How do the Magnepan 3.6r compare to the new 1.7

You can get a great killer deal on a used pair of 3.3 or 3.5 that the new 1.7 can't match either. The 3 series is altogether in a different performance class. The core implementation of each series will never allow a 1 series to perform like the 3 series.

First consider your room size, a small room with 3.6's can underperform 1.7's in an optimal room. Also 1.7's are more seamless and coherent across the 3 way whereas the 3.6's might have some discontinuity between the ribbon and bass panel, some can and others cannot discern it.

KKM, you are dead wrong. I don't know if you have ever owned or lived with the 3.6, but that is not true, I have had them, and other Maggies and other speakers for years, and never heard that from anyone.

Elizabeth, It could be the reviewers who claim to hear this discontinuity are too close to the speakers. With large speakers it is important to create some distance to get a proper blend of the drivers. Big speakers are made for big rooms. They are not near field speakers. This is also true of speakers like Dunlavy SC-IV where drivers have a 6' span across the front baffle.