Audiofreak you are freak GET A LIFE DUDE!! |
Audiofreak32, I wouldn't go that far but after one brief listening, I never returned. |
Horrible waste of money... |
Bvdiman,I totally agree with you. All audio equipment must not only sound good, they must look great as well. |
>>Guess for speakers I much prefer the more conventional (simple/plain/bland?) but nice and meticulously executed designs for now.
Any better way to describe a Magico Q(:? |
Usermanual,
I did.
Guess for speakers I much prefer the more conventional (simple/plain/bland?) but nice and meticulously executed designs for now. One that's more classic and timeless looking. I adore beautiful natural wood finishing, but of which unfortunately is not an option for mine. |
Bvdiman,
Somehow, I have a feeling you never saw the Q1 in person. I think you may have felt differently if you actually did. If not, oh well. I agree with you about the M5. It will probably get old after a while. BTW, I find the Tidal look to be rather bland. All that high gloss, as nice as it is, does not substitute a "real" design. |
I agree about the M5 looking a bit odd. They are smaller in person than they appear in photos. I actually like the look of the V3, though the aluminum faceplate should have covered the front edges of the plywood sides, like the Q series baffles do. Now that would have been one gorgeous speaker, IMO.
The older Ferraris have a classic beauty to them, as do many of the sports cars from the '60's. Great curves and proportions. They were smaller, lighter and easier for the hobbyist to fix, though I'm too young to have ever owned one. |
Usermanual, after the Minis, next on line for Magico, I do like the look of their bigger Qs. Just that to me, this all-black stealth design doesn't work as well implemented onto the tiny Q1.
Long ago, from Mini2s I did contemplate trading up to M5, but couldn't somehow get along with its appearance to live with on daily basis--too squarish and the alum flanges, kinda odd, imo.
Agree, on your take on Goldmund..
So basically what I'm trying to convey here is that for the kind of money, we deserve something that not only sounds great, but 'visually' appealing as well. Fully understood that its subjective, but I bet few would argue that Lambos and Ferraris are beautiful sports cars. |
EBM keeps his comments very pithy. I like that and they are very often, quite funny. I totally agree with Sirspeedy about the Magico MINI. It was designed and built to a very high standard with little regard to cost. Now that it is discontinued, it deserves its spot among the classics.
I have not heard EBM's system, but I hope to when I'm next in NYC.
EBM, could you please post some system photos? |
The MINI's are "Classics"!!
I've heard EBM's set-up a while back,and it was about as good as it gets,imo....and I have heard alot of sota equipment over the years.Some NYC based reviewer's had invited me to their homes at times,and few could touch the sonic appeal of my experiences hearing a good MINI set up.....Just my 2 cents.
I find it hard to believe they are not still perfectly viable monitors....of the highest quality!!
In this economy,one must take into account that mfgrs are trying hard to make payroll.Today's products are just fine,but I find it hard to believe that there is not some attempt to cut costs,while still keeping a decent product in front of the consumer,in this day and age.
Here is where an experienced hobbyist like EBM benefits.he's been around long enough to know a few things.....Good luck!
The MINI's were an all out attempt to build a great speaker,with NO attention to cost cutting.The cabinet is stunning and had to be very costly.Personally,I'd far prefer "it" to the metal box designs(though I'm sure they sound fine).
From a sonic standpoint.....Just look at the "numbers"(aside from the real world performance).....Even by today's standards,"Ruler Flat freq response",whether in a new or slightly older design still equates to GREAT PERFORMANCE!
Best to all |
Thank you ill keep my beautiful MAGICO MINI 2 WITH A SMILE ON MY FACE. |
I heard they are working on the new Q7 (12" woofers) est priced at $150000!, supposedly big brother of Q5. |
Ebm, finally your sense of humor is showing! For a long time I thought you were simply a Magico cheerleader. |
Lets all dump our old Magicos now and jump on the new ones so they can make more money!! |
|
Sorry if I offended you, Rtn1. I am sure the Avalon is a fine speaker. Perhaps you should read my post again and, hopefully, tamper your amazement . I did not criticize the "beauty" of the cabinet, in fact I even acknowledge it. However, I am sure you would agree that veneer laying, as crafty as it gets, is not the most important thing in a loudspeaker. BTW, the entire world is complaining (More like screaming) about those who gave many away to whomever asked... |
Ramzika, It's just amazing what one reads on this site. I never knew a nice cabinet was a liability and detraction from a speaker. Kitchen cabinets?
