Rockport Cygnus at CES

Musicfirst said:
Hi Alectiong and welcome to the forum!
I have a medium size room. It is only 13.5' wide and while the Cygnus fits just fine, I'm certain the speakers would benefit from a wider room. I would love a 16' width or more. Even in my room, I still have the speakers close together. 80" from centre to centre, 24" off the side walls and 72" off the back wall from the back of the speaker. My ceiling is peaked starting at 8' high at the walls and peaking at 10' 8" in the centre of the room. The speakers fire into an open concept living/dining/kitchen space. The dining room is behind the listening chairs and is separated from the open concept kitchen by a 42" high half wall located 25' from the wall behind the speakers. Even in this space I have managed to install 6 Rel Gibraltar G1 12" powered subs, three a side located in the back corners behind the mains.
Click to expand...
Thank you fro sharing. Kudos you made them work in what seems like a narrow-ish room. I guess there is no worry of bass boom due to the "open" back wall. I wonder with the dense image presentation of Cygnus, what is the soundstage like when you place these speakers relatively close together the way you do? My room is wider 17.5' but short 21', and I worry Cygnus will overwhelm the room if I go for it.
 
Alectiong said:
Thank you fro sharing. Kudos you made them work in what seems like a narrow-ish room. I guess there is no worry of bass boom due to the "open" back wall. I wonder with the dense image presentation of Cygnus, what is the soundstage like when you place these speakers relatively close together the way you do? My room is wider 17.5' but short 21', and I worry Cygnus will overwhelm the room if I go for it.
Click to expand...

The Cygnus are by no means huge. They present, for example, a much smaller footprint than say the Rockport Alterras. The footprint is only 13.5w x 27.5d x 50.5h.

I would gladly trade you rooms and set them up a similar distance or more off the back wall and further apart. 1/3rd of 21 feet suggests the tweeter dome would be 7' off the back wall.
The Cygnus image well behind and outside the speakers to the sidewalls with no acoustic treatments (yet) and completely, and I mean COMPLETELY disappear. Absolutley no driver artifacts off the baffle or between the drivers.
I am still working on optimizing setup, but want to wait until they are fully broken in before I attempt final dial in. (500 completed and another 500 hours to go).
 
I will be very interested for folks who have heard the Cyngus and the new Magico M3 to share their opinions about these two great speakers. Are they sounding more alike than different? They are close in price and likely compete in the same segment.
 
First a disclaimer. I have not heard the M3, but I have heard both the S5MKII and S7 at length in home setups. As a Metallurgical and Materials Engineer, I have a problem with the choice of single layer extruded aluminum for the cabinets in Magico speakers. They make bells out of pure aluminum (really), and even though the Magicos are subsequently internally braced, it makes little sense to start with a single layer of a material with these characteristics. And while Rockport's new speaker, the Lyra has an aluminum composite cabinet, it it a constrained layer design with over 150 pounds of liquid composite epoxy/granite pumped in between the inner and outer aluminum shells.
 
Musicfirst said:
First a disclaimer. I have not heard the M3, but I have heard both the S5MKII and S7 at length in home setups. As a Metallurgical and Materials Engineer, I have a problem with the choice of single layer extruded aluminum for the cabinets in Magico speakers. They make bells out of pure aluminum (really), and even though the Magicos are subsequently internally braced, it makes little sense to start with a single layer of a material with these characteristics. And while Rockport's new speaker, the Lyra has an aluminum composite cabinet, it it a constrained layer design with over 150 pounds of liquid composite epoxy/granite pumped in between the inner and outer aluminum shells.
Click to expand...

The Lyra is so new I haven't seen much information. I do hope it presents real sound improvements over current models. Can't wait.
The Magico M3 has carbon fibre sides instead of aluminium. With other changes and what not to the drivers, people who heard them seem extremely impressed. "Resolution with soul". The size of these speakers is also quite palatable.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Musicfirst, (I agree with your name:) It would be interesting to hear your impressions once you actually hear the M3's. All of the recent Rockport speakers are great speakers and so are the latest versions of the Magico speakers, especially the M3. Along with so many other great brands out there that have been developed over the last few years. Great time to be an audiophile AND more importantly a "music lover".
 
