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Magico A3 vs Magico S1 MK2

What do you guys think about either of them. I am currently trying to get rid of my BW 702 S2 and thinking about either of them. I have auditioned Magico A3 and liked it a lot. Had auditioned S1 MK2, a while back. I currently have Naim Unity Nova. I like the S1 Mk2 overall except for bass, which A3 does better. A3 is also good on high and meds, but little colored when compared to S1Mk2, which is bit neutral. Am liking both, but want to see if any of you guys have owned either of them and your overall experience. 
romney80

Showing 3 responses by erik_squires

erik_squires
16,748 posts
 
OP - I think, honestly, that’s more accurate pricing. The S1 was always, in my mind, overpriced.

Mind you, i’m not saying it sounded bad, but for reasons above, I find it a curious animal. If you like the sound of it, and have lots of power, and space enough to put the speakers out into the room, jump on them.

It is just, in my mind, the most demanding small speaker I've ever seen.
erik_squires
16,748 posts
 
Oh, forgot to mention, the stereo imaging with the S1, on and off axis is outstanding. If the A3 can give you all of that, taking up similar amounts of space, with less demands on an amp, and more bass, it's hard not to go that way.
erik_squires
16,748 posts
 
They have a very wide dispersion, so in either case, you need a lot of space or good treated room.

To me, they all sound a little chesty, with a little extra resonance in the bottom of female voices and piano.  No one else I've talked to has heard this though!

Next, the S1. Honestly kind of a curious animal. Limited bass, low efficiency, needs lots of room to sound good.  So, you have this limited output speaker that needs a big ass amp and a big effective footprint. But, really nice mid to treble, glass smooth.

Haven't heard the A3, but price wise, it's a better value.  Better efficiency, better bass, same price, more or less, right?
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