Magico S5 vs Wilson Alexia

I've heard both in less than ideal settings and only briefly. So you can take
these comments in that context. I've heard the Alexia in three
different systems and all I can say is that I prefer it to the Sasha, but I don't
like it or the S5 nearly as much as I do the Q3.

I listen mostly to classical, some jazz and very little rock. The Q3 is
exceptionally accurate to the source and I loved it with acoustic music. It
needs to be in a great system. The Alexia and S5 have more
"slam" and that may appeal to jazz and rock fans more than to
classical fans. I think the S5 is designed to be a bit warmer with a punchier
bass than the other Q-series Magico speakers.

I also think that the Alexia needs a lot of good clean amplifier power to
control those two bass drivers. I heard them with D'Agostino and Doshi
amps. I'm sure they would sound great with the larger Pass amps.

In general, I prefer the sealed cabinet of Magico speakers to the ported Wilson
design. I agree with the others who wrote that you need to hear both of these
speakers in good settings with your own music over a period of hours or days
and then you will know which is best for you.

The S5 is voiced to be slightly warmer and more robust than the Q series. I have read that it is selling briskly for a +$25K speaker. I agree with Ebm. It depends greatly on upstream components. I have heard seven different Magico models and not one has sounded "clinical" to me.

I own the Mini2s. I happen to think that Magico speakers sound best with Class A SS electronics and analog sources.