Rhapsody

Thanks for the kind words. After all its all about the music.

I agree that audio, especially certain speakers (not all), have advanced by leaps and bounds over the last few years. This is especially true for some less costly designs, such as the Olympica line by Sonus Faber for example.

As for my Cygnus, I love the wave guide loaded Scan Speak beryllium dome tweeter. For me there are none better in my experience; be it dome, ribbon, or exotic.

I have a couple of destinations in the greater NYC area that I have been thinking about road tripping for. Maybe your store to hear the M3s could tip the scale and make the trip worthwhile.
 
Musicfirst said:
Rhapsody

Thanks for the kind words. After all its all about the music.

I agree that audio, especially certain speakers (not all), have advanced by leaps and bounds over the last few years. This is especially true for some less costly designs, such as the Olympica line by Sonus Faber for example. I love the wave guide loaded Scan Speak beryllium dome tweeter in the Cygnus. For me there are none better in my experience; be it dome, ribbon, or exotic.

I have a couple of destinations in NY that I have been thinking about road tripping for. Maybe your store to hear the M3s could tip the scale and make the trip worthwhile.

Kerry
Click to expand...

Hey Kerry,

Yes, SO MANY great speakers out there now:audiophile:

Would love for you to visit and "enjoy some music together". Make sure you let me know prior so that we can arrange a good time that is convenient for you if you get to the city...thx
 
Musicfirst said:
Rhapsody

Thanks for the kind words. After all its all about the music.

I agree that audio, especially certain speakers (not all), have advanced by leaps and bounds over the last few years. This is especially true for some less costly designs, such as the Olympica line by Sonus Faber for example.

As for my Cygnus, I love the wave guide loaded Scan Speak beryllium dome tweeter. For me there are none better in my experience; be it dome, ribbon, or exotic.

I have a couple of destinations in the greater NYC area that I have been thinking about road tripping for. Maybe your store to hear the M3s could tip the scale and make the trip worthwhile.
Click to expand...

Kerry, it will be great and informative for you as a Cyngus owner to listen and compare the M3! I had a well too brief audition of the Mproject at the dealer yesterday and it did sound very special. No M3 available unfortunately.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Just got back from RMAF. Despite the construction issues, the show was better than expected.

For the Rockport/Magico topic on the latter half of this thread, I heard the Magico S1, S5 and M3. Rockport Cygnus was in the Soundings Room.

First of all, my opinions about Magico from the Q series up to the S series hasn't changed. Just not emotionally involving, analytical and a thinnish midrange.

However, the M3 is a different beast altogether. It was outstanding. Magico had the M3 with Soulution electronics in a separate hotel at the Hyatt off campus from RMAF by a couple of blocks. They were smart - they reserved the Presidential suite for the demo room which was large and spacious. They also had two large Magico subs for M3 support. With or without the subs, the M3 was stellar. Phenomenal imaging, great holographic soundstage and tuneful, perfect bass with extension. Realism and solidity of images were outstanding. I could really find no faults. The new M-Pod feet were under the M3's too.

The Rockport Cygnus was in the Soundings room (dealer from Denver) with Boulder electronics. Extraordinarily dynamic, tonally balanced and and great soundstage width. The bass was tuneful yet impactful. They used two REL subs with the Cygnus. However, it lacked depth and holography due to set up. They had the Cygnus only about 9 inches away from the front wall. The owner of Soundings said he used the 'Masters' set up from Sumiko as his guide and was a firm believer in it. I am not so sure about that. I understand the process in the Masters set up, but I have never seen a pair of Rockport so close to the front wall. They need space to breath. I was a little disappointed in their placement at the show. The great depth and transparency I get at home with my Cygnus was lacking.

