Welcome to the AudioShark Forums.
Page 2 of 3 FirstFirst 123 LastLast
Results 51 to 100 of 124
  1. #51
    Super Moderator
    Join Date
    Apr 2013
    Location
    NY
    Posts
    18,726

    Re: Magico S5 update

    Quote Originally Posted by socfan12 View Post
    Joe, really love my S5s! Best speaker I've had thus far. The S3s would be awesome in your setup!
    That's what I am afraid of
    Fleetwood Deville by Oswald Mills Audio, Vienna Acoustics Haydn Jubilee, Wharfedale Linton w/ stands, Klipsch RB-75, Klipsch RP-160M.

    Job INTegrated. Luxman L-595aSE

    NAD C 658 streamer.

    First Watt SIT-3, Job 250 Monos, NuForce STA200, AkitikA GT-102 amp, ASL Wave monos, Dennis Had 45 monos. Absolute Audio Labs PCF 25 amp (improved First Watt F7 super clone)

    Topping D90, RME Audio ADI-2 DAC FS, ModWright Ultimate Sony XA-5400ES.

    Burmester 948, McIntosh MCLK12, Kimber Kable, Siltech, Cardas, Avanti Audio cables.

  2. #52
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Apr 2013
    Location
    Toronto,Ontario
    Posts
    4,978

    Re: Magico S5 update

    Quote Originally Posted by joeinid View Post
    That's what I am afraid of
    Got the S3 already !!!
    Paul

  3. #53

    Re: Magico S5 update

    Quote Originally Posted by Paul View Post
    Got the S3 already !!!
    +Devialet 200 w SAM = !!


    Allen



  4. #54
    Super Moderator
    Join Date
    Apr 2013
    Location
    NY
    Posts
    18,726

    Re: Magico S5 update

    Quote Originally Posted by Paul View Post
    Got the S3 already !!!
    You have S3 Paul? Nice!

    Quote Originally Posted by socfan12 View Post
    +Devialet 200 w SAM = !!
    I'm actually thinking about the Devialet 400
    Fleetwood Deville by Oswald Mills Audio, Vienna Acoustics Haydn Jubilee, Wharfedale Linton w/ stands, Klipsch RB-75, Klipsch RP-160M.

    Job INTegrated. Luxman L-595aSE

    NAD C 658 streamer.

    First Watt SIT-3, Job 250 Monos, NuForce STA200, AkitikA GT-102 amp, ASL Wave monos, Dennis Had 45 monos. Absolute Audio Labs PCF 25 amp (improved First Watt F7 super clone)

    Topping D90, RME Audio ADI-2 DAC FS, ModWright Ultimate Sony XA-5400ES.

    Burmester 948, McIntosh MCLK12, Kimber Kable, Siltech, Cardas, Avanti Audio cables.

  5. #55
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Apr 2013
    Location
    Oregon Coast
    Posts
    3,424

    Re: Magico S5 update

    Please tell!

    Quote Originally Posted by Paul View Post
    Got the S3 already !!!
    Jock

    If you have integrity, nothing else matters. If you don't have integrity, nothing else matters.

    ---------

    House: Naim ND555/2PS, Naim 552, Naim 500, Studer A80/Doshi V3, Magico M2s, 2 Magico Q-Sub 15s, Lumina IC/SC, Shunyata Everest and Omega PCs.

    Workshop: Naim ND555/2 PS, VAC Master Pre, VAC Sig 200iQ, Border Patrol pre/power, Avant Garde Duo Mezzo XD, 2 Magico Q-Sub 15s, Shunyata IC/SC, Shunyata Typhon QR/Triton V3/Sigma PCs.

  6. #56
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Jan 2015
    Location
    Saint Paul, Minnesota
    Posts
    192

    Re: Magico S5 update

    New Magico vid! No affiliation or anything with the dealer just thought it was drool worthy

    Living Room System: Mac Mini > PS Audio PWD MKII/ Marantz TT-15 Turntable w/ Ortofon Cadenza Bronze> Musical Fidelity LX2LPS> Primaluna Dialogue Premium> Klipsch Forte III

  7. #57
    Audioshark
    Join Date
    Apr 2013
    Location
    Sarasota, FL
    Posts
    30,044

    Re: Magico S5 update

    Thanks for sharing. VAC was a great pairing when I had my S5's. Vitus/Pass were still my fav though.
    My Systems: http://www.audioshark.org/showthread...481#post158481

    "We can hear everything we measure, but we can't measure everything we hear. Let your ears be your guide."

    Dealer for: Aqua Hi-Fi, Aurender, AudioQuest Cables & Power Products, Berkeley Audio, Block Audio (distributor), Boulder Amplifiers, Bowers & Wilkins (B&W), Bryston, Clarisys Audio Loudspeakers (distributor), Classe’ Audio, Degritter Record Cleaning Machines, Esoteric, Finite Elemente, FirstWatt, Focal Loudspeakers and Headphones, GigaFoil, Harbeth Loudspeakers, Hegel, HiFi Man, Innuos, ISO Acoustics, Keces Power Supplies, Kharma Loudspeakers and Electronics, Kuzma Turntables, Lumin, Luxman, Magico Loudspeakers, MBL Speakers & Electronics, MSB Technologies, MySonicLabs Phono Cartridges, Nordost Cables, Ortofon, Pass Labs, Quadraspire, Rega Turntables and Electronics, Shunyata Research, STAX, Stein Music Products, Stillpoints, Soulution, VAC, Vicoustics, Viva Audio, VPI Industries, WireWorld Cables.

    https://suncoastaudio.com/
    Phone: 941-932-0282
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Suncoast-Au...1105178279194/

  8. #58
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Jan 2015
    Location
    Saint Paul, Minnesota
    Posts
    192

    Re: Magico S5 update

    Mike, what made you move on from the S5s? I think Ive read most of whats in the Magico section but don't recall reading anything about the change. If there is a relevant thread please point me to it and I'll get out of your hair.
    Living Room System: Mac Mini > PS Audio PWD MKII/ Marantz TT-15 Turntable w/ Ortofon Cadenza Bronze> Musical Fidelity LX2LPS> Primaluna Dialogue Premium> Klipsch Forte III

  9. #59
    Audioshark
    Join Date
    Apr 2013
    Location
    Sarasota, FL
    Posts
    30,044

    Magico S5 update

    Quote Originally Posted by nile49 View Post
    Mike, what made you move on from the S5s? I think Ive read most of whats in the Magico section but don't recall reading anything about the change. If there is a relevant thread please point me to it and I'll get out of your hair.
    I have tremendous respect for Magico and everything the company has accomplished. I believe Magico, Focal, Wilson and Raidho are all at the top of their games. I truly would own the M Projects in a second, and still think about a pair of S3's or S1's - and still have a soft spot for Q1's, but to be honest, for me, they lacked soul - or as my friend Paul says, Audiophile sound vs Music.

    I just couldn't get emotionally into the music. I would listen for 45 minutes or so, and meh, nothing. I remember having this discussion with Jock (The Professor) at the time and he told me he felt the same way about his Q1's.....so I was glad it wasn't just me. But I blame the lack of synergy with my amps more than the speakers.

    To be perfectly fair, if I had tried CJ, Pass or Vitus on them, it could have been a completely different story. I tried McIntosh, D'Agostino, VAC and several others and just didn't find the right synergy for me.

