NekoAudio
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- #1
I just got back from visiting the Magico headquarters to listen to the new S3 loudspeaker. As soon as music starting playing I thought to myself this is an incredible speaker. It quickly became obvious that it is not just an improved iteration of the previous S3 MkII. In fact, I don't think you should consider it part of the current S- line. It would be better to consider this the first model in a new S- line. Calling it the S3 Mk3 would be a disservice. It is just that good.
Still, as the obvious comparison is to the S3 MkII, that's what I will use to describe it. The midrange and bass is clearly more detailed and faster, with more subtle content being reproduced more accurately. The tweeter was very smooth. Overall everything sounded very, very detailed and clear. A lot better than the S3 MkII in detail and clarity. The soundstage was also excellent, and I was able to place individual musicians in a symphony.
There was one track where for a while I wasn't sure if I was hearing the musician breathing or if it was my own breathing, or Alon standing right behind me. But it was actually coming from the speakers and just sounded so realistic, present, and was there in addition to the music.
The new technology used is detailed on Magico's website, but there were some things in particular I noticed. Despite the larger dimensions, the new S3 still seems short or squat, and not that large in person. The internal volume is on par with the S3 MkII. The new midrange and woofer surrounds are a kind of dark grey foam instead of the black rubber that's been used on all the other speakers. How dark and how bright the foam is differs based on the light (see photos). Foam has a reputation for deteriorating quickly but this is a new kind that is specified to last decades.
I firmly believe the new enclosure design and construction, and new vibration absorbing feet, is a large improvement over the previous build with SPODs. The S-series has always been great in those areas, but the new S3 is better in every way with respect to enclosure vibrations.
[I don't know how to post image thumbnails that will open larger when you click on them, so instead you can find large photos on my Imgur Magico S3 (2023) album.]
Still, as the obvious comparison is to the S3 MkII, that's what I will use to describe it. The midrange and bass is clearly more detailed and faster, with more subtle content being reproduced more accurately. The tweeter was very smooth. Overall everything sounded very, very detailed and clear. A lot better than the S3 MkII in detail and clarity. The soundstage was also excellent, and I was able to place individual musicians in a symphony.
There was one track where for a while I wasn't sure if I was hearing the musician breathing or if it was my own breathing, or Alon standing right behind me. But it was actually coming from the speakers and just sounded so realistic, present, and was there in addition to the music.
The new technology used is detailed on Magico's website, but there were some things in particular I noticed. Despite the larger dimensions, the new S3 still seems short or squat, and not that large in person. The internal volume is on par with the S3 MkII. The new midrange and woofer surrounds are a kind of dark grey foam instead of the black rubber that's been used on all the other speakers. How dark and how bright the foam is differs based on the light (see photos). Foam has a reputation for deteriorating quickly but this is a new kind that is specified to last decades.
I firmly believe the new enclosure design and construction, and new vibration absorbing feet, is a large improvement over the previous build with SPODs. The S-series has always been great in those areas, but the new S3 is better in every way with respect to enclosure vibrations.
[I don't know how to post image thumbnails that will open larger when you click on them, so instead you can find large photos on my Imgur Magico S3 (2023) album.]