Magico S5 mk2

**Mike** · June 8, 2016, 11:10 AM

Originally Posted by Boggy

Hi Mike. I tried to back read the thread but can't seem to find the model of the Vitus amp hooked up to your new S5 mk2. Is it the new SS-103? Can 50 watts of Class A really drive Magico's S Series even at fairly loud levels? TIA!

Yes, it's the new Vitus SS-103 with the SL-102 mk2 preamp. As for the power, I think it's a very conservative 50 watts. Class A current/power is ballsy. I'm having zero issues. Already reached peaks of 95db from my listening position and no trouble at all with plenty of headroom to spare. No compression at all. The amp FEELS like it's 150+ watts. Maybe more. It's really something you have to hear and experience to believe.

Khin is driving his S3's with a 30 watt Class A Pass amp and says he can't believe how well it drives them.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

**Mike** · June 8, 2016, 11:12 AM

Originally Posted by kzhtoo

Yep. It's a breeze to set up. The hardest part is moving the S3s from my garage to the listening room (no wheels on S3s) as the crate they came with is too big to fit the door. Both S3s came in one big crate.

Mike, S5 mk2 + Vitus class A must be heavenly. Love the black m-coat. Congrats, again!

BTW I ordered Jim Smith book and dvd.

Thanks. The M-Coat black is so classy. Love the M-Coat finish. The Vitus Class A with the Magico S5 mk2's is heavenly. For tube lovers, the VAC Signature 200iQ's are also excellent. Slightly different signature.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

**Mike** · June 8, 2016, 11:16 AM

Hey Khin - if you have access to Tidal, try this song on your Magico S3's. I bet it will sound amazing:

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

**bthomas9** · June 8, 2016, 11:19 AM

Hans is on the record saying that the SIA-025 at 25w class A is enough power for the S5's in all but the largest rooms. I hope this is the case

. Keep you posted

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

**drabbish** · June 8, 2016, 11:22 AM

Mike, you think my mc275 vi
Could push the s3's? It's 75w with 90w total headroom. Not the sure if it's class A though

**Mike** · June 8, 2016, 11:29 AM

Originally Posted by drabbish

Mike, you think my mc275 vi
Could push the s3's? It's 75w with 90w total headroom. Not the sure if it's class A though

Man do I miss those amps. I had the mc275 mk6's. Absolutely gorgeous. The green lights. Oh man. Best looking tube amps ever? Definitely up there. OK, enough about that...it depends on the size of your room and the volumes you listen at. I would say "yes". You could always, down the road, consider adding a second mc275 mk6 and run them in mono. That would definitely be more than enough. But one should be fine unless you're listening 100db+ in a big big room. S3's are 88db...not bad at all. Khin is driving them nicely with a 30 watt amp.

**KeithR** · June 8, 2016, 12:03 PM

Originally Posted by Mike

I just cannot get over how easy Magico's are to setup and integrate into a room. After nightmares with some previous speakers, these are an absolute dream. I think Khin was mentioning something similar with his S3's. I just plop them down a couple of feet from the wall, toe them in facing the ears of the listener, and go. I feel like a bad placement gives you 9/10, tweak a little and get 10/10. Hire Jim Smith and get 11/10.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Sealed box probably helps?

I know my new, ported Devores seem way more placement sensitive.

**Boggy** · June 8, 2016, 12:05 PM

Thanks for the reply Mike. Congrats on your new toys!

Originally Posted by Mike

Yes, it's the new Vitus SS-103 with the SL-102 mk2 preamp. As for the power, I think it's a very conservative 50 watts. Class A current/power is ballsy. I'm having zero issues. Already reached peaks of 95db from my listening position and no trouble at all with plenty of headroom to spare. No compression at all. The amp FEELS like it's 150+ watts. Maybe more. It's really something you have to hear and experience to believe.

Khin is driving his S3's with a 30 watt Class A Pass amp and says he can't believe how well it drives them.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

**kzhtoo** · June 8, 2016, 12:22 PM

Originally Posted by Mike

Hey Khin - if you have access to Tidal, try this song on your Magico S3's. I bet it will sound amazing:

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Love it, Mike. It sounds amazing and shows what S3s can do.

**Kuoppis** · June 8, 2016, 03:13 PM

Originally Posted by Mike

Hey Khin - if you have access to Tidal, try this song on your Magico S3's. I bet it will sound amazing:

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Works with my S3s

!

