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Thread: S3 Mk I
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October 3, 2019, 07:51 PM #1
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S3 Mk I
I listened to the S3 MK II yesterday and was simply amazed by them.
The price of the S3 Mk 2 is not one that I can afford in a heartbeat but instead I was offered an ex demo S3 Mk I.
The Mk 2 is a different beast altogether.
Sent from my iPhone using TapatalkTurntable: VPI Prime - Ortofon Quintet S Black - VPI ADS
Digital Source: dCS Bartok w/headphone amp
Preamp: Soulution 520
Amplifier: Soulution 511
Speakers: Rockport Atria II
Power conditioning- Shunyata Research Denali 6000T v1
Power cord: AQ Thunder/Transparent Audio XL Gen 6
Interconnect: Transparent Audio Super Gen 5 XLR and tonearm cable / Transparent Audio Gen 6
Rack: Critical Mass Sotto Voce/ Critical Mass Black Platinum/MXR spike
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October 3, 2019, 08:01 PM #2
Re: S3 Mk I
For the price you can get S3 mk1 at the moment, it’s a steal. If you’re thinking A3, S3 mk1 can be had for a similar price.
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October 3, 2019, 08:10 PM #3
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Re: S3 Mk I
Turntable: VPI Prime - Ortofon Quintet S Black - VPI ADS
Digital Source: dCS Bartok w/headphone amp
Preamp: Soulution 520
Amplifier: Soulution 511
Speakers: Rockport Atria II
Power conditioning- Shunyata Research Denali 6000T v1
Power cord: AQ Thunder/Transparent Audio XL Gen 6
Interconnect: Transparent Audio Super Gen 5 XLR and tonearm cable / Transparent Audio Gen 6
Rack: Critical Mass Sotto Voce/ Critical Mass Black Platinum/MXR spike
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October 3, 2019, 09:12 PM #4
Re: S3 Mk I
I’m sure S3 mk2 is quite awesome, but if I were to replace my S3 mk1, it’ll have to be M2. So, if you’re thinking that demo unit, go for it.
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October 4, 2019, 12:22 AM #5
Re: S3 Mk I
“Life’s too short to listen to bad audio.”
Big rig: Brinkmann Taurus DD TT + 12.1 arm + Lyra Etna Lambda SL MC + HRS M3X2/ Cardas Clear Beyond phono/ Stillpoints LPI/ Brinkmann Edison mk2 phono + RöNT II Tube PS/ Synology NAS with Roon + HD Plex linear PSU + Shunyata HD/ AQ Vodka RJ45 + Aqvox Network Switch SE + AQ Diamond RJ45 into DAC/ Brinkmann Nyquist mk2/ Audionet Humboldt/ Cardas Clear Beyond ICs/ Kharma DB9-S 1.1 LS/ Inakustik Reference LS 4004 AIR/ Audioquest Niagara 5000/ Shunyata Alpha power (HC, Analogue, Digital)/ Finite Elemente Pagode Rack/ Stillpoints Ultra SS/ Vicoustic panels + Stillpoints Aperture II.
Small rig: Naim UnitiServe/ Curious USB/ Tidal/ Linn Klimax DS3/ Shunyata Power cable/ Pass Labs INT-60/ Acoustic Zen Silver Reference II/ HiD Diamond 8/ Harbeth 30.2 40th Anniversary/ Shunyata Venom EU7 & Venom 3 HD.
HP rig: MacBookAir/ Tidal/ Auralic Gemini 2000/ Sbooster LPSU/ Audeze LCD-2 Classic + WyWires Red/ Shunyata HD/ Shunyata Hydra 2/ Shunyata Venom.
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October 4, 2019, 01:08 AM #6
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Re: S3 Mk I
I have pondered over the demo unit since. The S3 is special that it will take an M series speaker to make one trade up.
I heard both speakers through the Soulution 330 integrated. Certainly an outstanding presentation that made me evaluate if I should keep my half VAC- will need to VAC 200IQ power amp to complete that setup.
The S3 mk 2 offered was beyond my comfort. But let’s see, anything could change.
Sent from my iPhone using TapatalkTurntable: VPI Prime - Ortofon Quintet S Black - VPI ADS
Digital Source: dCS Bartok w/headphone amp
Preamp: Soulution 520
Amplifier: Soulution 511
Speakers: Rockport Atria II
Power conditioning- Shunyata Research Denali 6000T v1
Power cord: AQ Thunder/Transparent Audio XL Gen 6
Interconnect: Transparent Audio Super Gen 5 XLR and tonearm cable / Transparent Audio Gen 6
Rack: Critical Mass Sotto Voce/ Critical Mass Black Platinum/MXR spike
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October 9, 2019, 08:26 AM #7
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Re: S3 Mk I
Another S3 MK1 owner here, and hearing the S3 MK2, M2, and M3 I’d have to go to the M series to consider the upgrade. If you can get the S3 MK1 at a good price, why not move forward and start enjoying the music .
Main System:
Speakers: Magico S3 MK1 | Amp: Boulder 1160 | Pre-Amp: Ref10 | Digital: DCS Vivaldi 3/4 stack & esoteric K07x | Phono-Pre: ARC Ref 2se | Phono: AMG Viella w\ 12JT & Benz LPS cart.