    Synergy is so important. When I got my second pair of Sonus Faber Stradivari's, I had high hopes that they would pair well with my VAC amps. Well, the combo was abysmal. It would have sent most audiophiles running for the hills. Even my friend Jeff, the biggest VAC fan you ever met, had to admit it was not good. But VAC on Focal, Magico, etc. is wonderful. Synergy as we all know is so important. If I had had my Pass XS amps with my S5's, the combo would have likely been wonderful.

    So at the end of the day, having heard the Pass/Vitus combos with Magico many times, I am sure Pass or Vitus would have resulted in a completely different outcome. In fact, when I first heard the S5's, it was with the big Vitus stereo Class A amp and I listened for two hours and didn't want to leave. I was completely blown away and knew I had to buy the S5's. Also, I've since heard the S5's with Pass xa160.5's and xa160.8's and again, wow moments.

    I also would love to hear Magico with a Devialet 400 (SAM). Mark Jones was really impressed with this combo.
    My Systems: http://www.audioshark.org/showthread...481#post158481

    "We can hear everything we measure, but we can't measure everything we hear. Let your ears be your guide."

    Dealer for: Aqua Hi-Fi, Aurender, AudioQuest Cables & Power Products, Berkeley Audio, Block Audio (distributor), Boulder Amplifiers, Bowers & Wilkins (B&W), Bryston, Clarisys Audio Loudspeakers (distributor), Classe’ Audio, Degritter Record Cleaning Machines, Esoteric, Finite Elemente, FirstWatt, Focal Loudspeakers and Headphones, GigaFoil, Harbeth Loudspeakers, Hegel, HiFi Man, Innuos, ISO Acoustics, Keces Power Supplies, Kharma Loudspeakers and Electronics, Kuzma Turntables, Lumin, Luxman, Magico Loudspeakers, MBL Speakers & Electronics, MSB Technologies, MySonicLabs Phono Cartridges, Nordost Cables, Ortofon, Pass Labs, Quadraspire, Rega Turntables and Electronics, Shunyata Research, STAX, Stein Music Products, Stillpoints, Soulution, VAC, Vicoustics, Viva Audio, VPI Industries, WireWorld Cables.

    https://suncoastaudio.com/
    Phone: 941-932-0282
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Suncoast-Au...1105178279194/

  10. #60
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Jan 2015
    Location
    Saint Paul, Minnesota
    Posts
    192

    Re: Magico S5 update

    The info is much appreciated. Thanks Mike.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    Living Room System: Mac Mini > PS Audio PWD MKII/ Marantz TT-15 Turntable w/ Ortofon Cadenza Bronze> Musical Fidelity LX2LPS> Primaluna Dialogue Premium> Klipsch Forte III

  11. #61
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Mar 2014
    Location
    Canada/HK
    Posts
    312

    Re: Magico S5 update

    Quote Originally Posted by Mike View Post
    I have tremendous respect for Magico and everything the company has accomplished. I believe Magico, Focal, Wilson and Raidho are all at the top of their games. I truly would own the M Projects in a second, and still think about a pair of S3's or S1's - and still have a soft spot for Q1's, but to be honest, for me, they lacked soul - or as my friend Paul says, Audiophile sound vs Music.

    I just couldn't get emotionally into the music. I would listen for 45 minutes or so, and meh, nothing. I remember having this discussion with Jock (The Professor) at the time and he told me he felt the same way about his Q1's.....so I was glad it wasn't just me. But I blame the lack of synergy with my amps more than the speakers.

    To be perfectly fair, if I had tried CJ, Pass or Vitus on them, it could have been a completely different story. I tried McIntosh, D'Agostino, VAC and several others and just didn't find the right synergy for me.

    .....
    I wonder if something was wrong with your S5. I can't imagine any synergy problems with the equipment you listed. Aren't these went to BlueFox, that is now saying, after getting them fixed by Magico, sounding better than they did when he first got them?

  12. #62
    Audioshark
    Join Date
    Apr 2013
    Location
    Sarasota, FL
    Posts
    30,044

    Re: Magico S5 update

    Quote Originally Posted by LVB View Post
    I wonder if something was wrong with your S5. I can't imagine any synergy problems with the equipment you listed. Aren't these went to BlueFox, that is now saying, after getting them fixed by Magico, sounding better than they did when he first got them?
    There was nothing wrong with them. Bud bought them and blew them up.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    My Systems: http://www.audioshark.org/showthread...481#post158481

    "We can hear everything we measure, but we can't measure everything we hear. Let your ears be your guide."

    Dealer for: Aqua Hi-Fi, Aurender, AudioQuest Cables & Power Products, Berkeley Audio, Block Audio (distributor), Boulder Amplifiers, Bowers & Wilkins (B&W), Bryston, Clarisys Audio Loudspeakers (distributor), Classe’ Audio, Degritter Record Cleaning Machines, Esoteric, Finite Elemente, FirstWatt, Focal Loudspeakers and Headphones, GigaFoil, Harbeth Loudspeakers, Hegel, HiFi Man, Innuos, ISO Acoustics, Keces Power Supplies, Kharma Loudspeakers and Electronics, Kuzma Turntables, Lumin, Luxman, Magico Loudspeakers, MBL Speakers & Electronics, MSB Technologies, MySonicLabs Phono Cartridges, Nordost Cables, Ortofon, Pass Labs, Quadraspire, Rega Turntables and Electronics, Shunyata Research, STAX, Stein Music Products, Stillpoints, Soulution, VAC, Vicoustics, Viva Audio, VPI Industries, WireWorld Cables.

    https://suncoastaudio.com/
    Phone: 941-932-0282
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Suncoast-Au...1105178279194/

  13. #63
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Mar 2014
    Location
    Canada/HK
    Posts
    312

    Re: Magico S5 update

    Quote Originally Posted by BlueFox View Post
    ...

    Anyway, while I have no proof, the speakers seem to be working the best since I got them. The volume appears balanced between both speakers, with neither side being dominate. The sound is ultra clear, clean, and precise...
    Perhaps...

  14. #64
    Audioshark
    Join Date
    Apr 2013
    Location
    Sarasota, FL
    Posts
    30,044

    Re: Magico S5 update

    Quote Originally Posted by LVB View Post
    Perhaps...
    Are you insinuating that I damaged the speakers in some way? If not, then are you calling Magico's QC into question?


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    My Systems: http://www.audioshark.org/showthread...481#post158481

    "We can hear everything we measure, but we can't measure everything we hear. Let your ears be your guide."