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

mauidan · June 8, 2016, 08:07 PM

Originally Posted by drabbish

Mike, you think my mc275 vi
Could push the s3's? It's 75w with 90w total headroom. Not the sure if it's class A though

Heard the S3s powered by 90 Watt Lamm monos, and didn't feel there was enough power and control.

**db33** · June 21, 2016, 09:08 AM

Hallo,

the new Magico "mk2" -> S1 or S5 have a lower sensibilty (Db) vs the mk1 Serie. S1mk2 84Db and S5mk2 88Db.

well I use Pass XA100.8 with Sasha2 and I dont have an problem. I will pull the trigger with a pair of Magico (S1/S3/S5) BUT the mons XA100.8 will be enough with the new S1mk2 & S5mk2 (and too with the other S version mk1 /1, 3 or 5)???

thank you for your feedback.

**BayStBroker** · June 21, 2016, 09:43 AM

How large would a listening room need to be in order to accomodate the S5 mk2? Put in other words, what would be the minimum size of a listening room in which the SQ experience would be greater with the S5 than with the S3? I don't have any experience with large speakers in a small room (though I know that it is a classic audiophile folly to try to put big speakers in small rooms). Save me from myself, please!

**Mike** · June 21, 2016, 10:12 AM

Originally Posted by BayStBroker

How large would a listening room need to be in order to accomodate the S5 mk2? Put in other words, what would be the minimum size of a listening room in which the SQ experience would be greater with the S5 than with the S3? I don't have any experience with large speakers in a small room (though I know that it is a classic audiophile folly to try to put big speakers in small rooms). Save me from myself, please!

Ha! There are many factors to consider - such as ceiling height, wall type, openings, glass/windows, etc. I will call Magico and let you know. I think you're in Toronto, right? I'm sure Mark Jones would know.

**db33** · June 21, 2016, 10:31 AM

My room is not only for hifi......but is aound 58m2.

**BayStBroker** · June 21, 2016, 11:30 AM

What I really want is for the S3 Mk2 to be available sooner rather than later. But the word is they won't be around until next year

And if the stock market crashes in the interim, I may not have money next year, lol.

**Mike** · June 21, 2016, 12:22 PM

Originally Posted by BayStBroker

How large would a listening room need to be in order to accomodate the S5 mk2? Put in other words, what would be the minimum size of a listening room in which the SQ experience would be greater with the S5 than with the S3? I don't have any experience with large speakers in a small room (though I know that it is a classic audiophile folly to try to put big speakers in small rooms). Save me from myself, please!

One of the benefits of Magico enclosure design is that they do not energize or activate the room structure therefore they will work well in smaller room applications. The S5 Mk II performance at AXPONA in the 15' x 19' x 9' hotel room was outstanding. Magico created fabulous sound in that room and it would only improve with larger room dimensions.

I would give Mark a call and go hear them. His room isn't too big and he gets great sound.

**Elberoth** · June 22, 2016, 03:59 AM

Originally Posted by db33

Hallo,

the new Magico "mk2" -> S1 or S5 have a lower sensibilty (Db) vs the mk1 Serie. S1mk2 84Db and S5mk2 88Db.

well I use Pass XA100.8 with Sasha2 and I dont have an problem. I will pull the trigger with a pair of Magico (S1/S3/S5) BUT the mons XA100.8 will be enough with the new S1mk2 & S5mk2 (and too with the other S version mk1 /1, 3 or 5)???

thank you for your feedback.

If the new S5 mk 2 really is 88dB, then it is 1dB MORE, not less efficient.

The original S5 mk 1 was 87dB efficient:

http://www.soundstagenetwork.com/ind...nts&Itemid=153

**Elberoth** · June 22, 2016, 04:01 AM

Originally Posted by Mike

One of the benefits of Magico enclosure design is that they do not energize or activate the room structure therefore they will work well in smaller room applications. The S5 Mk II performance at AXPONA in the 15' x 19' x 9' hotel room was outstanding. Magico created fabulous sound in that room and it would only improve with larger room dimensions.

I would give Mark a call and go hear them. His room isn't too big and he gets great sound.

+1

My room is 14' x 19'.

**Cincy2** · June 22, 2016, 07:30 AM

Originally Posted by Mike

One of the benefits of Magico enclosure design is that they do not energize or activate the room structure therefore they will work well in smaller room applications. The S5 Mk II performance at AXPONA in the 15' x 19' x 9' hotel room was outstanding. Magico created fabulous sound in that room and it would only improve with larger room dimensions.

