Magico Announces the A3 Loudspeaker

**Sanbobo** · March 4, 2019, 04:30 PM

Originally Posted by PeterA

Excellent advice.

Sanbobo, I presume you heard the A3 at a Magico dealer. Why not try to hear the S3Mk2 at a Magico dealer, hopefully with the same equipment in the same room, and then decide for yourself which is the one worth buying?

Is there a reason you have not been able to hear the S3?

The A3 was at a friend's listening room.

No dealers in my area

**Dizzie** · March 4, 2019, 04:59 PM

Originally Posted by Sanbobo

The A3 was at a friend's listening room.

No dealers in my area

Electronics used?

**Sanbobo** · March 4, 2019, 05:05 PM

Originally Posted by Dizzie

Electronics used?

Nordost speaker cable, I think it was Frey 2

Integrated amp Hegel 360

AudioQuest Coffee USB

Streaming form MacBook

AudioQuest Niagara 1000

**PeterA** · March 4, 2019, 05:52 PM

Originally Posted by Sanbobo

The A3 was at a friend's listening room.

No dealers in my area

Sorry to hear there is no dealer near by. I have not heard the S3Mk2 or the A3. I've heard lots of other Magico speakers though. Sorry, but I don't think I can give you advice about what to buy.

**PeterA** · March 4, 2019, 06:01 PM

Originally Posted by mep

How's that work? Audio gear is a depreciating asset and speakers take the biggest hit on the used market. The more times a pair of speakers changes hands, the less desirable it becomes on the used market. Never purchase used audio gear on the premise you will get your money back when you sell it.

Mep, this is often the case, but I have sold cartridges and amplifiers for more that I have paid for them. And some classic products reach a price and then do not depreciate much further. Some even go up in price. It all depends on what the market is and what one paid for the gear. How long you have the gear also matters. I know one owner of the Q3 who thinks they will actually go up in value based on used prices today.

Brodricj suggested getting a used pair of Q3s. I paid $17K for mine and there are two for sale now around $25K. Yes, speakers do take a big hit, but if you buy right, and the speaker is in demand, you may not lose much money. Brodricj did write "...then sell Q3 for about what you paid for them." The key is "for about". I think Brodricj is right on this one. I could sell my pair of Q3s tomorrow to a guy I now who is looking for a good pair for $20K. That's how that works.

**brodricj** · March 4, 2019, 07:01 PM

Originally Posted by PeterA

...I paid $17K for mine...

Bargain of the Century. You bought well and might even flip them for a small profit.

I own both M3 and Q3 now. Prior to those I owned S3. If somebody were to make me a good offer on the M3 I'd happily go back to Q3. They are an outstanding speaker.

**Sanbobo** · March 4, 2019, 07:44 PM

What about the grill that can be attached to the A3, does it make any resonance?
For sure Magico will make sure that it is silent, but I came across a review about one of the Magicos. Where the reviewer claims that Magico's grill is resonating!

Also what about the feet that can be upgraded to? Did any of you try it?

**Darrel** · March 4, 2019, 08:03 PM

I have the A3's with grills There is no resonance with the grills on. I don't play my speakers loud. But, with grills off or grills on there is no sonic drop off that I can hear with the A3's. Other speakers I've owned I'd remove the grills to get a little more from the speakers at times. The A3 grills just stay on. They also protect the tweeters that come with a warning lable. The magnets on the grills create a very solid contact.

**LVB** · March 4, 2019, 08:05 PM

Originally Posted by Sanbobo

What about the grill that can be attached to the A3, does it make any resonance?
For sure Magico will make sure that it is silent, but I came across a review about one of the Magicos. Where the reviewer claims that Magico's grill is resonating!

Also what about the feet that can be upgraded to? Did any of you try it?

You are not supposed to listen to any a Magico loudspeaker with the grill on; these are for protection only (it took years to convince them to even do that

).

**brodricj** · March 4, 2019, 09:42 PM

Particularly considering how easy it is to remove the grills. Grills on/off sounded different with my S3. Don't have a grill option with Q3 or M3. I wish they did, I'm paranoid about accidental damage to the drivers that might otherwise be prevented with grills installed.

