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

Not sure why you are limiting yourself to a sealed box design, but your comment about thin bass could be the reason. There are ported designs that can be placed along front and side walls and the ported design will give a fuller sound. The Focal range of speakers including Maestro, Scala, etc have down firing ports as opposed to rear firing may be an option.

Most underestimate the huge role electronics play in extracting what your speakers are capable of. Don’t confuse high wattage power amps with high current amps. The high current grips the speaker driver and gives you the low level detail you are searching for. Sub(s) may round out the lower registers, if needed.

I have heard Magico’s at shows and because of their sealed design, require gobs of power to extract the best from them. IMHO.
And I fully agree with the comments about Magico made by ghdprentice above.

Keep in mind the room and treatments play a large part. And finally, buying used affords you the ability to try speakers and/or electronics that would normally be considerably more if purchased new. Getting in and out of used gear has little downside and exposes you to lots of different options. Just my .02 cents. Happy listening.

I have Mola Mola Kula with integrated tambaqui DAC, antipodes k21 and focal Sopra n2 and this setup sounds amazing. These focals are the best bang for your buck. I have shunyata cables and power supply. Very happy with everything.

FWIW a great pair of satellites and a nice subwoofer or 2, but one should be fine

Check out excellent offerings at VeraFi Audio

I’m adding another speaker to my audition list; Magico recently announced the new S2 is launching quarter 2 of 2025.  I’m wondering how it compares to the m2. I hope they have it on display at Axpona!  

“end game”

 

no such thing. Please stop using the statement.

 

plus, nobody can answer that for you.