From your lips to God's ears! I'm counting on this statement.

Cincy

**Mike** · June 22, 2016, 07:32 AM

Originally Posted by Cincy2

From your lips to God's ears! I'm counting on this statement.

Cincy

That's directly from Magico. Looking forward to you getting the S1 mk2's fired up.

**Mike** · June 23, 2016, 04:05 PM

Quick update: the Magico S5 mk2's now have close to 300 hours on them. I've been playing them at least 14 hours a day for two weeks and they've only improved. The change in the bass has been dramatic. They are sounding awesome.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

**madfloyd** · June 23, 2016, 04:19 PM

Remind me what you're driving them with and what space they are in, Mike?

**bthomas9** · June 23, 2016, 04:21 PM

Originally Posted by madfloyd

Remind me what you're driving them with and what space they are in, Mike?

VITUS!!!

and Vac.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

**Elberoth** · June 23, 2016, 04:28 PM

+1

Vitus + Magico is the perfect combination. By far the best I've heard (and I've heard quite a few).

I have recently heard the S5 mk 2 with Vitus SM-102 monos at Rhapsony in NY, and the combo sounded simply stunning.

I have also tried the smaller SM-011 monos with my old S5mk1 and that was a killer combo as well. Even better than my MSB M202 monos, which is another amp showing great synergy with Magicos.

**Mike** · June 26, 2016, 10:44 PM

Adam - what finish did you get?

I have to be honest, my M-Coat Black S5 mk2's is the nicest black finish I've had on a speaker - ever. It's perfect.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

**Elberoth** · June 27, 2016, 01:48 AM

Same as I had before - Bronze M-Cast. The S1s I have at home right now are finished in the Black M-cast, which is also nice, but I think the Bronze is the nicest of the lot.

**Mike** · June 27, 2016, 07:17 AM

Originally Posted by Elberoth

Same as I had before - Bronze M-Cast. The S1s I have at home right now are finished in the Black M-cast, which is also nice, but I think the Bronze is the nicest of the lot.

For M Cast, I agree. Bronze is very nice, the black is too though.

**Rhapsody** · June 27, 2016, 10:08 AM

Originally Posted by Elberoth

+1

Vitus + Magico is the perfect combination. By far the best I've heard (and I've heard quite a few).

I have recently heard the S5 mk 2 with Vitus SM-102 monos at Rhapsony in NY, and the combo sounded simply stunning.

I have also tried the smaller SM-011 monos with my old S5mk1 and that was a killer combo as well. Even better than my MSB M202 monos, which is another amp showing great synergy with Magicos.

Hey Adam

I didn't even turn my system on, it was that pink "kool-aid" that I gave you as you entered the studio

Seriously enjoyed your visit muchly, and look forward to seeing you at least in Munich, if not at YOUR show in Warsaw.

**Elberoth** · June 27, 2016, 06:24 PM

Bob,

Thanks a lot for your hospitality ! You have a killer sounding system in your studio.

**Rhapsody** · June 28, 2016, 05:57 AM

Originally Posted by Elberoth

Bob,

Thanks a lot for your hospitality ! You have a killer sounding system in your studio.

Thank you Adam, coming from you that means a lot....appreciate it and look forward to seeing you in the future.

**still-one** · July 9, 2016, 04:02 PM

Spent a couple of hour auditioning a pair of S5 MKII's today a the local dealer. The speakers were being driven my Nagra mono-blocks and their latest HD DAC. All in all a very nice combination. Not being able to hear them in the same room I would definitely give them the edge over "similarly" priced SF Futura's and the price bracketing pair of Wilson Sasha II's and Alexia's. I still prefer the MBL 111F's to any that I have mentioned.

We did compare the Nagra DAC to the MSB and I preferred the Nagra unit.

**Alpinist** · July 9, 2016, 04:39 PM

I haven't heard the S5 MkII yet but I did a long audition of the S7 and preferred it to the Alexia by a substantial margin.

Ken

**madfloyd** · July 9, 2016, 10:46 PM

Thanks for your impressions, Jim.

**LVB** · July 12, 2016, 05:11 PM

Originally Posted by still-one

Spent a couple of hour auditioning a pair of S5 MKII's today a the local dealer. The speakers were being driven my Nagra mono-blocks and their latest HD DAC. All in all a very nice combination. Not being able to hear them in the same room I would definitely give them the edge over "similarly" priced SF Futura's and the price bracketing pair of Wilson Sasha II's and Alexia's. I still prefer the MBL 111F's to any that I have mentioned.

