Magico A3

@allhifi - My only point was that around the time the S3 Mk II came out it was similarly priced to the Sopra, and while the S3 is a more  musical speaker, it was lacking in the bass, chesty, demanding of room and amplifier.

As for your comments about construction, I really do like the all aluminum construction, but I find your overall take demeaning without good cause.

It will be interesting to learn the full set of cost saving measures employed in the A3. The rest of this post is speculation, so Magico fans, cut me some slack.

I think the high-end Magico's use billet, machined aluminum, while the A3 uses what appear to be extrusions. Not a bad thing, I think.

What makes the A3 a potential killer in the price range (IMHO) is bass extension and sensitivity of a "normal" speaker (compared to the S3) with the fabulously smooth mid-treble of the S3.  It could in fact fix everything I complained about in my review of the S3, at a better price point.

Best,

E

If the A3 is a smaller version of the S3 MKII then that would be a tremendous speaker.

eric_squires: Better tyhan te Sopra-1's (Focal) ?

The KEF Reference-1's spank the Sopra's -Focal's sorely failed attempt at delivering ......... ? at a more reasonable price. I'd bet that the older (but current) 1028/38 Be series is better than the Slo-pokers.

Seriously, not one of the Sopra's compare to the brilliant performance of the KEF REF range; the REF-3 ($14K US/pr.) a floor-standing champ.

So, if the A3 (Magico) can keep pace with any of the KEF (Reference), 'look-out' it will be on constantl back-order from Magico -and may very well be my next loudspeaker.

Also bear in mind, the Magico use high-strength BOLTS to secure the drive-units (and cabinet components no doubt), out of necessity of course, but a highly desirable method ensuring the vital driver/baffle interface is appropriately coupled.

You'd think competitor's do this as well ? No. Vandersteen, Paradigm 'Persona', GET 'Reference-1' (in the general price range) use self-tapping wood screws to mount the drivers ! Which is laughable. And unfortunate for a $10K + loudspeaker. It must be acknowledged that the Magico A3 (any Magico of course) can easily be 'handed-down' to multiple generations whereas wood-screwed driver models are far less durable -or desirable, for that matter. 

The sheer level of quality/sophistication of the Magico A3  (at $10K) is nothing short of a hi-fi bargain -assuming it has the sonic chops.

peter jasz   

Other than you can have it any color you want, so long as its black, its very impressive release. It appears that many builders are targeting this price point, each with a distinctive approach. Just a few off hand, Dynaudio Contour 60, Revel F228Be, B&W 804D3, Focal Kanta No2, Paradigm Persona 3F,  and the Canton Reference 5K. This being a small listing of more broadly available brands, even if none can be considered truly broad products.

Focal made style and finishing options major point on the Kanta. Dynaudio went quite large and while simple in appearance, has some distinctive finishes. A history of very good sound doesn't hurt. The Revel isn't much of a looker itself, but they have a history of very coherent and balanced sound. The Persona is sleek looking entry, but might just be a bit light on the bottom in respect to its price peers. B&W has their house sound and you need to be into it or not at all. Canton has limited looks and finish, but also a solid entry sound wise.

That little twitch that says maybe something new is really making itself ever known ;-).

I agree however many people buy based on there reviews.I myself in over 50 years in the hobby never bought speakers or equipment based on any reviews i use my ears and my wallet. I have Magico Q3s that were never reviewed in Absolute Sound.Good luck enjoy!!

@ebm you're bang on about Absolute Sound...I ignore anything they write about Magicos.

For an experimental office system I'd pick single driver speakers and a low power tube or ss integrated. 

erik_squires,

Room size is the key to any speaker. I am just exploring all options at the moment while I get ready to move to a house. The CA drought and fires may make my move happen faster than expected.

I have been looking at all types of speakers, passive, active, omni, dynamic. I want to go a little out of the box for the office system (experiment). The Magico S3 (which I like) are definitely not an office speaker that I think I could find room for. However the S1 would likely work room size wise. Although I have no interest in that speaker, too expensive for what it delivers. The A3 could be a viable alternative for a S1.

Looks like a more affordable speaker at a great price point Magico should do great with this model. Im sure Absolute Sound will love it there by  boosting sales as they have done with every Magico.Enjoy!!

@yyzsantabarbara

In terms of an office speaker, just keep in mind, the S3 requires a ton of side-space to sound its best, I imagine the A3 will too, so be sure to check that out.

On the other hand, the improved sensitivity and bass hopefully makes the A3 easier to drive, and a little less chesty.

Best,

E

This must be the speaker one of the TAS writers was alluding to as a new $10k speaker to watch out for and also  one he could not talk about yet.

I liked the Magico S3 MKII a lot. If the A3 is of the same pedigree then this is a speaker I will have to look at for my office.

Well, this is interesting. It's a few grand cheaper than the S1 Mk. II, which was a pretty odd speaker in some ways, but keeps the very smooth, very wide dispersion drivers, and significantly improves on the sensitivity. 

Would be interesting to know the grade of crossover caps used as well. 

In my mind, this is a much easier to sell speaker than the S1 Mk II. Shame it looks a little clunky, but I am sure the sound quality will make up for it. This is also going to be within good striking distance of the Focal Sopras. If it sounds as good as the S1, with better sensitivity and bass, it will spank the Sopras.

Best,

E

It's an interesting thought.  I think if this is say, the flagship, I'd assume a smaller floorstander (minus one woofer) at 8K and a monitor at maybe even 5/6K. Or if this is the middle of the range, a larger floor stander at 12-14K.

Either way, since Magico has become a 'prestige' brand, it's great to see them offer a hi-tech 'affordable' range of speakers.

Smart move trying to expand their customer base. This price range has plenty of competition. It will be interesting to see how they fare. May even pick up some dealers that sell in this range. Wonder if a $6-7K monitor is next.

Yes, I saw that and I'd be very interested to hear them.  I never paid much attention to Magico as they were so far out of my reach.  Nothing about them yet on the Magico web site, but they are supposed to start shipping in early 2018.