    Dealer for: Aqua Hi-Fi, Aurender, AudioQuest Cables & Power Products, Berkeley Audio, Block Audio (distributor), Boulder Amplifiers, Bowers & Wilkins (B&W), Bryston, Clarisys Audio Loudspeakers (distributor), Classe’ Audio, Degritter Record Cleaning Machines, Esoteric, Finite Elemente, FirstWatt, Focal Loudspeakers and Headphones, GigaFoil, Harbeth Loudspeakers, Hegel, HiFi Man, Innuos, ISO Acoustics, Keces Power Supplies, Kharma Loudspeakers and Electronics, Kuzma Turntables, Lumin, Luxman, Magico Loudspeakers, MBL Speakers & Electronics, MSB Technologies, MySonicLabs Phono Cartridges, Nordost Cables, Ortofon, Pass Labs, Quadraspire, Rega Turntables and Electronics, Shunyata Research, STAX, Stein Music Products, Stillpoints, Soulution, VAC, Vicoustics, Viva Audio, VPI Industries, WireWorld Cables.

    https://suncoastaudio.com/
    Phone: 941-932-0282
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Suncoast-Au...1105178279194/

  15. #65
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    May 2013
    Location
    Silicon Valley
    Posts
    2,838

    Re: Magico S5 update

    Quote Originally Posted by Mike View Post
    There was nothing wrong with them. Bud bought them and blew them up.
    Don't blame me. It was Nelson Pass who did it.
    Bud

    Lumin X1 file player, Westminster Labs interconnect cable
    Sony XA-5400ES SACD
    Pass XP-22 pre, X600.5 amps
    Magico S5 MKII Mcast Rose speakers, SPOD spikes

    Shunyata Triton v3/Typhon QR for source, Denali 2000 (2) for amps
    Shunyata Sigma XLR analog ICs, Sigma speaker cables
    Shunyata Sigma HC (2), Sigma Analog, Sigma Digital, Z Anaconda (3) power cables

    Mapleshade Samson four shelf maple rack, Micropoint brass footers
    Three 20 amp circuits.

  16. #66
    Audioshark
    Join Date
    Apr 2013
    Location
    Sarasota, FL
    Posts
    30,044

    Re: Magico S5 update

    Quote Originally Posted by BlueFox View Post
    Don't blame me. It was Nelson Pass who did it.
    Bud, I have no idea what LVB is insinuating, but hopefully you can shed some light on things.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    My Systems: http://www.audioshark.org/showthread...481#post158481

    "We can hear everything we measure, but we can't measure everything we hear. Let your ears be your guide."

    Dealer for: Aqua Hi-Fi, Aurender, AudioQuest Cables & Power Products, Berkeley Audio, Block Audio (distributor), Boulder Amplifiers, Bowers & Wilkins (B&W), Bryston, Clarisys Audio Loudspeakers (distributor), Classe’ Audio, Degritter Record Cleaning Machines, Esoteric, Finite Elemente, FirstWatt, Focal Loudspeakers and Headphones, GigaFoil, Harbeth Loudspeakers, Hegel, HiFi Man, Innuos, ISO Acoustics, Keces Power Supplies, Kharma Loudspeakers and Electronics, Kuzma Turntables, Lumin, Luxman, Magico Loudspeakers, MBL Speakers & Electronics, MSB Technologies, MySonicLabs Phono Cartridges, Nordost Cables, Ortofon, Pass Labs, Quadraspire, Rega Turntables and Electronics, Shunyata Research, STAX, Stein Music Products, Stillpoints, Soulution, VAC, Vicoustics, Viva Audio, VPI Industries, WireWorld Cables.

    https://suncoastaudio.com/
    Phone: 941-932-0282
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Suncoast-Au...1105178279194/

  17. #67
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    May 2013
    Location
    Silicon Valley
    Posts
    2,838

    Re: Magico S5 update

    I have no idea. He is just reading more into the thread than what is there. Although after getting them both fixed they are working great. It is easy to speculate that if I also damaged the left cross-over (cracked resistor) at the same time as toasting the right then that means for almost 4 months the left was not working at 100%. On the other hand, it is also possible that while shipping from CA to FL something could have happened that weakened the resistor, or it is possible that could have happened while being shipped from FL to CA. Then when I had the incident, it could have exacerbated the issue, but it is all speculation

    Anyway, who cares. They are working great now, and that is all that matters.
    Bud

    Lumin X1 file player, Westminster Labs interconnect cable
    Sony XA-5400ES SACD
    Pass XP-22 pre, X600.5 amps
    Magico S5 MKII Mcast Rose speakers, SPOD spikes

    Shunyata Triton v3/Typhon QR for source, Denali 2000 (2) for amps
    Shunyata Sigma XLR analog ICs, Sigma speaker cables
    Shunyata Sigma HC (2), Sigma Analog, Sigma Digital, Z Anaconda (3) power cables

    Mapleshade Samson four shelf maple rack, Micropoint brass footers
    Three 20 amp circuits.

  18. #68
    Audioshark
    Join Date
    Apr 2013
    Location
    Sarasota, FL
    Posts
    30,044

    Re: Magico S5 update

    Agreed! I'm glad you're rocking and rolling.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    My Systems: http://www.audioshark.org/showthread...481#post158481

    "We can hear everything we measure, but we can't measure everything we hear. Let your ears be your guide."

    Dealer for: Aqua Hi-Fi, Aurender, AudioQuest Cables & Power Products, Berkeley Audio, Block Audio (distributor), Boulder Amplifiers, Bowers & Wilkins (B&W), Bryston, Clarisys Audio Loudspeakers (distributor), Classe’ Audio, Degritter Record Cleaning Machines, Esoteric, Finite Elemente, FirstWatt, Focal Loudspeakers and Headphones, GigaFoil, Harbeth Loudspeakers, Hegel, HiFi Man, Innuos, ISO Acoustics, Keces Power Supplies, Kharma Loudspeakers and Electronics, Kuzma Turntables, Lumin, Luxman, Magico Loudspeakers, MBL Speakers & Electronics, MSB Technologies, MySonicLabs Phono Cartridges, Nordost Cables, Ortofon, Pass Labs, Quadraspire, Rega Turntables and Electronics, Shunyata Research, STAX, Stein Music Products, Stillpoints, Soulution, VAC, Vicoustics, Viva Audio, VPI Industries, WireWorld Cables.

    https://suncoastaudio.com/
    Phone: 941-932-0282
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Suncoast-Au...1105178279194/

  19. #69
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Apr 2013
    Location
    Toronto,Ontario
    Posts
    4,978

    Re: Magico S5 update

    Vitus with S5 ...... you are in front row in concert .
    Paul

  20. #70

    Re: Magico S5 update

    Quote Originally Posted by Mike View Post
    To be perfectly fair, if I had tried CJ, Pass or Vitus on them, it could have been a completely different story. I tried McIntosh, D'Agostino, VAC and several others and just didn't find the right synergy for me.
    Mike, what McIntosh amp did you try with the S5's? I am looking at a pair of S5's and have MC601's, but may also move to a pair of MC2301's.


    B

  21. #71
    Audioshark
    Join Date
    Apr 2013
    Location
    Sarasota, FL
    Posts
    30,044

    Magico S5 update

    Quote Originally Posted by briweed View Post
    Mike, what McIntosh amp did you try with the S5's? I am looking at a pair of S5's and have MC601's, but may also move to a pair of MC2301's.


    B
    I had the 601's. 2301's are phenomenal amps.
    My Systems: http://www.audioshark.org/showthread...481#post158481

    "We can hear everything we measure, but we can't measure everything we hear. Let your ears be your guide."

