Magico SPOD on S5 MKII
- Thread starter BlueFox
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Pretty!
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BlueFox
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- #3
While I was very happy with my stock S5 MKII speakers, what I was reading about the improvements from the SPODs caught my attention. Especially since at $3K this was audio spare change, (I can't believe I just said that.).
Anyway, the chatter was the bass tightened up, and was obvious. Well, I can, and cannot, confirm that. Listening to bass heavy tracks from Nicki Minaj and Lady Gaga I do feel there is a bit more articulation in the bass. In fact, on one Nicki Minaj track I had to sit up since I was hearing something new. Usually bass is a distinct thump from a point in space, but this was like a bass reverberation fading into the background. Basically, WTF was that?
However, I will say the overall sound now seems more coherent and precise with the treble, midrange, and bass.
I think one issue why the SPODs didn't jump out for me is because my system sits on flooring on top of a concrete slab, and that sits on the ground. If my floor was more average in that there was hollow space under it then I bet the SPODs would really make a very obvious improvement.
One interesting point is that I really like the way they look. Although no one else would even notice it, I think they go great with the speakers. On other sites trolls will say the only reason why someone thinks their new cable, or gear, sounds better is because they are delusional and think the appearance is tricking them into thinking the sound is better.
I just shot that down since I am saying that while there might be a sound improvement, the physical appearance is a lot better. LOL.
I would recommend them to anyone on the fence. In fact, I wonder why they aren't standard with every S5.
Anyway, the chatter was the bass tightened up, and was obvious. Well, I can, and cannot, confirm that. Listening to bass heavy tracks from Nicki Minaj and Lady Gaga I do feel there is a bit more articulation in the bass. In fact, on one Nicki Minaj track I had to sit up since I was hearing something new. Usually bass is a distinct thump from a point in space, but this was like a bass reverberation fading into the background. Basically, WTF was that?
However, I will say the overall sound now seems more coherent and precise with the treble, midrange, and bass.
I think one issue why the SPODs didn't jump out for me is because my system sits on flooring on top of a concrete slab, and that sits on the ground. If my floor was more average in that there was hollow space under it then I bet the SPODs would really make a very obvious improvement.
One interesting point is that I really like the way they look. Although no one else would even notice it, I think they go great with the speakers. On other sites trolls will say the only reason why someone thinks their new cable, or gear, sounds better is because they are delusional and think the appearance is tricking them into thinking the sound is better.
I just shot that down since I am saying that while there might be a sound improvement, the physical appearance is a lot better. LOL.
I would recommend them to anyone on the fence. In fact, I wonder why they aren't standard with every S5.
Great to hear Bud and the clarity in midrange and top end is something I heard too, especially the midrange.
Melbguy1
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Thanks for your feedback on the S Pods Bud. I was keen to hear your view of the sound after the feet had initially settled & you'd had a chance to do some critical listening. My floor is tiled over concrete slab, so not too dissimilar to your floor. Like you, I value articulation and coherency highly. I like Avalon and Marten for that reason, so to read your feedback that the S Pods improved overall coherency and bass articulation is good news. I do realize the level of improvement in your system/room was more subtle than others have reported, but it's there as you said.
Thanks also for the clear pics. I agree with you, the S Pods match up extremely well with the S5 Mk2's. They're definitely better looking than the standard spikes/cups. It sounds to me as though the S Pods are the 'icing on the cake' and complete that loudspeaker. My Dealer has a set of 8 with my name on them. I'm looking forward to picking them up in the near future :thumbsup:.
Apropos that, can I ask you a question about the setup process? There is obviously some adjustment with the spikes to allow height adjustment. Do the instructions suggest leveling the speakers to a specific height above the floor? Or so the tweeters are level with your ears from the listening position? Cheers.
BlueFox
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- #6
David, there weren't any instructions with the SPODs. I just had a friend tilt the speakers, and I swapped out the spikes. While I made sure they were level, I didn't bother with trying to find an optimum height. While both are pretty much the same, I can always fine tune it at some point in the future.
Bud - try to use a little bubble level as well to make sure they are level side to side and front to back. Also, measure tweeter height to make sure they are same on the left and right.
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BlueFox
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Mike, I did do all that. They are level on all sides, and each tweeter measures 3'7" 5/16 from the floor. That is putting the laser meter base under the tweeter screw in the 2 o'clock position. For now this is fine, and maybe at some point in the future I will lower them.
still-one
Active member
What was breaking in, the speakers? Certainly the SPOD's don't need break-in.
Melbguy1
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Bud, thanks. I will follow your advice above.
still-one
Active member
It was more of a tongue in cheek statement. However, in a good stereo everything matters, and the SPODs need some time for the atoms to settle into their new state.
:congrats:
BlueFox
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Just to follow up this. After two weeks of supporting the S5s, the SPODs are broken in, and working great.
Today I listened to my female jazz singer play list all afternoon. This would be artists like Patricia Barber, Melody Gardot, Nora Jones, Diana Krall, etc. Anyway, these are generally some of the better recordings I have, and some have very nice bass tracks. The SPODs really have bought these songs up a notch. Bass is very precise, vocals crystal clear, and everything just fits together in a clean, clear sonic image.
Today I listened to my female jazz singer play list all afternoon. This would be artists like Patricia Barber, Melody Gardot, Nora Jones, Diana Krall, etc. Anyway, these are generally some of the better recordings I have, and some have very nice bass tracks. The SPODs really have bought these songs up a notch. Bass is very precise, vocals crystal clear, and everything just fits together in a clean, clear sonic image.
Melbguy1
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Nice nice nice :thumbsup:.Just to follow up this. After two weeks of supporting the S5s, the SPODs are broken in, and working great.
Today I listened to my female jazz singer play list all afternoon. This would be artists like Patricia Barber, Melody Gardot, Nora Jones, Diana Krall, etc. Anyway, these are generally some of the better recordings I have, and some have very nice bass tracks. The SPODs really have bought these songs up a notch. Bass is very precise, vocals crystal clear, and everything just fits together in a clean, clear sonic image.
Thank you for everyone for their feedback on the SPODs. I ordered a pair of S5 MKII to be delivered in mid-January and am order a set of SPODs to go with the speakers from the start. Once the spikes are installed on the speaker I do not want to have to install another set.