Magnepan 2.7x Floorstanding Speaker (Pair) with X Series Refinement and a True Ribbon Tweeter
The Magnepan 2.7x Floorstanding Speaker (Pair) combines the scale and coherence of a full-range Magneplanar loudspeaker with the speed, openness, and delicacy of a dedicated 40-inch true ribbon tweeter. Positioned between the 1.7x and the larger 3.7x, the 2.7x offers an exceptional balance of room-friendly proportions, expansive planar presentation, and premium X Series construction.
Its three-way architecture uses aluminum-foil bass and midrange conductors bonded to lightweight Mylar diaphragms, together with an ultra-low-mass true ribbon tweeter that is freely suspended within its magnetic field. This combination gives the Magnepan 2.7x Floorstanding Speaker (Pair) the ability to reproduce instruments and voices with exceptional speed, seamless integration, and airy high-frequency detail.
The premium X Series treatment refines the electrical path between the amplifier and the drivers through Magnepan's three guiding principles: simplification, component betterment, and balancing. High-quality crossover parts, shortened solid-copper wiring, carefully controlled junctions, silver-soldered connections, and precisely paired left and right networks help reduce signal loss and improve image focus.
Handcrafted in White Bear Lake, Minnesota, the Magnepan 2.7x Floorstanding Speaker (Pair) is designed for discerning listeners seeking the spacious soundstage, lifelike scale, and low coloration of a dipole planar speaker without moving to one of Magnepan's largest models. Proper amplification and careful room placement allow the panels to disappear, leaving a wide and deeply layered musical presentation.
Technology & Performance
True Ribbon High-Frequency Reproduction — The 2.7x uses a dedicated 40-inch aluminum true ribbon tweeter. Unlike the foil bass and midrange sections, the ribbon is not bonded to a supporting diaphragm. Its extremely low moving mass allows it to respond rapidly to subtle musical changes, producing open, extended highs with exceptional transient detail.
Foil Bass and Midrange Drivers — The bass and midrange sections use aluminum conductors bonded to Mylar diaphragms. The large radiating surfaces distribute the driving force over a broad area, allowing the panels to move very little while producing detailed and dynamically convincing sound.
Simplification — Magnepan carefully evaluates crossover topology, wiring length, component count, junctions, and overall electrical mass. Reducing unnecessary complexity helps minimize signal degradation and allows a more direct connection between the amplifier and the planar drivers.
Component Betterment — X Series crossover networks use individually tested copper-rich polypropylene capacitors and high-gauge copper, air-core inductors made by Magnepan. Values are sorted and paired with close tolerances to support smoother response and consistent performance.
Precision Balancing — Left-to-right consistency is essential for stable imaging and a convincing stereo soundstage. Crossover capacitance, inductance, resistance, and impedance are repeatedly measured so the two speakers operate as a carefully matched pair.
Premium Wiring and Connections — High-quality solid copper bus wire is used throughout most of the signal path, while specialized wiring is retained for the true ribbon tweeter. Excess wiring is removed, component layouts are optimized, and permanent internal connections are silver soldered.
Full-Range Dipole Presentation — The Magnepan 2.7x Floorstanding Speaker (Pair) radiates acoustic energy forward and backward rather than enclosing the rear wave inside a cabinet. When correctly positioned, this dipole behavior contributes to exceptional image depth, natural ambience, and a broad listening perspective.
FAQ — Magnepan 2.7x
What is the difference between the Magnepan 2.7x and 2.7i?
The 2.7x is the premium X Series version of the 2.7i platform. It retains the three-way design, foil bass and midrange sections, and 40-inch true ribbon tweeter while adding upgraded and closely matched crossover components, improved solid-copper wiring, reduced signal-path mass, premium connections, and more extensive balancing and testing.
Does the Magnepan 2.7x have a true ribbon tweeter?
Yes. The 2.7x includes a dedicated 40-inch true ribbon tweeter. The aluminum ribbon is freely suspended rather than attached to a Mylar substrate, giving it exceptionally low moving mass and excellent high-frequency speed and extension.
What type of amplifier is recommended for the 2.7x?
The 2.7x has a nominal 4-ohm impedance and 86dB sensitivity. It performs best with a high-quality, high-current amplifier that is stable into 4 ohms. Appropriate power depends on room size, listening distance, preferred volume, and musical material.
How should the Magnepan 2.7x be positioned?
As a dipole speaker, the 2.7x should be positioned away from the wall behind it. Experimenting with distance from the wall, spacing, toe-in, ribbon orientation, and listening position will help optimize bass balance, image focus, and soundstage depth.