Oh well, such is life. If someone was giving away money to whomever asks, I'm sure there would be some people complaining about that too. |
Rasmika,
You'll find no argument from me. The Q line, based on the 3 and 5 that I've seen and heard, is incredible. Great sound and seemingly of the highest quality. Fit and finish are superb.
I've heard Avalon sound wonderful, but I agree, Magico is pushing some boundaries in terms of aluminum enclosures and they do sound different from the audiophile norm. Not everyone likes that. I've described the sound as neutral and transparent in other threads and I think a lot of that has to do with the enclosures. I just hear very little distortion.
I also agree, that in terms of brand awareness and perhaps sales, it's "working well for them."
I also agree with Bvdiman. The Mini2 sure looks great in a more formal, traditional setting. It is a classic design and brought much awareness to the brand. I'll hear the Q1 someday, and I'm sure it will sound fantastic. |
Yet, you own the FM acousticÂ…
BTW, I think that the Soulution, which you also own, is beautiful in a Magico sort of wayÂ… So is Goldmund. |
To me, the best looking Magico thus far is still their Minis. Now, if your home decor is like the NASA labs or recording studios, the Qs would fit in more appropriately. But in normal homes/listening environments, something in line with the Mini2 or TAD monitor would suit better. After all, aren't we so called 'audiophiles' supposedly to be their target niche, if so, it's not so smart a move moving away from the generally acceptable norms. Even industrial look could be made more pleasant and classier (commensurate with price), the new D'Agostino amps, Burmester and MBL gears comes to mind. Of course, ultimately what matters is how they sound, however, to use domestically, looks DO play a part too, waf, decors, etc2--especially when paying high dollars, imo. |
Peter,
I like the aesthetic. It project a very high quality, no nonsense, image. It is in a sharp contrast to most loudspeakers, furniture or designer look, out there. I just watched the Avalon promo video. 90% of it shows how they build an MDF enclosure, and put a nice (Very nice!) veneer on it. Just about nothing on loudspeakers related issues, or technologies. Would have been appropriate if you are buying kitchen cabinets... As I said, the better Magico gets, the further it moves form "audiophilia" norm. It offers something new, and I don't think Magico expect everyone to "get" it. I think it smart, and from what I hear from the distributor, working well for them. |
Rasmika since your a big expert what speakers do you have. |
Thanks Rasmika,
That is quite a list of improvements. I love the Mini II, so this Q1 must be really
something. Now, if it just had a different aesthetic... It really surprises me how
divergent the opinions are about the Q1 and the brand in general. With few
dealerships today, many form a first and final opinion of a speaker from show
conditions. |
Lets all jump on Q3 or Q1 NOW!! |
Cleaner more transparent sounding. Bigger and substantially more robust and dynamic. More extended, both top and bottom, and yes, more efficient. Not sure about ease of driving, but it sure seemed more friendly to smaller amps. I had the opportunity to hear a direct comparison. Quite an achievement. |
Razmika,
I'm a Mini II owner who has not yet had a chance to hear the Q1. Could you please describe why you think the Q1 is "MUCH" better. I'm hoping to audition the Q1 in Boston, but I don't think the dealer has one yet. Also, do you think the Q1 is more efficient or easier to drive for an amplifier than the Mini II? Thanks. |
Razmika,
All anyone can offer are subjective observations.
