HiFi+ Review of the M3

[Melbguy1]

Hi folks, the first review of the M3 is out & Alan Sircom was duly impressed! The review gives clear insight into the design of the M3 & its inherent strengths. I agree with Alan's observation that the MPro still has an edge in bottom end authority compared to the M3 (which is also a strength of the S5 Mk2/S7), but that in many other areas the M3 has evolved and improved on the MPro's design, and now represents the current SOTA in loudspeaker design. A good read!

 

[Mike]

Great review and the M3 sets a whole new level of performance. Superb! The M3's have addicting like sound qualities.


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[Kuoppis]

I agree with Alan's observation that the MPro still has an edge in bottom end authority compared to the M3 (which is also a strength of the S5 Mk2/S7)

I was slightly surprised about that comment, but I guess this is a critique on the highest possible level. In a way, however, I think it is great Magico can offer a SOTA loudspeaker that also works in small/ medium size rooms.


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[Melbguy1]

I was slightly surprised about that comment, but I guess this is a critique on the highest possible level. In a way, however, I think it is great Magico can offer a SOTA loudspeaker that also works in small/ medium size rooms.


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Kuoppis, my above comment was just matter of factly pointing out Alan's observation the MPro's (like the S5 Mk2 & S7) go lower and move more air than the M3's. OTOH, the M3's are punchy & dynamic as hell! Having heard the M3's, I agree they work extremely well in small to medium size rooms. Indeed they coupled very well in my Dealer's small-medium size listening room.

Alan also uttered another truism about Magico when he noted - "We hear that a lot, but the reality is few companies walk the walk. Magico is one of the rare exceptions: the research that went into the M-Pro helped create the M3 in a clear trickle-down effect, and it’s likely that trickle-down effect will just keep on going through the Magico line". That is one of the things I loved about Infinity Systems in their heyday; the way the company trickled down technology from the reference RS, and later IRS series trickled down to lower models, resulting in amazing cost-performance :audiophile:.

 

[Mike]

Don't kid yourself. M3's worked amazingly well in Magico's huge demo room (25 x 35). When paired with subs, especially Q-sub 15's, they can play in a very large room (see RMAF and Audioshark/Suncoast Audio Magico Tour).

The S7's now, especially when paired with big powerful amps like the XS300's AND subs can really move some air in a big room, with incredible dynamics.


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[Melbguy1]

Nope, not kidding myself . I can easily see the M3's pairing extremely well with the QSubs in a cavernous room like Magico's listening room. Did I say they wouldn't? Lol :lol:. I don't know why whenever you comment on loudspeakers these days, the next comment is "yes, but what about with a pair of subs?" Not everyone can accommodate subs, nor wants to stuff around with them either. I certainly can't in my apartment situation. That's why for many, discussing the merits of loudspeakers 'as is' is still relevant.

 

[Alpinist]

Thanks for the link to the review. I wouldn't think there would be any room size constraints on the M3. Of course, all of Magico's floor standing speakers could benefit from the addition of the Q Sub 15. Not surprised that the M-Pro would be a little better in the lowest octave when you consider their woofer size. Wait until the M5 and M7 come out!

Best,
Ken

 

[Rhapsody]

Nope, not kidding myself . I can easily see the M3's pairing extremely well with the QSubs in a cavernous room like Magico's listening room. Did I say they wouldn't? Lol :lol:. I don't know why whenever you comment on loudspeakers these days, the next comment is "yes, but what about with a pair of subs?" Not everyone can accommodate subs, nor wants to stuff around with them either. I certainly can't in my apartment situation. That's why for many, discussing the merits of loudspeakers 'as is' is still relevant.

Our M3's are in a 35' X 17' X 11' room. We have two each subs available, actually several different subs availabe, but we don't use or need them with the M3's in our room. If you have the right amps, cabling and room tweeks you would be surprised how powerful but more importantly how delineated and clear the bass on the M3's is even in a room this size.

IMHO subs add some magic of course, but are definitely NOT necessary with the M3's. It totally depends on the individual listener how loud and what type music that a owner plays and prefers.

 

[Kuoppis]

Good comments all around. My input was actually meant the other way around: they do not overbear a moderate size room either.

Background: I got a very good offer on the S5 mk2 but I am afraid they would be too much for my room.


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[Rhapsody]

Good comments all around. My input was actually meant the other way around: they do not overbear a moderate size room either.

Background: I got a very good offer on the S5 mk2 but I am afraid they would be too much for my room.


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Personally I never find any of the Magicos to over power a room regarding bass vs especially ported speakers. MY experience has been that they just seem to adapt nicely to either large or smaller rooms.

Myles Astor's room is like 12' X maybe 20' or 18' and 8' ceilings and the S5II's work great in his room. A smaller room than this then probably the S3II or even the S1II might be a better match.

 

[Alpinist]

Personally I never find any of the Magicos to over power a room regarding bass vs especially ported speakers. MY experience has been that they just seem to adapt nicely to either large or smaller rooms.

Myles Astor's room is like 12' X maybe 20' or 18' and 8' ceilings and the S5II's work great in his room. A smaller room than this then probably the S3II or even the S1II might be a better match.

Having speakers with a sealed cabinet and no woofer ports really helps in a smaller room.

Ken

 

[Melbguy1]

Having speakers with a sealed cabinet and no woofer ports really helps in a smaller room.

Ken

+ 1. Those were my thoughts as well Ken. Although I have a medium size room, I've found with my S5's placed on the long wall & close to the rear stairwell, I've had no room or setup issues. The sealed enclosure & curved cabinet definitely helps in that regard. No prollies with bass output from these babies!

 

[bzr]

good comments all around. My input was actually meant the other way around: They do not overbear a moderate size room either.

Background: I got a very good offer on the s5 mk2 but i am afraid they would be too much for my room.


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personally i never find any of the magicos to over power a room regarding bass vs especially ported speakers. My experience has been that they just seem to adapt nicely to either large or smaller rooms.

Myles astor's room is like 12' x maybe 20' or 18' and 8' ceilings and the s5ii's work great in his room. A smaller room than this then probably the s3ii or even the s1ii might be a better match.

resistance is futile!!!

 

[KeithR]

this is a perfect example of a "review" that doesn't really say much or describe how the system sounds.

and I really liked the M3 at RMAF, so not hating on Magico at all.

 

[Melbguy1]

Keith, Alan did say he only had the M3's for a short time...probably too short to do a full review with labs tests. HiFi+ never shy away from fact-based reviews from what I've been able to tell .

 

[bzr]

this is a perfect example of a "review" that doesn't really say much or describe how the system sounds.

and I really liked the M3 at RMAF, so not hating on Magico at all.

Pretty much standard fair for the mag.