New Magico S3 - 2023

**Mike** · December 12, 2022, 12:24 PM

HAYWARD, CA (USA) // December 12, 2022 // Magico - the leader in high-performance loudspeaker design and manufacture - is pleased to announce the new S3.
Magico’s flagship loudspeaker, the incomparable M9, was as much a tour de force engineering exercise as a finished product. The knowledge distilled and technological advances gained in the M9 development have been applied to the new S3 which reaps the rewards of those monumental efforts. With new state-of-the-art R&D capabilities, we set out to redesign the S3 Mk II loudspeaker to achieve audible improvements in every parameter. With new enclosure, drivers, and coupling system, the S3 accomplishes far more than the initial design brief.

The technologies and construction techniques leveraged in the new S3 achieve a purity of sound and measured performance that surpassed our expectations. The new Magico S3 shatters the boundaries of performance for a speaker in its class.
ENCLOSURE TECHNOLOGY
The new S3 features an appearance that is at once refined and fortified. With a newly engineered enclosure assembled from four separate extruded aluminum panels ranging in thickness from 1/2” to 2-inches, the S3’s enclosure is ambitious to say the least. Each panel, including the front baffle, is carefully machined to take on an overall edgeless-shaped perimeter. A massive machined top plate is curved and has an upward pitch to minimize enclosure diffraction and break up vertical standing waves. A thicker and more substantial baseplate incorporates a newly designed 3-point outrigger system with a new foot design that lowers the center of gravity of the speaker and increases overall stability, resulting in a lower noise floor and increased dynamics.
Magico’s new in-house 3D laser interferometry system measures each S3 enclosure panel, up to 1000 points a side, and calculates the aggregate SPL resonance of the entire enclosure. This highly accurate analysis enables us to compare the enclosure resonance contribution in relation to the acoustical output of the transducers and strategically apply internal bracing and damping techniques to optimize the overall sound performance of the S3 in its finished form. The new S3 enclosure is 30% quieter than its predecessor.

ACOUSTIC DESIGN
The Klippel Near-Field-Scanner (NFS) uses a single microphone that rotates around a loudspeaker enclosure that is suspended in free-air. The microphone analyzes the environment space first, and then takes fully automated 3D acoustic measurements (on and off axis) in a minimal amount of time without the need for an anechoic chamber. The 360-dgeree sphere of measurement points are then calculated with the initial room measurements deducted from the equation. The Klippel Near-Field-Scanner provides Magico with unprecedented, highly accurate data and allows us to predict the in-room reflections and response of each loudspeaker in a standard listening room environment. The new S3 greatly benefitted from this uncompromised investment in measurement technology. The result is a speaker with clear technical superiority that results in unparalleled sonic performance.
DRIVER TECHNOLOGY
Three years of engineering research brings a new generation of transducer chassis designs that provide improved mechanical and acoustical parameters. New chassis profiles have been developed for the S3’s midrange and bass drivers, which result in ideal stiffness and damping properties to minimize any acoustical contribution by reducing resonant modes while also maximizing air flow. No aspect of the S3’s design was left to chance. Magico’s commitment to leveraging its R&D resources for the best acoustical performance is unrivaled.
TWEETER HIGHLIGHTS
Using key elements of the M9 tweeter platform, the newly designed S3 tweeter features the vaunted Magico 28mm diamond-coated beryllium diaphragm. Optimized geometry, created using state-of-the-art Finite Element Analysis modeling tools, brings the S3’s high-frequency reproduction one step closer to perfection. This was achieved by skillfully leveraging beryllium's physical properties, making the tweeter closer to the theoretical ideal without gaining the extra weight normally associated with a material such as diamond's specific gravity. This applied technology allowed Magico to increase the dome diameter from 26mm to 28mm, improving many aspects of performance and allowing even greater power handling and vanishingly low distortion. Combined with a neodymium-based motor system, new acoustically improved back chamber, and customized shape to integrate into the curved front baffle, the new S3 tweeter registers the lowest distortion measurements possible today from a high-frequency transducer. When coupled with even greater power handling, the S3’s tweeter is a technical and sonic marvel.
MIDRANGE DRIVER HIGHLIGHTS
The 5-inch pure midrange driver in the S3 features an advanced cone material formed of a honeycomb aluminum core sandwiched with outer and inner layers of graphene and carbon fiber. This enables wider dispersion characteristics and results in greater midrange transparency. The advanced cone is supported by a customized basket assembly and innovative foam surround, which helps achieve ideal cone/surround integration, faster settling time, and impressively low distortion. The all-new underhung neodymium-based motor system uses two extra-large magnets to facilitate a super-stabilized magnetic field and a pure copper pole cap that minimizes eddy currents and maximizes efficiency. This development in midrange driver technology sets a new benchmark of measured performance in both the frequency and time domains.

