I had a similar dilemma recently. I ended up going from Magnepan 1.7s to 3.7is. The WAF was a consideration in my case, but it ended up being okay with her that I went with the bigger speakers. I was considering Martin Logans - the 11s I think it was - or Vandersteen Trio CTs (IF I could find them used and in good condition! You can find the Martin Logans used, the Trios, not so much.). Bottom line - I was too afraid that I'd spend more money for a downgrade in the sound that I prefer. I've auditioned Maggies against box speakers when I bought the 1.7's - I can't even remember the brands that they were - but there was no doubt that I preferred the sound of the Maggies over box speakers that were many times the Maggies' cost. I can tell you that the 3.7is are a big step up from the 1.7 - that true ribbon tweeter is sweet! The soundstage is bigger and deeper too. I am not unhappy, to say the least. It's probably endgame for me.