The World's Best Audio System

**Mike** · June 2, 2016, 03:37 PM

http://soundstageultra.com/index.php...ack-not-really

Hard to argue with Soulution and Magico!

**Jim Smith** · June 2, 2016, 06:48 PM

Originally Posted by Mike

http://soundstageultra.com/index.php...ack-not-really

Hard to argue with Soulution and Magico!

Actually it depends on what your comparison may be - for instance incredible sounds vs musical involvement - IMO, of course...

**still-one** · June 2, 2016, 07:12 PM

Originally Posted by Jim Smith

Actually it depends on what your comparison may be - for instance incredible sounds vs musical involvement - IMO, of course...

Musical involvement can be derived from systems costing less than $100 to +$500,000.

**Bruce** · June 2, 2016, 07:28 PM

Originally Posted by Jim Smith

Actually it depends on what your comparison may be - for instance incredible sounds vs musical involvement - IMO, of course...

Nice tongue in Cheek comment from Jim there!

Magicos--seriously?

Bruce

**Mike** · June 2, 2016, 07:29 PM

I would say MBL 101 Xtremes have to be there for "world's best" consideration.

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**still-one** · June 2, 2016, 07:30 PM

Originally Posted by Mike

I would say MBL 101 Xtremes have to be there for "world's best" consideration.

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Amen!!!

**Mike** · June 2, 2016, 07:42 PM

I would DEFINITELY put the M Pro's in a top list too. Focal Grande Utopia as well. Avantgarde Trio's. I've heard the big Wilson's with the big subs sound great too (RMAF 2014???). The big Kharma speakers. Tidal. Raidho D5's.

But still gotta say "MBL 101 Xtremes". A speaker like no other. Just gotta have the room, budget, amps, etc! Minor details.

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**MikeCh** · June 2, 2016, 08:08 PM

Originally Posted by Mike

I would say MBL 101 Xtremes have to be there for "world's best" consideration.

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Yummmm! Driven with some top notch Class D no less! <ducks>

(j/k)

**a.wayne** · June 2, 2016, 08:08 PM

What about Genesis and Soundlabs .. No love ...

**MikeCh** · June 2, 2016, 08:10 PM

Originally Posted by a.wayne

What about Genesis

Love this idea....the 1.2's in the right room have to be out of this world.

**Mike** · June 2, 2016, 08:16 PM

Originally Posted by a.wayne

What about Genesis and Soundlabs .. No love ...

Sure! But are they world class today? Maybe...maybe not.

**a.wayne** · June 2, 2016, 09:47 PM

Many still consider the Genesis gen1 as world class , it and it's Infinity version before was always considered Masterclass.

I do recall Bonzo75 mentioning he has heard them recently, hopefully he will Chime in..

**ozarktom** · June 2, 2016, 10:56 PM

Anybody here heard the Duntech Sovereigns in a large room? Much better than the Geniesis or Infinitys.

**ozarktom** · June 2, 2016, 10:59 PM

The Duntech Sovereigns was better than the Genesis and Infinitys.

**metaphacts** · June 3, 2016, 12:16 AM

Originally Posted by Jim Smith

Actually it depends on what your comparison may be - for instance incredible sounds vs musical involvement - IMO, of course...

Well said my friend.

mauidan · June 3, 2016, 12:31 AM

We'll just have to wait for new WA WAMMs.

**CPP** · June 3, 2016, 08:18 AM

I hate these "BEST" topics. It gives me a burr in my, you know. Best compared to what. Best at what price, best with who's ears, best within what room, best at what age, best with what music, etc etc etc. Now for my coffee.

**Mike** · June 3, 2016, 09:04 AM

Chris - the MBL 101 Xtremes to me, are the best I've heard. Why? People lose their freaking minds, like heroin addicts, banging their heads, air drumming, singing at the top of their lungs and just simply transformed to another place and time. NEVER saw anything close to that with any other speaker. They are so real, they totally mess with your mind - but in a great way!

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**CPP** · June 3, 2016, 09:35 AM

Originally Posted by Mike

Chris - the MBL 101 Xtremes to me, are the best I've heard. Why? People lose their freaking minds, like heroin addicts, banging their heads, air drumming, singing at the top of their lungs and just simply transformed to another place and time. NEVER saw anything close to that with any other speaker. They are so real, they totally mess with your mind - but in a great way!

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True I heard the MBL 101 at RMAF 2013, other-worldy. Maybe if I win the lottery

**sev1** · June 4, 2016, 12:25 AM

He actually made a great point about pricing in that article.

The MBLs are amazing. Also really like Magico as well.

**a.wayne** · June 4, 2016, 12:54 AM

Originally Posted by ozarktom

Anybody here heard the Duntech Sovereigns in a large room? Much better than the Geniesis or Infinitys.

