Magico Room at RAMF How good did it sound

I must say Magico Q1 is VERY overpriced although certain people will rave and say its a bargin.

I attended the room friday and saturday of the show, but didn't have a good spot either day and thus can't comment with much conviction as to how good they were, what I can say is that they are definitely articulate and neat sounding. They seem to be spectacular at separating out intruments(defining the space between them). Also these speakers and the q3's I heard elsewhere exhibit a level of definition in the upper bass that is unmatched in my experience and is the overriding quality I associate with them. Also for those who wish to know, Magico was demoing with a Clearaudio Innovation turntable mainly (not sure which phono), though they also had a CD player and a reel to reel deck.

I was disappointed with the Magico presence at RMAF. Please note I did not even listen to the Q1s. I spoke briefly with one of the Magico people and asked if they were showing any of their larger speakers. No - Where can I hear them - At a dealer - None within 100 miles, and none that have comparable speakers in their inventory. Can I hear them in Palo Alto - no.

So here's the deal, a buyer is willing to spend 30 to 50 large (my Porsche costs only 70) but he can't find a reasonable venue to hear the speakers in CA, so he comes to RMAF to hear them - no go.

By contrast Wilson Sashas and YG Kipods were well represented at the show. Because both of these were included in multiple systems one was able to hear the range of sound that they produced. BTW - both very nice!

Hg

As stated above, Magico only demoed their Q1s. On Friday they sounded overly bright but with quite a soundstage for their size. On Sunday, they sounded much better with good dynamics, not as bright - but still not my cup of tea.

There are many speakers at less than $20k that offer more - e.g. Wilson Sophia 3, Revel Studio 2, Magnepan 3.7, Thiel 3.7.....at $10K, think the Q1s would be interesting but not at their current MSRP.

Mike

Ritmo,
Thanks for that report. That's an interesting comment about price-points. I thought my Magico Mini II was competitive in the $18-20K range, but not at its final price of $32K. Now you suggest the Q1s would be good at $10K. Considering that they are supposed to outperform the Mini II, my $18-20K range was a bit off. I have to go and listen to the Q1.