**GSOphile** · March 4, 2019, 10:05 PM

When grandchildren are in the house, grills on. Otherwise off.

**brodricj** · March 4, 2019, 10:14 PM

Expressed in another way. Grills always on, unless you're sitting in-front of them listening.

**mep** · March 5, 2019, 09:30 AM

Originally Posted by PeterA

Mep, this is often the case, but I have sold cartridges and amplifiers for more that I have paid for them. And some classic products reach a price and then do not depreciate much further. Some even go up in price. It all depends on what the market is and what one paid for the gear. How long you have the gear also matters. I know one owner of the Q3 who thinks they will actually go up in value based on used prices today.

Brodricj suggested getting a used pair of Q3s. I paid $17K for mine and there are two for sale now around $25K. Yes, speakers do take a big hit, but if you buy right, and the speaker is in demand, you may not lose much money. Brodricj did write "...then sell Q3 for about what you paid for them." The key is "for about". I think Brodricj is right on this one. I could sell my pair of Q3s tomorrow to a guy I now who is looking for a good pair for $20K. That's how that works.

Yes, it is normally the case. And yes, sometimes you can get lucky and buy a piece of audio gear for less than current market value and flip it for a profit. Those are exceptions to the norm of purchasing depreciating assets.

**PeterA** · March 5, 2019, 03:02 PM

Originally Posted by mep

Yes, it is normally the case. And yes, sometimes you can get lucky and buy a piece of audio gear for less than current market value and flip it for a profit. Those are exceptions to the norm of purchasing depreciating assets.

Mep, I was simply responding to the very specific suggestion made by brodricj that sanbobo should consider buying a used pair of Q3s instead of the A3 or S3 mk2. I was discussing the subject in that context and agreeing with brodricj that if sanbobo did not like the Q3, he could sell if "for about" the amount he bought it for. Purchasing depreciating assets in general is a whole different discussion.

Are you specifically suggesting that sanbobo would not be well served to consider brodricj's suggestion? If so, why not?

**mep** · March 5, 2019, 04:27 PM

Originally Posted by PeterA

Mep, I was simply responding to the very specific suggestion made by brodricj that sanbobo should consider buying a used pair of Q3s instead of the A3 or S3 mk2. I was discussing the subject in that context and agreeing with brodricj that if sanbobo did not like the Q3, he could sell if "for about" the amount he bought it for. Purchasing depreciating assets in general is a whole different discussion.

Are you specifically suggesting that sanbobo would not be well served to consider brodricj's suggestion? If so, why not?

Again, my comment was made as a general statement that people shouldn’t predicate a purchasing decision based on the expectation they won’t lose any money when they sell the used audio gear. There are special cases when a product is so high in demand and the supply is so low that you can break even or make a profit. Maybe the Q3s will end up in this category. Time will tell.

I proffered no opinions on whether it’s a good idea to purchase the used Q3s. Why would I since I have never heard them?

**PeterA** · March 5, 2019, 04:51 PM

Originally Posted by mep

Again, my comment was made as a general statement that people shouldn’t predicate a purchasing decision based on the expectation they won’t lose any money when they sell the used audio gear. There are special cases when a product is so high in demand and the supply is so low that you can break even or make a profit. Maybe the Q3s will end up in this category. Time will tell.

I proffered no opinions on whether it’s a good idea to purchase the used Q3s. Why would I since I have never heard them?

You seem to be suggesting that that buying depreciating assets is not a good idea because you are likely to lose money. That can be said for almost all audio gear. All brodricj and I are suggesting is that it is quite possible that sanbobo may lose less money buying a pair of used Q3s because they have already depreciated a great deal. The implication is that there is less risk. He would likely lose even more money if he bought a new S3 mk2 and did not like them.

I think we have drifted a bit off topic here, but I do think in general that buying used audio gear is less risky than buying new gear, and there are some good deals on used speakers that may actually sound better than new speakers for the same or less cost. Sanbobo was asking for opinions and this is just one.

**mep** · March 5, 2019, 05:31 PM

Originally Posted by PeterA

You seem to be suggesting that that buying depreciating assets is not a good idea because you are likely to lose money.

