Magico M3 Reviewed by TAS

**Mike** · March 6, 2018, 01:56 PM

I sure love mine!

**PeterA** · March 6, 2018, 06:47 PM

I just heard these at a dealer. They are incredible. Ultra resolution delivered in a completely natural, non-fatiguing way. I was extremely impressed and it was a demo that I will not soon forget. I look forward to reading the review, but I'm glad I heard them before reading it.

**KeithR** · March 6, 2018, 10:07 PM

JV loves the M3? No way, I don’t believe you.

**Tony007** · March 7, 2018, 07:59 AM

M3's will take you straight to the "exit door" on the merry-go-round

**PeterA** · March 7, 2018, 08:51 AM

Originally Posted by Tony007

M3's will take you straight to the "exit door" on the merry-go-round

Shaken and stirred, but not dizzy, 007.

**walesi** · March 7, 2018, 02:23 PM

Budget speaker extravaganza indeed

Too bad we don't get the TAS here anymore on the newsstands.

**still-one** · March 13, 2018, 11:49 AM

Just read the glowing review in TAS. I have to agree that they are a fine speaker after hearing them in Mike's store. I could not fault anyone who would decide that they were the right speaker for them. Need to be paired with some nice SS amps.

**Cincy2** · March 19, 2018, 01:25 PM

Originally Posted by still-one

Just read the glowing review in TAS. I have to agree that they are a fine speaker after hearing them in Mike's store. I could not fault anyone who would decide that they were the right speaker for them. Need to be paired with some nice SS amps.

I bought one of the first pairs Mike received. Haven't EVER regretted that decision. They are an amazing creation.

Cincy

**PeterA** · March 19, 2018, 03:21 PM

I just read the review too. I have heard them and am very impressed. It is a superb speaker. I wish Valin had talked a little bit about how they compare to the Q3 which is the speaker they replaced. No speaker is perfect, but Valin did not seem to find anything wrong with the M3. I spent more time comparing it to the M Pro and the M6, but it would have been a much more interesting read if he had talked about other speakers of similar size from Magico and perhaps some of the competition. I don't really see how the review helps someone in the market for this size speaker.

**brodricj** · March 20, 2018, 09:25 AM

My Q3 are out there for sale, as soon as they're sold I'm ordering M3.

M3 is a financial struggle for me, surplus stuff has to go first, and a diet of 2-minute noodles for the rest of my life!

From what I understand, M3 fit on the M6 MPOD tri-stand, and you can order them that way.

**JimmyS** · March 20, 2018, 06:20 PM

Originally Posted by brodricj

My Q3 are out there for sale, as soon as they're sold I'm ordering M3.

M3 is a financial struggle for me, surplus stuff has to go first, and a diet of 2-minute noodles for the rest of my life!

From what I understand, M3 fit on the M6 MPOD tri-stand, and you can order them that way.

Thinking about if I should stick with my S3's, move to Q3's, or just wait it out for the M3's. Heard them twice in a less than perfect room setup and they sounded very good, but need hear what they really can do. M3's sure would hit my "pizza & beer" budget hard.

**the professor** · March 20, 2018, 08:06 PM

My $.02

DON"T go from the S series to the Q series. Both have their good parts, some good some bad.

The M series has the best from both!

**the professor** · March 20, 2018, 08:07 PM

The new A series might be the way to go. But I have not heard them in person.

**brodricj** · March 21, 2018, 06:40 AM

I hardly think that anybody contemplating Q or M would end up with A.

**Tony007** · March 21, 2018, 07:17 AM

Originally Posted by brodricj

I hardly think that anybody contemplating Q or M would end up with A.

+1

**brodricj** · March 21, 2018, 11:00 AM

Originally Posted by the professor

My $.02

DON"T go from the S series to the Q series. Both have their good parts, some good some bad.

I was happy with both S and Q. I'd heard neither before I bought them. And I also won't get to hear M before ordering.

**AJR** · March 21, 2018, 01:24 PM

Originally Posted by Tony007

+1

+2. Have heard some nonsense saying cannot judge the A3 until it has been heard. Um, it is clearly a step down from the S series. Let alone the Q and M series. As for value for money, that is a legitimate question.

**Penthouse-D** · March 21, 2018, 03:47 PM

I've had Q5's, S5's and S3's. I'd strongly suggest staying away from the Q series. Very difficult to drive properly. I think the S series are far more "musical". If you have the $$$ to spend,I'm sure the "M"' series will be wonderful...