BASS DRIVER HIGHLIGHTS
Finite Element Analysis (FEA) provides Magico engineers a single platform to assess acoustical, mechanical, electromagnetic, and thermal properties. This meticulous testing helps minimize distortions in the frequency and time domains. The S3’s bass driver has benefitted greatly from this advanced research.
The 9” bass driver in the S3 features an enhanced version of Magico’s Graphene Nano-Tec cone. Graphene, a hexagonal lattice of carbon, achieves 50 times the tensile strength of high- carbon steel. The new cone is formed using a honeycomb aluminum core sandwiched by outer and inner layers of CF Graphene, which combine to achieve the highest possible stiffness-to- weight ratio, ideal damping properties, and extremely low distortion. The new bass unit incorporates oversized components including a 5-inch pure Titanium voice coil and huge copper cap with 1/2” of linear excursion. The super-stabilized magnetic field enables the S3 to reproduce superior low bass output (112dB @ 50Hz measured at 1 meter), while maintaining very low distortion and inductance below 0.25m
The new Magico S3: Technical superiority achieved through an uncompromised commitment to the most advanced research and development techniques in the industry. The result is a sonic masterpiece that will reveal more listening pleasure than thought possible at this price point

SPECIFICATIONS
Driver Complement
1 1.1”
1 5”
2 9”
MB5FP pure Beryllium, Diamond coated tweeter Gen 8 Midrange driver
Gen 8 Bass driver
Sensitivity: 88dB
Impedance: 4 Ohms
Frequency Response: 24 Hz – 50 KHz Recommended Power: 50 – 750 Watts Dimensions : 44H” x 17D” x 12W” (17” outrigger) Weight: 222 lbs
Ship Date: Q1 2023

**Elberoth** · December 12, 2022, 01:08 PM

I wonder why the midrange enclsure is gone ... they made quite a fuss when they first introduced it a few years back:

magico_S5_Cabinet_Structure.jpg

The M-series still uses it.

I can't wait to see the measurements. The S5 has already been one of the best, if not THE BEST measuring speaker on the market. With the acquisition of Klippel system, they have probably moved the bar even further.

**kzhtoo** · December 12, 2022, 01:17 PM

What is the MSRP?

**Audio 1** · December 12, 2022, 01:20 PM

Certainly have increased in price.

S3 M-Cast SRP $ 45,500 /pair

S3 M-Coat SRP $ 52,500 /pair

**wgerman** · December 12, 2022, 01:30 PM

Looks bigger than the S3, S5 replacement?

**MichaelsMinute** · December 12, 2022, 01:39 PM

Originally Posted by Mike

[IMG]

That blue is awesome.

**Mike** · December 12, 2022, 01:40 PM

S3 - M-Cast - $45,500/pair
S3 - M-Coat - $52,500/pair

**Mike** · December 12, 2022, 01:54 PM

Hi-Res Photos Here:

https://www.amazon.com/photos/shared...lUE-7OI1gJJwEJ

https://www.amazon.com/photos/shared...pt-bDIBDQI8kqa

https://www.amazon.com/photos/shared...w-c93oXreptIlS

https://www.amazon.com/photos/shared...5TatC1QG-D9Gf5

**Mike** · December 12, 2022, 01:59 PM

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**NekoAudio** · December 12, 2022, 02:39 PM

Originally Posted by Elberoth

I wonder why the midrange enclsure is gone ... I can't wait to see the measurements.

The press release's tweeter description and internal image indicates a new improved back chamber design (that rear green panel and the solid aluminum "floor" below the midrange driver). So I assume this new design that is part of the internal bracing is superior.

Just reading the list of changes and improvements, plus looking at the photos which show the slightly curved front baffle and recessed tweeter, I can easily imagine much lower distortion with just as good if not better off-axis behavior.

Originally Posted by wgerman

Looks bigger than the S3, S5 replacement?

Roughly, the S5 MkII still has greater cabinet volume than the new S3, and the S5 MkII is also still specified to play lower at 20Hz versus the S3 at 24Hz. But the new S3 is larger and heavier than the previous S3 MkII.

**Mike** · December 12, 2022, 02:51 PM

Originally Posted by Elberoth

I wonder why the midrange enclsure is gone ... they made quite a fuss when they first introduced it a few years back:

magico_S5_Cabinet_Structure.jpg

The M-series still uses it.