Yes I have and no , sorry ! While a very good speaker at the time , the Duntechs were not in the same league ..

**bonzo** · June 4, 2016, 07:35 PM

Originally Posted by a.wayne

Many still consider the Genesis gen1 as world class , it and it's Infinity version before was always considered Masterclass.

I do recall Bonzo75 mentioning he has heard them recently, hopefully he will Chime in..

Hi no, Ron heard them at Audiocrack's. I am still scheduled to go there when his 4 quality TTs are in operation (Da Vinci Gabriel, Blue Pearl JEM, Forsell Reference, and one more I cannot recall). My top pic is Apogee Grands, modded, followed by Western Electrics (Apogee Grands firing down the room and WE 16A on the long wall with a 6w 300b amp). Next up, Trio with bass horns.

**still-one** · June 5, 2016, 03:52 PM

Originally Posted by Don

"Hard to argue with Soulution and Magico"

It is very easy to argue with Solution and Magico IMO! I have heard them at shows and dealers, and been unimpressed. If this super expensive equipment can not be set up in a Hotel room or at a dealer, and sound, at least, very good, at worst case, how good is it really?

I do not buy the excuses of poor power, acoustics, high ambient noise, not enough time to tune in, etc.

I come home, listen, and know I get much better sound, and musical engagement than 95% of these megabuck systems. This stuff is an insult to reasonable, intelligent, audiophiles that are not super rich! Rich folks are "different", and seldom technically astute IMO.

I hate these "Best of" posts! It comes down to personal taste. There really is NO BEST anyway!

I agree that there is no "best" for everyone.

That said if we were compiling a short list of contenders both Solution and Magico would be included on most peoples lists.

**still-one** · June 5, 2016, 05:07 PM

Originally Posted by Don

"That said if we were compiling a short list of contenders both Solution and Magico would be included on most peoples lists."

Only here, and on Whats best forum IMO.

If you polled "real people" in all the high end stores across the USA, that would not be the case!

If you polled Audio Asylum, Audio Circle, etc. that would not be the case!

Like I said, the rich are different. They have no budgets. They are isolated from real world, and they are almost never scientists or engineers. They go by price and snob appeal only!

Just what makes Solution and Magico so exceptional! I have heard them and am not convinced that they are indeed exceptional IMO, YMMV.

Every time Magico comes up in many forums, they are trashed, over and over again. Romy the cat trashes Solution and Magico. People that have tube amps trash Solution.

You need to visit more sites.

Why would anyone want to spend time on those sites?

Anyone who trashes Soulution or Magico and doesn't feel they aren't world class can continue purchasing their gear at Best Buy.

Besides people who have tube amps shouldn't be allowed to vote. (said with tongue in cheek)

**KeithR** · June 5, 2016, 07:00 PM

I've never heard a convincing Soulution/Magico pairing. Go figure.

**a.wayne** · June 5, 2016, 07:11 PM

@Don,

I think the same can be said for alot of setups and systems, one man's euphoria is another's anathema and i would agree about show conditions , no excuse for bad sound at that level , worst case "good" sound should be deliverable..

Magico is not alone here thou, i have heard many rated systems , regardless of cost not deliver in many situations, only to later have them deliver in competent hands , a dealer should fit this description, then again very few in my experience are really capable of going beyond printing an Invoice ..

Regardless , Condemnation without investigation is prejudice..

**bzr** · June 5, 2016, 07:40 PM

I'm guessing Don is a really happy individual that has a lot of rich friends Hey Don,

**sev1** · June 5, 2016, 09:14 PM

Wasn't that the point of the article? Luxury audio and good sound aren't necessarily the same.

**a.wayne** · June 5, 2016, 09:27 PM

What is luxury Audio?

Pretty insulting to insinuate people buying bad hi fi just for status, ( I'm sure a few do ) i can see buying out of ignorance , but since poor or rich listen for enjoyment , i doubt the rich audiophile is buying, if it sounds like snop doo doo just for status ..

Personally , with electronics, never seen SOTA electronics sound like Snop Doo doo , speakers , Yeah ! Well some , as there are plenty interpretation as to what constitutes a good speaker vs amps and pre-amps. Speakers are far more reflective of the designer house sound and interpretation than electronics and we select them the same ...

Regards

**sev1** · June 5, 2016, 09:28 PM

Did you read the article? That's basically what he said.

**tube-vds** · June 6, 2016, 02:03 AM

hearing is part of our senses system - so there is no "best" by definition.

that's like saying "bordeaux" is the best wine. might be true for you - but that's your personal taste.

same with audio. we all have different experiences, physics, expectations and taste about music and audio.

although you might fight over what is good and bad taste - hihi.

