Welcome to the AudioShark Forums.
Results 1 to 22 of 22
  1. #1
    Junior Member
    Join Date
    Jan 2022
    Location
    WA state
    Posts
    5

    Magico A3 vs S5 mk1

    Hi - I'm trying to decide between a new A3 and a used pair of S5 mk1's. Either will be replacing a Dynaudio Focus 380 driven by Roger's Fidelity EHF200 mk2 tube integrated. I like the Dyn's but am looking for more bass presence, depth and control, and a less glassy (i.e., smooth, less fatiguing) treble. Price is roughly the same for the 2 speakers. I have heard a number of Magico's (A5, S5 mk2, M5, M-project) and really like the sound, but have not heard either of the two specific speakers I'm looking at.....just trying to extrapolate about best choice. FYI, my room is 19x17'. Need some clues to help decide. (Wish I could afford more, but these are already at the top end of my budget).

  2. #2
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Jul 2013
    Location
    Florida
    Posts
    3,828

    Re: Magico A3 vs S5 mk1

    Welcome to AS BA!
    _______________

    Mike

    Amplification: MBL 6010D, MBL 9008A Monos
    Analog: Kuzma R, Kuzma 4Point (11”), MSL Ultra Eminent EX
    Phono Pre: Pass XP-27
    Digital: Esoteric N01XD Esoteric K05
    Speakers: MBL 101E MKII
    Subwoofers: REL Carbon Specials
    Conditioner: Shunyata Triton 3
    Power Cables: Shunyata Sigma 1 & 2, Alpha 2, Delta and Venom
    ICs and SCs: Wireworld Platinum 8
    Rack: Artesania Exoteryc

  3. #3
    Junior Member
    Join Date
    Jan 2022
    Location
    WA state
    Posts
    5

    Re: Magico A3 vs S5 mk1

    Quote Originally Posted by Ritmo View Post
    Welcome to AS BA!
    Thanks. Any help with my question?

  4. #4
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    May 2013
    Location
    Silicon Valley
    Posts
    2,838

    Re: Magico A3 vs S5 mk1

    I currently have the S5 MK 2 speakers, but this is what I posted in 2014 on another forum about the S5 MK 1 speakers.

    "Magico S5, most likely the last speaker I will ever buy. These things are phenomenal. They are so accurate, whether playing low with a string quartet, or blasting at an obscene level with rock, they sound great. I am just amazed at how effortlessly they play loud. Tonight they will help me evaluate the new remastered Led Zeppelin 96/24 downloads."
    Bud

    Lumin X1 file player, Westminster Labs interconnect cable
    Sony XA-5400ES SACD
    Pass XP-22 pre, X600.5 amps
    Magico S5 MKII Mcast Rose speakers, SPOD spikes

    Shunyata Triton v3/Typhon QR for source, Denali 2000 (2) for amps
    Shunyata Sigma XLR analog ICs, Sigma speaker cables
    Shunyata Sigma HC (2), Sigma Analog, Sigma Digital, Z Anaconda (3) power cables

    Mapleshade Samson four shelf maple rack, Micropoint brass footers
    Three 20 amp circuits.

  5. #5
    Junior Member
    Join Date
    Jan 2022
    Location
    WA state
    Posts
    5

    Re: Magico A3 vs S5 mk1

    Quote Originally Posted by BlueFox View Post
    I currently have the S5 MK 2 speakers, but this is what I posted in 2014 on another forum about the S5 MK 1 speakers.

    "Magico S5, most likely the last speaker I will ever buy. These things are phenomenal. They are so accurate, whether playing low with a string quartet, or blasting at an obscene level with rock, they sound great. I am just amazed at how effortlessly they play loud. Tonight they will help me evaluate the new remastered Led Zeppelin 96/24 downloads."
    Thanks for the response. I’m strongly leaning in that direction. Would still love to hear from somebody that has listened to both A3 and S5 v1.

  6. #6
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Apr 2017
    Location
    Central FL
    Posts
    791

    Re: Magico A3 vs S5 mk1

    Welcome!
    Main System - Lumin U2, Modwright LS36.5 DM Preamp, VTV Purifi 1ET-7040SA with tube buffer, EMM Labs DAC 2X (ver. 2), Torus RM-20, Thiel CS 3.7s, 2 Rel S/812 subs
    Back-up 1 - Premium Audio mini Gan Amp, Oppo 103D, 2 Richard Gray cond, Selah SA-2s, Sumiko S5 sub, Teac UD-503 DAC, Carver (modded) C-9
    Back-up 2 - Onkyo TX-NR797, Panasonic DP-UB820, Vansevers cond, B&W P6s, PowerSoundAudio S1500 sub

  7. #7
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Jul 2013
    Location
    Florida
    Posts
    3,828

    Re: Magico A3 vs S5 mk1

    I don’t own nor have ever owned Magico. I have listened to all of their models except the M9s and their large horn speaker.

