Magico A5 2021 Stereophile Loudspeaker and Component of the Year

**Calvin** · November 21, 2021, 09:02 AM

Magico A5 won both the:

Stereophile 2021 Loudspeaker of the Year

Stereophile 2021 Component of the Year

This is the second year in a row that Magico has taken Loudspeaker of the Year. The A5 won by 10 points over its closest contender. Impressive.

As to Component of the Year, Stereophile states, "The most important thing is that it's a very good speaker. But it's also a great product..." The A5 won by 4 points over its closest contender. A solid win!

Congrats to Magico for continuing to develop speakers that let the music play on in excellence.

**Mike** · November 21, 2021, 10:20 AM

No surprise (to me). The A5 continues to knock down the competition and some big players too. The comments regarding points and the other contenders was quite revealing in and of itself. Give the A5’s some solid electronics and they will really sing.

Maybe Magico will make a miniature A5 to commemorate these prestigious awards. Similar to what they did with the S7 for dealers to show the intricate details of the insides. We use the S7 model all the time to show to customers the build of a Magico. It’s sitting right by the front door and is quite a conversation piece.

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**KeithR** · November 21, 2021, 12:36 PM

remember when the Magico fanboys thought there was a Stereophile conspiracy theory? fun times.

what was more interesting to me was that the XVX clearly had push back by a number of reviewers on price - are we (finally) reaching the limits.

**Henry303** · November 21, 2021, 07:17 PM

I don’t know about the conspiracy theory, but I do know that for years there was hardly any Magico coverage in SP, while TAS couldn't stop talking about it.

**Delija** · November 23, 2021, 05:33 AM

Count the number of pages with Magico commercials in SP these days

**Mikado463** · November 23, 2021, 09:19 AM

Originally Posted by Delija

Count the number of pages with Magico commercials in SP these days

LOL, I suspect JGH is rolling over with a laugh or two right now .......

**Henry303** · November 23, 2021, 01:25 PM

Originally Posted by Delija

Count the number of pages with Magico commercials in SP these days

I just did. The number is ONE. Just like many more companies

**Delija** · November 23, 2021, 01:51 PM

Yes, you are right.
But it's on the second page of every issue, so you can't miss it

And A5 is shown on this page almost every time this year.

**Henry303** · November 23, 2021, 01:58 PM

Originally Posted by Delija

Yes, you are right.
But it's on the second page, so I can't miss it

And A5 was shown on that page almost every time this year.

With good reason, you should go and listen to it.

**Delija** · November 23, 2021, 02:21 PM

Of course. I'll grab my first chance. Unfortunately, there is no local dealer.
But, it's not a speaker for me and my room. It's ugly as hell

M3 is something completely different...

**Mikado463** · November 23, 2021, 04:29 PM

I agree with the ugliness but it does produce some beautiful music ! what can I say, looks are subjective, I like red heads !

**a.wayne** · November 23, 2021, 05:05 PM

Looking at that finalist list for loudspeakers in SP makes it pretty obvious why JA ran and hid below his test bench , what a joker smoker list ..!!!

Regards

**Mike** · November 23, 2021, 05:17 PM

Originally Posted by a.wayne

Looking at that finalist list for loudspeakers in SP makes it pretty obvious why JA ran and hid below his test bench , what a joker smoker list ..!!!

Regards

Meaning?

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**kzhtoo** · November 23, 2021, 06:05 PM

Originally Posted by Delija

Of course. I'll grab my first chance. Unfortunately, there is no local dealer.
But, it's not a speaker for me and my room. It's ugly as hell

M3 is something completely different...

“Ugly as hell” compared to this? Really?

**Mikado463** · November 23, 2021, 06:25 PM

Originally Posted by kzhtoo

“Ugly as hell” compared to this? Really?

for sure, again, looks are subjective !

**GSOphile** · November 23, 2021, 07:06 PM

Originally Posted by a.wayne

Looking at that finalist list for loudspeakers in SP makes it pretty obvious why JA ran and hid below his test bench , what a joker smoker list ..!!!

Regards

If I remember correctly, the candidates are limited to what they've reviewed over the last 12 months.

**Henry303** · November 23, 2021, 07:28 PM

Originally Posted by Mikado463

for sure, again, looks are subjective !

If you are into Ikea type beauty

But seriously, the beauty of the A series is in its build quality and simplicity. And then there is the sound, but who cares about that

**a.wayne** · November 23, 2021, 08:28 PM

Originally Posted by Mike

Meaning?

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The list of candidates makes no utter sense Mike it never has, imagine if the Kef won it against the guy running a full page inside front cover ad ..

likely or very unlikely ..?

Then there’s the ferrari priced WA model , bested by an A5 for product of the year, really ..!

Imagine if you will , instead of the big WA it was the mighty M9 losing out to a 25K WA product,

Its crockery at its best ....!!!