    Dealer for: Aqua Hi-Fi, Aurender, AudioQuest Cables & Power Products, Berkeley Audio, Block Audio (distributor), Boulder Amplifiers, Bowers & Wilkins (B&W), Bryston, Clarisys Audio Loudspeakers (distributor), Classe’ Audio, Degritter Record Cleaning Machines, Esoteric, Finite Elemente, FirstWatt, Focal Loudspeakers and Headphones, GigaFoil, Harbeth Loudspeakers, Hegel, HiFi Man, Innuos, ISO Acoustics, Keces Power Supplies, Kharma Loudspeakers and Electronics, Kuzma Turntables, Lumin, Luxman, Magico Loudspeakers, MBL Speakers & Electronics, MSB Technologies, MySonicLabs Phono Cartridges, Nordost Cables, Ortofon, Pass Labs, Quadraspire, Rega Turntables and Electronics, Shunyata Research, STAX, Stein Music Products, Stillpoints, Soulution, VAC, Vicoustics, Viva Audio, VPI Industries, WireWorld Cables.

    https://suncoastaudio.com/
    Phone: 941-932-0282
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Suncoast-Au...1105178279194/

  22. #72
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    May 2013
    Location
    Silicon Valley
    Posts
    2,838

    Re: Magico S5 update

    Thanks for reviving this thread. It brings back fond memories. Along the update line, the S5s are working, and sounding, great. A few weeks ago I was able to hear the new S7 along with the S5, and while the S7 was obviously better, the S5 is very close if not in direct comparison.
    Bud

    Lumin X1 file player, Westminster Labs interconnect cable
    Sony XA-5400ES SACD
    Pass XP-22 pre, X600.5 amps
    Magico S5 MKII Mcast Rose speakers, SPOD spikes

    Shunyata Triton v3/Typhon QR for source, Denali 2000 (2) for amps
    Shunyata Sigma XLR analog ICs, Sigma speaker cables
    Shunyata Sigma HC (2), Sigma Analog, Sigma Digital, Z Anaconda (3) power cables

    Mapleshade Samson four shelf maple rack, Micropoint brass footers
    Three 20 amp circuits.

  23. #73
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Nov 2013
    Location
    Massachusetts
    Posts
    747

    Re: Magico S5 update

    I recently sold my S5's to a local audiophile who had asked if he could hear them first. So I pushed back my M-Projects and moved the S5's into their spot and listened for a while. This was the first time I had heard them properly (I had an electrical problem that was only solved after I upgraded to M-Pros). Man they rocked.

    When the buyer came over to listen, he brought his own source (transport & DAC) and played some Boz Scaggs, Norah Jones, Allison Krauss and the sound was melt-in-your-seat beautiful.

    The S5 really is a great speaker.
    Speakers: Magico M-Project w/MPods
    Amps: CAT Legend -> CAT JL7s
    Analog: Kronos Pro Limited Edition / Black Beauty tonearm / Zyx Universe Premium, Ortofon A95
    Digital: Roon->Vivaldi DAC/Upsampler
    Cables/Power: Kubala Sosna Elation ICs & SCs / Shunyata Denali 6000T & PC's / Furutech outlets

  24. #74
    Audioshark
    Join Date
    Apr 2013
    Location
    Sarasota, FL
    Posts
    30,044

    Re: Magico S5 update

    Quote Originally Posted by BlueFox View Post
    Thanks for reviving this thread. It brings back fond memories. Along the update line, the S5s are working, and sounding, great. A few weeks ago I was able to hear the new S7 along with the S5, and while the S7 was obviously better, the S5 is very close if not in direct comparison.
    That's good to hear. That being said though, in between the time of the release of the S5 and the S7, we have seen S3's, M Projects, Q7 mk2's and more. The trickle down of some of those lessons learned must be enormous.
    My Systems: http://www.audioshark.org/showthread...481#post158481

    "We can hear everything we measure, but we can't measure everything we hear. Let your ears be your guide."

    Dealer for: Aqua Hi-Fi, Aurender, AudioQuest Cables & Power Products, Berkeley Audio, Block Audio (distributor), Boulder Amplifiers, Bowers & Wilkins (B&W), Bryston, Clarisys Audio Loudspeakers (distributor), Classe’ Audio, Degritter Record Cleaning Machines, Esoteric, Finite Elemente, FirstWatt, Focal Loudspeakers and Headphones, GigaFoil, Harbeth Loudspeakers, Hegel, HiFi Man, Innuos, ISO Acoustics, Keces Power Supplies, Kharma Loudspeakers and Electronics, Kuzma Turntables, Lumin, Luxman, Magico Loudspeakers, MBL Speakers & Electronics, MSB Technologies, MySonicLabs Phono Cartridges, Nordost Cables, Ortofon, Pass Labs, Quadraspire, Rega Turntables and Electronics, Shunyata Research, STAX, Stein Music Products, Stillpoints, Soulution, VAC, Vicoustics, Viva Audio, VPI Industries, WireWorld Cables.

    https://suncoastaudio.com/
    Phone: 941-932-0282
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Suncoast-Au...1105178279194/

  25. #75

    Re: Magico S5 update

    Quote Originally Posted by Mike View Post
    That's good to hear. That being said though, in between the time of the release of the S5 and the S7, we have seen S3's, M Projects, Q7 mk2's and more. The trickle down of some of those lessons learned must be enormous.
    Is it? Is the bar moving that much and that quickly? I really like Magico but it's one of those brands that I won't purchase again simply because I'm looking for a greater value for my purchase. By that I don't mean sound quality for the dollar (a measure by which Magico at last equals some of the best speakers I've heard), but rather to buy something less consumable. Less disposable. Less subject to upgrades. This measure is different for each of us obviously, but if I invest $30,000+ in a speaker I want to be satisfied for a long (long long) time and not be worrying about the new models and revisions with trickle down technologies every 1 or 2 years.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

  26. #76
    Audioshark
    Join Date
    Apr 2013
    Location
    Sarasota, FL
    Posts
    30,044

    Magico S5 update

    Kev - you make a good point and if you have found a speaker that does it for you, that's great. I think they're are two types of buyers: one's who shop for a good sounding, involving speaker - such as Harbeth for example and are quite content. Then there is the other group who is fascinated with the latest and greatest in speaker technology: carbon fiber this, diamond that, ceramic this and so on. That's typically a buyer who is fascinated with the specs and measurements, but to be fair, also the advancement of modern sounding speakers.

    There are those companies that are happy every 5 years or so to tweak the old BBC standard and there are those companies flush with R&D and bright young engineers pushing the envelope.

    No right or wrong, just different choices and it's nice for us to have options.
    My Systems: http://www.audioshark.org/showthread...481#post158481

    "We can hear everything we measure, but we can't measure everything we hear. Let your ears be your guide."