I can't wait to see the measurements. The S5 has already been one of the best, if not THE BEST measuring speaker on the market. With the acquisition of Klippel system, they have probably moved the bar even further.

The mid does have its own enclosure, it’s just not a “bubble” anymore. The new one, tested using the laser vibrometer, produced better results.

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**kzhtoo** · December 12, 2022, 02:52 PM

Originally Posted by Mike

S3 - M-Cast - $45,500/pair
S3 - M-Coat - $52,500/pair

About right. Too close to A5 and it’ll kill A5 sales.

**Dizzie** · December 12, 2022, 02:58 PM

Originally Posted by Mike

The mid does have its own enclosure, it’s just not a “bubble” anymore. The new one, tested using the laser vibrometer, produced better results.

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Mike,

From the schematic it appears the midrange driver is still open on the top which is open to the bass drivers.

**Mike** · December 12, 2022, 02:59 PM

Originally Posted by Dizzie

Mike,

From the schematic it appears the midrange driver is still open on the top which is open to the bass drivers.

I asked Alon and that was his response.

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**Dizzie** · December 12, 2022, 03:02 PM

Originally Posted by kzhtoo

About right. Too close to A5 and it’ll kill A5 sales.

At $26,800 in black and $28,000 in silver for A5s. I don't consider that close to the S3 price.

S3 - M-Cast - $45,500/pair
S3 - M-Coat - $52,500/pair

**kzhtoo** · December 12, 2022, 03:04 PM

Originally Posted by Dizzie

At $26,800 in black and $28,000 in silver for A5s. I don't consider that close.

You misunderstood me. Or I was confusing. I meant “IF it is too close to A5, it’ll kill A5”, implying that it is not close.

**wgerman** · December 12, 2022, 03:51 PM

Originally Posted by NekoAudio

The press release's tweeter description and internal image indicates a new improved back chamber design (that rear green panel and the solid aluminum "floor" below the midrange driver). So I assume this new design that is part of the internal bracing is superior.

Just reading the list of changes and improvements, plus looking at the photos which show the slightly curved front baffle and recessed tweeter, I can easily imagine much lower distortion with just as good if not better off-axis behavior.

Roughly, the S5 MkII still has greater cabinet volume than the new S3, and the S5 MkII is also still specified to play lower at 20Hz versus the S3 at 24Hz. But the new S3 is larger and heavier than the previous S3 MkII.

Interesting product placement. So I guess the next S5 grows, but it can't really since it will infringe upon the S7 market. So maybe the next S5-S7 merge. Will be interesting to see the whole product line get the new updates.

**GSOphile** · December 12, 2022, 03:57 PM

Mike, do the MSRP's include grills (per the old S3's) and some sort of pod footers instead of spikes?

**exupgh12** · December 12, 2022, 05:02 PM

S3 2023 high is lower then S3mk2, the new speaker is deeper and heavier then current model.

S3mk2 Size & weight:

48.2"H x 12"D x 12W (122cm x 30.5cm x 30cm)
Weight: 170 lbs. (77 kg)

**Mike** · December 12, 2022, 05:15 PM

Originally Posted by GSOphile

Mike, do the MSRP's include grills (per the old S3's) and some sort of pod footers instead of spikes?

The new S3’s comes with grilles and a newly designed footer that is more stable with heavy weight loudspeakers.

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**Mike** · December 12, 2022, 07:33 PM

Here is a new pic, shows the top sealed midrange enclosure more clearly. In assembly, the machine pattern on the top will be filled with damping material.

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**brodricj** · December 13, 2022, 08:01 AM

That is a good looking speaker....might even top M3 for good looks.

**Mike** · December 13, 2022, 08:39 AM

In summary:

* The new S3 (2023) is two pounds heavier than the current S5 mk2.
* The tweeters are the 28mm diamond-coated beryllium (like M series)
* The midrange is now the graphene coated honeycomb aluminum driver used in the A5 and M9.
* The 9 inch bass woofers are new and made with the graphene coated honeycomb aluminum like the midrange.
* An all new footer system
* A far more extensive enclosure with far more bracing.
* The shape of the cabinet (even the top) is monocoque and also has no flat surfaces helping eliminate reflected energy and distribute sound better into the room.

All the above are significant advancements over anything in the S lineup.

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**MichaelsMinute** · December 13, 2022, 09:49 AM

Originally Posted by Mike

In summary:

* The new S3 (2023) is two pounds heavier than the current S5 mk2.
* The tweeters are the 28mm diamond-coated beryllium (like M series)
* The midrange is now the graphene coated honeycomb aluminum driver used in the A5 and M9.
* The 9 inch bass woofers are new and made with the graphene coated honeycomb aluminum like the midrange.
* An all new footer system
* A far more extensive enclosure with far more bracing.
* The shape of the cabinet (even the top) is monocoque and also has no flat surfaces helping eliminate reflected energy and distribute sound better into the room.

