2. speakers
  3. 1305470053

Magico Q3's at Goodwin's High End

Just a quick note to say that Goodwin's High End (in Boston) along with Alon Wolf presented a demonstration of the Magico Q3's yesterday.

As usual, it was a class act by Goodwin's and a real treat overall. Mr. Wolf fielded a number of questions about the speakers (and Magico's approach to design) and his detailed responses were fascinating.

The Q3's sounded spectacular. They were setup in Goodwin's huge listening room (20x30x11) and they were positioned quite wide apart and deep into the room (almost halfway). I was transported to the symphony hall with a few tracks - like nothing I've ever experienced before. They were driven with very expensive electronics, inluding huge Boulder amps that were 1000w each (if I'm not mistaken) to compensate for the size of the room.

The Q3 is a modest size floorstanding loudspeaker, but it weighs 250lbs! Like the Q5 (if you've ever heard it) it is very clean and neutral sounding. Definitely a speaker that lets you listen into the music rather than wow you with a forward presentation. Besides classical, we heard some jazz, some instrumental and a cut from Jennifer Warnes Famous Blue Raincoat that was stunning. These speakers don't call any attention to themselves. They were so coherent and produced such an impressive soundstage that it didn't feel like they were the source of the sound. Jennifer's voice had no artifacts (sibilence, etc) that it was like she was standing there. I feel I finally heard how the record was supposed to sound.

Anyways, I'm not trying to do a proper review here, but I did want to thank Goodwins and Magico for the opportunity and I thought I would share my initial impresssions.

Would love to know what other folks at the presentation(s) thought.
madfloyd

Showing 6 responses by bvdiman

bvdiman
491 posts
 
For long time followers of Magico, these post reviews increments shouldn't be much of a surprise anymore. Been happening ever since their original M6 days, Mini1 & 2, V3.. I have voiced this concern to my dealer and over at one of JV's site in the past. Also, in one Magico's thread here which had mysteriously vanished.

A fellow member then said that their price would be in the low 30s, but as I predicted correctly that once it hits the market following some star studded reviews it would have to be close to 40ish bracket. Just had me wondering, after so long, can't this company get their math right from the start for once. Hopefully so for their upcoming Q1, Q2...
bvdiman
491 posts
 
Razmika, fully understood your point. But it has been re-curring and one which I have personally faced myself three times. First, the M6, which I ended up not buying.. Was initially quoted by the dealer priced south of $90k, got back 2months later, was told that it has just been increased to 120k. After saving enough to take the plunge (3months), yet again was told that they now (then) have the new improved carbon version as their midrange drivers, but with new rrp of 145-150k!--I've since then stopped thinking about them, very glad I did. Now, the Mini2 and V3 I did buy, since I liked them enough and thought their increments--'money wise'--still tolerable.

Bearing in mind that most consumers would rather be faced with discount than uncertainty and re-curring price increases, I would have to agree with you on this point :

"Perhaps Magico should change their margin structure, so they can absorb fluctuation in COGS more often."
bvdiman
491 posts
 
Btw.I also tend to think that their current Q offerings, relative to performance, have far better value than that of their previous.
bvdiman
491 posts
 
An educated and wise buyer would aim for both.
bvdiman
491 posts
 
Razmika, agree that buyer/seller have to be in a mutually benefiting relationship in order to persevere. The pricing issue I brought up, since it relates as to how their initial selling price was yet again increased--just months after released.

Then, there's also some quality issues I had with not one, but both pairs of speakers I owned. Thankfully, my responsible dealer took good care of and had them replaced with brand new pairs--both time. Magico was a young and upstart company then, I'm sure things have improved since.

Please not view any of the above as any form of bashing--no hidden agenda here, except to share my personal experiences with fellow members, and hopefully, a constructive message to the company as well.

Let's leave it as that, and hand the thread back to the new much improved Q3..
bvdiman
491 posts
 
This thread is about Magico, let's leave it at that. I'm just raising one concern as a 'consumer', and that I have no problem whatsoever with their pricing/value which I think is way cool--having a new product which killed the previous flagship at only 60% of the price (Q5-M5). What I'm trying to convey here is that, if only they could work their costing right from the beginning it would be better for all. Most people have to plan for their audio outlay too.

Speaking of value.. bought my Mini2, 28k sold @19k (3yrs ago). V3, 25k sold @11k (recent).. Bottom line, no value is good value in things audio--unless of course you buy it used.

Btw.Are you a dealer or speaking on behalf of one? You sure don't seem to be on buyer's side.
More to discover