Best amp for Magico S5's?

**kiwi_1282001** · October 28, 2013, 07:55 PM

Originally Posted by Mike

You might be right.....I'm getting that feeling. What would you suggest?

Mike, I earlier recommended the VAC Phi 200.1 in mono mode. I've auditioned the S5's with Phi 300.1 as well and thought it worked. Liked it better than Soulution. I see you have the Sigma 160i listed as a candidate. By all means give it a try but I doubt it has enough drive to do the S5 justice. I've just seen test data from HiFi news that suggests that the S5 dips to 2.5ohms at 62Hz.

Regards
Ralph

**Mike** · October 28, 2013, 07:58 PM

Thank you. You don't have to twist my arm for VAC!

**socfan12** · October 28, 2013, 08:15 PM

Mike,

I haven't heard the VAC (but it should be good), but your avatar and/or Vitus could be real winners on the S5!

**Mike** · October 28, 2013, 08:18 PM

Originally Posted by socfan12

Mike,

I haven't heard the VAC (but it should be good), but your avatar and/or Vitus could be real winners on the S5!

I know!

**socfan12** · October 28, 2013, 08:34 PM

But also agree with Norman. I'm enjoying the Job so much, a full fledged Goldmund would be pretty sweet, too!

**Penthouse-D** · October 29, 2013, 08:27 AM

I'll keep you posted on the Vitus. My RD-100 and RS-100 came in. If the S5's ever show up I'll let you know....lol

**Mike** · October 29, 2013, 09:09 AM

Originally Posted by socfan12

But also agree with Norman. I'm enjoying the Job so much, a full fledged Goldmund would be pretty sweet, too!

Talk about the ultimate teaser amp!

**Mike** · November 23, 2013, 10:35 AM

OK, I need some help. I've narrowed it down to a few options for the amp for the Magico S5's in the family room.

1. Accuphase E-460 integrated with Phonocard and built-in DAC
2. Accuphase 6100 w/CP800
3. Devialet 500
4. D'Agostino Stereo w/CP800

Mike

**dlb2** · November 23, 2013, 10:47 AM

Originally Posted by Mike

OK, I need some help. I've narrowed it down to a few options for the amp for the Magico S5's in the family room.

1. Accuphase E-460 integrated with Phonocard and built-in DAC
2. Accuphase 6100 w/CP800
3. Devialet 500
4. D'Agostino Stereo w/CP800

Mike

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!

**Mike** · November 23, 2013, 10:53 AM

Doug - that's why I listed it first!

It does make the most sense and it sure is pretty! But the Devialet does sound outstanding when you use it for its intended purpose (Phono or direct Digital input - and not A-D-A).

**Glareskin** · November 23, 2013, 11:00 AM

Originally Posted by Mike

OK, I need some help. I've narrowed it down to a few options for the amp for the Magico S5's in the family room.

1. Accuphase E-460 integrated with Phonocard and built-in DAC
2. Accuphase 6100 w/CP800
3. Devialet 500
4. D'Agostino Stereo w/CP800

Mike

I would go for the 460 as well. Far more controlling power over the speakers than the 560. So the class-A is out?

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

The DAC and the Phono option...

Your house will be filled with some very sweet sounds.

**Mike** · November 23, 2013, 11:03 AM

Originally Posted by Glareskin

I would go for the 460 as well. Far more controlling power over the speakers than the 560. So the class-A is out?

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

The DAC and the Phono option...

Your house will be filled with some very sweet sounds.

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.

**Glareskin** · November 23, 2013, 11:14 AM

Originally Posted by Mike

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.

**Petro85** · November 23, 2013, 11:30 AM

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!!!

**socfan12** · November 23, 2013, 11:40 AM

Originally Posted by dlb2

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!

Mike, E-460 now, then replace with Dag integrated when that comes out!

**Dpod4** · November 23, 2013, 01:14 PM

Originally Posted by Mike

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

**Mikado463** · November 23, 2013, 06:24 PM

Spectral………..because that's what my local dealer (Overture) pairs up with them.

**LL21** · November 23, 2013, 06:35 PM

Originally Posted by Dpod4

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.

**Dpod4** · November 23, 2013, 06:37 PM

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.

**joeinid** · November 23, 2013, 06:42 PM

I'd like to hear that combo. I bet it is really good.

Originally Posted by Mikado463

Spectral………..because that's what my local dealer (Overture) pairs up with them.