All the above are significant advancements over anything in the S lineup.

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It's always exciting when a well respected audio mfg comes out with a new piece of gear. I bet these speakers are going to sound fantastic. Sounds like they've put a lot of thought into them.

**ack** · December 13, 2022, 09:58 AM

Originally Posted by Mike

The mid does have its own enclosure, it’s just not a “bubble” anymore. The new one, tested using the laser vibrometer, produced better results.

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I seriously doubt that this is a better solution. We will see what happens with the S5 or S7 upgrades

**Mike** · December 13, 2022, 10:37 AM

Originally Posted by ack

I seriously doubt that this is a better solution. We will see what happens with the S5 or S7 upgrades

Measured on the Klippel, the new version was better.

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**Kingsrule** · December 13, 2022, 10:40 AM

88dB 4ohm

I was really hoping Magico would start moving new models to a more efficient spec....

**kzhtoo** · December 13, 2022, 12:27 PM

Originally Posted by Kingsrule

88dB 4ohm

I was really hoping Magico would start moving new models to a more efficient spec....

Not with the sealed enclosure. Magico is always about the sealed enclosure.

**Mike** · December 13, 2022, 05:55 PM

Trade-In/Trade-Up Program - Suncoast Audio

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**Audio 1** · December 13, 2022, 08:02 PM

Originally Posted by Mike

Here is a new pic, shows the top sealed midrange enclosure more clearly. In assembly, the machine pattern on the top will be filled with damping material.

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Where is the crossover located in the cabinet structure?

**mdp632** · December 13, 2022, 09:59 PM

Impressive very impressive technology.

Wonder how much they would be if Magico moved their HQ to TX or FL :-)

Anyways, will be interesting to see or read how their competitor from Utah will bring forth the Sasha DAW V next year most likely at a similar price point.

Nice move on the trade-in program Mike. Magico should copy Wilson and do a one too but, glad you are feeding that need from a dealer perspective.

Wonder if we are reaching the limits of passive loudspeaker design.

Looking forward to the reading about the rest of new S V3 or 2023 line. Perhaps trickled out through 2023.

Seems like is Magico vs the world at this point and design in price categories they have it covered.

**Alpinist** · December 14, 2022, 12:07 AM

I am really curious why Magico didn’t use a monocoque cabinet for the new S3 but opted to go with an internally braced cabinet. A monocoque design is proven to be stronger and much easier and cheaper to produce. Of course a stronger cabinet doesn’t necessarily correlate to one with lower vibrations.

Ken

**Henry303** · December 14, 2022, 12:08 AM

Originally Posted by mdp632

Anyways, will be interesting to see or read how their competitor from Utah will bring forth the Sasha DAW V next year most likely at a similar price point.
.

I can tell you already; they will change one panel (or two) to the “magic” V material, increase the volume of the enclosure by 2.37%, etc. and voilà, a new model! Everyone will go gaga, as usual

**GSOphile** · December 14, 2022, 09:56 AM

Originally Posted by Alpinist

I am really curious why Magico didn’t use a monocoque cabinet for the new S3 but opted to go with an internally braced cabinet. A monocoque design is proven to be stronger and much easier and cheaper to produce. Of course a stronger cabinet doesn’t necessarily correlate to one with lower vibrations.

Ken

I'm told that the machine Magico used to extrude the aluminum enclosure for the S3 and S3 MkII broke down a couple of years ago and is reportedly unrepairable.... which is why they haven't been manufacturing these lately. I think this machine also placed limitations on the shape of the enclosure. A carbon fiber solution (like the M2) is probably too costly for an S3 offering.

**Mike** · December 14, 2022, 11:26 AM

Originally Posted by Alpinist

I am really curious why Magico didn’t use a monocoque cabinet for the new S3 but opted to go with an internally braced cabinet. A monocoque design is proven to be stronger and much easier and cheaper to produce. Of course a stronger cabinet doesn’t necessarily correlate to one with lower vibrations.

Ken

The new structure, due to optimized bracing layout is much quieter, as stated in the PR. It is not possible to do that in a monocoque extrusion.

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**Gene** · December 14, 2022, 12:48 PM

Its like the S and M series got together and had a child and the result was the new baby S3.
Wonder if any upgrade footers like the Spod will be available or retro fitted.

**Puma Cat** · December 14, 2022, 01:45 PM

Originally Posted by Elberoth

I wonder why the midrange enclsure is gone ... they made quite a fuss when they first introduced it a few years back.

Cost, probably. Likely had an impact on the cost of the BOM.

**Henry303** · December 14, 2022, 02:06 PM

Originally Posted by Puma Cat

Cost, probably. Likely had an impact on the cost of the BOM.

From Magico FB:

Capture.PNG

David Hyman
I talked to alon about it. It's actually an improvement over internal enclosure. "We found out, after we got the laser vibrometer, that the pressure that was building up between the bubble, and the actual enclosure was creating more issues than the bubble potential benefits. The bubble was also interfering with critical bracing placement. We are getting better results using this method."

**Puma Cat** · December 14, 2022, 03:44 PM

Originally Posted by Henry303

From Magico FB:

Capture.PNG

David Hyman
I talked to alon about it. It's actually an improvement over internal enclosure. "We found out, after we got the laser vibrometer, that the pressure that was building up between the bubble, and the actual enclosure was creating more issues than the bubble potential benefits. The bubble was also interfering with critical bracing placement. We are getting better results using this method."

Interesting, thanks.

**Elberoth** · December 14, 2022, 07:30 PM

Originally Posted by Mike

The mid does have its own enclosure, it’s just not a “bubble” anymore. The new one, tested using the laser vibrometer, produced better results.

That is my point. One of the upgrades Magico did when they went from S5 mk1 to S5 mk2, was the bubble enclosure for the mid. Vibrations have nothing to do with it. Shape has (no standing waves when the sides are not parallel).

My personal opinion/speculation - the new S3 sounded to good compared to the M2, so they took that feature off.

**mdp632** · December 14, 2022, 07:42 PM

Will this speaker kill M2 sales? The drivers are superior to everything sans the M9.

I guess we see new M2, M3 and M6 in 2024 after S line gets updated in 2023.

**Mike** · December 14, 2022, 07:50 PM

Originally Posted by mdp632

Will this speaker kill M2 sales? The drivers are superior to everything sans the M9.

I guess we see new M2, M3 and M6 in 2024 after S line gets updated in 2023.

Maybe. The M2 is a superb speaker for smaller(ish) rooms. The new S3 will likely play in bigger rooms, as well as smaller rooms. I remember when we installed Larry’s S3 mk2’s in a small small room and were all blown away by the sound. Great versatility. Should be a bigger seller, especially with the major improvements made.

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**GSOphile** · December 15, 2022, 10:16 AM

Originally Posted by Elberoth

My personal opinion/speculation - the new S3 sounded to good compared to the M2, so they took that feature off.

Plausible IMO - resembles the A3/A5.

**Mike** · December 15, 2022, 10:40 AM

Alon Wolf will be our guest next week on In Stereo with Mike & Rick.

What questions would you like answered?

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**exupgh12** · December 15, 2022, 11:01 AM

Originally Posted by Mike

Measured on the Klippel, the new version was better.

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Is 0.008% THD at is better than 0.001% THD relevant to the human ears?, yet one of those results is better than the other.

when you say Better I don't argue with that, but I can't know how much better do you refer to, and is it matter at all to us humans - so far I haven't seen any measurements published.

**kzhtoo** · December 15, 2022, 12:26 PM

Originally Posted by Mike

Alon Wolf will be our guest next week on In Stereo with Mike & Rick.

What questions would you like answered?

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How is new S3 performance with respect to M3 and A5? Does it retain S series sound signature?

**mdp632** · December 15, 2022, 07:40 PM

Originally Posted by Mike

Alon Wolf will be our guest next week on In Stereo with Mike & Rick.

What questions would you like answered?

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1.) How are Magico's design goals in addressing time-domain distortion different from your competitor who uses stepped baffles?

2.) Have we reached the limits of passive loudspeaker design?

3.) Why is Magico's approach more rewarding in the long-term than the subjectivist end of loudspeaker design?

**Alpinist** · December 15, 2022, 08:43 PM

Originally Posted by Mike

The new structure, due to optimized bracing layout is much quieter, as stated in the PR. It is not possible to do that in a monocoque extrusion.

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Hi Mike,

Thanks for your response. Why is it that the monocoque design is so effective reducing cabinet vibrations with the carbon fiber cabinet sides but much less effective with aluminum cabinet sides? Is it due to the damping characteristics of carbon?

Ken

**Mike** · December 19, 2022, 11:37 AM

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**u-sound** · December 19, 2022, 06:06 PM

Originally Posted by Mike

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very beautiful speaker!
overall, impressive evolution by magico, very well done imho.
i wonder how it looks with grills.

Thread: New Magico S3 - 2023