2. speakers
  3. 137096-96112

Magico A3 vs. Focal Kanta 2

I have around 10k to play with for a new set of speakers. 
My current equipment: MC452 C2600 MCD550 Vienna Acoustics Mozart grand speakers, REL S5. 
My options include  Magico A3,  Focal Kanta 2 or used Sonus Faber Elipsa SE for around 10K.  These choices are based on on aesthetics (approved by wife) and reviews, I have not heard any of them yet.  I am not willing to change my amp/pre. My choice of music is 95% classical (symphony, solo piano, piano concertos) about 5% Jazz. Auditioning speakers would probably not be possible. I need to make a decision based purely on expert recommendation. If there are any other speakers in this price range with similar attributes I may also consider, but I would prefer to pick one from above. Also, would any of the above give a massive improvement in sound reproduction? Is SF Elipsa outdated  when compared to current Focal and Magico?  Thanks. 


ei001h

Showing 7 responses by jackd

jackd
1,077 posts
 
From that list with your gear my choice would be the Elipsa SE. 
jackd
1,077 posts
 
ei001h

The Elipsa SE and your Mc gear are from the same company and have been voiced together and as such just go together.  In addition it's voicing would be more in line with your musical preferences.  Also consider that much like your Mc gear the Elipsa SE will hold its value better than the other two in addition to being much better looking.  It is just one of those "inviting" sounding speakers.  Others in that vein that may or may not meet the WAF at your house are Nola and Verity and maybe the Vandersteen Treo CT. If you are considering the Kanta I suggest you look instead at the Sopra 2 as there are deals to be had on that line and it is another level up from the Kanta.  The Magico would to me be the preferred choice if the competition was just the Kanta 2.
jackd
1,077 posts
 
If your looking at the pair listed on this site in the Bronx they look to be in top rate condition from a quality seller so I would work a deal and be done.  
jackd
1,077 posts
 
If they speakers you are looking for were used with quality equipment and not abused then they are perfectly fine.  I still own speakers from the late 70's that are in as new condition and play that way too.  Since foam speaker surrounds went away speakers are good for decades.  As to when they were discontinued contact SF or Sumiko and ask then but Jeff at Tone Audio reviewed a pair about four years ago.  You can also join Audio Aficionado and ask there as that's where most of the SF frequent.
jackd
1,077 posts
 
If you were planning on going to listen to them take along something like the Stereophile test CD and run it through the test tones from top to bottom.  Not likely that there is anything wrong with speakers in that condition used with that level of gear.  Plus if you pay him with Paypal like the ad shows you are covered and he has a spotless record as a seller for years.
jackd
1,077 posts
 
Congrats you got what you wanted. They will be just fine with your McIntosh gear. If you get the urge to try a tube amp with them just pick one up used and if you don’t see an improvement turn it over again.
jackd
1,077 posts
 
Well you could certainly entertain switching to 2301's by making a trade with Audio Classics but I suspect there are other tube amps that meet the requirements.  You might want to check in at Audio Aficionado where most of the SF and McIntosh crowd hang out and see if they have any opinions other than the big Mc's.  Also if you have a Rogue dealer in your area you can look at their offerings and see if you can get an in home demo or call Mark or Nick at the company office.  Also a hybrid amp like the PS Audio BHK amps are popular with the SF's. 
More to discover