11-29-12: Ebm
Why are so many people selling Q3&Q5 already?
Maybe because they don't have a nuclear reactor to drive them? |
Asturias00. have you tried the m5. it is absolutely the best speaker in the magico lineup and an attractive buy at 1/4 the retail price in the pre-owned market. apparently owners rushed a little bit too early to move to q5 |
I heard them in the Netherland on a the Nagra 845. Bliss is the word that comes to mind. The dealer told me that Nagra actually uses the S5 in their demo facility. |
Where? I see only one Q5 here for sale (and 2 Mini2, or 4 Sashas, or 3 Alexandria, etc). First one in some timeÂ… Ebm, are you board again? Maybe it is time for a new speaker (-; |
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What speaker do you have!! |
>>have you tried the m5. it is absolutely the best speaker in the magico lineup>>
Mcduman, I have never heard the M5 although I would love to. Price aside, it is way too big for my room. I love the mids to highs of the "wood" Magico, so I am sure the M5 will not disappoint. To my taste, the mids and highs are just right on the Mini and Vs, but I am left wanting something slightly "different" in the bass for my home use. Sonically, the aluminium bodies + the Berrylium tweeters (the Q and the S) never quite appeal to me. Guess I have a cheap taste =) |
EBM is only 5 years old let him be.... |
Hessec, No im really 7 JERK!! |
It is not cheap taste, it is preconceived ideas about what works. Not all Alu/Be speakers are made the same. The problem with the Q series is its lack of coloration. It lets you hear more clearly what is in front of it. You just need to be more careful with what you mate it with. If you hear a well setup Q next to the M/V speakers, you would get it in 2 sec. Unfortunately, most opinions here are based on, best case scenario, bad setups, worst case, and I suspect most cases, emotional or agenda driven, somewhat delusional (Ebm (-;) comments from people who never even heard these speakers. |
Usermanual,I own Magico and have heard Q1,Q3 you are on the money, Im not delusional.Thats what you think.PS i know how to set up Magicos.Anyway good point. |
Usermanual is right on the point. I just heard the Q7 and the lack of coloration was astonishing. I still like my Mini 2, but do clearly appreciate the improvement made in the Q series. Makes me think of that quote, " You can't handle the truth." The Q3 and Q7 that I have heard are the most transparent and least colored speakers I've ever heard. Really incredible. |
Have been thoroughly enjoying my new Magico S5 speakers - as if someone
combined what I love about Maggies (speed, transparency, large presence) with
the imaging, dynamics and force I find with best box/monitor speakers. Alan
Sircom just published a review in HiFi Plus (December 2012) on the S5 speakers.
Of any review I have read on any equipment I own, how he describes the S5
speakers lines up perfectly in every regard to what I am hearing. He even used
two words in the review that captures the essence of what these speakers bring,
"stunning capacity". I am a happy camper - and a great pairing with
my VAC 450. I was afraid that these S5 would be a bit forward and analytical
like some other Magico speakers I had heard in a dealer's setup (my ears are
super sensitive to any brightness or beaming), but the S5s are not even
remotely forward. Transparent and open and extended, yes, but perfectly well
behaved. |
Cool, they should be awesome at that price! :D |
you were afraid that the S5 is a bit forward and analytical..... in reality they are just transparent: if you mate them with an analytical amp like Spectral, they get analytical. If you mate them with a Gryphon,Vitus, Dartzeel or tubes, they become extremely musical. You can really chose upstream components based on your taste.
I agree it is an amazing speaker. I sold my MM3 and bought a Q1 and a pair of Q7 (still waiting for the Q7). In the process, I probably listened to 200 speakers across the globe... So I am quite sure I did the right choice (for me)!
And yes, for people who want to understand how the S5 differs from the Q serie, you should read the review in Hifi+. I cannot agree more on how he decrisbes the sound. |
Right - any of previous Magico speaker auditions were with big solid state that are known for muscle not finesse. |
So are Class A solid state amps a must? |
I am a happy camper - and a great pairing with
my VAC 450. I believe Alon Wolf uses VAC to develop his speakers so it makes perfect sense Magico sounds excellent with VAC. |
Stereotaipei:Q7 enjoy im sure they are wonderful and they should be for$185k.You will be one of very few people to own them. |
I'd be interested to know if anyone has compared the S5's to Avalon Eidolon Diamonds? I've heard both the S5's in two different setups & Avalon Transcendents. The Avalons sounded more natural, coherent and had better sound staging to my ears. Of course the S5's sounded more dynamic with bigger bass, however the Eidolon Diamonds would be on a different level to the Transcendents. |
Did anybody compared any Magico V3/S5 speakers with any YG speakers ? |
Good luck with that one Dude!! |
I don't believe Alon Wolf uses VAC. I asked him if he ever used tube amps and he laughed and said no. |
12-27-12: Madfloyd
I don't believe Alon Wolf uses VAC. I asked him if he ever used tube amps and he laughed and said no.