Regards

**nc42acc** · November 23, 2021, 08:33 PM

Stereophile is a joke and has been for awhile. Terrible to think someone buying a system based on their Class A ratings, surely that would turn someone off to this hobby and industry. Just my opinion as we all have one.

**a.wayne** · November 23, 2021, 08:36 PM

Actually not ,

if you stick to their bench testing reviews and stay away from the opinionated Stuff, they are very good , not to mention the wealth of info in their data base and Fremers reviews ..!

Still one of , if not the best going ..!!!

Regards

**Henry303** · November 23, 2021, 08:45 PM

Originally Posted by a.wayne

The list of candidates makes no utter sense Mike it never has, imagine if the Kef won it against the guy running a full page inside front cover ad ..

likely or very unlikely ..?

Then there’s the ferrari priced WA model , bested by an A5 for product of the year, really ..!

Imagine if you will , instead of the big WA it was the mighty M9 losing out to a 25K WA product,

Its crockery at its best ....!!!

Regards

Do you actually read SP? KEF has 2 full page ad in just about every issue. Definitely a MUCH bigger dog in the advertising (and audio) world then just about anyone.

**Delija** · November 23, 2021, 08:47 PM

Originally Posted by kzhtoo

“Ugly as hell” compared to this? Really?

I would say they are not even close

**a.wayne** · November 23, 2021, 08:53 PM

Originally Posted by Henry303

Do you actually read SP? KEF has 2 full page ad in just about every issue. Definitely a MUCH bigger dog in the advertising (and audio) world then just about anyone.

I didn't say or implied they spent more or less , i simply asked a question, you should read my post again ..!

Regards

**Henry303** · November 23, 2021, 09:09 PM

Originally Posted by a.wayne

I didn't say or implied they spent more or less , i simply asked a question, you should read my post again ..!

"imagine if the Kef won it against the guy running a full page inside front cover ad .."

Regards

Oh, there was no implication here? So sorry

**kzhtoo** · November 23, 2021, 10:29 PM

Originally Posted by Delija

I would say they are not even close

Yep, not even close.

**BlueFox** · November 23, 2021, 11:48 PM

Aside from the great sound, another reason I love the Magico S series is their appearance. While I am sure the other Magico speakers sound fantastic, for whatever reason, I don’t care for either the M series, or the A series appearance. Plus, I believe the M series doesn’t have a grill. With two cats there is no way I would leave an expensive speaker exposed 24/7. Accidents happen.

**brodricj** · November 24, 2021, 04:04 AM

Originally Posted by Delija

M3 is something completely different...

I liked Q3 a lot, but it was ugly similar to A5 ugly. It's replacement - M3 - is pure audio porn in my book.

**Delija** · November 24, 2021, 07:11 AM

Originally Posted by kzhtoo

Yep, not even close.

Yes. Pure elegancy and art vs plain metal box

Especially with the grilles, which are a must when you have small kids running around.

**Bart001** · November 24, 2021, 09:21 AM

Eye of the beholder, for sure. We're quite happy with the A3's in our mid-century modern living room. They are quite 'neutral' to our eyes; just there. They don't ask for attention, or draw the eye.
(Grills on in our home 99% of the time.)

**Mike** · November 24, 2021, 09:43 AM

When folks come in the store, they all comment how much they like the modern look of the A5’s, so don’t know what folks here are saying. Personal preference I guess.

Magico A5 2021 Stereophile Loudspeaker and Component of the Year

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**nc42acc** · November 24, 2021, 09:59 AM

I recently listened to both the A3 and A5 and cannot understand the hype. I could have purchased either that day. Dull and lifeless sounding that all around sounded mediocre. Granted the room wasn’t the best but I have heard Magico several times at shows with the same results. Everyone has their own personal preference I suppose.

**kzhtoo** · November 24, 2021, 11:51 AM

Originally Posted by Delija

Yes. Pure elegancy and art vs plain metal box

Especially with the grilles, which are a must when you have small kids running around.

Skinny with too much makeup is what you like, I see.

**puroagave** · November 24, 2021, 12:22 PM

Reviews and esp Stereophile recommended components haven't figured into my buying decisions in at least two decades (literally). That said I now own A5s which I purchased blind (thanks Mike!). It's not something I often do but I knew the Magico sound well and was aiming my sights on S5s/M2s or Vivid Giya G2/G3. In short I'm smitten by these speakers. They are every bit as resolving and transparent as any ribbon, planar or electrostat Ive owned but the A5s have balls and can almost do it all-- w/o a sub. They have jump factor that approximate Avantgardes (the last speaker I owned) w/o noticeable compression provided your amp can supply the juice. Are these the last speakers I'll ever own? prolly not, but so far they encompass more of the sonic attributes I look for than any other type Ive owned over the last decade--which were many.

