Thanks for the input, donunus! I'd love to get the 1.7s, especially since then I wouldn't have to pay shipping or import fees, but I was trying to keep the system cost under that of an HD800 (my would-have-been next purchase). Although your comment on the MMG's bass is a bit unnerving: I've really grown to like the tight bass of the Q701. Maybe if I wait long enough I can psyche myself into justifying the cost of the 1.7 (fingers crossed).

I saw these pop up locally for $450 CAD (about 370 USD). Worth checking out? I've never heard maggies before.

Heard them at T.H.E. Show (or maybe it was their higher end one?). Did not liked them.

I saw these pop up locally for $450 CAD (about 370 USD). Worth checking out? I've never heard maggies before.

For same or tad bit more on price, if going used, you can probably find the more desirable mgIIIa speakers with the ribbon tweeters. They have the external crossover boxes and, considered one of the best magnepan made. I would say though give them a listen if you can and see how you like'em if you can find them. Just remember though, they're extremely fragile. Short gust of wind from wrong movement or something else can rip the ribbon tweeters. They are very tall and big too so you need pretty decent sized room (around 20x20 with proper room treatment is sufficient) and if don't have other speakers taking up space.

My friend has two pairs of these and they're pretty nice from what I remember but, other then that not much since I was in a rush. Will give them a listen another time though. He was gonna trade me one his pair for my technics sb7000a but, I passed cause I already have pair of really large 150lb altec lansing speakers taking up lot of real-estate in my room so no more big speakers for me.

If ever find pair you like, just try to audition if can.