2. speakers
  3. 191675-5075

Looking for my End Game Speaker

I'm looking for my end game speakers.  My system currently consists a digital streaming front end with the Mola mola Tambaqui DAC and Grimm MU1 streamer along with Magico A3 speakers.  For amplification, I recently acquired on the used market, the Audionet Humboldt.  

I live in a small 960 sq ft condo in a highrise.  My system is in the great room (living, dining, and kitchen all in one).  Given the room configuration, my speakers have to be located close to a side wall (unless I radically change the room and block my balcony doors with my stereo).  Room dimensions are 12' x 16' (not including kitchen).   

The following speakers are on my list to auditon:

Marten Parker Trio,  Acora (SRB, SRC1, SRC2), Magico S3 - 2023, Magico M2, Joseph Audio, Franco Serblin, Rockport, Vivid Audio Giya G4, 

I have already heard the Acora SRC1 and thought they were amazing, however, perhaps a bit  bass shy.  

Given my room constraints, I'm concentrating more on the models that have a sealed box design.  Given that, I am very interested in the Magico M2 and S3 - 2023.  Has anyone heard these two models?  A used M2 would cost about the same as a new S3.  How do these two models compared?  Which would you choose?  

Can anyone recommend any other sealed box design speakers.....or any speakers that would fit into a relatively small room (close to the walls)?  I should also note that I would like a speaker that performs well with lower listening volumes....

I have booked my ticket to AXPONA 2025, so I'm making a list of speakers that I should audition.

 

calgarian5355

Showing 5 responses by kennyc

kennyc
1,760 posts
 

I heard both. After demoing many speakers at audio shows and stores, Magico and YG were my favorite. I was hoping to get to maybe M3 level used, but my budget was more A5 level.
 

I also went to an AXPONA to demo my final speakers: Magico A5 vs Rockport Atria - both sounded subpar due to room conditions, but my dealer got me a deal on the Vimberg Mino D show demos.

The S3 2024 had that Magico sound that seemed to easily compete with their M3 - I was surprised how full it sounded.

Looking forward to demoing the new S5 2024.

kennyc
1,760 posts
 

Do the exhibitors offer show specials during Axpona?  

@calgarian5355 - yes, one can often negotiate a discount price to purchase the demo component.  Yes, the Vimberg has the diamond tweeter upgrade.

When I heard the Vimberg Mino D at AXPONA, it sounded great but was unaffordable with the Diamond upgrade. I love high notes from bells, violins, etc so I love excellent highs.  After explaining to my trusted audio dealer, he managed to negotiate a great price but I blew my budget significantly.  I’m very happy where I landed with a clean neutral speaker.

Subsequently, I auditioned the Gershman Acoustics 30th Anniversary Grand Avant Garde. Audio Bacon reviewed then purchased a pair here.   I was surprised how much bass these smallish floorstanders produce.  They sounded fantastic.  If I found this speaker first, I’d likely purchase this and save some cash.  It’s worth a demo.  

kennyc
1,760 posts
 

Do you the know the Gershman 30th anniversary Grand compare to the Vimberg Mino Ds

Kind of tough, demoed at 2 separate audio shows. My impression was that the Vimberg was more neutral, while the Gershman was very engaging- stayed for many songs while the designers/manufacturers married couple were being interviewed for an audio publication.

All your speaker choices offer great sonics, it’s now more of a preference.

I did demo the A3, but it seemed lightweight compared to the S5, M3.

Early on, I did demo the Monitor Audio Platimum 300 - subjectively did many things well - high value speaker, but I was after a speaker that subjectively does all things well and that resinates with me AND fits with my budget…which I’ve blown many times 🙄

kennyc
1,760 posts
 

These are ALL great speakers listed here....

@mbmi - I was just thinking that these speakers listed brought fond memories of demoing these fabulous sounding speakers. It’s giving me the itch to attend another major audio show like AXPONA. Attending Munich High-End which is moving to Vienna is on my bucket list, including hoping to someday hear a Vox Olympian.

kennyc
1,760 posts
 

@calgarian5355 

When you demo speakers, keep I’m mind that poor room conditions often results in the speaker sounding poor/subpar - this is a common occurrence at audio shows using hotel rooms.  My speaker preferences are Magico and YG, but at AXPONA 2022, Magico sounded meh.  

More to discover