Best amp for Magico S5's?

I really like the 560...but something tells me the S5's would pair better with the 460. I just think those big 10 and 8 inch woofers would be controlled better by the 460 or Devialet. HiFi News recommended the D'Agostino, Devialet or Constellation.
I fully agree. The 460 is just more powerful when the loads get difficult. Especially if you play louder and with heavier bass this with be clear.
 
I don't think you could go wrong it's either accuphase .
I've never heard either but I have heard the older 550 and it was really nice
And sounded incredible .
Good luck choosing!!!
 
Okay, let's see...

D'agostino: You have the mono's in the main room so do you really want to have the same amp for another system? Nope.

Devialet: You had some issues with the inputs on the back. Sure once everything is set up and running it may be a moot point, but that will always bug you. Out.

Accuphase 6100: A definite possibility, especially after Mark's review. Are you really gonna' steal his thunder? Don't think so.

Accuphase E-460: This makes perfect sense for a family room system where others may want to listen to it. It has the KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid) idea going for it. The winner!

Great reasoning, Doug!:scholar:

Mike, E-460 now, then replace with Dag integrated when that comes out!:P
 
I really like the 560...but something tells me the S5's would pair better with the 460. I just think those big 10 and 8 inch woofers would be controlled better by the 460 or Devialet. HiFi News recommended the D'Agostino, Devialet or Constellation.

I cycled thru a number of amps with my S5s (VAC 450S, CJ 350, Hegel, SimAudio, etc). Best match by a wide margin is the Constellation - i bought the Centaur Stereo. Only amp that drove the full speaker to its full potential. Not sure if it is due to current, ohm matching, or combination of many factors but if magico sold the S5 as an active speaker they should partner with Constellation. I think they have come out with an integrated version of the centaur.

I would think a vitus or gryphon would be a good match too.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
 
Spectral………..because that's what my local dealer (Overture) pairs up with them.
 
I cycled thru a number of amps with my S5s (VAC 450S, CJ 350, Hegel, SimAudio, etc). Best match by a wide margin is the Constellation - i bought the Centaur Stereo. Only amp that drove the full speaker to its full potential. Not sure if it is due to current, ohm matching, or combination of many factors but if magico sold the S5 as an active speaker they should partner with Constellation. I think they have come out with an integrated version of the centaur.

I would think a vitus or gryphon would be a good match too.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Have you heard the Vitus or Gryphon? I am a big fan of Gryphon and am always curious to learn about how they compare with other amps. I have heard the Constellation in a system I know well, but not compared it with my Gryphon. Thanks for any comments.
 
I haven't heard the Gryphon but from what I have read the Gryphon and Vitus are probably the most refined and musical powerful integrateds out there.
 
I have my Vitus RD-100 and RS-100 collecting dust as I impatiently wait for my S5's. If you can hold out, I'll let you know. The RI-100 has been getting some stellar reviews.
 
I would go for the 460 as well. Far more controlling power over the speakers than the 560. So the class-A is out?
450_innen_big.jpg

Clean interior and Elco's in the size of Coca-Cola cans.... This will control your Magico's just fine!

image-f630x378-ffffff-C-3b3906de-71227909.jpg

The DAC and the Phono option...

Your house will be filled with some very sweet sounds.

After spending time with the Accuphase 6100, I agree that the a/b Accuphase would pair well with the S5. If I was going the integrated route, the 460 would be my choice !!
 
Last edited:
I haven't heard the Gryphon but from what I have read the Gryphon and Vitus are probably the most refined and musical powerful integrateds out there.

Thanks..i have read the same. I have never heard them, but certainly like their Colosseum amp.
 
my $.02

If money isn't a factor - then going with the Accuphase P-6100 is a no brainer. There is NO way it's not head and tails better than the E-460. Accuphase is way too much of a performance company and they would not charge twice as much for a power amp than the integrated is it wasn't a bunch better. I haven't heard either amp but I do know Accuphase's reputation.