I wish you would read what I wrote instead of trying to surmise what I think. I stated twice now quite clearly that buying a piece of used audio gear with the expectation that you are going to sell it in the near future and not lose money on it might not be realistic.

Originally Posted by PeterA

That can be said for almost all audio gear.

Of course the same could be said for purchasing any depreciating asset. That's why they are called depreciating assets.

Originally Posted by PeterA

All brodricj and I are suggesting is that it is quite possible that sanbobo may lose less money buying a pair of used Q3s because they have already depreciated a great deal. The implication is that there is less risk. He would likely lose even more money if he bought a new S3 mk2 and did not like them.

I'm sorry I ever commented on this thread and said it might not be a wise decision to expect you won't lose money when you sell a piece of used gear. You can't seem to let it go and infer things in what I said vice what I wrote.

Originally Posted by PeterA

I think we have drifted a bit off topic here, but I do think in general that buying used audio gear is less risky than buying new gear, and there are some good deals on used speakers that may actually sound better than new speakers for the same or less cost. Sanbobo was asking for opinions and this is just one.

There are good deals on used speakers that can be had at a fraction of what they sold for originally. The Q3s sold for $38,950 when new and you paid less than half of that for your pair. I'm glad you are happy with your pair and that you feel passionate about recommending them to other people.

**Dguitarnut** · March 5, 2019, 07:56 PM

I personally hear no difference screens on or off with my S3Mk2 although they stay off most of the time.
I have heard the A3’s multiple times and they are a bargain for the price.
I had a pair S1Mk2 previously and they were great speakers. But S3mk2s really outclass them in sq and price. To me they are the sweet spot in the Magico lineup.
I did consider used Q3 but their added weight and size plus my room being fairly small convinced me to go with the S3Mk2s with which I am thrilled.
They are all great speakers and they get progressively better as you go up the ladder.

**BlueFox** · March 6, 2019, 01:34 AM

There is a noticible increase in clarity/volume with the screens off with the S5 MK 2. I was actually surprised when I realized that.

**brodricj** · March 12, 2019, 12:30 AM

Originally Posted by mep

..The Q3s sold for $38,950 when new..

When they were first released, yes. After that there were two price rises during the product life cycle. They were closer to $50K MSRP when eventually replaced by M3.

**Kuoppis** · March 12, 2019, 05:15 AM

Originally Posted by brodricj

When they were first released, yes. After that there were two price rises during the product life cycle. They were closer to $50K MSRP when eventually replaced by M3.

The Q3 was not replaced by the M3, the Q product line was discontinued.

The Q product line faded out when an entirely new driver and cabinet concept was introduced in the M Project, which laid the foundation for the M product line.

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**brodricj** · March 12, 2019, 06:04 AM

Originally Posted by Kuoppis

The Q3 was not replaced by the M3...

Not according to Alon. When he introduced M3 at the European product launch in Lisbon he said it was the replacement for Q3. That is what he said. I'm not to argue with that.

**Kuoppis** · March 12, 2019, 06:11 AM

Originally Posted by brodricj

Not according to Alon. When he introduced M3 he said it was the replacement for Q3. That is what he said. I'm not to argue with that.

Uhum. And that’s why he entirely logically calls the M3 an M product line product, and not a Q product line product.

The S3 mk2 replaced the S3, the S5 mk2 replaced the S5, the Q7 mk2 replaced the Q7. Get the idea?

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**brodricj** · March 12, 2019, 06:27 AM

You might need to argue that point with the man himself, quote "..These in particular (M3) are replacing the Q3..." That is what he said.

https://youtu.be/ZshMXaCm7_0

**Kuoppis** · March 12, 2019, 06:37 AM

Occupying the same spot in the portfolio, yes.

Replacement for the Q3, similar as the Q7 mk2 replaced the Q7, no. The M’s are a new product line, because they’re different.

The the Q3 ist a product concept based on the old Rohacell membranes, which are heavier and less rigid than current generation Graphene coated drivers. Similarly, the tweeter is based on the plain Beryllium dome. Hence the older tech Magicos and new tech Magicos do sound quite different.

I also used to own previous gen S3’s which were launched several years after the Q3’s. Sold them already 1 1/2 years ago.

