Does anybody have the Magico A3 speakers?

TomiIV

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Jan 19, 2019
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Bolingbrook, IL
I have demoed the Magico A3 and Focal Kanta 2 and I am really liking the sound that Magico A3 produces.

Are there any members of this forum that own these model and how do you like them and have you compared them to other brands.
 
Hi Mike,

What do you think of this model compared to the Focal Kanta 2 or maybe even Sopra 2 which I am going to demo this weekend.

I really like the A3 when it came to imaging, sound stage, placement of the instruments and vocals, clarity, but I don't know if it was the songs that they played or was it the speakers I can't tell but I think that I wanted little bit more bass out of them. I have to go back with my own tracks to demo them again and find out if I missed something the first time.

Focal Kanta 2's were little too bright for me, and lack more bass than the A3's. Have to hear the Sopras 2 to find out if they can match A3 or would A3 be better for less.
 
Hi Mike,

What do you think of this model compared to the Focal Kanta 2 or maybe even Sopra 2 which I am going to demo this weekend.

I really like the A3 when it came to imaging, sound stage, placement of the instruments and vocals, clarity, but I don't know if it was the songs that they played or was it the speakers I can't tell but I think that I wanted little bit more bass out of them. I have to go back with my own tracks to demo them again and find out if I missed something the first time.

Focal Kanta 2's were little too bright for me, and lack more bass than the A3's. Have to hear the Sopras 2 to find out if they can match A3 or would A3 be better for less.

The Kanta 2's are really bright. Not my cup of tea at all.

The Sopra 2's are better, but I don't like the resonances I hear from the cabinet.

Mike
 
I have a post in the Magico speaker area of this forum about my A3's. I'd be glad to answer any questions you have on these speakers. I can say that these are the best speakers I've owned. I would not call the A3's bright but can bring out very small details of instruments and recordings. I didn't have a dealer to demo the A3's and finding one with a pair to listen to may be hard to find.
 
Tommy, are you demoing the prospective speakers with the same amp that you own, the MC462?
 
Joe,

Nope, it is whatever the dealer has at the moment. The Magico A3 were hooked up to a D'Agostino amp and pre amp, Focal Kanta 2 were hooked up to Moon by Simaudio.

I could probably bring my amp and pre amp to the them but I don't have the back for all the lifting - LOL
 
Joe,

Nope, it is whatever the dealer has at the moment. The Magico A3 were hooked up to a D'Agostino amp and pre amp, Focal Kanta 2 were hooked up to Moon by Simaudio.

I could probably bring my amp and pre amp to the them but I don't have the back for all the lifting - LOL

Tommy, You are not comparing speakers. You are comparing systems. Maybe even different rooms.
 
It is different dealers though, one has the Magico, the other one has the Focals than there is a third one that has Sonus Faber and B&W, it is impossible to demo these brands with the same equipment since they all sell different brands. Also I don't think they would lend me any of their speakers to me to bring home and all these dealers are like at least an hour drive one way maybe more.
 
I’ve been through tons of gear and unless you directly compare, it’s not really meaningful. I think you realize that. D’Agostino and Magico will be way different and better, honestly, than the 462 or some Simaudio gear. Final voicing will be different in your room.
 
Joe,

I do realize that I am demoing totally different sound and that's why I have not be able to buy anything yet. If I am able to find a dealer that can lend me some of their speakers to demo in my house that would be the perfect scenario and would make decision much easier. After what I went thru McIntosh and the dealer I bought them from, I am having hard time buying anything anymore without being 100% sure it is what I want and in perfect condition.

After spending $30K for audio equipment and not one phone back from dealer or manufacturer I felt and still feel like I have been let down, it felt like I was good until they had my money and than thrown to the curb, very bad experience, never felt like this before.
 
I totally understand how you feel. That’s why I reached out to you in the first place. You weren’t getting the help or service that you deserved and certainly paid for. I just want to make sure that with a speaker purchase, you get what you want, no BS.
 
TomilV I feel your pain when it come to making such a big decision. There are no Magico dealer in the Seattle area. Even the store I order from which is a good five to six hour drive didn't have the A3's and didn't expect a pair for many months. I was told recently that they will get a pair this May...maybe.

I listened to integrated amps from Music Fidelity, NAD and Anthem. My goal was to stay simple in my setup. I ended up with the NAD M12 and bought the Oppo as a streaming/Roon platform. I've listen to dozens of speaker companies over the years. I like Vandersteen, Sonus Faber, Revel and Wilson. All have their strenghts. My only listening to the A3's were if you can beleive it was on youtube from the Chicago music event in April 2018. Certainly not anyway to audition a $10,000 purchase. I just heard a sound cohesion between the drivers that caught my ears. That and reading articles about the Magico and their design and materials got me interested enough to jump on them. I wouldn't recommend buying anything this way. But, I think I bought the right speaker for my room size and system. I think Magico speakers are very forgiving for equipment, cables and rooms. That's just my hunch.
 
If you purchase speakers that sound good to you at a dealer’s store you at least you know their potential sound quality and you can then swap out or tailor your existing gear to achieve that sound. There is no magic formula....
 
If you purchase speakers that sound good to you at a dealer’s store you at least you know their potential sound quality and you can then swap out or tailor your existing gear to achieve that sound. There is no magic formula....

I agree. The same goes for audio shows as well. But (there is always a but :S) with the caveat of room size/conditions and speaker placement. Some dealers and many show exhibitors position speakers at distances from room boundaries that cannot be duplicated in most homes.
 
I empathize with the difficulties of auditioning, in general. It’s never as ideal or as easy as we would like. Thankfully, we have the forum here to share thoughts and impressions in addition to print reviews. Mike and various other members are also diligent in attending shows, and getting time with the latest and greatest and sharing their thoughts.

It sounds like you’re on the right path, seeking out time with whatever you’re interested in. Knowing what’s possible with certain gear is a big chunk of the battle, I find.


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I have my A3 speakers paired with T+A seperates front end. The bass is excellent and the treble is extended. They are not bright and not clinical sounding. I have not heard such pure highs and excellent bass at this price. They respond nicely with great dynamics and speed. Soundstage is huge. I think they would be great with Class A amps also.

My dealer had an extra pair on introduction and had them drop shipped to me. I wasn't all that interested but he gave me a 4 week audition because he was to busy to check on me. They quickly booted out the Eggleston Andra III SEs because of the wonderful treble and great bass.

They are exciting speakers but take into consideration my front end and room acoustics.
 
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