Even the S3 is better than the Alexia…
Have a look at the latest Stereo (Germany), the S3 has the lowest distortion figures I have everseen out of their measurements (Below what they can measure...). Look at how much smother both the frq response,on and off axis, and the impulse looks (Why are the Alexia tweeter is out of phase?). And that is the Mk1, I wonder what the Mk2 will do… The Alexia is more efficient, but it has 2X10", the S3 has only 2X8"

**KeithR** · July 12, 2016, 05:28 PM

I don't feel you can tell the difference between these speakers technically from what you are looking at. A full suite would be necessary, and even then, only a guide. Also, Wilson's moving cabinet components won't be picked up by them, so it's probably more useful from the listening position rather than near-field.

What I have found empirically/recently is that Wilson's soft domes are a bit subdued for my taste - although adjustable by resistor, too, as JA did in his Alexia review. And the pair of S5s I demo'd seemed to highlight the treble, go figure.

**LVB** · July 12, 2016, 05:50 PM

Originally Posted by KeithR

I don't feel you can tell the difference between these speakers technically from what you are looking at. A full suite would be necessary, and even then, only a guide. Also, Wilson's moving cabinet components won't be picked up by them, so it's probably more useful from the listening position rather than near-field.

What I have found empirically/recently is that Wilson's soft domes are a bit subdued for my taste - although adjustable by resistor, too, as JA did in his Alexia review. And the pair of S5s I demo'd seemed to highlight the treble, go figure.

I think you can tell rather a lot, you basically have just about anything you need to make a decent judgment; frq (on and off axis), impedance, impulse and distortion (unless you want to dispute facts like 0.3>0.1, or the meaning of a tweeter wired out of phase in a speaker that claims time alignment possibilities

).

**KeithR** · July 12, 2016, 06:26 PM

Originally Posted by LVB

I think you can tell rather a lot, you basically have just about anything you need to make a decent judgment; frq (on and off axis), impedance, impulse and distortion (unless you want to dispute facts like 0.3>0.1, or the meaning of a tweeter wired out of phase in a speaker that claims time alignment possibilities

).

The midrange is out of phase, so you might want to refrain from that. And magico is neither time nor phase coherent, either.

but what's your point? If you buy speakers by graph, good luck to you. People did the same with Halcro amps back in the day and look where it got them.

**LVB** · July 12, 2016, 07:04 PM

Originally Posted by KeithR

The midrange is out of phase, so you might want to refrain from that. And magico is neither time nor phase coherent, either.

but what's your point? If you buy speakers by graph, good luck to you. People did the same with Halcro amps back in the day and look where it got them.

Looks to me like it is the tweeter that is out of phase, isn't that the first highest pulse (not that it matter if it is the midrange, neither topologies will qualify for time coherency). True Magico is neither time nor phase coherent but I don't think they use these notions as a major selling point.
I don't pretend to tell anyone why he should, or should not, buy a product based on whatever one fancy, all I am saying is that objectively, the S3 are overall better. Subjectively it happens that I also think they sound better, it is possible to measure good and, god forbid, sound good as well...

**MRJAZZ** · July 12, 2016, 07:27 PM

[QUOTE=LVB;175697]Even the S3 is better than the Alexia…
Have a look at the latest Stereo (Germany), the S3 has the lowest distortion figures I have everseen out of their measurements (Below what they can measure...). Look at how much smother both the frq response,on and off axis, and the impulse looks (Why are the Alexia tweeter is out of phase?). And that is the Mk1, I wonder what the Mk2 will do… The Alexia is more efficient, but it has 2X10", the S3 has only 2X8"

Actually, I believe, the Alexia has just one 10" woofer, and and one 8" mounted above.

Cheers,

**LVB** · July 12, 2016, 07:41 PM

Deleted

**a.wayne** · July 12, 2016, 08:49 PM

Originally Posted by LVB

Even the S3 is better than the Alexia…
Have a look at the latest Stereo (Germany), the S3 has the lowest distortion figures I have everseen out of their measurements (Below what they can measure...). Look at how much smother both the frq response,on and off axis, and the impulse looks (Why are the Alexia tweeter is out of phase?). And that is the Mk1, I wonder what the Mk2 will do… The Alexia is more efficient, but it has 2X10", the S3 has only 2X8"

Both speakers have their tweeter phase inverted in relation to main drivers the WA is inverted phase to the Magico thats all , BTW the magico sensitivity is really 85db @1 watt and the WA is 89db/W , both speakers exhibit a roll off on axis and are approx 3db(M) 5 db (WA) down at 10K....