    Dealer for: Aqua Hi-Fi, Aurender, AudioQuest Cables & Power Products, Berkeley Audio, Block Audio (distributor), Boulder Amplifiers, Bowers & Wilkins (B&W), Bryston, Clarisys Audio Loudspeakers (distributor), Classe’ Audio, Degritter Record Cleaning Machines, Esoteric, Finite Elemente, FirstWatt, Focal Loudspeakers and Headphones, GigaFoil, Harbeth Loudspeakers, Hegel, HiFi Man, Innuos, ISO Acoustics, Keces Power Supplies, Kharma Loudspeakers and Electronics, Kuzma Turntables, Lumin, Luxman, Magico Loudspeakers, MBL Speakers & Electronics, MSB Technologies, MySonicLabs Phono Cartridges, Nordost Cables, Ortofon, Pass Labs, Quadraspire, Rega Turntables and Electronics, Shunyata Research, STAX, Stein Music Products, Stillpoints, Soulution, VAC, Vicoustics, Viva Audio, VPI Industries, WireWorld Cables.

    https://suncoastaudio.com/
    Phone: 941-932-0282
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Suncoast-Au...1105178279194/

  27. #77
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Mar 2014
    Location
    Boston
    Posts
    458

    Re: Magico S5 update

    Quote Originally Posted by kev313 View Post
    Is it? Is the bar moving that much and that quickly? I really like Magico but it's one of those brands that I won't purchase again simply because I'm looking for a greater value for my purchase. By that I don't mean sound quality for the dollar (a measure by which Magico at last equals some of the best speakers I've heard), but rather to buy something less consumable. Less disposable. Less subject to upgrades. This measure is different for each of us obviously, but if I invest $30,000+ in a speaker I want to be satisfied for a long (long long) time and not be worrying about the new models and revisions with trickle down technologies every 1 or 2 years.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    That's where buying a used pair of Magicos can be a great deal and long term value. I've got a pair of Mini IIs that sound as good as the day I bought them. They will stay in my system until Magico designs a new Mini with the M Project technology trickled down. It may never happen, and I may not be able to afford it, but imagine a Mini with the new tweeter and midrange enclosure, curved carbon sides in a beautiful package like the Mini II.
    Link to my system thread: https://www.whatsbestforum.com/threa...l-sound.32867/
    Analog: Micro Seiki SX 8000 II, 2 NOS SME 3012R tonearms, 2 vdH Colibri Grand Cru, Colibri XPP
    Electronics: Lamm LP2.1 Deluxe, Lamm LL1.1 Signature, Lamm ML2
    Speakers: Vitavox CN-191 corner horns
    Cables: Stock SME phono cables, DIY ICs and speaker cables, Ching Cheng power cords, custom rack and amp stands

  28. #78

    Re: Magico S5 update

    Quote Originally Posted by Mike View Post
    I had the 601's. 2301's are phenomenal amps.
    So the million dollar question is do you think the MC2301's have enough current to drive the Magico's, or should I be considering just using my 601's or perhaps looking at the MC1.2K's?

  29. #79
    Audioshark
    Join Date
    Apr 2013
    Location
    Sarasota, FL
    Posts
    30,044

    Re: Magico S5 update

    Quote Originally Posted by briweed View Post
    So the million dollar question is do you think the MC2301's have enough current to drive the Magico's, or should I be considering just using my 601's or perhaps looking at the MC1.2K's?
    2301's = definitely.
    My Systems: http://www.audioshark.org/showthread...481#post158481

    "We can hear everything we measure, but we can't measure everything we hear. Let your ears be your guide."

    Dealer for: Aqua Hi-Fi, Aurender, AudioQuest Cables & Power Products, Berkeley Audio, Block Audio (distributor), Boulder Amplifiers, Bowers & Wilkins (B&W), Bryston, Clarisys Audio Loudspeakers (distributor), Classe’ Audio, Degritter Record Cleaning Machines, Esoteric, Finite Elemente, FirstWatt, Focal Loudspeakers and Headphones, GigaFoil, Harbeth Loudspeakers, Hegel, HiFi Man, Innuos, ISO Acoustics, Keces Power Supplies, Kharma Loudspeakers and Electronics, Kuzma Turntables, Lumin, Luxman, Magico Loudspeakers, MBL Speakers & Electronics, MSB Technologies, MySonicLabs Phono Cartridges, Nordost Cables, Ortofon, Pass Labs, Quadraspire, Rega Turntables and Electronics, Shunyata Research, STAX, Stein Music Products, Stillpoints, Soulution, VAC, Vicoustics, Viva Audio, VPI Industries, WireWorld Cables.

    https://suncoastaudio.com/
    Phone: 941-932-0282
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Suncoast-Au...1105178279194/

  30. #80

    Re: Magico S5 update

    Quote Originally Posted by kev313 View Post
    Is it? Is the bar moving that much and that quickly? I really like Magico but it's one of those brands that I won't purchase again simply because I'm looking for a greater value for my purchase. By that I don't mean sound quality for the dollar (a measure by which Magico at last equals some of the best speakers I've heard), but rather to buy something less consumable. Less disposable. Less subject to upgrades. This measure is different for each of us obviously, but if I invest $30,000+ in a speaker I want to be satisfied for a long (long long) time and not be worrying about the new models and revisions with trickle down technologies every 1 or 2 years.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    Hey Kev,

    I think it all comes down to value of the upgrade to the potential buyer. If the upgrade was a driver upgrade, or crossover update, and I auditioned and heard it and it was meh, totally agree with you. I wouldn't update for the sake of updating. But the S7 over the S5 has new drivers, new crossover, new enclosure for the midrange, and a a new coupling system. I'm sure I'm missing something, too. But after hearing the S7 side-by-side with the S5, it is not subtle, the S7 is a significant upgrade over the S5. To my ears, they are definitely worth it. Others may not agree of course. I certainly appreciate the advancements Magico has been making. I can hear it in each new speaker I hear from them.


    Allen



  31. #81

    Re: Magico S5 update

    Quote Originally Posted by kev313 View Post
    Is it? Is the bar moving that much and that quickly? I really like Magico but it's one of those brands that I won't purchase again simply because I'm looking for a greater value for my purchase. By that I don't mean sound quality for the dollar (a measure by which Magico at last equals some of the best speakers I've heard), but rather to buy something less consumable. Less disposable. Less subject to upgrades. This measure is different for each of us obviously, but if I invest $30,000+ in a speaker I want to be satisfied for a long (long long) time and not be worrying about the new models and revisions with trickle down technologies every 1 or 2 years.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    This is partly why I am selling my S5 speakers on Audiogon now. They are amazing and even my brother who owns the bigger Maggies (I am buying 20.7s) thinks I am nuts selling the S5s after hearing them. He said he had not heard better bass on a speaker at any price - and he just auditioned the 6 figure Wilson speakers.

  32. #82
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Mar 2014
    Location
    Canada/HK
    Posts
    312

    Re: Magico S5 update

    Not sure I follow the logic, you rather buy a “lesser” product (from performance/technology stand point), just so it will stay “lesser” for a longer time, then buy the “best” now, knowing that it will not stay the “best”, but still be very good, for a long time...
    BTW, I don’t see any of the “lesser” products keep their value better in the used market. In fact, one can argue that Magico value is typically higher on the used market

  33. #83

    Magico S5 update

    Quote Originally Posted by LVB View Post
    Not sure I follow the logic, you rather buy a “lesser” product (from performance/technology stand point), just so it will stay “lesser” for a longer time, then buy the “best” now, knowing that it will not stay the “best”, but still be very good, for a long time...
    BTW, I don’t see any of the “lesser” products keep their value better in the used market. In fact, one can argue that Magico value is typically higher on the used market
    Is this addressed to my post? If so, to the point about value, I tried to express that my criticism in this regard was more of a personal, subjective, view. I simply find it somewhat maddening that a new benchmark is purportedly achieved every 12-15 months thus rendering a recent SOTA purchase somewhat less satisfying. Again, from my perspective.