    I would throw in to the mix the A5 which is quite good and would work very well in your room size. Of the two you mention, I would prefer the S5.
    _______________

    Mike

    Amplification: MBL 6010D, MBL 9008A Monos
    Analog: Kuzma R, Kuzma 4Point (11”), MSL Ultra Eminent EX
    Phono Pre: Pass XP-27
    Digital: Esoteric N01XD Esoteric K05
    Speakers: MBL 101E MKII
    Subwoofers: REL Carbon Specials
    Conditioner: Shunyata Triton 3
    Power Cables: Shunyata Sigma 1 & 2, Alpha 2, Delta and Venom
    ICs and SCs: Wireworld Platinum 8
    Rack: Artesania Exoteryc

  8. #8

    Re: Magico A3 vs S5 mk1

    Quote Originally Posted by BhamAudionaut View Post
    Hi - I'm trying to decide between a new A3 and a used pair of S5 mk1's. Either will be replacing a Dynaudio Focus 380 driven by Roger's Fidelity EHF200 mk2 tube integrated. I like the Dyn's but am looking for more bass presence, depth and control, and a less glassy (i.e., smooth, less fatiguing) treble. Price is roughly the same for the 2 speakers. I have heard a number of Magico's (A5, S5 mk2, M5, M-project) and really like the sound, but have not heard either of the two specific speakers I'm looking at.....just trying to extrapolate about best choice. FYI, my room is 19x17'. Need some clues to help decide. (Wish I could afford more, but these are already at the top end of my budget).
    Magico S series mk1 are a steal at their current price. From A series, apart from A5, I’d pick S3 mk1, S5 mk1 over any other A series speakers.

  9. #9
    Junior Member
    Join Date
    Jan 2022
    Location
    WA state
    Posts
    5

    Re: Magico A3 vs S5 mk1

    Quote Originally Posted by Ritmo View Post
    I don’t own nor have ever owned Magico. I have listened to all of their models except the M9s and their large horn speaker.

    I would throw in to the mix the A5 which is quite good and would work very well in your room size. Of the two you mention, I would prefer the S5.
    I heard the A5 and agree with you. Unfortunately, they are not in my price range. I am concluding that the S5 is a better bet for me.

  10. #10
    Junior Member
    Join Date
    Jan 2022
    Location
    WA state
    Posts
    5

    Re: Magico A3 vs S5 mk1

    Agree with your comments. Am going that direction.

  11. #11
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Jan 2015
    Location
    Bluffton, SC, USA
    Posts
    190

    Re: Magico A3 vs S5 mk1

    I have owned the S5 MK1 and found them very fatiguing and a lot of sibilants on female vocals and violin.
    Many have said the MK2 corrected much of that. I would find a pair to listen to or wait for a better option!
    Jeff










    Main System-Mola Mola Tambaqui-Antipodes K50-WW Plat 8 ic-Esoteric Grandioso S1 Esoteric C-02x Verity Amadis S-Shunyata Triton V3-Shunyata Typhon QRT
    Shunyata AlphaNR V2 for Tambaqui-Elrod Statement Gold for S1, Elrod gold SCs Shunyata Sigma for Triton. Tubulus Concentus I2S.
    Second System: URC streamer-Wadia 151 Power Dac, MIT Speaker Cables, Wilson Audio Watts and REL sub.
    Third System: Denon AVR, URC Controller and network streamer, Netstreams Musica multi room-True Audio ceiling speakers

  12. #12

    Re: Magico A3 vs S5 mk1

    Quote Originally Posted by JGlacken View Post
    I have owned the S5 MK1 and found them very fatiguing and a lot of sibilants on female vocals and violin.
    Many have said the MK2 corrected much of that. I would find a pair to listen to or wait for a better option!
    Quote Originally Posted by JGlacken View Post
    I have owned the S5 MK1 and found them very fatiguing and a lot of sibilants on female vocals and violin.
    Many have said the MK2 corrected much of that. I would find a pair to listen to or wait for a better option!
    I have owned S3 for 5 years, which basically has the same tweeter as S5. Apart from when pairing with less than stellar electronics, S3 is NOT fatiguing at all.

