Magico S5 vs Tannoy Westminster Royal SE

Listen to them and then, if you are still not sure, go read JA review of the Churchill...

I would go the magic/hegel route - RMAF show that just passed - hegel was touted to have the best in show sound with Magico S1 driven by their new humble 75wpc Hegel H80 (the sound was seductively silky smooth).

I've owned the Magico S5's and now have a pair of Tannoy Canterbury GR's in the same spot. It's no contest. Tannoy's are much more musical, and their excellent efficiency and easy load allow for near endless amplifier choices - including some wonderful 300b or 845/211 SET options.

Mbovaird,
Well you put your money where your mouth is and had both speakers in your system. There's no better test than that. Congratulations! The opportunity to use low power amplifiers is a major bonus, you'll have much enjoyment. It reveals a whole new world of musical beauty and exploration.
Charles,

Charles - I agree with you. The Magico S5's are not bad speakers and they do a lot of things well - you know, all the audiophile sound things. But in my room, they just didn't do it for me. The Canterbury GR's do. I'm running (for the moment) a little pair of Cary 300b monos with some sweet tubes. Sounds glorious. I'm eyeing a Line Magnetic 219ia integrated for the Canterbury's.

To be honest, I didn't even consider Tannoy's until I heard a friends big Westminister GR's and another friends Canterbury GR's. I just kept saying, "one more record and then I'll leave." :)