    To you first point, that's not at all what I tried to convey. I'd rather not buy from a company that engages in the constant update practice. I guess at the heart of that is my suspicion that a new benchmark in sonic reproduction is not achieved every 12-15 months. Funny. That should totally obviate the negative feelings raised in my first paragraph. But it doesn't. Funny.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

  34. #84

    Re: Magico S5 update

    Quote Originally Posted by kev313 View Post
    Is this addressed to my post? If so, to the point about value, I tried to express that my criticism in this regard was more of a personal, subjective, view. I simply find it somewhat maddening that a new benchmark is purportedly achieved every 12-15 months thus rendering a recent SOTA purchase somewhat less satisfying. Again, from my perspective.

    To you first point, that's not at all what I tried to convey. I'd rather not buy from a company that engages in the constant update practice. I guess at the heart of that is my suspicion that a new benchmark in sonic reproduction is not achieved every 12-15 months. Funny. That should totally obviate the negative feelings raised in my first paragraph. But it doesn't. Funny.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    I thought LVB's response was to Darrin's post? But he can clarify.


    Allen



  35. #85

    Re: Magico S5 update

    Quote Originally Posted by socfan12 View Post
    I thought LVB's response was to Darrin's post? But he can clarify.
    Could be!


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

  36. #86

    Re: Magico S5 update

    Quote Originally Posted by kev313 View Post
    Is this addressed to my post? If so, to the point about value, I tried to express that my criticism in this regard was more of a personal, subjective, view. I simply find it somewhat maddening that a new benchmark is purportedly achieved every 12-15 months thus rendering a recent SOTA purchase somewhat less satisfying. Again, from my perspective.

    To you first point, that's not at all what I tried to convey. I'd rather not buy from a company that engages in the constant update practice. I guess at the heart of that is my suspicion that a new benchmark in sonic reproduction is not achieved every 12-15 months. Funny. That should totally obviate the negative feelings raised in my first paragraph. But it doesn't. Funny.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    Just to set the record straight, the S7 is a new speaker in a different price range than the S5. The S5 has been around for several years (around 4 now?), as have the S3 and S1. In fact, the only Magico model was recently updated is the Q7. That was because of the technology, especially the tweeter, developed for the M-Project. Alon couldn't let their SOTA speaker not include the best Magico had to offer. So in reality, there hasn't been a lot of changes in the S or Q-Magico line.

    I am though curious which companies nowadays update equipment like we change underwear? Years ago that was the case for say ARC; not so any more. My cj ART underwent three updates in the 12 years I owned it. Is that too much? I don't think an update after 3 or 4 years is out of the question. How often do you change your computer?
    Myles B. Astor, Senior Editor, PF, www.positive-feedback.com
    Zellaton Plural Evo speakers, Doshi Audio EVO phonostage, VPI Avenger direct-drive turntable/VPI 12-inch gimbal Fatboy/vdH Colibri Master Signature/Triangle Art Apollo cartridges, SAT LM-12 tonearms/Lyra Atlas SL Lambda, VPI 12-inch gimballed Carbon Fiber arm/vdh Black Crimson and Sumiko Songbird, Mutech Hayabusa cartridges
    Technics RS1506 reel-to-reel with low inductance Flux Magnetic heads, Doshi Audio EVO tapestage, AudioQuest Dragon Zero, Audience FrontRow, Ensemble PC, Skogrand, Kubala-Sosna Realization speaker cable, Ikigai Kangai speaker cable, SRA Craz 3/OHIO 2.3 platforms and Symposium ISIS/Ultra rack/platforms, Silver Circle Tchaik 6 PLC.

  37. #87
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Mar 2014
    Location
    Canada/HK
    Posts
    312

    Re: Magico S5 update

    Quote Originally Posted by kev313 View Post
    Is this addressed to my post? If so, to the point about value, I tried to express that my criticism in this regard was more of a personal, subjective, view. I simply find it somewhat maddening that a new benchmark is purportedly achieved every 12-15 months thus rendering a recent SOTA purchase somewhat less satisfying. Again, from my perspective.

    To you first point, that's not at all what I tried to convey. I'd rather not buy from a company that engages in the constant update practice. I guess at the heart of that is my suspicion that a new benchmark in sonic reproduction is not achieved every 12-15 months. Funny. That should totally obviate the negative feelings raised in my first paragraph. But it doesn't. Funny.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    I agree, it is frustrating to know that what you just bought as "the best" is no longer the case. But again, it is a physiological issue, as you stated yourself the "new" thing is typically only marginally better, certainly no a real reason to rush and sell what you have, or feel bad about it.

  38. #88

    Re: Magico S5 update

    Quote Originally Posted by Myles B. Astor View Post
    Just to set the record straight, the S7 is a new speaker in a different price range than the S5. The S5 has been around for several years (around 4 now?), as have the S3 and S1. In facdt, the only Magico model was recently updated is the Q7. That was because of the technology, especially the tweeter, developed for the M-Project. So there hasn't been a lot of changes in the Magico line.

    I am though curious which companies nowadays update equipment like we change underwear. Years ago that was true for say ARC; not so any more. I don't think an update after 3 or 4 years is out of the question. How often do you change your computer?
    My last MacBook made it from 2007-2015, but I really don't look at $2000 computers and $50,000 speakers as comparable. ARC was rolling revisions and new models in their preamps pretty regularly 3 or so years ago. In any event, my general impression is that Magico had put out a lot of product in the past decade.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

  39. #89

    Re: Magico S5 update

    Quote Originally Posted by kev313 View Post
    My last MacBook made it from 2007-2015, but I really don't look at $2000 computers and $50,000 speakers as comparable. ARC was rolling revisions and new models in their preamps pretty regularly 3 or so years ago. In any event, my general impression is that Magico had put out a lot of product in the past decade.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    ARC regularly updating just three years ago? Guess I missed it or don't consider a cap upgrade an update. It was an optional update. Regular was an ARC 6A/B/C/D/E/?

    I also think the comment ignores how products/research happen. You can always do something else in the course of designing a product but somewhere along the line a designer has to draw the line and bring the product to market. But what happens if something becomes available material wise or something the designer wanted to originally incorporate into the product but it broke the bank then now becomes cost effective to do? Should the designer ignore that? What if something that was developed for a more expensive product can be incorporated into other products in the manufacturers line?

    But let's get back to the Magico. Where is the update there? Nor does the S7 make the S5 any worse than say an Alexia makes a Sasha sound worse. Both are really great speakers. I still loved my S5s when I came home.
    Myles B. Astor, Senior Editor, PF, www.positive-feedback.com
    Zellaton Plural Evo speakers, Doshi Audio EVO phonostage, VPI Avenger direct-drive turntable/VPI 12-inch gimbal Fatboy/vdH Colibri Master Signature/Triangle Art Apollo cartridges, SAT LM-12 tonearms/Lyra Atlas SL Lambda, VPI 12-inch gimballed Carbon Fiber arm/vdh Black Crimson and Sumiko Songbird, Mutech Hayabusa cartridges
    Technics RS1506 reel-to-reel with low inductance Flux Magnetic heads, Doshi Audio EVO tapestage, AudioQuest Dragon Zero, Audience FrontRow, Ensemble PC, Skogrand, Kubala-Sosna Realization speaker cable, Ikigai Kangai speaker cable, SRA Craz 3/OHIO 2.3 platforms and Symposium ISIS/Ultra rack/platforms, Silver Circle Tchaik 6 PLC.

  40. #90

    Magico S5 update

    Quote Originally Posted by Myles B. Astor View Post
    ARC regularly updating just three years ago? Guess I missed it or don't consider a cap upgrade an update. It was an optional update. Regular was an ARC 6A/B/C/D/E/?