Great show and new-found respect for Magico with the M3 - that new tweeter and they way they mount it is a definite step in the right direction for me.
 
philb7777 said:
Just got back from RMAF. Despite the construction issues, the show was better than expected.

For the Rockport/Magico topic on the latter half of this thread, I heard the Magico S1, S5 and M3. Rockport Cygnus was in the Soundings Room.

First of all, my opinions about Magico from the Q series up to the S series hasn't changed. Just not emotionally involving, analytical and a thinnish midrange.

However, the M3 is a different beast altogether. It was outstanding. Magico had the M3 with Soulution electronics in a separate hotel at the Hyatt off campus from RMAF by a couple of blocks. They were smart - they reserved the Presidential suite for the demo room which was large and spacious. They also had two large Magico subs for M3 support. With or without the subs, the M3 was stellar. Phenomenal imaging, great holographic soundstage and tuneful, perfect bass with extension. Realism and solidity of images were outstanding. I could really find no faults. The new M-Pod feet were under the M3's too.

Great show and new-found respect for Magico with the M3 - that new tweeter and they way they mount it is a definite step in the right direction for me.
Click to expand...
Interesting comments Philb as the S5 Mk2 uses exactly the same midrange driver (part no: MAG6004RTC) as the M3 and the same high grade caps in the critical position in the x-over (Mundorf Supreme Evo Silver/Gold in oil). Similarly the S5 Mk2 uses the same diamond-coated BE diaphragm as the M3 (albeit with a slightly smaller profile) and a modified motor system & long-throw voice coil design. Obviously there are many other differences, but I was curious about your conclusion the S5 Mk2 sounds emotionally uninvolving & has analytical and thinnish midrange?

I recently heard my friend's system. He has a pair of S7's with Vitus SM-102 mono's, MP-L201 pre, MP-D201, MP-T201 transport/dac, Kronos Pro, Goldmund phono, Gigawatt conditioner, Wilson Benesch infrasonic generators, Stillpoints etc in a good size dedicated listening room which is treated and properly grounded, and I can tell you the the S7's are capable of holographic sound, delicacy and sounded intimate and engaging on jazz and female vocals. That shows the benefit of proper setup and optimizing your system as you found out when you visited the Rockport/Boulder room.
 
Phil- nice to find that we agreed on the Rockport setup - I've heard them sound much better at shows.

I found the S1mk2 a little hot in the treble and didn't know if it was room or whatnot. The S3 required a stupid SR demo which I didn't want to go through. But you and I totally agree on the M3 - its a much different animal. I thought with a different amp, could even be better.
 
Musicfirst said:
First a disclaimer. I have not heard the M3, but I have heard both the S5MKII and S7 at length in home setups. As a Metallurgical and Materials Engineer, I have a problem with the choice of single layer extruded aluminum for the cabinets in Magico speakers. They make bells out of pure aluminum (really), and even though the Magicos are subsequently internally braced, it makes little sense to start with a single layer of a material with these characteristics.
Click to expand...
Kerry, have you read Martin Colloms review of the S5 Mk2 (incl: his lab test results)? MC's objective test results as well as subjective listening tests over several months don't support your bell theory. Just sayin'.
 
When we visited Magico 6 weeks ago it was very interesting how Magico uses a proprietary damping material to get the aluminum not to ring. So I think that Magico agrees that the aluminum rings which is why they go to fairly large effort to take care of this.

It's all in the finished product not each individual part used in the speaker.

Melbguy1 said:
Kerry, have you read Martin Colloms review of the S5 Mk2 (incl: his lab test results)? MC's objective test results as well as subjective listening tests over several months don't support your bell theory. Just sayin'.
Click to expand...
 
