MMGs

Definitely go with the 1.7s. For what it's worth, in my system when my Rel subwoofer blew a diode, I picked up a PSB subsonic 5i for $100 and it integrated with with my 1.7s perfectly and I like its sound better than the Rel which ten times as much! Just my experience. I started with mmgs... 1.7s are MUCH better at everything. You won't be disappointed. They take awhile to break in though. They get better for a year.

I use two Bryston 3Bs to biamp my MGIIIa speakers...no power problem. They sound good, great soundstage.

I'll second what  Chataudio said, I heard both the "gunned Smga's and the 1.6's approx 10 yrs ago and both were outstanding sonically and aestically - a real plus considering Maggie's are butt ugly. I still regret passing up the opportunity to get a pair back then from John at a great price

Trust me and metman, kythyn. I smile every time I am about to power my amp on, because what awaits is a pure sonic bliss. John made it very clear several times that he will be retiring sooner than later, so don’t wait if you want to have this done. Amps will come and go, and so will cables and other things, but he’s the only one who does this in the world. Your speakers will come back looking like supermodels, finished in gorgeous wood of your choice and they will sound like nothing else. Yes, it’ll cost you around three grand to have it done, but it will be worth it. I had my 12 QRs gunned last year and I still cry like a kid every time I put Adele’s "Someone like you" on. She’s in the f***g room, man!  Email him, get in line, go drive for Uber for a few months, get this done.  If you don't like the result you can cuss me out up and down and left to right.

Chattaudio,

I have thought about Gunn before.  While his work is unquestionably worth the price, it leaves me with the Adcom driving the new speakers for at least a year.  Does that make it still worthwhile?  And would you use the year old MMGs or a pair of 1.6s if I could afford them?