    But let's get back to the Magico. Where is the update there?
    Easy tiger. I said it was my impression that Magico released a lot of product over the last decade. That is, my impression as an audio consumer generally aware of the comings and goings of major audio producers. Not the detailed knowledge of someone who devotes a lot of their personal and professional time to discussing the minute details of various speakers. I'm fully prepared to concede that, but I'm also fully willing to concede that you care more. Again, this is my impression as a consumer. For me the distance (in time) between the original mini and the V2, for example, to their current lineup does not seem so vast. But in that time the lineup has changed drastically.

    As a guy who would be interested in buying a really good product, and who would be willing to spend what the average audio consumer would consider to be an insane amount of money, it's a somewhat disappointing experience to think that the company found it necessary to radically revamp their design many times since you purchased their product. To tie this back to why I brought it up originally, has the line really moved that much in that amount of time?

    Maybe it speaks to exactly the point that Mike raised. Some guys are into tracking, discussing, experiencing, living, breathing tweeter changes. That's cool. I'm not. It's simply not a very interesting exercise to me and is not the reason I bought into the hobby.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

  41. #91
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    May 2013
    Location
    Silicon Valley
    Posts
    2,838

    Re: Magico S5 update

    Quote Originally Posted by Myles B. Astor View Post
    ARC regularly updating just three years ago? Guess I missed it or don't consider a cap upgrade an update. It was an optional update. Regular was an ARC 6A/B/C/D/E/?

    I also think the comment ignores how products/research happen. You can always do something else in the course of designing a product but somewhere along the line a designer has to draw the line and bring the product to market. But what happens if something becomes available material wise or something the designer wanted to originally incorporate into the product but it broke the bank then now becomes cost effective to do? Should the designer ignore that? What if something that was developed for a more expensive product can be incorporated into other products in the manufacturers line?

    But let's get back to the Magico. Where is the update there? Nor does the S7 make the S5 any worse than say an Alexia makes a Sasha sound worse. Both are really great speakers. I still loved my S5s when I came home.
    Quote Originally Posted by kev313 View Post
    Easy tiger. I said it was my impression that Magico released a lot of product over the last decade. That is, my impression as an audio consumer generally aware of the comings and goings of major audio producers. Not the detailed knowledge of someone who devotes a lot of their personal and professional time to discussing the minute details of various speakers. I'm fully prepared to concede that, but I'm also fully willing to concede that you care more. Again, this is my impression as a consumer. For me the distance (in time) between the original mini and the V2, for example, to their current lineup does not seem so vast. But in that time the lineup has changed drastically.

    As a guy who would be interested in buying a really good product, and who would be willing to spend what the average audio consumer would consider to be an insane amount of money, it's a somewhat disappointing experience to think that the company found it necessary to radically revamp their design many times since you purchased their product. To tie this back to why I brought it up originally, has the line really moved that much in that amount of time?

    Maybe it speaks to exactly the point that Mike raised. Some guys are into tracking, discussing, experiencing, living, breathing tweeter changes. That's cool. I'm not. It's simply not a very interesting exercise to me and is not the reason I bought into the hobby.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    This is an interesting side track. I like that Magico keeps innovating every year or so. It means they aren't coasting on past ideas, but trying to improve them. I hope they soon provide an S5 upgrade. Even if I don't get it I will still enjoy my S5s.
    Bud

    Lumin X1 file player, Westminster Labs interconnect cable
    Sony XA-5400ES SACD
    Pass XP-22 pre, X600.5 amps
    Magico S5 MKII Mcast Rose speakers, SPOD spikes

    Shunyata Triton v3/Typhon QR for source, Denali 2000 (2) for amps
    Shunyata Sigma XLR analog ICs, Sigma speaker cables
    Shunyata Sigma HC (2), Sigma Analog, Sigma Digital, Z Anaconda (3) power cables

    Mapleshade Samson four shelf maple rack, Micropoint brass footers
    Three 20 amp circuits.

  42. #92
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Mar 2014
    Location
    Canada/HK
    Posts
    312

    Re: Magico S5 update

    Name one company, worth naming, that does not thrives to improve its products, a common must in commerce today. And why would you want to buy anything form a company that does not innovate? Innovation is a culture, a stagnant company cant make good products. Funny that instead of embracing and supporting innovations in this, somewhat anachronistic, field of high-end audio, you complain about it.
    And, just to align your “impressions” with reality, the Mini was introduced in 2004, that is 11 years now and Magico don't “revamp” their designs, they simply improved on it.

  43. #93
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Mar 2014
    Location
    Canada/HK
    Posts
    312

    Re: Magico S5 update

    Duplicate, ignore

  44. #94

    Re: Magico S5 update

    Quote Originally Posted by LVB View Post
    Name one company, worth naming, that does not thrives to improve its products, a common must in commerce today. And why would you want to buy anything form a company that does not innovate? Innovation is a culture, a stagnant company, cant make good products. Funny that instead of embracing and supporting innovations in this, somewhat anachronistic, field of high-end audio, you complain about it.
    And, just to align your “impressions” with reality, the Mini was introduced in 2004, that is 11 years now and Magico never realy “revamp” their designs, they simply improved on it.
    I think you're misunderstanding what I'm trying to convey. At least misrepresenting by your use of the word "complain." I'm not complaining. I think I've been fairly clear that I fully get that other guys appreciate this part of the hobby. I understand, though, that audio forums are adversarial by nature, so I'll attempt to address your question about companies "worth naming" while recognizing that the use of the phrase telegraphs the fact that banging head on wall is about to commence. Klipsch has produced a heritage line with minor revisions over, I don't know, 50 years. What are they on now, version 3 of basically the same speakers over that time. To stick specifically to Magico, I was simply referring to what I perceived to be a high volume of new products, the vastly different styles of these speakers, and the fact that each was trumpeted as a new benchmark of some sort.

    To be clear, I'm not anti-innovation. I'm simply suspicious that the bar continues to be reset in a manner that justifies the investment from a purchaser of the last generation of top of the line gear. I don't see the utility in engaging in that process as a consumer. It doesn't strike me as a particularly satisfying enterprise. Instead, it seems like a never ending keeping up with the Joneses affair that is destined to be more expensive than it is worth to me. I'm happier with products that were outdated years ago, yet still considered state of the *art* in their own way. In stating that I realize (and I feel that is important to provide context to my opinion) that I consider this hobby, my version of it anyway, to be a largely subjective pursuit. That also accounts for probably much of my dissatisfaction with the Magico way.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

  45. #95
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    May 2013
    Location
    Silicon Valley
    Posts
    2,838

    Re: Magico S5 update

    I agree with your idea, but disagree.

    The problem, to me, is that speaker technology is still in its infancy, so it doesn't take much to be an improvement. There will always be something better, so enjoy what you have.
    Bud

    Lumin X1 file player, Westminster Labs interconnect cable
    Sony XA-5400ES SACD
    Pass XP-22 pre, X600.5 amps
    Magico S5 MKII Mcast Rose speakers, SPOD spikes

    Shunyata Triton v3/Typhon QR for source, Denali 2000 (2) for amps
    Shunyata Sigma XLR analog ICs, Sigma speaker cables
    Shunyata Sigma HC (2), Sigma Analog, Sigma Digital, Z Anaconda (3) power cables

    Mapleshade Samson four shelf maple rack, Micropoint brass footers
    Three 20 amp circuits.

