Magico S3

**owldiscourse** · January 11, 2015, 01:15 PM

Has anyone here heard the Devialet 120 with the S3's? Jeff Fritz lost his mind over this piece. It would be nice to simplify my setup as I transition back to 2 channel from HT (Classe SSP-800 and McIntosh 207 amps).

**still-one** · January 11, 2015, 02:09 PM

Originally Posted by owldiscourse

Has anyone here heard the Devialet 120 with the S3's? Jeff Fritz lost his mind over this piece. It would be nice to simplify my setup as I transition back to 2 channel from HT (Classe SSP-800 and McIntosh 207 amps).

Just before Christmas I listened to the S3 with the Devialet 800 after hearing them with the Soulution 530. After a half hour I asked him to go back to the Soulution which I preferred.

**LVB** · January 11, 2015, 02:44 PM

Originally Posted by still-one

Just before Christmas I listened to the S3 with the Devialet 800 after hearing them with the Soulution 530. After a half hour I asked him to go back to the Soulution which I preferred.

The Soulution is a MUCH better amp. The Devialet is grossly overrated, for a true High Fidelity experience, IMO.

**owldiscourse** · January 11, 2015, 07:39 PM

Originally Posted by still-one

Just before Christmas I listened to the S3 with the Devialet 800 after hearing them with the Soulution 530. After a half hour I asked him to go back to the Soulution which I preferred.

Interesting - do you know if SAM was enabled with S3 profile and/or if it was using the D/A or A/D?

By the way, isn't the Soulution something like 10x the price of the Devialet? Where did you find the D not to your liking?

**still-one** · January 11, 2015, 08:25 PM

Originally Posted by owldiscourse

Interesting - do you know if SAM was enabled with S3 profile and/or if it was using the D/A or A/D?

By the way, isn't the Soulution something like 10x the price of the Devialet? Where did you find the D not to your liking?

SAM was turned off. The unit had just returned from being loaned for audition. When something didn't sound right at all when we first switched to the 800 they guessed correctly that SAM had been left on. Once SAM was turned off for my listening everything sounded pretty good but I thought something was missing compared to the 530. When we swapped back to the 530 everything sounded better.

I do not think that there is that large of a gap between the 530 integrated and a 800. Someone with more knowledge of both products will have to respond.

I am not knocking the Devialet. Maybe with other speakers or with SAM it might have faired better. If I was interested in a second system it might be a great starting point. I would save a lot of money on cables.

**owldiscourse** · January 11, 2015, 08:51 PM

Originally Posted by still-one

SAM was turned off. The unit had just returned from being loaned for audition. When something didn't sound right at all when we first switched to the 800 they guessed correctly that SAM had been left on. Once SAM was turned off for my listening everything sounded pretty good but I thought something was missing compared to the 530. When we swapped back to the 530 everything sounded better.

I do not think that there is that large of a gap between the 530 integrated and a 800. Someone with more knowledge of both products will have to respond.

I am not knocking the Devialet. Maybe with other speakers or with SAM it might have faired better. If I was interested in a second system it might be a great starting point. I would save a lot of money on cables.

Jim, was the source was analog or digital? My initial research is the 120 has different DAC from the 800 and that the A/D conversion is not so good and that it's a better unit in the digital domain. Again, I have no horse in this race other than wanting to see what is the best solution for driving the S3 to its apex without having to spend SOTA type money. I like the simplicity and the bang for the buck seems to be off the charts as I sold all my audio gear when attempting to achieve a stellar home theater system. In fact, Jeff Fritz's experience with the 120 was so powerful he's given up the world's best audio system on account of it: SoundStage! Ultra | SoundStageUltra.com (UltraAudio.com) | Closing the Curtain on TWBAS. For me, this means not having to do a ton of research on what is best out here and having a DAC, pre and amp in a single unit saves not only money but time and effort to have to voice an entire system around S3. The synergies Jeff describes are intriguing but am also open to other input for people who have experienced a good synergy with the S3.