Melbguy1 said:
Interesting comments Philb as the S5 Mk2 uses exactly the same midrange driver (part no: MAG6004RTC) as the M3 and the same high grade caps in the critical position in the x-over (Mundorf Supreme Evo Silver/Gold in oil). Similarly the S5 Mk2 uses the same diamond-coated BE diaphragm as the M3 (albeit with a slightly smaller profile) and a modified motor system & long-throw voice coil design. Obviously there are many other differences, but I was curious about your conclusion the S5 Mk2 sounds emotionally uninvolving & has analytical and thinnish midrange?

I recently heard my friend's system. He has a pair of S7's with Vitus SM-102 mono's, MP-L201 pre, MP-D201, MP-T201 transport/dac, Kronos Pro, Goldmund phono, Gigawatt conditioner, Wilson Benesch infrasonic generators, Stillpoints etc in a good size dedicated listening room which is treated and properly grounded, and I can tell you the the S7's are capable of holographic sound, delicacy and sounded intimate and engaging on jazz and female vocals. That shows the benefit of proper setup and optimizing your system as you found out when you visited the Rockport/Boulder room.
Click to expand...

I have heard the S1 (twice), s3 once and S5 (three times) and the S7 once. All time in all set ups the meds sounded less meaty, dense and too refined for my taste. Thin in other words. But I am not saying that these Magico are not tremendous speakers. Contrary, just to my ears they didn't draw me in.
 
philb7777 said:
Just got back from RMAF. Despite the construction issues, the show was better than expected.

For the Rockport/Magico topic on the latter half of this thread, I heard the Magico S1, S5 and M3. Rockport Cygnus was in the Soundings Room.

First of all, my opinions about Magico from the Q series up to the S series hasn't changed. Just not emotionally involving, analytical and a thinnish midrange.

However, the M3 is a different beast altogether. It was outstanding. Magico had the M3 with Soulution electronics in a separate hotel at the Hyatt off campus from RMAF by a couple of blocks. They were smart - they reserved the Presidential suite for the demo room which was large and spacious. They also had two large Magico subs for M3 support. With or without the subs, the M3 was stellar. Phenomenal imaging, great holographic soundstage and tuneful, perfect bass with extension. Realism and solidity of images were outstanding. I could really find no faults. The new M-Pod feet were under the M3's too.

The Rockport Cygnus was in the Soundings room (dealer from Denver) with Boulder electronics. Extraordinarily dynamic, tonally balanced and and great soundstage width. The bass was tuneful yet impactful. They used two REL subs with the Cygnus. However, it lacked depth and holography due to set up. They had the Cygnus only about 9 inches away from the front wall. The owner of Soundings said he used the 'Masters' set up from Sumiko as his guide and was a firm believer in it. I am not so sure about that. I understand the process in the Masters set up, but I have never seen a pair of Rockport so close to the front wall. They need space to breath. I was a little disappointed in their placement at the show. The great depth and transparency I get at home with my Cygnus was lacking.

Great show and new-found respect for Magico with the M3 - that new tweeter and they way they mount it is a definite step in the right direction for me.
Click to expand...

Phil - glad you loved the M3's. I sure love mine! I told Magico that the M3's would bring in many more listeners. Very engaging, organic, natural sound.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
philb7777 said:
I have heard the S1 (twice), s3 once and S5 (three times) and the S7 once. All time in all set ups the meds sounded less meaty, dense and too refined for my taste. Thin in other words. But I am not saying that these Magico are not tremendous speakers. Contrary, just to my ears they didn't draw me in.
Click to expand...
Phil, we can definitely agree the M3 is a great loudspeaker. Given the price disparity, you would expect the M3's to sound better almost across the board (as they should). I was just making the point that with proper setup in a treated/grounded room & optimum accompanying gear (eg: Vitus Signature/MP series, Soulution) the latest S series speakers are capable of drawing you into the music with holographic imaging & plenty of meat on the bones. Though its worth noting good subs seem to benefit the S series equally as the new M3 from my auditions, adding more body to the music, expanding the sound stage & obviously extending the lower frequencies.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top