There is a big debate over the comparison of the A-65 class A power amp and the P-6100 class AB power amp. Same basic price and two different sounds. With owning some Magicos but not S5s, I would guess the P-6100 would come out on top. It all depends if you focus more on the bass or love the texture voices. That's not to say either amp is bad at either. It's almost the difference between tube or SS. Of course, that's exactly why Accuphase offers both. They feel that both are amazing just different. Get both and switch back and forth. That's what I'm thinking of doing. :)

Other than the fact that you already have a complete DAG system upstairs for the S5s, I would go with the new Dag integrated downstairs with the Alexia's. :woot:
 
Open invitation to come to Portland and hear my S5s driven by Constellation. Da bomb.
 
my $.02

If money isn't a factor - then going with the Accuphase P-6100 is a no brainer. There is NO way it's not head and tails better than the E-460. Accuphase is way too much of a performance company and they would not charge twice as much for a power amp than the integrated is it wasn't a bunch better. I haven't heard either amp but I do know Accuphase's reputation.

There is a big debate over the comparison of the A-65 class A power amp and the P-6100 class AB power amp. Same basic price and two different sounds. With owning some Magicos but not S5s, I would guess the P-6100 would come out on top. It all depends if you focus more on the bass or love the texture voices. That's not to say either amp is bad at either. It's almost the difference between tube or SS. Of course, that's exactly why Accuphase offers both. They feel that both are amazing just different. Get both and switch back and forth. That's what I'm thinking of doing. :)

Other than the fact that you already have a complete DAG system upstairs for the S5s, I would go with the new Dag integrated downstairs with the Alexia's. :woot:

Jock - the Alexia's are upstairs and S5's downstairs. I'm a huge fan of Dan, but a different amp downstairs for variety is best.
 
I hate it when I get confused. :)

I agree with variety. That being said either tubes or the Class A Accuphase seems to be in order. Maybe the new Ayre stuff?
 
Well, as promised, here are my first impressions of my new set-up. Vitus RS-100 and RD-100 and S5s. Everything is brand new out of the box and not burned in properly. I am absolutely THRILLED with this combination. It is already far more dynamic than my Q5s with the Spectral gear. Incredibly more "musical" and "alive". I can't wait until this gear runs for a month or so and breaks in. It was a big leap of faith to sell my other gear , but I really felt something was missing. Amazing that a far less costly set-up can sound so much better.
 
I have had both the A65 and P6100 in my shop but not at the same time. They both sound very similar but the A65 is a bit more liquid sounding. But the 6100 is a little more punchy and controlled sounding. I guess with the very tight bass of the S5 either would work very well with the S5's.
 
Well, as promised, here are my first impressions of my new set-up. Vitus RS-100 and RD-100 and S5s. Everything is brand new out of the box and not burned in properly. I am absolutely THRILLED with this combination. It is already far more dynamic than my Q5s with the Spectral gear. Incredibly more "musical" and "alive". I can't wait until this gear runs for a month or so and breaks in. It was a big leap of faith to sell my other gear , but I really felt something was missing. Amazing that a far less costly set-up can sound so much better.

That's exactly what I love to hear !! Admitting that a lesser priced system out performs a costlier one. That's the kind of honesty that can set us free. Finding that the best sounding gear is not always the most expensive gear is what I've learned over time, and always fun and rewarding.

Congrats on a great system !!
 
Well, as promised, here are my first impressions of my new set-up. Vitus RS-100 and RD-100 and S5s. Everything is brand new out of the box and not burned in properly. I am absolutely THRILLED with this combination. It is already far more dynamic than my Q5s with the Spectral gear. Incredibly more "musical" and "alive". I can't wait until this gear runs for a month or so and breaks in. It was a big leap of faith to sell my other gear , but I really felt something was missing. Amazing that a far less costly set-up can sound so much better.

Awesome congrats. Vitus rocks.
 
off the merry go round and on to many years of happy listening. It's been a long journey. I've learned a lot and it was fun. Sort of like dating. I think I've finally found "the one". I don't even need a prenup…...
 
Back
Top