Madfloyd (System | Threads | Answers | This Thread) "It is critical in manufacturing perfectionist speakers to use related components that reveal all that's possible; especially in resolution, tonality, dynamics and sound-staging. To this end we've evaluated and tried a vast array of the highest end equipment available. VAC's amplifiers and preamps have turned out to be references of the highest order, and not coincidentally, terrifically enjoyable to listen to" - Alon Wolf, owner Magico Loudspeakers |
What exactly are the advances in speaker technology during these past 10 years? Is it the cabinets, the drivers or is it in the crossovers? |
I would suggest giving Von Schweikerts consideration. They are very musical sounding to "my" ears and not as analytic and sterile sounding as Magico and Wilson. I have listened to all of these speakers at dealers across America and not in my home so I might would change my mind if they were in my listening room. It is very difficult to have several speakers delivered to your home for auditions. Who can afford the shipping? Let's face the facts often we must research, ask questions and allow for references for equipment purchases. I live in Louisville, Ky and we just don't have lots to choose from. Congrats Mreapoe100 on your new speakers. |
The only equipment that Magico sounds good with is the top end Dartzeel solid state or better yet, the VAC tube equipment. I have heard the S5 twice now; once at the Dagogo show in San Francisco last year and at CES last week. It is because of VAC electronics Magico's allure began. At CES Magico was in several rooms mostly with Constellation electronics. Very detailed sound, but so Hifi sounding; not like the performers are in the room. Move to the VAC room and close your eyes and the performers are there with body, dimension and meat on the notes. Once you hear that you'll vomit at the other set ups. Too bad more audiophiles don't listen to VAC; best tube stuff made in America. |
Hifimaniac ,I heard the Magical with both of the electronics you mentioned.With VAC the sound is pretty decent.WIth Constellation it was just uninvolving and amusical. |
I heard the S5s in the Soulution room. Not bad. But the Accuphase room sounded better, imo. My fave room @ CES was once again, the TAD. |
It blew away the much more costly Venture system, imo. |
@Hifimaniac, i've heard the S5's with a Vitus SCD-025, Dartzeel NHB-108/NHB-18ns & a combination of Boulder 1050 mono's, BOulder 1010 pre, Vitus SCD-025 & Crystal Absolute Dream cables. All combinations were excellent, though the Boulders provided greater control, dynamics, slightly better inner detail & sounded faster than the other two combo's. I must say though I was very impressed with the Dart pre which is superb (as it should be for the price!) |
TAD best sound at CES, not a chance. That award goes to the Absolare room with the Rockport Speakers and the MSB DAC transport. Its the best sound I heard at any CES and I have been going for 25 years. |
Sorry, I didn't get to go to that room. Sounds like a great combo though! |
I wish Magico will offer active versions of their loudspeakers. No heat-sinking necessary! It's so unfair for active fans like us. |
Sold my EW Andra II and in the market for new speakers. Spent an afternoon at Goodwin High End with the Magico Q3. I heard them with 2 different configurations. 1st config was Constellation amp, EAR pre, Kubala Elation cables and the other was all Spectral and top of the line MIT cables. In both config, using latest top of the line MSB Dac.
I much prefer #1 over #2. Never a fan of Spectral and the latest has not changed my mind. System sounds very hifish. #1 wasn't bad and has potential. In both config I actually prefer my system with the EW except for the midbass hump and some midrange smearing. Still leaning towards Tad Ref1 or E1 but dealer doesn't have E1 in stock for demo. Will be auditioning Magnepan 20.7 at local dealer next.
Dave_72, Did you hear both the Tad Ref1 and E1 at CES? How do they compare? If you get the E1, will you miss the Ref1s? |
I found the TAD room/system(with Concert Fidelity/Silicon Arts) more appealing than the Magico at this year`s CES.Rooms I found even better were the Octave-Dynaudio,Acoustic Zen-Triode Corp,Siltech(class A SS amp)-Crystal(glass enclosure speaker).The highlight for me was Absolare Passion-Rockport Altair, sublime music reproduction in that room.
Regards, |
Hi Knghifi,
Only the E1s were on active display. The Ref1s were off to the side of the room in passive display. So, unfortunately, I didn't hear them side by side. Just by going from memory, the E1s have quite a bit of the sound from the Ref1s. It's crisp, rich, and effortless. You have the live sound, period. A lot of competing manufacturers stopped by and walked away with their tails between their legs! They know they can't compete! I am a believer in the all TAD system. It's damn good stuff. Would I miss the Ref1s? Probably. A full TAD system is not cheap, but it is less expensive than a lot of the competition. |
Mreapoe100-
very nice review of the MagicoS5. That speaker is on my short-list to demo along w/ the Sony AR-1 / AR-2.