**Penthouse-D** · November 24, 2013, 10:48 AM

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.

**MDP** · November 24, 2013, 01:22 PM

Originally Posted by Glareskin

I would go for the 460 as well. Far more controlling power over the speakers than the 560. So the class-A is out?

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

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 !!

**LL21** · November 24, 2013, 04:06 PM

Originally Posted by Dpod4

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.

**the professor** · November 24, 2013, 07:45 PM

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.

**Dpod4** · November 24, 2013, 09:38 PM

Open invitation to come to Portland and hear my S5s driven by Constellation. Da bomb.

**Mike** · November 24, 2013, 10:00 PM

Originally Posted by the professor

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.

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.

**the professor** · November 25, 2013, 12:17 AM

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?

**Penthouse-D** · December 7, 2013, 01:33 PM

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.

**Design Audio Video** · December 7, 2013, 01:53 PM

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.

**MDP** · December 7, 2013, 04:14 PM

Originally Posted by Penthouse-D

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 !!

**Dpod4** · December 7, 2013, 05:10 PM

Originally Posted by Penthouse-D

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.

**Penthouse-D** · December 7, 2013, 09:38 PM

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…...

**the professor** · December 7, 2013, 09:53 PM

Just reading your post gave me a big smile.

Congrats.

**Mike** · December 7, 2013, 11:04 PM

Reading up on this baby...

Review:

http://www.tonepublications.com/revi...ted-amplifier/

**joeinid** · December 8, 2013, 12:13 AM

**Penthouse-D** · December 8, 2013, 09:04 AM

Mike, As I've mentioned to you, I've heard that Rogers amp. It's FANTASTIC! I heard it right next to a pair of ARC 250s at Stereo Exchange NYC. It blew the ARC pair away. For me, it was the perfect combination of tube sweetness,holographic imaging and SS bottom end. Made beautifully. You also have to respect a company that will give you a lifetime warranty.

**Mike** · December 8, 2013, 10:38 AM

It certainly looks interesting. I'm going to try my Dag amps, VAC 200's, the Accuphase E-560 and Brent from VAC is going to bring over a VAC i160 for me to try too. That being said, the Vitus SIA-025 is at the top of my list.

**MDP** · December 9, 2013, 12:03 PM

I plan on listening to the EAR 890 with the S5's at David's house soon

**joeinid** · December 9, 2013, 12:25 PM

I wonder if the Vitus SIA-025 would be a great match for the Magico S3? I know Vitus and S5's get great reviews. Hmmmm.

**Dafos** · December 10, 2013, 06:44 AM

Hegel H30. Unbelievable synergy with the q3, I assume the same with the S5.

**Mike** · December 10, 2013, 09:47 AM

Hegel is wonderful gear for the money, but uber neutral sounding. It has been my experience with the S series that they do best with tubes or Class A type amps. Constellation is also a favorite of many because it does seem to balance out the S5's nicely.

On my short list is:

Vitus SIA-025
Accuphase A-65
Aesthetix Atlas Stereo Sig
Accuphase e-600
Pass XA.8 series
VAC 300.1a stereo amp
VAC 200 stereo amp
Mc 275 mk6, C50

**Dafos** · December 10, 2013, 10:38 AM

From very recent experience with the q3 driven by the ref 250, the later simply could not control and bring out the best in the q3 like the H 30 did with ease. In fact, and shockingly at that, the H 30 sounded more tube like than the 250, fuller in the midrange and presenting denser images within a deeper and wider soundstage. A true revelation for a long time Audio Research customer. And that with the Ref Anniversary driving the amps. I'm not concluding that Hegel amps are better than ARC's but for the tricky Magico designs, this is surely the case, at least in my experience.

**Mike** · December 10, 2013, 10:45 AM

Originally Posted by Dafos

From very recent experience with the q3 driven by the ref 250, the later simply could not control and bring out the best in the q3 like the H 30 did with ease. In fact, and shockingly at that, the H 30 sounded more tube like than the 250, fuller in the midrange and presenting denser images within a deeper and wider soundstage. A true revelation for a long time Audio Research customer. And that with the Ref Anniversary driving the amps. I'm not concluding that Hegel amps are better than ARC's but for the tricky Magico designs, this is surely the case, at least in my experience.