**still-one** · January 11, 2015, 09:12 PM

I only listened to digital that day using Aurender out to MSB when using the Soulution and I believe Aurender to the Devialet.

I have no idea who Jeff Fritz is or know anything about UltraAudio so I don't know what his references are. All I can tell you is that without SAM on the 800 in this set-up was not a world class set-up, not even close. As you note it isn't priced that way either. If you go that way you will have a very fine set-up for a very reasonable price and you should be happy. There is no one best pairing for everyone on the S3's.

**owldiscourse** · January 22, 2015, 09:32 PM

Magico S3 wins best of CES award, besting the Wilson Alexia! CES 2015 Awards

**jaxwired** · January 23, 2015, 01:27 AM

Originally Posted by LVB

The Soulution is a MUCH better amp. The Devialet is grossly overrated, for a true High Fidelity experience, IMO.

Have to disagree. Devialet is proof of God. Soulution is massively overpriced designed to separate naive audiophiles from their money IMO.

mauidan · January 23, 2015, 01:31 AM

Originally Posted by owldiscourse

Magico S3 wins best of CES award, besting the Wilson Alexia! CES 2015 Awards

A meaningless award from a reviewer that hasn't heard either speaker in his listening room.

**Mark Jones** · January 23, 2015, 09:33 AM

If the Soulution sounds better than the Devialet, so it should at the price. I have listened to the Devialet in my room driving S3's and it is a wonderful sounding combo and a great value. The biggest problem with Devialet is not the sound, it stops us audiophiles being able to play the audiophile game.

**owldiscourse** · January 23, 2015, 09:39 AM

Originally Posted by mauidan

A meaningless award from a reviewer that hasn't heard either speaker in his listening room.

I hear that Dan, and always take reviews with a grain of salt. IMO it does say something though if a speaker can sound good in notoriously difficult show conditions then it will only be so much better at home. Also, they achieved this with mid fi gear - McIntosh ! I only tongue in cheek posted this because it's the amp I own, and I also happen to have Synergistic cabling - so it's basically my system at home

**Alpinist** · January 23, 2015, 06:15 PM

Originally Posted by jaxwired

Have to disagree. Devialet is proof of God. Soulution is massively overpriced designed to separate naive audiophiles from their money IMO.

I'm listening to my massively overpriced Soulution 501 mono amps right now and they sound phenomenal to this naive audiophile. I think it will only get better when I add the 520 preamp next week.

Ken

**madfloyd** · January 23, 2015, 07:08 PM

Originally Posted by Mark Jones

If the Soulution sounds better than the Devialet, so it should at the price. I have listened to the Devialet in my room driving S3's and it is a wonderful sounding combo and a great value. The biggest problem with Devialet is not the sound, it stops us audiophiles being able to play the audiophile game.

I'm guessing you're not a dealer, Mark? I would love to hear what all the fuss is about...

**Alpinist** · January 23, 2015, 07:21 PM

Originally Posted by madfloyd

I'm guessing you're not a dealer, Mark? I would love to hear what all the fuss is about...

Hi Ian,

Anything new on the M Projects to report? Inquiring minds want to know.

Best,
Ken

**madfloyd** · January 24, 2015, 12:25 PM

Originally Posted by Alpinist

Hi Ian,

Anything new on the M Projects to report? Inquiring minds want to know.

Best,
Ken

Getting better! I think now they're pretty much ready to be voiced. I'm playing a bit with that now (for my own amusement), but Mark shows up on Tuesday to do that for real - can't wait.

But hey Ken, you should come hear them yourself... and bring along your Soulution.

**Alpinist** · January 24, 2015, 01:39 PM

Originally Posted by madfloyd

Getting better! I think now they're pretty much ready to be voiced. I'm playing a bit with that now (for my own amusement), but Mark shows up on Tuesday to do that for real - can't wait.

But hey Ken, you should come hear them yourself... and bring along your Soulution.

Thanks Ian,

That will be great once the final positioning is completed. Pass Labs and Magico have such superb synergy. You have put together a world class system there. I really like your avatar.