  46. #96
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Mar 2014
    Location
    Canada/HK
    Posts
    312

    Re: Magico S5 update

    Quote Originally Posted by kev313 View Post
    .... Klipsch has produced a heritage line with minor revisions over, I don't know, 50 years. What are they on now, version 3 of basically the same speakers over that time....
    I just looked at Klipsch web site, and I am not sure it was a good example (I guess you missed the many other models they introduced over the years). There are probably over a 100 current different models they sell (and that is in their “home” collection only). I don’t think Klipsch could have survived on one model alone all these years.

  47. #97

    Magico S5 update

    Quote Originally Posted by LVB View Post
    I just looked at Klipsch web site, and I am not sure it was a good example (I guess you missed the many other models they introduced over the years). There are probably over a 100 current different models they sell (and that is in their “home” collection only). I don’t think Klipsch could have survived on one model alone all these years.
    I guess I was less interested in "winning" than providing an illustration of speakers that survive (survive!) relatively unchanged. I didn't "miss" it, but that was clever. Ish. I think that the Heritage market is a bit different than the market for the other products. The point about survivability is interesting though, isn't it? Sometimes you just have to attract everyone's attention again.

    To your point, though, (I think), it is rather difficult to find examples of companies that do not offer new products. I think that is a bit afield from my point, but I can nevertheless agree. That seems important. Or maybe it removes the sport? From my vantage point, I see a bit of a difference between the product releases of companies like Harbeth, Spendor, Quad, Audio Note, Shindo, Air Tight (not limiting to speakers but raised for the compatibility of approach) to that of Magico. New products, yes? At the rate of Magico and with such drastic changes from one design to the next. It doesn't seem so to me. Am I wrong? Again, that's my observation. Maybe I missed it. Maybe no one can survive if they make a speaker that everyone decides to enjoy and keep. Gosh. That would be awful. If we all had speakers we enjoyed enough to keep for a while. What was the period referenced above? 11 years. Dang. What if we enjoyed and kept our 30-60,000 speakers for 11 whole years. That would be awful. For speaker manufacturers anyway. Just thinking out loud here....there has got to be a better way for forum owners and operators to minimize the valuable service they are providing.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

  48. #98

    Re: Magico S5 update

    I don't feel like I am going to a lesser product just different (Maggie 20.7) that does a few things better (that I miss) and a few things not as well. The S5s are great but I am ready for a change and miss the Magnepan wall of sound which I had at tender age of 14. My comment about Magico launching new products frequently is related to ease of letting them go - less loyal. If I want to go back I can and in 3 years there will probably be three new iterations. Part of the issue is value is lost if a company too frequently comes out with a new product cannibalizing existing. Resale value goes down - not so easy to sellS5 now ....anyone want to argue that point? Compare to Magnepan - size of improvement and duration of life cycle before being replaced. It's one thing to do rapid deployment of innovations with consumer goods (eg toothpaste or laundry detergent) - different scenario on $20-150k speakers. It impacts brand loyalty especially if rapid launches are done without upgrade path. At this level of performance and price point there are not truly lesser products just different as they are all great. So yes I will factor in obsolescence when choosing components. For resale value if for no other reason.

    Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

  49. #99
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Mar 2014
    Location
    Canada/HK
    Posts
    312

    Re: Magico S5 update

    Quote Originally Posted by kev313 View Post

    At the rate of Magico and with such drastic changes from one design to the next. It doesn't seem so to me. Am I wrong?


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    Well, I think that you are wrong, but that is just me. I don’t see any “drastic changes” in Magico products, I suppose you can say that going form wood/alum to alum only was a big change, but one can argue that it was a natural progression. Besides, that was 6 or so years ago. The rest is better this or better that, but core technology and materials are basically the same.
    In regards to “rapid launches”, I just counted Magico line-up. I see 2 very clear hierarchy one of the S line and the other is the Q. I counted 14 models, and that includes the odd ones (Ult, and MPro). Funny enough, Wilson has the same amount of products. Focal over 30 (!!) in 6 different series, and Sonus Faber has 22 models, none existed 10 years ago (which is the time Magico has been around). Hard to argue with feeling so I am not trying to change what you feel, I just don’t see where you are coming from.

  50. #100

    Magico S5 update

    Quote Originally Posted by LVB View Post
    Well, I think that you are wrong, but that is just me. I don’t see any “drastic changes” in Magico products, I suppose you can say that going form wood/alum to alum only was a big change, but one can argue that it was a natural progression. Besides, that was 6 or so years ago. The rest is better this or better that, but core technology and materials are basically the same.
    In regards to “rapid launches”, I just counted Magico line-up. I see 2 very clear hierarchy one of the S line and the other is the Q. I counted 14 models, and that includes the odd ones (Ult, and MPro). Funny enough, Wilson has the same amount of products. Focal over 30 (!!) in 6 different series, and Sonus Faber has 22 models, none existed 10 years ago (which is the time Magico has been around). Hard to argue with feeling so I am not trying to change what you feel, I just don’t see where you are coming from.
    I can see that. I'm not specifically referring to the total number of models produced by the company, but rather the perspective of the buyer who "buys into" a high end product. If you bought a higher tier Focal or Wilson 11 years ago, there is a very good chance that your speaker still exists in the product lineup. Perhaps with changes. What about Magico? How did they treat the v3 (2007ish)? How about you M5 owners that bought in after the 2009 TAS review? 6 years later the Magico SOTA landscape is dramatically different. Is there lasting value in that $89,000 purchase? There would not be for me and I wouldn't find much comfort in calling it a natural evolution. A brief review of past sales of M5 shows many 20k listings and one as low as 16.5. Resale value isn't everything, of course, but it's certainly a reflection that your bleeding edge speakers bled out.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Page 2 of 3 FirstFirst 123 LastLast
AudioShark - The Best High End Audio Discussion forum.

AudioShark forum is a leading forum site for High End Audio Discussion, Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater System Discussion, Best Home Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater Installation Discussion etc.

The AudioShark forum was created for sharing the passion of high-end Audio. We have Audiophiles from all over the world participating and sharing their knowledge. From novice to experts, you will find a friendly environment for discussing about High End Audio, Stereo System, Home Theater System, Home Stereo System, Home Theater Installation, Amplifiers, Speakers, Subwoofers, Integrated System, Acoustic treatments & Digital Room Corrections and many more.

At AudioShark, we also have incorporated an exciting Marketplace where members can peruse terrific buys on used gear, as well as meet dealers and discuss the purchase of new gear.

We are as crazy about this hobby as you are! So come on in and join us! Audioshark.org the Friendliest Audio Forum!

Industry Participation Disclosure : The owner and administrator of Audioshark is the owner of Suncoast Audio LLC in Sarasota Florida. Suncoast Audio has a full brick and mortar presence in Sarasota with several great show rooms with many world class brands. More information can be found at http://www.suncoastaudio.com

Audioshark is a community of like minded individuals. Audioshark welcomes participation from all manufacturers and owners of all brands and products. It is our belief that online forums provide a community of like minded audiophiles and music lovers to encourage the growth of this wonderful hobby.

Sincerely,
The Audioshark.org Team

Magico S5 update

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •