Magico M2 vs M3

[Thoms]

I am using a Naim 500 system on my M2s - and no problem at all. Sounds great at any volume.

You won't have any problems.

I did use a NAP 250 for a while and it definitely gave out at high volumes. But worked great at normal loud volumes. Yes - I tend to play loud!

Here the commets I was referring to:

« Test results

See table and graphs (multiple responses, energy decay, impedance)

Sensitivity is moderate, about average at 87.3dB per 8 ohm watt, the usual test input, a
little shy of the 88dB specification, although this is a low impedance, four ohm rated design which momentarily grazes the 2.5ohm resistive minimum on the impedance measurement graph, and also hovers at around 4 ohms were the reactive component of phase angle is some 60 degrees, considered to be similarly taxing. The overall rated load would be quoted closer to 3 ohms if we were to be pedantic.

Decently rated, powerful, load-capable amplifiers of top quality are to be preferred if you are going to hear just what these remarkable transducers are capable of, and neither should one neglect the importance of the loudspeaker cables: suitable sound quality options for both amplifier and loudspeaker cable will benefit from careful exploration. The Naim NAP 500DR was excellent on quality grounds but was not quite powerful enough in my room for the M2, though ironically it will drive the similarly sensitive, but higher maximum output Magico S5II well enough in this space.

[...] »

 

[Alpinist]

Here the commets I was referring to:

« Test results

See table and graphs (multiple responses, energy decay, impedance)

Sensitivity is moderate, about average at 87.3dB per 8 ohm watt, the usual test input, a
little shy of the 88dB specification, although this is a low impedance, four ohm rated design which momentarily grazes the 2.5ohm resistive minimum on the impedance measurement graph, and also hovers at around 4 ohms were the reactive component of phase angle is some 60 degrees, considered to be similarly taxing. The overall rated load would be quoted closer to 3 ohms if we were to be pedantic.

Decently rated, powerful, load-capable amplifiers of top quality are to be preferred if you are going to hear just what these remarkable transducers are capable of, and neither should one neglect the importance of the loudspeaker cables: suitable sound quality options for both amplifier and loudspeaker cable will benefit from careful exploration. The Naim NAP 500DR was excellent on quality grounds but was not quite powerful enough in my room for the M2, though ironically it will drive the similarly sensitive, but higher maximum output Magico S5II well enough in this space.

[...] »

Maybe the reviewer has a very large listening room and listens at extremely high volume levels. What is the size of your listening room and volume preference? This could be a limitation of the M2’s more than the Naim 500. I seem to remember Mike commenting that the M3’s filled a large room with sound more effectively than the M2’s. Of course we’re talking in extremes here.

Ken

 

[XV-1]

I had drivers replaced locally in S3, but as far as I know M's have to go back to the factory.

That is crazy, as tweeters blow for many reasons.

To send the entire speakers back from Australia would be ridiculous. Look after those M3's and don't play them too loud.

 

[brodricj]

It is easy to get drivers out of S speakers, just undo six fasteners and pull off the crimp terminal. It's not even soldered. A 2 minute job. Not so with M. The whole face plate needs to be removed to get access to the drivers. But I can't think of a reason why it can't be done locally if need be.

 

[JimmyS]

I have heard each at Axpona, Dealer Stores, and friends homes. Every time I’ve come away with the conclusion that I prefer the M3. I currently have S3’s, and the M2’s would be a better size for my listening space, however I just connect with the M3’s.

 

[LVB]

How does one replace tweeters if you blow one on a M2/3/6/9 ?

It has been mentioned on other forum that you must send back to Magico, which must be incorrect surely?

It’s not that difficult, any competent dealer/technician can do that, and if you can use an allen wrench and a soldering iron, you can do it yourself.

 

[Kingsrule]

It’s not that difficult, any competent dealer/technician can do that, and if you can use an allen wrench and a soldering iron, you can do it yourself.

You have no idea what u are talking about

 

[PeterA]

You have no idea what u are talking about

I spent a day with an owner and his dealer replacing a blown tweeter. It was not for the faint of heart. Moving the front baffle out far enough to have room to install the new tweeter was time consuming and perhaps the most difficult challenge of the job. Then one must make sure the isodamp gasket is properly placed before drawing the baffle back to the main cabinet and tightening the tension rods.

I am also aware of a dealer not making this repair properly. After the repair, I heard the speakers and noticed an issue. Upon inspection, that Isodamp gasket had not been installed properly. There was air pressure being released during play out from one of the front seams of the cabinet. The owner and/or Magico decided to send it back to the factory for a full inspection and proper repair.

I agree that it is not as easy as it would appear, but it can be done in the field by a qualified dealer.

 

[Kingsrule]

I spent a day with an owner and his dealer replacing a blown tweeter. It was not for the faint of heart. Moving the front baffle out far enough to have room to install the new tweeter was time consuming and perhaps the most difficult challenge of the job. Then one must make sure the isodamp gasket is properly placed before drawing the baffle back to the main cabinet and tightening the tension rods.

I am also aware of a dealer not making this repair properly. After the repair, I heard the speakers and noticed an issue. Upon inspection, that Isodamp gasket had not been installed properly. There was air pressure being released during play out from one of the front seams of the cabinet. The owner and/or Magico decided to send it back to the factory for a full inspection and proper repair.

I agree that it is not as easy as it would appear, but it can be done in the field by a qualified dealer.

This is exactly what I was referring to. It is not an easy repair....

 

[LVB]

This is exactly what I was referring to. It is not an easy repair....

I replaced a tweeter on a Q3 alone (got a good set of instructions from Magico). True, it is not as straightforward as a front mounting tweeter, but it should not require a factory visit.