My Raidho D3 and Soulution 520 preamp are coming in a week. It will take me a little while to get all the pieces in place but I'll give a full report when it all comes together.

Best,
Ken

**PeterA** · January 24, 2015, 04:22 PM

Originally Posted by Mike

I just went to the Magico website to look at some of the colors and looky, looky......The Magico S3!!!! She is a BEAUTY!!!!

This is not a photo of the S3. It is the M Project. I agree that she is a beauty.

**Mark Jones** · January 24, 2015, 04:46 PM

Love that photo.

And no Ian I am not a Devialet dealer but I do have one here on evaluation and i am very impressed with it. However, with your Pass set-up, I would not be running out to change that anytime soon.

**Mike** · January 24, 2015, 05:02 PM

Originally Posted by PeterA

This is not a photo of the S3. It is the M Project. I agree that she is a beauty.

You are correct. I had a pic of the S3, or so I thought.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

**Alpinist** · January 24, 2015, 05:32 PM

Originally Posted by Mike

You are correct. I had a pic of the S3, or so I thought.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Looks like some wishful thinking, Mike!

Ken

**Mike** · January 24, 2015, 05:34 PM

Originally Posted by Alpinist

Looks like some wishful thinking, Mike!

Ken

Tell me about it!

**Solecky** · January 24, 2015, 09:10 PM

Does your friend Mark who will help u voice ur speakers help others? I have S3s and would pay for someone's expertise to get the most out of them. I live just south of poughkeepsiev, ny

mauidan · February 5, 2015, 10:30 PM

**madfloyd** · February 5, 2015, 10:47 PM

The best things almost always come in pairs.

**j2020** · February 5, 2015, 11:01 PM

Great pic, madfloyd.
Almost...? Always...?
Lol. J.

**Myles B. Astor** · February 5, 2015, 11:18 PM

Originally Posted by mauidan

At least she didn't put her finger in the tweeter!

**puroagave** · February 5, 2015, 11:38 PM

Asian, tube top with mini skirt and pumps...happy ending came to my mind

**Myles B. Astor** · February 6, 2015, 12:03 AM

Originally Posted by puroagave

Asian, tube top with mini skirt and pumps...happy ending came to my mind

Can you say Joey Booey?

Only she's about ten years too old.

**j2020** · February 6, 2015, 02:21 AM

Come on, guys, a little respect please.....
She does look like a serious audiophile who just also happens to like tube tops, minis and stilettos.

J.

**Paul** · February 6, 2015, 02:31 AM

What made you all you guys think is she ?

**j2020** · February 6, 2015, 02:44 AM

Er.... her not putting her finger in the tweeter?
No serious audiophile would do that and she did not.

**nile49** · February 16, 2015, 09:25 PM

Last but not least...

**joeinid** · February 16, 2015, 09:30 PM

Me too !!!!

Originally Posted by j2020

Come on, guys, a little respect please.....
She does look like a serious audiophile who just also happens to like tube tops, minis and stilettos.

J.

**mdkim** · February 16, 2015, 11:46 PM

Originally Posted by nile49

Last but not least...

I love Scott. He's sold me $XXX,XXXs of gear and I won't buy from any other dealer...but I can't help but laugh at how rigid he is in this video. I love Magico and I believe his message but LOLz...

Having purchased a set of S1s for my father, I'd also agree that the S3s are probably a better value as I don't think the scale of the S1s are adequate. Of course, YMMV.

**PeterA** · February 17, 2015, 09:54 AM

Thanks for posting this video. I've heard the S5 and S1 and Scott Walker Audio.

**KeithR** · February 17, 2015, 01:44 PM

I may need to take a trip down to Scott's- Magicos w/ tubes I've always thought would be an ideal combination and there are some hints of that portrayed in the video.

Admittedly he had the Q7s on Vac at THE Show, but it was in a cavern, not a listening room.