I don`t know what there`s to "get", you like a product or you don`t, Magico is no different in that regard. |
I thought Q1 sounded a little cold but im sure it was not fully broken in yet.Im sure it cost a lot less to make than MINI 2. |
I finally had a chance to seriously audition the Q1. Reading people responses here, I have to say that it looks to me that the better Magico speakers get ( Yes, the Q1 is MUCH better than the Mini or the V3 for that matter), the further it gets from the "audiophilia" norms. In other words; if you didn't "get" it till now, you will only have even greater difficulties getting it now. Just an observation, not a judgment. |
I too found nothing much to listen to in the Magico room. I suspect that the LSA1 Statement speakers are their equal. |
Ebm,
Maybe, the Q1 doesn't sound better than your Mini II. A new product doesn't always mean it's better than the one it's replacing, companies do get it wrong sometimes and right the problem later on with newer models. Audio is subjective, we all have our preferences, me...I might pick the Mini II over the Q1 if I had to live with a monitor, this would be a tough decision though.
I thought the Q1 sounded nice at the show, clean and accurate, the tone was very realistic. I was expecting much more from the Magico room though.
|
MAGICO MINI is very coharent,great stage, pinpoint imaging and in my room bass goes down to 32Hz.They are the best looking 2 way on the planet thats just my take.I will also state they are overpriced. |
They may be better than MAGICO MINI 2 but they are very ugly. |
I think it's tough to justify 20k for most people for a stand mounted 2 way. I though they sounded really good, by the way - but still the customary limitation of a small stand mounted speaker.
Another problem I have with stand mounted speakers, other than the lack of bottom end and limited large scale dynamics - is that the still take up similiar floor space to many other floor standing speakers.
It''s a relativley small niche market for this type of speaker. |
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. |
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 |
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 |
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 must say Magico Q1 is VERY overpriced although certain people will rave and say its a bargin. |
The Evolution minis are $2500. Very reasonable. |
Anything that costs as much as the gear we are talking about here had better sound "good". True if even a fraction of the cost as far as I am concerned. If not, then we are talking criminal level misrepresentation geared towards suckers only. Having heard magico, clearly not the case. They sound very good. Value? Different assessment. How good? Who's to say. Good is good. |
Im sure the Evolution Minis are just as good although not cheap as well. |
How to those Magico's compare to the Evolution acoustic mini's, which were also at the show ? |
If you have MAGICO MINI 2/ V3/ /Q1/Q3/Q5/V2 etc lets hear from you we know everybody likes somthing if you dont like MAGICO thats ok. |
Audiofeil,
Typical selective quote. I followed that with "That's fine." He doesn't get the Magico Concept, that's all. He admitted as much when he said "I don't get it" one post up. I agree with him. I'm sure there is lots I don't get either. You are right about that and thank you for pointing it out. I do get the Pass Labs stuff that you sell. I just don't get why one would buy anything from you with your attitude. |
"What is the "Magico Concept"
No holds barred build quality and associated cost is what I see.
You would have to be crazy to spend that kind of money based on others impressions. All that matters is how something sounds to you or even just whetehr you like it or not for whatever reason. The build quality alone regardless of sound is a selling point.
Personally, the Magico's I have heard have been top notch sounding. The value proposition is a tougher call. But love is a tricky thing. You'd best really love anything at those prices before shelling out the bucks, unless of course if money just does not matter.
Let's face it, gear in these price categories are luxuries that only a select few will ever justify owning. The good news for mere mortals like myself is I believe you can do equally well for a lot less if you are smart about it. |
>>10-18-11: Peterayer
You just don't get it<<
Perhaps it's not his cup of tea. Speaker selection is the most subjective choice we make.
Maybe you don't get it. |
I thought they were very good - clean and resolving with good transparency (not great), impactful bass, and overall accurately in tone. I wouldn't say they do anything wrong, but I never felt any emotional connection when listening to them. Based solely on performance, I'd say they'd be a good choice if under $5000. And their current pricing however, you'd need a LOT of extra 'value added' stuff to justify the purchase. Just my opinion. |
Hifi,
I guess we just disagree. I would describe the "Magico Concept" as very neutral, very transparent, low in distortion. No immediate sonic thrills. It takes a while to get used to because they do sound different. You just don't get it. That's fine. I have not heard the Q1 yet, so I can't comment on that speaker specifically. I do like the Q3 though. Don't worry about it. I'm sure there are better speakers out there and some for less money. |