  13. #13

    Re: Magico A3 vs S5 mk1

    i have to agree with Jeff - owned the S1 mark 1 and cudnt get rid of them fast enough. They were very bright and very hot in the top end. When series 2 came out i auditioned them and loved the new tweeter so much i have all S series mark 2 in my HT set up .... centre and fronts and sub

    as far as i know the A series uses the old tweeter from the mark 1 S Series..... if that is correct then both speakers with have a similar level of treble fatigue

    also, if u like the M Project and Mark 2 series of the S class, be careful with the Mark 1 .... When i auditioned the M Project i was in awe at how the tweeter disappeared - it was truly fantastic ..... almost like no tweeter existed, but clearly treble notes were playing. You won't get that experience from the Mark 1 S Series

  14. #14
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Jan 2015
    Location
    Bluffton, SC, USA
    Posts
    190

    Re: Magico A3 vs S5 mk1

    If you want a great example of a be tweeter implementation, you should look at the Kharma DB9s. I heard them and the DB11s at Suncoast and they are fantastic. You can listen to them 24/7 without fatigue!
    Jeff










    Main System-Mola Mola Tambaqui-Antipodes K50-WW Plat 8 ic-Esoteric Grandioso S1 Esoteric C-02x Verity Amadis S-Shunyata Triton V3-Shunyata Typhon QRT
    Shunyata AlphaNR V2 for Tambaqui-Elrod Statement Gold for S1, Elrod gold SCs Shunyata Sigma for Triton. Tubulus Concentus I2S.
    Second System: URC streamer-Wadia 151 Power Dac, MIT Speaker Cables, Wilson Audio Watts and REL sub.
    Third System: Denon AVR, URC Controller and network streamer, Netstreams Musica multi room-True Audio ceiling speakers

  15. #15

    Magico A3 vs S5 mk1

    Quote Originally Posted by pweg View Post
    i have to agree with Jeff - owned the S1 mark 1 and cudnt get rid of them fast enough. They were very bright and very hot in the top end. When series 2 came out i auditioned them and loved the new tweeter so much i have all S series mark 2 in my HT set up .... centre and fronts and sub

    as far as i know the A series uses the old tweeter from the mark 1 S Series..... if that is correct then both speakers with have a similar level of treble fatigue

    also, if u like the M Project and Mark 2 series of the S class, be careful with the Mark 1 .... When i auditioned the M Project i was in awe at how the tweeter disappeared - it was truly fantastic ..... almost like no tweeter existed, but clearly treble notes were playing. You won't get that experience from the Mark 1 S Series
    You only heard S1 mk1, correct? Then, assumed all mk1 series is fatiguing?

    Plus you also claim A series has similar tweeter as S series mk1 tweeter (non diamond coated), which I don’t disagree. By your ambitious extrapolation, entire A series including A5 is also fatiguing. It’ll be interesting to hear from A series owners as there are quite many of them. It’s harder to find S series mk1 owners.

  16. #16
    Member
    Join Date
    May 2021
    Location
    Montreal
    Posts
    41

    Re: Magico A3 vs S5 mk1

    The A series tweeters are not the same as those in the S series. They are 28mm Be dome (vs. 26mm in the S), similar to the ones used in the M series, but without the diamond coating and a different motor system. I own the A5. The tweeter is superb (the best I had in my room).

  17. #17

    Re: Magico A3 vs S5 mk1

    Most metal tweeters will sound fatiguing if supporting bass driver is lacking, amplifier power isn’t enough or signal isn’t clean “enough” (either from amp or source or both). Many people blame the speakers without giving them good enough supporting cast.

    Mk2 diamond coated tweeter is smoother and may require less stringent supporting cast to sound good, but that is not necessarily mean non diamond coated mk1 tweeter is fatiguing, especially if you have done careful system matching as I have such as Everest, MIT SC, AQ Hurricane PC loom, Diablo amp, Esoteric N-05XD previously MSB Discrete, Gigafoil, EtherREGEN, Omega Ethernet, Furutech receptacle, etc.

    S3 mk1 is the oldest component in my system and even to this day it surprises me whenever an upgrade is introduced in other parts of the system.

    As the saying goes, your system is only as good as the weakest link.