**Myles B. Astor** · February 17, 2015, 02:02 PM

All things being equal, the S5 can sound great with either ss or tube. Just don't put a lean sounding amp (or for that matter anything) on the S5 because the speaker is not forgiving. Crap in, crap out. The S5 won't sugar coat things.

That's not any different than any top notch speaker. They demand the best in ancillary equipment.

**PeterA** · February 17, 2015, 03:07 PM

Originally Posted by Myles B. Astor

All things being equal, the S5 can sound great with either ss or tube. Just don't put a lean sounding amp (or for that matter anything) on the S5 because the speaker is not forgiving. Crap in, crap out. The S5 won't sugar coat things.

That's not any different than any top notch speaker. They demand the best in ancillary equipment.

Yes, and I see that mdkim has Pass XS driving his S5. Must sound incredible. Magico and Pass is a great combination.

**mdkim** · February 17, 2015, 03:46 PM

Originally Posted by PeterA

Yes, and I see that mdkim has Pass XS driving his S5. Must sound incredible. Magico and Pass is a great combination.

A terrific pairing IMO!

mauidan · February 17, 2015, 07:50 PM

**bzr** · February 17, 2015, 07:57 PM

Do you think it is a transvestite Paul?

**puroagave** · February 17, 2015, 11:32 PM

Originally Posted by KeithR

I may need to take a trip down to Scott's- Magicos w/ tubes I've always thought would be an ideal combination and there are some hints of that portrayed in the video.

Admittedly he had the Q7s on Vac at THE Show, but it was in a cavern, not a listening room.

Brooks Berdan in Monrovia have Q7s paired with Jadis 200s they also demo S3s with tubes.

**kzhtoo** · June 6, 2016, 11:42 PM

I recently acquired a pair of S3s and hands down it's the best audio purchase I've ever made. Finally experience what the fuss is about and I'm glad I took a chance. I also feel a bit lucky with Magico/Pass/Siltech synergy.

**nile49** · June 7, 2016, 12:04 AM

Originally Posted by kzhtoo

I recently acquired a pair of S3s and hands down it's the best audio purchase I've ever made. Finally experience what the fuss is about and I'm glad I took a chance. I also feel a bit lucky with Magico/Pass/Siltech synergy.

Awesome! Love the M-coat finish by the way. Which Pass amp are you using?

Warren

**joeinid** · June 7, 2016, 01:16 AM

Wow! Congratulations! Looks beautiful.

Pass XA100.8?

Originally Posted by nile49

Awesome! Love the M-coat finish by the way. Which Pass amp are you using?

Warren

**Kuoppis** · June 7, 2016, 01:41 AM

Very nice, congrats on the great purchase! I really enjoy my S3s.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

**kzhtoo** · June 7, 2016, 01:44 AM

Thanks, Joe and Warren.

The amp is...wait for it...XA30.8! I am also surprised the venerable XA30.8 is able to drive the S3s. No sign of being underpowered and S3s sound effortless at my normal listening level. And it has a good 15-16 steps on my XP-20 pre before it gets out of class A. I was already thinking XA60.8 before S3s arrived but now I'll probably wait a bit. I don't have to let go of this sweetness that XA30.8 has, just yet.

**kzhtoo** · June 7, 2016, 01:48 AM

Originally Posted by Kuoppis

Very nice, congrats on the great purchase! I really enjoy my S3s.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Thanks, Kuoppis. I must say your posts on S3s played a part in pushing me over the edge.

**joeinid** · June 7, 2016, 01:54 AM

Excellent!

So glad you are happy.

Originally Posted by kzhtoo

Thanks, Joe and Warren.

The amp is...wait for it...XA30.8! I am also surprised the venerable XA30.8 is able to drive the S3s. No sign of being underpowered and S3s sound effortless at my normal listening level. And it has a good 15-16 steps on my XP-20 pre before it gets out of class A. I was already thinking XA60.8 before S3s arrived but now I'll probably wait a bit. I don't have to let go of this sweetness that XA30.8 has, just yet.

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