $ amps, I bypassed the crossover and inserted an active crossover with modest amps. Those that understand the numbers claim it is the same as quadrupling power output. I'll have to take their word for that. But, the difference was amazing. There are more reasons for the improvement than just power, but that is another thread.
Finally - The 1.7's are built differently than the 1.6's. I think you would be very wise to wait to hear them broken in.
Hope this helps.
Jim S.
Can't speak directly to the 1.7's as I have not heard them. But I can speak from my experience with 1.6's I have had for 8 years.
Break in - very long. At least a month of almost 24/7 at various levels.
Accoustic and Female vocals - play very nicely on 1.6's. One of their strengths.
Aggressive & loud rock - almost. Big soundstage and plenty of SPL's but a little weak below 60hz which is where you get some of the impact of loud rock from. You also have be prepared for some sonic disappointments from the early recordings. They can show up a little weak on Maggies.
Sub - does help. Very hard to integrate seamlessly because of the cone/planar difference. The EQed subs might be easier.
Listening space - you need some room behind the speakers. Mine are 52 inches out into the room for the best balance of properties. Moving them out and back changes the quarter wave cancellation frequencies and bass/mid bass response. So, you can play around a little/lot to get the best balance for your tastes.
Amplification - need lots of power to start to bloom. You will never believe the difference unless you try it with low power and high power amps.
FWIW - rather than spend a lot on high $ amps, I bypassed the crossover and inserted an active crossover with modest amps. Those that understand the numbers claim it is the same as quadrupling power output. I'll have to take their word for that. But, the difference was amazing. There are more reasons for the improvement than just power, but that is another thread.
Finally - The 1.7's are built differently than the 1.6's. I think you would be very wise to wait to hear them broken in.
Hope this helps.
Jim S.