Very interesting. I'm not surprised that ARC and Magico wasn't a good match. Too much of a good thing perhaps? I've actually never seen them paired together. I do love ARC gear with Sonus Faber and Revel though. And I would DEFINITELY agree that the Q series is more of a challenge to pair and get right than a lot of speakers - especially to the S series, which to me, sounded great with everything I could throw at them: ARC, Mc, Sim, Spectral, Vitus, etc. The Hegel gear represents an excellent, no nonsense value in high end.

**Dafos** · December 10, 2013, 11:40 AM

If you mean by too much of a good thing like too much detail, that definitely wasn't the case with the ARC - Magico pairing. It's what was MISSING with the ARC - Q3 combo that astounded me when the H 30 was substituted. I could not believe my ears and after more than a week, it's impossible to listen to the Q3 with the 250's. Believe me I wanted the ARC to win this battle since I've owned it for close to two years and a whole lot of ARC gear in the past. But if I want to stick to the Q3, which after hearing its real potential after the H 30 pairing, there's no turning back to tube amps. What scares me is the thought of the d'agostino mono blocs driving the Q3 which is an option available to me. But not its price tag....

**Mike** · December 10, 2013, 11:48 AM

Originally Posted by Dafos

If you mean by too much of a good thing like too much detail, that definitely wasn't the case with the ARC - Magico pairing. It's what was MISSING with the ARC - Q3 combo that astounded me when the H 30 was substituted. I could not believe my ears and after more than a week, it's impossible to listen to the Q3 with the 250's. Believe me I wanted the ARC to win this battle since I've owned it for close to two years and a whole lot of ARC gear in the past. But if I want to stick to the Q3, which after hearing its real potential after the H 30 pairing, there's no turning back to tube amps. What scares me is the thought of the d'agostino mono blocs driving the Q3 which is an option available to me. But not its price tag....

The D'Agostino Stereo is a great value. Going from the stereo to the mono, you gain approximately 2db. That being said, I have compared the monos (which I own) to the stereo (which I demoed in my home) and the monos do a lot more. To me, the monos are quieter, more dynamic, they seem to go lower, have better bass control and soundstage width and depth is better.

Have you looked at Vitus? Vitus/Magico has always been a great pairing in my experience. Vitus Class A amps specifically.

For tubes, VAC/Magico is something else to look at. A pair of phi200's perhaps?

**Dpod4** · December 10, 2013, 12:15 PM

Originally Posted by Dafos

Hegel H30. Unbelievable synergy with the q3, I assume the same with the S5.

Agree. I listened to an H30 with my S5s. Incredible.

**Dpod4** · December 10, 2013, 12:17 PM

Originally Posted by Dafos

From very recent experience with the q3 driven by the ref 250, the later simply could not control and bring out the best in the q3 like the H 30 did with ease. In fact, and shockingly at that, the H 30 sounded more tube like than the 250, fuller in the midrange and presenting denser images within a deeper and wider soundstage. A true revelation for a long time Audio Research customer. And that with the Ref Anniversary driving the amps. I'm not concluding that Hegel amps are better than ARC's but for the tricky Magico designs, this is surely the case, at least in my experience.

Agreed - the H30 sounded more rich and tubey with my S5s than my VAC 450S

**joeinid** · December 10, 2013, 12:25 PM

Originally Posted by Dpod4

Agree. I listened to an H30 with my S5s. Incredible.

Darrin,

The Hegel looks great. I've been looking at them.

**Dafos** · December 10, 2013, 02:15 PM

Originally Posted by Dpod4

Agreed - the H30 sounded more rich and tubey with my S5s than my VAC 450S

That really is a strong statement. While the ref 250's are great tube amps, people whose ears I trust tell me that the Vac amps have more of the classic tube sound tha the somewhat neutral 250. But for the H 30 to sound more rich and tubey than the 450's.....The local dealer, who was recently visited by a Hegel rep, claims that the S5 is the current speaker used by Hegel to vice their products. Otoh, magico allegedly ordered a pair of H 30's. This is strictly hearsay but if true, the apparent Magico-Hegel synergistic magic is no accident.

**Mike** · December 10, 2013, 02:41 PM

Darrin - I'm not surprised. We heard the VAC 450's at RMAF and it was a let down. But it might have been the Tannoy's. Not sure. Tube rolling is a must. The stock tubes produce a very neutral (and thin) sound to my ears. I understand the predicament that tube amp manufacturers are in. They certainly can't stock NOS tubes in their amps due to a whole variety of reasons, so they are "stuck" with new tube availability - but that doesn't mean we are!

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