**Dragon_vibe** · June 18, 2016, 12:33 PM

IF your Into Horns, The Classic Audio Loudspeaker T1.5 Field Coils are something to consider.

**ozarktom** · June 18, 2016, 02:53 PM

Originally Posted by a.wayne

Yes I have and no , sorry ! While a very good speaker at the time , the Duntechs were not in the same league ..

I had a lot of experience wit.h both, Duntechs was much better

**Dragon_vibe** · June 18, 2016, 04:03 PM

anyone else on here Heard the Classic Audio Loudspeakers with Atma-sphere? Field Coil Drivers? iv never been a fan of horn speaker but after hearing this last year my opinions have changed. It was by far the fastest, more dynamic speaker i have heard. The speed of Electrostatic speakers but with the bass of cone drivers. The transparency and the emotional engagement was something that drew me in. 75 grand retail but they seem to be very unique design.

**wisnon** · June 18, 2016, 05:05 PM

Originally Posted by Mike

I would DEFINITELY put the M Pro's in a top list too. Focal Grande Utopia as well. Avantgarde Trio's. I've heard the big Wilson's with the big subs sound great too (RMAF 2014???). The big Kharma speakers. Tidal. Raidho D5's.

But still gotta say "MBL 101 Xtremes". A speaker like no other. Just gotta have the room, budget, amps, etc! Minor details.

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You should take a trip to NYC and let Bob have you audition a Mk2 Goldmund Apologuesetup...

or take a trip to the NLs and hear Audiocrack's Tidal Lassoluta setup ..driven by Kondo and fed by a GG Dac and Komputer. His cables alone are ridiculous and the Trident grounding as well.

On another note, ever heard Verictum power cables? I just got a tip that they cost the same as a Big7 and B7 guys in the UK are buying them!

**ozarktom** · June 18, 2016, 05:15 PM

Originally Posted by wisnon

You should take a trip to NYC and let Bob have you audition a Mk2 Goldmund Apologuesetup...

or take a trip to the NLs and hear Audiocrack's Tidal Lassoluta setup ..driven by Kondo and fed by a GG Dac and Komputer. His cables alone are ridiculous and the Trident grounding as well.

On another note, ever heard Verictum power cables? I just got a tip that they cost the same as a Big7 and B7 guys in the UK are buying them!

If in NYC Mike, you could also hear the Zellatons in a more idea situation than show conditions.

**Mike** · June 18, 2016, 05:22 PM

Thanks for the tips. My New York/New Jersey trip is coming to an end. Had a great time.

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**CPP** · June 18, 2016, 07:18 PM

Originally Posted by Mike

Thanks for the tips. My New York/New Jersey trip is coming to an end. Had a great time.

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Hope you are liking the weather its raining like crap down here.

**Mike** · June 18, 2016, 10:38 PM

Originally Posted by CPP

Hope you are liking the weather its raining like crap down here.

It's quite nice here. Had a wonderful trip. Heading back tomorrow morning. Hanging with Joe and Bruce was definitely the highlight.

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**Brian Beck** · April 12, 2018, 08:23 PM

Originally Posted by Don

"Hard to argue with Soulution and Magico"

It is very easy to argue with Solution and Magico IMO! I have heard them at shows and dealers, and been unimpressed. If this super expensive equipment can not be set up in a Hotel room or at a dealer, and sound, at least, very good, at worst case, how good is it really?

I do not buy the excuses of poor power, acoustics, high ambient noise, not enough time to tune in, etc.

I come home, listen, and know I get much better sound, and musical engagement than 95% of these megabuck systems. This stuff is an insult to reasonable, intelligent, audiophiles that are not super rich! Rich folks are "different", and seldom technically astute IMO.

I hate these "Best of" posts! It comes down to personal taste. There really is NO BEST anyway!

Right on, Don. I too have tried really hard to get into a system comprised of Magico Q7s driven by massive Soulution amps. I really wanted to BELIEVE. But it was not to be. It was pretty uninvolving, just as you say, despite multiple re-adjustments over several days. Blah. Lacking in "soul" despite the amp's pretentions. I think too many audiophiles fall into the trap of believing that newer and more expensive guarantees better. Like wide-eyed kids imagining how cool it would be to drive a Corvette, imaginations can exceed the reality.

Me? Compared to Magico and Soulution, I hear far, far more musical magic from big Apogee ribbons speakers driven by very large Audio Research tube amps, with vinyl courtesy of Micro Seiki, all of these from the eighties. Sadly, we have NOT made much progress in our attempts at the best of the best in the past few decades. Despite being in what you might consider your "rich" category, I find that I am not able to write a check for anything better in 2018.

**joeinid** · April 12, 2018, 11:29 PM

Welcome to the forum Brian, thank you for joining.

Thread: The World's Best Audio System