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**brodricj** · March 12, 2019, 06:53 AM

M3 took the place of Q3 in the product lineup. Which by definition is replacement "a thing that takes the place of another". To argue otherwise is just silly.

Screen Shot 2019-03-12 at 18.50.55.png

**Kuoppis** · March 12, 2019, 07:02 AM

I don’t think it is, but happy to agree to disagree.

Have you seen any Q products being launched since the Q7 mk2?

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**PeterA** · March 12, 2019, 11:40 AM

Originally Posted by Kuoppis

The Q3 was not replaced by the M3, the Q product line was discontinued.

The Q product line faded out when an entirely new driver and cabinet concept was introduced in the M Project, which laid the foundation for the M product line.

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I'm not entirely sure the Q product line has been discontinued. According to the Magico website as of this morning, the Q7 mk2 and Q Subs are still available. Until recently, the Q1 was still available, but it is no longer listed on the website. I think a more accurate (pardon the pun) way of describing the situation is that the Q product line is being gradually replaced by the M product line and the M series is an alternative line to the S series in the Magico product offerings.

**Kuoppis** · March 12, 2019, 12:52 PM

I think you are partly correct:

- Q3 has been discontinued
- Q product line is probably being phased out over time (but I guess Q subs will still stay for a while)
- M product line, which has existed already for close to 15 years e.g. with the M5 introduced 10+ years ago, has seen some new products since M Pro

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**XV-1** · March 13, 2019, 03:41 AM

@Kuoppis - you need to admit defeat on this one

You guys do realise that "M" is just a marketing term.

The M clearly replaces the Q range with a sexier keep the sonics a distance away from the analytical Q series.

**kiwi_1282001** · March 13, 2019, 04:09 AM

Originally Posted by XV-1

@Kuoppis - you need to admit defeat on this one

You guys do realise that "M" is just a marketing term.

The M clearly replaces the Q range with a sexier keep the sonics a distance away from the analytical Q series.

+1.

Brodricj is correct. Alon Wolf has stated that the M-Series replaces the Q-Series. End of story.

I was hoping Magico would come out with a replacement for the end of life Q1 so I could compare it with Borresen’s 01.

**XV-1** · March 13, 2019, 04:40 AM

Originally Posted by kiwi_1282001

+1.

Brodricj is correct. Alon Wolf has stated that the M-Series replaces the Q-Series. End of story.

I was hoping Magico would come out with a replacement for the end of life Q1 so I could compare it with Borresen’s 01.

I wonder when M9 will replace Q7 mk2? that will be expensive.

**Kuoppis** · March 13, 2019, 04:55 AM

Originally Posted by XV-1

@Kuoppis - you need to admit defeat on this one

You guys do realise that "M" is just a marketing term.

The M clearly replaces the Q range with a sexier keep the sonics a distance away from the analytical Q series.

So you mean M stands gor Marketing

. What about the M5?

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**Kuoppis** · March 13, 2019, 04:59 AM

Originally Posted by kiwi_1282001

+1.

Brodricj is correct. Alon Wolf has stated that the M-Series replaces the Q-Series. End of story.

I was hoping Magico would come out with a replacement for the end of life Q1 so I could compare it with Borresen’s 01.

What a surprise! There was a bit of Borresen advertising in there, wasn’t it?

Doubt they play in the same league though. Just a high price does not make a speaker good.

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**kiwi_1282001** · March 13, 2019, 06:00 AM

Originally Posted by Kuoppis

What a surprise! There was a bit of Borresen advertising in there, wasn’t it?

Doubt they play in the same league though. Just a high price does not make a speaker good.

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What a surprise! Are you deflecting to draw attention away from the possibility you have not understood Magico’s products vis-à-vis their positioning and succession planning?

Just to again recap. Brodricj is correct. Alon Wolf has stated that the M-Series replaces the Q-Series.

**Kuoppis** · March 13, 2019, 06:09 AM

Originally Posted by kiwi_1282001

What a surprise! Are you deflecting to draw attention away from the possibility you have not understood Magico’s products vis-à-vis their positioning and succession planning?