Regarding (the) Pink Floyd's DSOTM- use 'Time' as a reference track, as well as, 'Have a Cigar' from WYWH.
Happy Listening! |
Knghifi,
I don`t know if your mind is made up yet on certain speaker brands.I heard many speakers at CES that retail for 40K and up that were outperformed(under these show conditions) by the Acoustic Zen Crescendo speaker. The music it made driven by the Triode CORP. amplifier was some of the'very best' I heard.Natural-organic,transparent,open and quite dynamic. It was most involving and convincing.It fill their room with beautiful sound.
Regards, |
Dave_72 & Charles1dad,
I'm leaning towards Tad but have not made up my mind. I have Magico, Vivid, Magnepan, Avantgarde Trio ... wide range of speakers on my list.
It impossible to demo speakers locally so planning to attend the Newport Beach Audio show this June. It's my old stomping grounds so good to visit friends and get some good Mexican, Sushi and Chinese food too. :-) My ONLY system is a Logitech Boom now so will be a LONG 6 months. |
Hnghifi,
The Avantga rde will open doors to the world of superb low power amps as an option.
Regards, |
Charles1dad, Andra II is an excellent speaker and one of the reasons I sold it is it requires a big high current amp to make it sing so new speakers has to more efficient. I almost bought a pair of Trios last month but back off with the fear integrating the sub to the horns. I don't want to use Avantgarde but after market subs.
The problem is there are many great speakers in the market so tough to pick one. |
Hi Knghifi,
Well, I'm not gonna argue with those choices. All of those are good speakers overall. I hope you find the one you're most happy with.
Yeah, audio shows are really the way to go nowadays. And you get to meet fellow audiophiles! An added bonus. Sounds good.
Good luck with your search... |
You should have auditioned Focal Stella EM as well. |
knghifi,
My ranking of the speakers you mention (I listened to all of them several time): Magico > TAD > Vivid >> Magnepan >> avantgarde.
If you heard the S5 on Constellation and Spectral, I am not surprised you prefer Constellation. Spectral is so cold and uninvolving. But you can get MUCH better sound with Dartzeel, Hegel, Vitus, Boulder than with Constellation. I like the mid of the big VAC 450 ref, but the bass is a bit too mushy to my taste compared to a very good ss (heard the VAC only on Q7, not on S5) |
@Stereotaipei, thanks for your feedback. I've also heard Dartzeel amps with the S5's and agree they sound great together. Just curious if you have compared the Boulder 1060 to the less expensive Hegel H30 (with or without their respective preamps (Boulder 1010/Hegel P30)? Price does not guarantee better sound, so i'd be interested on which of these amps you think would likely sound better with the S5? |
Stereotaipei, actually I auditioned the Q3 and not S5. I find the Q3 a bit too lay back for my taste. Of course setup and associated components are important, my ranking is TAD and Vivid tied, Magico, avantgarde if the subs are properly setup,a BIG if, it will rank higher. Too busy with work so still haven't demo the new Maggies yet.
If the Tad E1 is 90% of the Ref1, I'll probably go for the E1 and save some $$ for my new summer car.
I have a VAC Sig MKIIa pre and was planning to get the 450's for my new speakers but now might have Roger Modjeski build me a pair of RM300s mono. I like the sound of the KT120s and he can custom build them with 300 or 400wpc and other option so can drive any speakers I will get.
Thanks for your input. |
melbguy1,
I would take the Hegel over the Boulder (better value for money). The Hegel pre is also very good.
Btw, I own none of them, I have a Devialet and a Dartzeel 108 with my Q1.
Knghifi,
that's a the first time I hear anybody stating that one magico speaker of the Q serie is too lay back. Actually they are the opposite, they have the hyper-definition of a very good electrostats and the power impact of a traditional cone speaker. If you found them too lay back, that means they were limited by upstream components (e.g. tube with insufficient current reserve) |
Stereotaipei, they are detailed and high resolution but lay back and a bit mellow compare to Tad and Vivid where it's more aggressive in your face. |
02-06-13: Knghifi
Stereotaipei, they are detailed and high resolution but lay back and a bit mellow compare to Tad and Vivid where it's more aggressive in your face.
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Knghifi, did you actually mean to say?...
Magico - controlled, a bit restrained.
Tad, Vivid - more *immediacy - as in inherent lively character of horns.
As having heard few nice Tad set-ups, never found them to be anything 'aggressive/in your face' - which connote more towards negativity in my book, ie.harsh, fatiguing.
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