Living Room:
Speakers: KEF LS50 | Amp: Primaluna Prologue Premium | Digital: Lumin D2
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October 9, 2019, 08:51 AM #8
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- Malaysia
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Re: S3 Mk I
Turntable: VPI Prime - Ortofon Quintet S Black - VPI ADS
Digital Source: dCS Bartok w/headphone amp
Preamp: Soulution 520
Amplifier: Soulution 511
Speakers: Rockport Atria II
Power conditioning- Shunyata Research Denali 6000T v1
Power cord: AQ Thunder/Transparent Audio XL Gen 6
Interconnect: Transparent Audio Super Gen 5 XLR and tonearm cable / Transparent Audio Gen 6
Rack: Critical Mass Sotto Voce/ Critical Mass Black Platinum/MXR spike
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October 9, 2019, 08:58 AM #9
Re: S3 Mk I
My Systems: http://www.audioshark.org/showthread...481#post158481
"We can hear everything we measure, but we can't measure everything we hear. Let your ears be your guide."
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October 9, 2019, 09:00 AM #10
Re: S3 Mk I
One "consolation" is that the S3 mk1's are available in colors . . . but I think I'll love listening to my A3's for a while. Every time we sit and listen to music we do really love them.
Sources: Naim ND555/555PS | Roon Nucleus | Naim Soltstice Special Edition turntable and phono stage
Amplification: Naim 552/500DR
Interconnects: Ansuz/Chord Music/Naim SuperLumina
AC Power: Ansuz C2
Speakers: Magico S5MkII
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October 9, 2019, 09:36 AM #11
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- Oct 2017
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Re: S3 Mk I
Hey Bob, just to make sure I'm understanding correctly, the mk2 would require you to sell your vac gear? If you were to do that do you have a short list of electronics you might use on the mk2? I feel that with the mk1 + vac + bryston you'd have a very nice, balanced system...with the mk2 you would be building a rig around a great speaker and that's always fun (for us audio nutjobs anyways )
For context: I haven't heard the s3 mk1 so can't comment much about that but I have heard the s1 mk1 and did not like it (with vitus with dual rel subs - found it too bright imo) and i currently own the s5 mk2. i could easily see the s3 mk2 being a destination speaker for most systems. The m series is better but the mk2 is no slouch and, in my opinion, a different flavor.
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October 9, 2019, 10:37 AM #12
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October 9, 2019, 06:34 PM #13
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Re: S3 Mk I
Turntable: VPI Prime - Ortofon Quintet S Black - VPI ADS
Digital Source: dCS Bartok w/headphone amp
Preamp: Soulution 520
Amplifier: Soulution 511
Speakers: Rockport Atria II
Power conditioning- Shunyata Research Denali 6000T v1
Power cord: AQ Thunder/Transparent Audio XL Gen 6
Interconnect: Transparent Audio Super Gen 5 XLR and tonearm cable / Transparent Audio Gen 6
Rack: Critical Mass Sotto Voce/ Critical Mass Black Platinum/MXR spike
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October 9, 2019, 09:02 PM #14
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Re: S3 Mk I
I owned a pair of S3 Mk1's. Not a bad speaker. The good news is, the prices are so "washed out" at this point, you could probably sell them a year or so from now for what you'll pay for them currently . Your cost of ownership will be extremely low....
T+A MP3100HV, T+A PA3100HV. Custom made Furutech cables with ETP-609 distributor with NCF outlets, Harbeth 40.2 Anniversaries.
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October 11, 2019, 03:41 PM #15
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Re: S3 Mk I
ahhh, understood. i personally would stick with the bryston and pass on the vac in order to get the mk2. the speakers should love the power that the brystons can put out and while i don't have experience with your pre the tube pre+ss combo should work great on the magicos. i think it would be a very nicely balanced system and in the future you can pick up the 200IQ. just my $0.02
the mk1 has eaten most of it's depreciation at the time so it could be relatively risk-free buy and i can see a lot of merit in that route but i would still push for the better speaker if budget allows it. these are good problems to have!
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October 11, 2019, 05:13 PM #16
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AudioShark forum is a leading forum site for High End Audio Discussion, Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater System Discussion, Best Home Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater Installation Discussion etc.
The AudioShark forum was created for sharing the passion of high-end Audio. We have Audiophiles from all over the world participating and sharing their knowledge. From novice to experts, you will find a friendly environment for discussing about High End Audio, Stereo System, Home Theater System, Home Stereo System, Home Theater Installation, Amplifiers, Speakers, Subwoofers, Integrated System, Acoustic treatments & Digital Room Corrections and many more.
At AudioShark, we also have incorporated an exciting Marketplace where members can peruse terrific buys on used gear, as well as meet dealers and discuss the purchase of new gear.
We are as crazy about this hobby as you are! So come on in and join us! Audioshark.org the Friendliest Audio Forum!
Industry Participation Disclosure : The owner and administrator of Audioshark is the owner of Suncoast Audio LLC in Sarasota Florida. Suncoast Audio has a full brick and mortar presence in Sarasota with several great show rooms with many world class brands. More information can be found at http://www.suncoastaudio.com
Audioshark is a community of like minded individuals. Audioshark welcomes participation from all manufacturers and owners of all brands and products. It is our belief that online forums provide a community of like minded audiophiles and music lovers to encourage the growth of this wonderful hobby.
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