Magico vs the world

For what it’s worth, and for the money (at the introductory preorder price, pre/price increase, when they were first released) I don’t think another box speaker can beat my Magico A3s. I like a neutral detailed and uncolored presentation. But because I like to experiment with different things I might get in 2923, a pair of Magnepan LRS+ or a pair of Ohm speakers. Just to occasionally have something different. 

WOW ! 🤔 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OZOWcvbfNZw

I have been a long Magico fan.  Started with S1 then S3 then S3 mk2 and finally S5 mk2.  Everyone agrees on Magico's impeccable build quality and top notch design.  I still think the S3 the best looking, along with M2.  It's the bass quantity (not quality) that has continued to bother me.  I can hear the note (quality is there), but the bloom and the ample quantity to help them sound like live real music.....is missing.  Associated equipments are all in the same league, including chord M scaler/Dave DAC, Soulution pre power, and synergistic research SRX cabling throughout.  Then, my audio dealer, who has become a friend through all these years, recommended Von Schweikert speakers.  The following week, I listened to their new mk 2 version of VR 55 active, which is pretty much similar $ as M2, and I just ordered a pair right there and then.  They were simply amazing.  The bass that I have been missing in all the right quality and quantity was there along with awesome mid and high.  I am glad I did not get to listen to their more expensive ultra range because I would have way overextended my budget.    

I couldn't say one kind word about Magico's looks but that is of course subjective

Been living with the A3's for a little over 2 years. 8 feet apart 8 feet to listening position, 2 feet off back wall, 2 feet off side walls.

The magico apod footers, in my case with extra long spikes to penetrate carpet and padding made a large difference, both in imaging and clean tonality.

Also found big improvements with a coupla sound treatment panels between the speakers. 

Without footers and panels, good, with-->much much better, possibly great.