**kevinkwann** · July 12, 2016, 11:53 PM

Originally Posted by madfloyd

Amps CAT JL7s, Pass XS-150 / Pass XS-Pre

Hmm. Somehow your signature line looks different.

**Mike** · July 13, 2016, 07:23 AM

Originally Posted by madfloyd

Remind me what you're driving them with and what space they are in, Mike?

I go back and forth between the Vitus SS-103 amp/SL-102 mk2 preamp and VAC Signature 200iQ monos with KT150's. New VAC phono and preamp coming soon. That way, I can demo full tube, full solid state or a combination. To my ears, the new VAC amps give me the CAT sound I heard at CES at a much much better price point and with iQ worry free technology.

As for the Vitus...the synergy with Magico is heavenly.

**LVB** · July 13, 2016, 12:35 PM

Originally Posted by a.wayne

Both speakers have their tweeter phase inverted in relation to main drivers the WA is inverted phase to the Magico thats all , BTW the magico sensitivity is really 85db @1 watt and the WA is 89db/W , both speakers exhibit a roll off on axis and are approx 3db(M) 5 db (WA) down at 10K....

The S3 drivers are all connected in-phase (just confirmed it with Magico), but that, was not my point (nor was tweeter output at certain frq )...

**a.wayne** · July 13, 2016, 12:43 PM

Thanks for the response and data, The Step response shows a discontinuity relative to and both aren't time align designs , So Hmmmm. What were the distortion numbers on the WA and i could not tell if they were tested at 1 watt or not ........

Regards..

**LVB** · July 13, 2016, 12:59 PM

Originally Posted by a.wayne

Thanks for the response and data, The Step response shows a discontinuity relative to and both aren't time align designs , So Hmmmm. What were the distortion numbers on the WA and i could not tell if they were tested at 1 watt or not ........

Regards..

the 3 green numbers at 63/3K/10KHz are the distortion figures. On the S3 the 3K and 10K they measure less then lab ability to capture, we are talking amplifier territory- a big deal for a mechanical device.

**Mike** · July 13, 2016, 12:59 PM

Originally Posted by LVB

the 3 green numbers at 63/3K/10KHz are the distortion figures. On 3K and 10K they measure less then lab ability to capture, we are talking amplifier territory- a big deal for a mechanical device.

This is for the Wilson's? Wow.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

**LVB** · July 13, 2016, 01:03 PM

No, it is for the Magico...

**Mike** · July 13, 2016, 01:05 PM

Originally Posted by LVB

No, it is for the Magico...

Wow. That's impressive. Can't even measure the distortion? Magico definitely is constantly pushing the envelope in speaker engineering.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Thread: Magico S5 mk2

Re: Magico S5 mk2

Re: Magico S5 mk2

Re: Magico S5 mk2

Magico S5 mk2

Re: Magico S5 mk2

Re: Magico S5 mk2

Re: Magico S5 mk2

Re: Magico S5 mk2

Re: Magico S5 mk2

Re: Magico S5 mk2

Re: Magico S5 mk2

Re: Magico S5 mk2

Re: Magico S5 mk2

Re: Magico S5 mk2

Re: Magico S5 mk2

Re: Magico S5 mk2

Re: Magico S5 mk2

Re: Magico S5 mk2

Re: Magico S5 mk2

Re: Magico S5 mk2

Re: Magico S5 mk2

Re: Magico S5 mk2

Re: Magico S5 mk2

Re: Magico S5 mk2

Re: Magico S5 mk2

Re: Magico S5 mk2

Re: Magico S5 mk2

Re: Magico S5 mk2

Re: Magico S5 mk2

Re: Magico S5 mk2

Re: Magico S5 mk2

Re: Magico S5 mk2

Re: Magico S5 mk2

Re: Magico S5 mk2

Re: Magico S5 mk2

Re: Magico S5 mk2

Re: Magico S5 mk2

Re: Magico S5 mk2

Re: Magico S5 mk2

Re: Magico S5 mk2

Re: Magico S5 mk2

Re: Magico S5 mk2

Re: Magico S5 mk2

Re: Magico S5 mk2

Re: Magico S5 mk2

Re: Magico S5 mk2

Re: Magico S5 mk2

Re: Magico S5 mk2

Re: Magico S5 mk2

Re: Magico S5 mk2

Posting Permissions