Just to again recap. Brodricj is correct. Alon Wolf has stated that the M-Series replaces the Q-Series.

So, what about Borresen? They do not play nearly in the same league as Magicos, or are you suggesting otherwise?

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**Mike** · March 13, 2019, 07:58 AM

Sonically, I feel the M series is quite an advance over the Q series, so much so, that many people who’ve come into the store and only heard the Q series previously literally cannot believe they are Magico’s. Many get up and have to look on the back of the speaker! The M series is so musical, yet balanced with a hint of warmth. Relatively easy to drive and superbly integrated.

I personally consider the M3 in my top 5 under $100K. Can’t wait for my M2’s.

**Dguitarnut** · March 13, 2019, 09:29 AM

Mike......do you mean my M2’s ?
(I wish)

**Mike** · March 13, 2019, 09:44 AM

Originally Posted by Dguitarnut

Mike......do you mean my M2’s ?
(I wish)

I’m just breaking them in for you?

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**Dizzie** · March 13, 2019, 11:33 AM

This thread has been

Back to the A3s please.

**Skanda** · March 13, 2019, 12:27 PM

Originally Posted by Kuoppis

So, what about Borresen? They do not play nearly in the same league as Magicos, or are you suggesting otherwise?

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dude, i think you're being a little aggro about this with the claims that he's shilling borrensen. there's no harm in suggesting that the borrensen 01 would be nice to demo against the q1 or, if it ever comes out, the m series successor the q1. back in the day, raidho c1.1 and d1.1 were both compared to q1

**Kuoppis** · March 13, 2019, 12:54 PM

Originally Posted by Dguitarnut

Mike......do you mean my M2’s ?
(I wish)

Wouldn’t that be rather short-lived love affair with your current darlings, Larry

?

On the other hand, Mike burns them in for you...

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**Joe P** · March 13, 2019, 01:17 PM

Originally Posted by Dizzie

This thread has been

Back to the A3s please.

A3.jpg

**owldiscourse** · March 14, 2019, 01:37 PM

Originally Posted by jap

A3.jpg

AHHHHHHH....How do you like A3 with tubes? I tried the PrimaLuna and was not impressed. On other system the PrimaLuna did quite well which surprised me TBH after hearing on A3

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**Gene** · April 10, 2019, 08:21 AM

Possible A1? Debut at High End Munich?

https://www.monoandstereo.com/2019/04/new-magico-speakers-are-coming.html?m=1

**grubble** · April 10, 2019, 02:21 PM

Does anyone have any opinions/comparisons between the A3 and a used S1 Mk2? It seems the used pricing on the S1 Mk2s are close to the new pricing on the A3. I am curious if the A3 compares well with or even exceeds the sound quality of the S1 due to newer technologies.

Thanks!

-dave

**PeterA** · April 10, 2019, 02:36 PM

Originally Posted by Gene

Possible A1? Debut at High End Munich?

https://www.monoandstereo.com/2019/04/new-magico-speakers-are-coming.html?m=1

I don't know. It looks like a floor stander, and there is a woofer near the bottom, so perhaps an A2 with three drivers? I would think if it were a stand mounted speaker, we would see something that resembles a stand. Perhaps they are just showing the monitor without stand. It definitely looks like an A series speaker.

**Mike** · April 10, 2019, 03:06 PM

This looks like the A3 tweeter to me.

People have been asking and asking for another Magico stand mount. IF this is one (and I don’t know), I hope those who wanted one step up to the plate!

Whatever it is, it’s exciting!

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**Kuoppis** · April 10, 2019, 03:08 PM

Originally Posted by Mike

This looks like the A3 tweeter to me.

People have been asking and asking for another Magico stand mount. IF this is one (and I don’t know), I hope those who wanted one step up to the plate!

Whatever it is, it’s exciting!

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Mike, if it is an A series stand mount, I am happy to take the Munich demo pair off Alon’s hands

.

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**Mike** · April 10, 2019, 03:10 PM

Originally Posted by Kuoppis

Mike, if it is an A series stand mount, I am happy to take the Munich demo pair off Alon’s hands

.

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And pair it with this?

https://twitteringmachines.com/luxma...oclassico-kit/

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