Quote Originally Posted by JoeE SP9
The total capacitance is what matters. It does look neater and more elegant when you use only one. Sometimes using a combination will allow closer matching from left to right. It is more important that the component values match in each crossover than anything else. For example it is better to have 23mf capacitors in each crossover than a 21mf in one and 23mf in the other. The same applies for any resistors. Some retailers will value match components for a small additional fee. If you can get parts matched this way try to do so. If you do not value match components in each crossover you will not get the same crossover frequencys and slopes for each crossover. The closer each speaker sounds to each other the better the overall sound. Matching within 1% is desirable.
Found a great web site called MUG (Magnepan Users Group). http://www.integracoustics.com/MUG/MUG. In the "Tweaks" section they have just about everything about upgrading Magnepan crossovers: pictures (thank god), schematics, step-by-step instructions, recommended parts, wiring, minimum/maximum costs, how to cut the speaker cloth, etc. Really first rate.

So............I'm gonna try and change out the capacitors and the spool first by myself. All the experts on the MUG site recommend doing this prior to upgrading the wiring. Will go with the Hovland capacitors 7,7,8 uf combo and the Alpha Core air core foil inductor. Should run about $320 for both speakers.

Also printed out "How to solder" from some web site, since I don't believe I've ever soldered anything in my entire life. Actually the soldering and cutting open the speaker cloth are what scare me the most.

JoeE SP9, thanks again for your offer of assistance. I still may need some help at some point here.