**MDP** · November 29, 2021, 11:17 AM

Hmm........A5's or Salon 2's. You can buy Salons for a lot less. Salon 2's came out in 2007 if I remember right. Name any other speaker that has been on the Recommended List longer than the Revel. I don't think there is one.

As for sound quality........

**pdub** · November 29, 2021, 11:47 AM

Originally Posted by MDP

Hmm........A5's or Salon 2's. You can buy Salons for a lot less. Salon 2's came out in 2007 if I remember right. Name any other speaker that has been on the Recommended List longer than the Revel. I don't think there is one.

As for sound quality........

Still get endless satisfaction from my Salon2's ...

BTW, Mark, vis your new Kharmas vs your old Revels: one of the things I like about the Salons is the height -- when I'm standing up behind the listening seat I don't feel like the music is happening "below" me. How do your Kharmas sound when you're standing/not in the sweet spot?
Parker

**nc42acc** · November 29, 2021, 01:51 PM

Audio would be awful boring if we only had one brand of speakers to pick from right?

**MDP** · November 29, 2021, 04:06 PM

Originally Posted by pdub

Still get endless satisfaction from my Salon2's ...

BTW, Mark, vis your new Kharmas vs your old Revels: one of the things I like about the Salons is the height -- when I'm standing up behind the listening seat I don't feel like the music is happening "below" me. How do your Kharmas sound when you're standing/not in the sweet spot?
Parker

Parker, they sound great! Huge soundstage, they play much bigger than their size.

**Henry303** · November 29, 2021, 05:24 PM

Congratulations on your new speakers. Any idea where one can read some recent reviews with measurements? Have not seen any since SP review of the Midi-Grand back in 2003.

**steve59** · November 29, 2021, 11:59 PM

Still a recommended product or product of the year isn’t a reason to buy a product, but a feather in the cap of new owners. Buying a $25k speaker blind had to have come with some return deal/promise? While I don’t expect store demo’s to sound the same in my own room I still need to know I like what they do.

**a.wayne** · November 30, 2021, 12:38 PM

Originally Posted by Mike

When folks come in the store, they all comment how much they like the modern look of the A5’s, so don’t know what folks here are saying. Personal preference I guess.

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Agree , looks can be even more subjective than sonic preference, personally don't find Magico looks “ugly” not even close and with their build quality, hard to say so ..!

Regards

**a.wayne** · November 30, 2021, 12:41 PM

Originally Posted by nc42acc

I recently listened to both the A3 and A5 and cannot understand the hype. I could have purchased either that day. Dull and lifeless sounding that all around sounded mediocre. Granted the room wasn’t the best but I have heard Magico several times at shows with the same results. Everyone has their own personal preference I suppose.

I can agree here and really only favor current M2 & M3 , for the most part i have only Heard Magico’s sound good at Sunshine Stereo , so i know they can deliver , outside of Mike’s they are as you say regardless of model ..!

Poorly setup and demoed ..!!

Regards

**Henry303** · November 30, 2021, 01:29 PM

Originally Posted by a.wayne

I can agree here and really only favor current M2 & M3 , for the most part i have only Heard Magico’s sound good at Sunshine Stereo , so i know they can deliver , outside of Mike’s they are as you say regardless of model ..!

Poorly setup and demoed ..!!

Regards

Yeah, so poorly setup and demoed (!!) I had no choice but to buy a pair

**Mikado463** · November 30, 2021, 02:36 PM

Originally Posted by a.wayne

I can agree here and really only favor current M2 & M3 , for the most part i have only Heard Magico’s sound good at Sunshine Stereo , so i know they can deliver , outside of Mike’s they are as you say regardless of model ..!

Poorly setup and demoed ..!!

Regards

That's a shame, I'm surprised Magico doesn't keep tabs on situations like that. For those of us in the Delaware Valley we're fortunate to have some of the best listening rooms in the country............

Overture Ultimate Home Electronics‎ – Delaware Tax Free Audio Store

**nc42acc** · November 30, 2021, 02:53 PM

I hope the A5 will be in a room at the upcoming FAE. I would really like to hear them in a decent setup.

**a.wayne** · November 30, 2021, 05:11 PM

Originally Posted by Henry303

Yeah, so poorly setup and demoed (!!) I had no choice but to buy a pair

Congrats on such a good setup ..!!!

**a.wayne** · November 30, 2021, 05:13 PM

Originally Posted by nc42acc

I hope the A5 will be in a room at the upcoming FAE. I would really like to hear them in a decent setup.

Henry 303 has an open magico invitation ....

**nc42acc** · November 30, 2021, 06:13 PM

I need to slow my roll buying audio equipment without in home listening. Russian roulette of audio.

Originally Posted by a.wayne

Henry 303 has an open magico invitation ....

**brodricj** · December 4, 2021, 05:40 AM

M6 scored a gong also, reported here:

Thread: Magico A5 2021 Stereophile Loudspeaker and Component of the Year