  18. #18
    Member
    Join Date
    May 2021
    Location
    Montreal
    Posts
    41

    Re: Magico A3 vs S5 mk1

    Actually, I found the silk dome on my older speakers more fatiguing, especially at high SPL, than the A5 Be tweeter.

  19. #19
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Oct 2013
    Location
    Sacramento
    Posts
    1,114

    Re: Magico A3 vs S5 mk1

    Quote Originally Posted by Henry303 View Post
    Actually, I found the silk dome on my older speakers more fatiguing, especially at high SPL, than the A5 Be tweeter.
    Everybody is focusing solely on the tweeter and tweeter material. The same tweeter can sound very different with different crossover components and wire in front of it.
    Contributor to stereotimes.com

  20. #20
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Apr 2017
    Location
    Australia
    Posts
    1,733

    Re: Magico A3 vs S5 mk1

    S5Mk1 over A3. You will eventually sell the S5Mk1 after a few years for about what you paid for it. That won't happen with new A3. Keep your eyes out for Q3, used ones come up from time to time. If they were all about the same price point I would choose used Q3 first, used S5Mk1 second, new A3 last.
    Speakers: Magico M3, ACC, S-SUB | Electronics: Esoteric Grandioso stack | Amplification: Halcro |
    Analog cables: Crystal Cable | Digital cables: Shunyata Sigma | Rack: YG Acoustics Rack 1.8
    | Source: Kaleidescape Premiere (4 x 6TB) | Power: Shunyata Typhon-QR, Everest and Denali

  21. #21
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Oct 2018
    Location
    Boston, MA USA
    Posts
    311

    Re: Magico A3 vs S5 mk1

    Your room is pretty big and that points to advantages that the S5's will bring.

    We lived with A3's in our townhome for about 3 years; a smallish living room and we LOVED them. We recently moved into a much bigger home with a big 'great room' about the size of your room, and the A3's weren't quite enough.

    I had my local dealer bring over his S5MkII demos that he was selling off (for obvious reasons) and we kept them. A huge difference over the A3's in their ability to fill the room with music. And that doesn't mean that they must be listened to loud; they are sublime at low volume.
    Sources: Naim ND555/555PS | Roon Nucleus | Naim Soltstice Special Edition turntable and phono stage
    Amplification: Naim 552/500DR
    Interconnects: Ansuz/Chord Music/Naim SuperLumina
    AC Power: Ansuz C2
    Speakers: Magico S5MkII

  22. #22
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    May 2013
    Location
    Poland
    Posts
    1,760

    Re: Magico A3 vs S5 mk1

    Quote Originally Posted by kzhtoo View Post
    Magico S series mk1 are a steal at their current price. From A series, apart from A5, I’d pick S3 mk1, S5 mk1 over any other A series speakers.
    Having heard most of Magico models and having owned S5 mk 1, S5 mk 2 and M3, I fully agree with the above statement.
    Adam

    Speakers: Magico M3
    Amp: Dagostino Momentum Stereo
    Digital: Lampi Horizon + Lampi DSD Komputer

AudioShark - The Best High End Audio Discussion forum.

AudioShark forum is a leading forum site for High End Audio Discussion, Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater System Discussion, Best Home Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater Installation Discussion etc.

The AudioShark forum was created for sharing the passion of high-end Audio. We have Audiophiles from all over the world participating and sharing their knowledge. From novice to experts, you will find a friendly environment for discussing about High End Audio, Stereo System, Home Theater System, Home Stereo System, Home Theater Installation, Amplifiers, Speakers, Subwoofers, Integrated System, Acoustic treatments & Digital Room Corrections and many more.

At AudioShark, we also have incorporated an exciting Marketplace where members can peruse terrific buys on used gear, as well as meet dealers and discuss the purchase of new gear.

We are as crazy about this hobby as you are! So come on in and join us! Audioshark.org the Friendliest Audio Forum!

Industry Participation Disclosure : The owner and administrator of Audioshark is the owner of Suncoast Audio LLC in Sarasota Florida. Suncoast Audio has a full brick and mortar presence in Sarasota with several great show rooms with many world class brands. More information can be found at http://www.suncoastaudio.com

Audioshark is a community of like minded individuals. Audioshark welcomes participation from all manufacturers and owners of all brands and products. It is our belief that online forums provide a community of like minded audiophiles and music lovers to encourage the growth of this wonderful hobby.

Sincerely,
The Audioshark.org Team

Magico A3 vs S5 mk1

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •