Thread: S3 Mk2

Hi, been considering to upgrade speakers (something that has been long time coming) and perhaps the end-game pair.

I have been hearing good things about the Magico line-up- S1, A3 and S3 (notably S3 that is quite a stretch by a whole mile judging that it is not a cheap pair of speaker) that paired with tube amplifier notably VAC. Last year, I made the jump by changing my ARC Ref 5 preamp to the VAC Signature preamplifier that made me appreciate the beauty of tube per-amplification and see a VAC 200IQ amp on the rack sometime in the near future but not before the task at hand of acquiring S3/A3.

I pretty much listen to rock, jazz at moderate volume in 12 X 15ft space currently considering that I am looking to move an apartment or a condo in the next year. My question is would the S3 be too much for the space and would the S3 be the end-game pair that I will ever need?

I would argue you can’t go wrong with the S3 mk2 as a speaker, or in the Magico line-up. They allow for complete transparency of your system, producing nice tone colors and great detail retrieval, paired with a tight bass. Top-to-bottom coherence is also better than with the models featuring aluminum woofers. Through the graphene and diamond coated drivers they offer quite a bit of M series technology at an S series price.

Different to other brands, such as e.g. B&W, it is also not necessary to play them at airplane landing levels either to get a great sound. The closed design further enables easy placement in smaller rooms. And, for a floorstander with two 9” woofers, they disappear surprisingly completely.

Therefore, go for it.


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My room is similar to yours 11x14ft and I live in a condo. I listen also to rock, Jazz and Americana in a low to moderate volume. I do crank it with no problems after the snowbirds leave. My sitting position sometimes varies according to the genre selection. I do like nearfield for that enveloping sound with most though. For more of a truer bass I sit further back like for classic material.
I think this size room or similar is ideal for the S3mk2s and my Vac gear. Thinking down the line in an upgrade path a second Vac 200Iq would be nice (better bass I understand) but the heat factor in that size room here in Florida might be too much. My ceiling fan is perfect and I can’t discern any nose coming from it. The M2s might be a better speaker or maybe just different but out of my budget at this point.
I think the S3Mks are second to none in their price range or above in the appropriate size room. Their construction and components are first class and would not be surprised to find that the M2s are not MUCH better in my particular set up.
There again we all strive for the best SQ and I’m not saying I wouldn’t love to get the M2s.
No Mike.........I’ve already BLOCKED your phone number!

I owned the S1Mk2´s also and was very happy with them.

The S3Mk2´s have a bigger sound stage and bass though and are more of a destination speaker for my size room.

Completely agree with the comments above on the S3 MkII. I have been very happy with them in my small room set up... The closed design really helps keep the low end in check. While we can talk forever about various speakers (and I love hearing all the differences out there), I see the S3 MkII as the real entry to getting speakers that will transparently display your system. For me, everything "above" the S3 MkII is more about a choice in sound vs. bigger is better etc. That choice needs to be paired with your room.

And... "entry" level of the S3 MkII is a very high level... 10 years ago it would be one of the best speakers on the planet hands down. It's a Porsche 911... Does anyone really need the Aston Martin, Lambo, or Ferrari? The 911 can still do a helluva lot on the track. Are we sometimes just coveting audio porn, or do we really know why why we want that Wilson, MBL, M series, or whatever... The answer is usually "well... it depends..." Again, room size has a lot to do with that answer.