**PeterA** · March 21, 2018, 04:56 PM

Originally Posted by Penthouse-D

I've had Q5's, S5's and S3's. I'd strongly suggest staying away from the Q series. Very difficult to drive properly. I think the S series are far more "musical". If you have the $$$ to spend,I'm sure the "M"' series will be wonderful...

That is a strong warning. Have you heard the Q1 or Q3? I have heard them both sound excellent in the right room and system. Speaker positioning is critical. I have also heard the Q5, and yes, it is a very tough load.

**brodricj** · March 21, 2018, 06:28 PM

Originally Posted by PeterA

That is a strong warning. Have you heard the Q1 or Q3? I have heard them both sound excellent in the right room and system. Speaker positioning is critical...

Actually, I think not that critical for Q3, certainly compared to ported speakers like Wilson, etc. I can be laying down on my 3-seater couch with one ear pointing towards the speakers and my head next to the wall and they still sound great. Electronics are important, and everything else. If you still get good sound in the way I often find myself listening tells me that speaker positioning is not all that critical. I also got good sound from S3 (which is what I upgraded from).

**the professor** · March 21, 2018, 07:16 PM

Probably not for many reasons.

But, in past experience with the product lines of Magico. Each new series of speakers seems to be more and more musical - from what I've read, the A series might surprise us. I'm keeping an open mind.

Originally Posted by brodricj

I hardly think that anybody contemplating Q or M would end up with A.

**brodricj** · March 21, 2018, 07:25 PM

The A is a big side-step from anything they've done in the past. Budget friendly. Sub-contracting out the cabinet manufacture. No colour or finish options. etc. But it is still a Magico, and they wouldn't do it unless it was a Magico. For all that means.

**Mike** · March 21, 2018, 07:38 PM

I think the A3 could upset the S1 mk2 Apple cart. I’m anxious to hear mine. Should have them SOON!!

So far, anything with “3” in it from Magico has been KILLER in the right sized room. Was listening to my S3 mk2’s today. Man, total disappearing act. Love them. M3’s are OMG good. I was listening to Anita Baker’s Rapture album and in total disbelief of what I was hearing with the accompanying MSB and Gryphon and MIT.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

**AJR** · March 21, 2018, 08:32 PM

I forgot about the S1 mk2! That would be a great showdown.

**brodricj** · March 22, 2018, 09:09 AM

Originally Posted by Mike

...So far, anything with “3” in it from Magico has been KILLER in the right sized room. Was listening to my S3 mk2’s today. Man, total disappearing act. Love them. M3’s are OMG good...

So I made the right choice then? When you are at Q3, do you go down to S3Mk2 or up to M3? I went for M3.

**kzhtoo** · March 22, 2018, 11:45 AM

Originally Posted by Mike

I think the A3 could upset the S1 mk2 Apple cart. I’m anxious to hear mine. Should have them SOON!!

So far, anything with “3” in it from Magico has been KILLER in the right sized room. Was listening to my S3 mk2’s today. Man, total disappearing act. Love them. M3’s are OMG good. I was listening to Anita Baker’s Rapture album and in total disbelief of what I was hearing with the accompanying MSB and Gryphon and MIT.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Agree with Magico, Gryphon and MIT pairing. Even “lowly” S3 mk1, Diablo 300 and MIT Evo One pairing sounds superb.

**Tony007** · March 22, 2018, 12:00 PM

Originally Posted by brodricj

So I made the right choice then? When you are at Q3, do you go down to S3Mk2 or up to M3? I went for M3.

Congratulations on the upgrade!!

**PeterA** · March 22, 2018, 01:09 PM

Originally Posted by Tony007

Congratulations on the upgrade!!

How big an upgrade is it from Q3 to M3? Has anyone directly compared the two?

**Tony007** · March 22, 2018, 01:16 PM

Originally Posted by PeterA

How big an upgrade is it from Q3 to M3? Has anyone directly compared the two?

I will have the answer to that very question next week once my used M3's get delivered.

**AJR** · March 22, 2018, 02:11 PM

I am almost as excited as you are. Can’t wait to hear your thoughts.

**AJR** · March 22, 2018, 02:11 PM

I am almost as excited as you are. Can’t wait to hear your thoughts.

**AJR** · March 22, 2018, 02:35 PM

Originally Posted by Mike

Was listening to my S3 mk2’s today. Man, total disappearing act. Love them. M3’s are OMG good. I was listening to Anita Baker’s Rapture album and in total disbelief of what I was hearing with the accompanying MSB and Gryphon and MIT.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Had a couple of close friends join me tonight for a music jam session. They were blown away. And I finally appreciated the Rolling Stones. The Gryphon/Magico combo makes music come alive. The litmus test is do you end up listening for many hours more than what you intended. Thank you Mike.

