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Magico, Aerial, Dali

I have my next speaker upgrade narrowed down to the Magico V2's, Aerial 7t's, and Dali Helicon 400 MK2's. The only problem is I haven't heard any of them in my own system consisting of ARC LS17SE pre, and Bryston 4Bsst2 amp. I can get the Magico's for a decent price but they're still more expensive than the other options and the dealer will not let me demo at home unless I pay him. I thought this was odd and kind of turned me off to this dealer in general. Seems like for that kind of money in this economy the dealer should be willing to let a serious buyer demo at home.
I heard the 7t's on ARC reference and Levinson amps and was very impressed. Hard not to be with those kind of components. The Dali's are less expensive and I heard them on much cheaper gear but they still sounded fabulous. The dealer has arranged a demo later this week. If I went that route I'd have some money left over to buy a phono pre. I currently have the Aerial 6's and like their sound but they're not enough speaker for my room and if I sell now I can get the same amount that I bought them for.
Does anyone have experience with these three speaker's and/or companies? I am looking for detail, transparency, and realism. Any suggestions? Are the Magico's worth the extra money? I know it comes down to subjective taste, but is there a consensus on what the strengths are of each of these speakers?
minibox

Showing 9 responses by minibox

minibox OP
12 posts
 
I heard the wilson's on the same components as the aerial's and overall I was more impressed with the wilson's although I felt the aerial's had a deeper sound stage and imaged better. They're also 8k less. I haven't heard the magnepan 3.7's but I've heard the 1.7's and was very impressed but I would definitely need a sub. I'm also not quite so sure my wife would approve of maggies in the living room.
I agree that the Dali's are a lot of speaker for the money and are the cheapest on my list which puts them near the top. The Magicos are pricey but I'd be getting a demo pair and that knocks off a couple grand, which puts them close to the aerial's. I agree that the Magicos are the most impressive of the bunch but it's still a tough decision when you factor in cost.
minibox OP
12 posts
 
My room is 15X20 with an 8 foot ceiling. The aerial 6's did great in the small room I had them in previously which was 11X10, but I need something with a little more powerful presentation in this room. I also have the power on tap to do it with the 4b sst2
minibox OP
12 posts
 
I'd love to hear the Cremona's but I can only find a listing of 7 total dealers in America and Canada. They have a very good reputation but they need to expand in the U.S. and make themselves more available.
minibox OP
12 posts
 
What's odd about the Magico dealer is that he only lives 40 minutes from me and still won't let me demo at home.
minibox OP
12 posts
 
I mostly listen to vocals but depending on my mood I'll listen to almost every genre with the exception of hip-hop and rap. I've been listening to a lot of acoustic guitar and percussion guitar lately too. When I'm working, I'll listen to classical and speakers that can recreate the feeling I get when I go to the symphony impress me the most. I asked the local Dali dealer about the 800's but he said the midrange on the 800's wasn't as good as the 400's. He also mentioned that if I wanted the impact of the 800's he knew of some subs that would be more than adequate for less money than the difference I'd be paying for the 800's.
minibox OP
12 posts
 
I need to ask my dealer more about the ms4's. Did your friend have the original 400 or the newer 400 mk2's?
minibox OP
12 posts
 
I agree, the Sophia III did have "a bit more of everything" but you are right, "I wouldn't say they had a 10k edge." I was especially impressed with their lower end over the Aerial's but I believe I could get the same results with a good sub to match either the Aerial's or the Dali's. I will say that Beethoven's 9th sounded incredible on the Dali's and beat the pants off my Aerial 6's.
minibox OP
12 posts
 
Teajay,
I read your review previously on hometheatrereview.com. Thank you for such an in depth and well written review of the 7t's. My jaw dropped when I read about your friend selling his recently purchased Q3's after hearing the Aerial's. I've heard the Q3's and was extremely impressed, although I do believe they're overpriced. Each time I heard the 7t's I had a "wow" moment with their transparency and detail but I really need to get them in my own room and hear what they do.
minibox OP
12 posts
 
Goldprintaudio:
Are you located up near Belews Lake?
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