You are referring to my "Magico diverse and passionate opinions" thread. It drew a lot of responses and got a lot of views. I returned home from the weekend and, poof, it was gone. It must have offended someone, though I thought it provided some pretty interesting information. Isn't the exchange of information what these forums are supposed to be about? |
Holenneck, Good fined, statements like this are encouraging "We listened to both. Sonically, the Q1 is better in every conceivable way: more extended top and bottom, improved resolution across the entire audioband, and simply breathtaking in terms of midrange clarity. The differences were not subtle!" ...at least they will sound good even though they are ugly at least compared to the Mini 2.The pictures of the Q series build quality is very impressive and the 5" voice coil on the large Q speakers is huge! |
I was at CES this year and I was able to listen to the Q3. It was the best speaker that I got to hear at CES (Q5 was there, but I missed it). This being the first Magico speaker Ive ever listened to, has totally sold me to the brand. I have been in the market for a "bookshelf" speaker to replace my B&W 805d's so I plan to wait on the Q1's. Build quality was outstanding both on the Q3 and the Q1 display. I agree with James63, the q1's weren't pleasing to the eye but if they are anywhere close to sounding like my first experience with Magico, then Im sold. I close my eyes when I listen anyway! |
I think with an aluminum monitor speaker, you will always be somewhat limited in the shape as long as you stick with flat stock. Piega went with a D shape, Krell has a box, the YG is basically the same and the Magico will likely be similar perhaps with beveled edges? For me, especially if black, there is the danger of ending up with Darth Vader's head. Especially if mounted on a skinny single post stand that makes it look like he's been skewered. I had that issue with Reference 3A speakers - incredible sound and a funky look. |
I gotta say that to my way of viewing things there could never be a "new" Mini....That speaker was a classic,in the best sense. I realize this is only one man's opinion,but aside from down right superb performance,it had a lovely aesthetic to it as well.That cabinet was expensive to mfgr,and I'd bet the economy and munfacturing conditions/costs came into play,to bring this model to an end....Unless your room is the size of Yankee Stadium I'd venture the guess that the Mini will do justice to about any kind of music. The only caveat was it was a bit of a tough load,which necessitated a big(ish) amp,power wise.Other than that,does one "really" need a better speaker? A "true" classic!! |
Well,I think we are in a time where many folks are beginning to appreciate those products(not only in audio)that appear to stand the test of time(think Leica Rangefinder cameras etc). Personally,I love seeing the audio systems of savvy hobbyists,in the vintage/retro arena.You see more and more retro systems anchored by stuff like re-worked Garrard,Lenco etc. I've heard a boat load of systems over the years,and much has been put together by aging baby boomers,who knew a thing or two about sound.....I am NOT saying new stuff isn't wonderful too,but in the case of products like the MINI(though certainly not retro or vintage as of yet)it is safe to say these are going to remain "vital transducers" for a LONG time....Newer product line or not....and...excuse me if I think they are beautiful objects too! Btw,I don't own any Magico products.Just my 2 cents. |
Sbrown, This thread is about the replacement for the Magico Mini II. It is called the Magico Q1. The Q1 design has not even been finalized, to my knowledge, let alone released for sale. A very few people have heard the prototype. Where and when have you heard it? Or are you talking about other Magico designs? |
It's interesting that there was a lot of written by Magico about the precise 17 degree backward tilt of the Mini to time-align the drivers. The V2 and V3 also tilt back slightly, but the Q1, Q3 and Q5 appear to have vertical front baffles. Also, I wonder if the Q1 will be 90 dB efficient like the Q3. The Q3 is probably more expensive than the V3 because it has an extra driver and the cabinet is more substantial. That does not seem to be the case with the Q1, so it may be less expensive than was the Mini II. |
I must say that from my listening experiences and subsequent aid in setting up a past friend's Mini's,the lower registers were absolutely "amazing"(and this from a sealed box)!This, in a room of about 12.5x21 or so feet....I assume the partnering equipment,which was SOTA added to the great experience.....Still,though a small-ish and sealed enclosure,the speaker dug "deep" and with superb precision at any frequency asked for.They definitely sounded BIG!!...Orchestral music at high volume was a cinch for this set-up. There was a small group of audiophiles who nit picked this set up,but I firmly believe it was more of a rationalization due to the design getting so much good press,than anything else. Though my final point might seem inconsequential,I LOVED the "look" of the MINI much more than Magico's newer models(I realize this is just me)as it was supremely attractive! Best to all |
Sirspeedy, Do you mind listing the partnering equipment in that system that you helped set up? Was it the Mini or the Mini II? And you are not alone in thinking the Mini has a great "look". I fully agree, but then I own them. They aren't full range, but in my room they do a great job from 40Hz on up and sound much bigger than one would think. |
At the time,the amp was a Rowland 8t,and a "highly" modded Audio Research SP-10(and I mean "modded to the max").The digital system was a Levinson 390s,with a modded SOTA Cosmos/Graham Phantom/Transfiguration Orpheus cartridge.All going through SOTA line conditioning/regeneration.Cabling was top flight too. Btw,from all of the cd's and early pressing Mercury,Decca,EMI Lp's we played(often)there is NO doubt those speakers plunged to the low thirties in freq....."and with ease"!!We played many discs from the TAS list,that we knew went "deep"....and,that little speaker shook the room! Not only did the epeaker go deep,but the bass "pitch definition" (something many audio fellas know little about)was fantastic!That sealed box was a big factor there,as to the actual perceived pitch accuracy. That is one area where I wonder how good the much touted TAD Reference Monitor could be(even though I myself have hyped it),as it is "not" a sealed enclosure.Sure,deep/powerful bass,but how accurate,from a pitch perfect perspective? I really think the Mini(yup,it was the Mini II,and I should have mentioned "that")was discontinued due to a combination of the cabinet costs and current economic situation as it would relate to actual sales.I believe that the cabinetry(gorgeous)was brought in from abroad. Best to all |
Just Released Q1 Specs, http://magico.net/Product/Q1/Q1_05.php Sensitivity: 86db Frequency Response: +/- 3db 32hz-50khz Cant wait to hear them! |
Peter, All things equal, I dont think that a 2-way, with one bass driver, can be as efficient as a 3-way with 3 bass drivers. However, if they go down 7Hz lower (And 10K higher), and are more efficient and easier to drive and all that out of a box that is about ½ the size of a Mini, youve got yourself a pretty interesting product here. Oh, yes, I almost forgot, cheaper to I personally, do prefer the look as well. |
I really hate when companies give their specs as "Room Average Response". It is totally worthless (what room???). Test the speakers in an acoustic chamber.... like the engineers they claim to be. If they want to spec in room as well as acoustic measurements that would be great. Anyone buying in this price range will understand the BS in the measurements and read right through them. We all understand how the room effects the response, at least give us a clean slate to start with. I would be ashamed to put out material like that if it were my company. Look at the stereophile measurements of the V3. They are -5 db at 30hz but get flat down to 20hz in room... I am very curious to see real measurements of the Q1 to see if they stretched the response. Other brands give accurate measurements all the time. Revel gives in room and acoustic chamber, B&W is one of the few to give distortion (round of applause) and Thiel is down right honest.... as customers we should expect the same out of every brand. it just gets old, nothing agents Magico they just happen to be the topic of discussion at the moment. rant over. |