**JimmyS** · March 22, 2018, 03:36 PM

Originally Posted by Tony007

I will have the answer to that very question next week once my used M3's get delivered.

USED M3's? Wow, now that is a FIND

. I should be on the look out more closely I guess.

**Tony007** · March 22, 2018, 04:20 PM

Originally Posted by JimmyS

USED M3's? Wow, now that is a FIND

. I should be on the look out more closely I guess.

Not so much a find as they were purchased from a friend.

**kzhtoo** · March 22, 2018, 04:51 PM

Originally Posted by AJR

Had a couple of close friends join me tonight for a music jam session. They were blown away. And I finally appreciated the Rolling Stones. The Gryphon/Magico combo makes music come alive. The litmus test is do you end up listening for many hours more than what you intended. Thank you Mike.

MPODs? That’ll elevate the S3 mk2 by a notch or two.

**PeterA** · March 22, 2018, 05:36 PM

Originally Posted by kzhtoo

MPODs? That’ll elevate the S3 mk2 by a notch or two.

Or SPODs designed for the S series. I know the MPODs are effective having heard them on the MPro, but I have not heard the SPODs.

**BlueFox** · March 22, 2018, 06:29 PM

I have the SPODs on my S5 MKII. They 'tightened' up the bass a bit, but since my speakers are on my living room floor, and that is on a concrete slab, which sits on the ground, there isn't much vibration to eliminate. I bet if I had a basement, or crawlspace, under the floor there would have been a bigger effect.

**brodricj** · March 22, 2018, 07:11 PM

Originally Posted by JimmyS

USED M3's? Wow, now that is a FIND

. I should be on the look out more closely I guess.

Used M3 are out there, I've seen 2 pairs in the past week. I was going to buy used, but they hold their value so well I decided to buy new (i.e. Nothing to be saved buying used, yet).

**kzhtoo** · March 22, 2018, 11:18 PM

Originally Posted by PeterA

Or SPODs designed for the S series. I know the MPODs are effective having heard them on the MPro, but I have not heard the SPODs.

Peter, sorry I meant SPODs. I was thinking SPODs but somehow I typed MPODs. I have a set of SPODs on my S3 mk1 and I wouldn’t have them any other way.

**AJR** · March 23, 2018, 12:49 AM

My floor is solid marble. Do you think SPODS could make a noticeable improvement? Just some bass tightening or could there be other sonic improvements?

**VT Skier** · March 23, 2018, 08:16 AM

Originally Posted by brodricj

Used M3 are out there, I've seen 2 pairs in the past week. I was going to buy used, but they hold their value so well I decided to buy new (i.e. Nothing to be saved buying used, yet).

Last ones I saw, with MPods, listed at $55, and went quickly.

**Mike** · March 23, 2018, 08:49 AM

I still have a pair of M Pro’s I’m selling for a client. $65k + ship mint condition.

**ack** · March 23, 2018, 10:26 AM

Read Valin's review last night - totally agree they need subs. I actually don't like the M3s so far, and at the core of it is the lack of low-end heft ... and Valin has a small room.

**Tony007** · March 23, 2018, 12:53 PM

Originally Posted by Mike

I still have a pair of M Pro’s I’m selling for a client. $65k + ship mint condition.

That’s a really great price!

**brodricj** · March 23, 2018, 10:03 PM

Originally Posted by VT Skier

Last ones I saw, with MPods, listed at $55, and went quickly.

There is a pair in <not saying publicly> for $46,800 USD on MPOD. It was the pair I was going to buy, but ordered new instead.

**JimmyS** · March 24, 2018, 08:30 AM

Originally Posted by Mike

I still have a pair of M Pro’s I’m selling for a client. $65k + ship mint condition.

I wish I had a larger room to allow for them. Don’t think the wife would be too thrilled with moving to let me have bigger speakers

.

**Penthouse-D** · March 24, 2018, 03:22 PM

I think you've made a fine choice. Enjoy...

**Iansr** · March 25, 2018, 12:10 PM

Is the new TAS review available online?

**brodricj** · March 25, 2018, 06:53 PM

You can read a copy of it on the absolutehiend website.

**wgerman** · March 28, 2018, 05:01 PM

http://absolutehiend.com/media/wysiwyg/pdf/TASM3.pdf

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