Magico M7 announced?

[Mike Lavigne]

A $1mil dollar question remains: what would you bring bigger SQ increase ?

I was having similar dillema when upgrading from S5 mk 2 to M3. Two dealers I had spoken with said upgrading speakers would bring bigger bigger SQ increase. Vitus monoblocks have to wait for me

bigger SQ increase?

to me the speaker-room interface is the big deal in performance.....larger for sure than any speaker upgrade. if your current speakers match your room in terms of dynamics and scale, then stick with them and work on all the acoustic tricks to optimize them. a larger (more dynamic) speaker might have to be throttled down a bit (like in an audio show). you may make any slight issues worse.

OTOH if your room can handle more dynamic performance and scale up then the more capable speaker will give you more to work with (and dwarf signal path upgrades). but......and this is a big but......accept that it will take lots more effort to optimize the more capable speaker. finding the same intimacy might take awhile. the larger speaker will push things. at first you will be in 'lust', but over time you will realize where you have issues to work out.

have fun either way.

 

[Alpinist]

A $1mil dollar question remains: what would you bring bigger SQ increase ?

I was having similar dillema when upgrading from S5 mk 2 to M3. Two dealers I had spoken with said upgrading speakers would bring bigger bigger SQ increase. Vitus monoblocks have to wait for me

If it were me, I would take the M3's in a heartbeat. The M3's don't have overwhelming bass and with their sealed enclosure, they would work in a smaller room. I auditioned the S7 and with their size and robust bass, they definitely need a larger room to sound optimal. I consequently passed on them and purchased the smaller and more adjustable Vandersteen 7 Mk2's.

Ken

 

[Melbguy1]

If it were me, I would take the M3's in a heartbeat. The M3's don't have overwhelming bass and with their sealed enclosure, they would work in a smaller room. I auditioned the S7 and with their size and robust bass, they definitely need a larger room to sound optimal. I consequently passed on them and purchased the smaller and more adjustable Vandersteen 7 Mk2's.

Ken

The pretext to your comment was the rather inane suggestion by one member that a now discontinued model (M Pro) are the "sweet spot" in Magico's range. I hopefully represent mere mortals on this forum when I suggested the S5 Mk2 is the sweet spot based on cost/performance. The M3's are a better speaker, but they cost twice as much and don't move as much air or go as deep in the bass, so they're not for everyone. Moreover, I expressed my belief in a "balanced system approach". With that said, if your system is already balanced, you can afford the M3's or Vandersteen 7 Mk2's (which cost twice as much as the S5 Mk2's in my neck), and the speakers couple well to your room, then all power to you.

Further picking up on Mike's comment about the importance of the speaker-room interface, I found the S5 Mk2's bass just right for my medium size split-level loft apartment. My speakers also do double duties as HT speakers, so the slightly fuller, more robust bass is perfect for my needs. That said, I find them well balanced and coherent sounding, with well integrated bass which is in harmony with the rest of the frequency spectrum. I do agree though that the S7's need a large room to breath.

 

[Paul]

I have a chance to hear all the S series( numerous times ) and few Q series but haven't had a chance to hear any M series yet. Mike swear the M3 is different kind of Magico. I got a hear them one day.....


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[Jack]

Paul

Based on the speakers you have listed over the years, kept or come back to a second time I suspect you might find them expensively intriguing initially but not satisfying in the long run. Not sure they have a lot in common with Harbeth or Tannoy voicing wise.

 

[Paul]

Jack.

You know all my history LOL. Back then I was just speakers whore. Nothing more or less. I just liked to flip the speakers and try many as I could . But I came back to two big speakers that I really liked and missed most. More likely you not going to see me ever sell them again coz they are my sounds hence to buy them twice. I do like Magico sounds with big power amps just don't love enough to buy them a pair yet. ( also I never had any big power amps , now I own the Bryston 28B cubed [emoji41] so I can pair any speakers ) But the M series really intrigue me

 

[Jack]

Maybe Mark will get a pair and you hear them without the outlay. I would like to hear them no doubt, but don't think I would take a pair home. Same thing with the newest Wilson's, YG's and several others. If I change there are several others higher on my radar like the Aerial 7T, Living Voice or the Reynaud Concordes.

 

[Alpinist]

The pretext to your comment was the rather inane suggestion by one member that a now discontinued model (M Pro) are the "sweet spot" in Magico's range. I hopefully represent mere mortals on this forum when I suggested the S5 Mk2 is the sweet spot based on cost/performance. The M3's are a better speaker, but they cost twice as much and don't move as much air or go as deep in the bass, so they're not for everyone. Moreover, I expressed my belief in a "balanced system approach". With that said, if your system is already balanced, you can afford the M3's or Vandersteen 7 Mk2's (which cost twice as much as the S5 Mk2's in my neck), and the speakers couple well to your room, then all power to you.

Further picking up on Mike's comment about the importance of the speaker-room interface, I found the S5 Mk2's bass just right for my medium size split-level loft apartment. My speakers also do double duties as HT speakers, so the slightly fuller, more robust bass is perfect for my needs. That said, I find them well balanced and coherent sounding, with well integrated bass which is in harmony with the rest of the frequency spectrum. I do agree though that the S7's need a large room to breath.

Hi David,

I was actually responding to Adam's post, not to yours. But since you bring it up, I do agree with both you and Adam that the S5 Mk2 is the price vs. performance sweet spot in the Magico product line. I am happy to hear that you are satisfied with your choice of the S5 Mk2 and Adam is satisfied with his choice of the M3. The common denominator here is those who have purchased speakers in the new Magico product line appear to be satisfied with their choice, regardless of the model chosen or their budget. Bravo Alon on the universal approval of your new speaker line.

Just as a side note, the M3's had not yet been released when I made the decision to purchase the Vandersteen 7 Mk2. They came out about two weeks later. Nevertheless, I really like the diminutive size and adjustability of the Vandersteen 7 Mk2. They integrate so well into my listening room, I barely even notice that they are there. And they sound pretty darn good too.

Ken

 

[Melbguy1]

Hi David,

I was actually responding to Adam's post, not to yours. But since you bring it up, I do agree with both you and Adam that the S5 Mk2 is the price vs. performance sweet spot in the Magico product line. I am happy to hear that you are satisfied with your choice of the S5 Mk2 and Adam is satisfied with his choice of the M3. The common denominator here is those who have purchased speakers in the new Magico product line appear to be satisfied with their choice, regardless of the model chosen or their budget. Bravo Alon on the universal approval of your new speaker line.

Just as a side note, the M3's had not yet been released when I made the decision to purchase the Vandersteen 7 Mk2. They came out about two weeks later. Nevertheless, I really like the diminutive size and adjustability of the Vandersteen 7 Mk2. They integrate so well into my listening room, I barely even notice that they are there. And they sound pretty darn good too.

Ken

Hi Ken,

Fair enough. The thing Adam and I have in common is he and I both take a balanced system approach, though with different room sizes and budgets in play. I agree the M3's are the right speaker for his smallish room. And the S5 Mk2's + S Pods are the right speaker for my medium size room, budget & dual 2-channel/HT requirements. Yeah Magico took a big leap forward with the new S series models...for me an even bigger leap than from M Pro + M Pods - M3.

I think you've done very well purchasing your Vandy 7 Mk2's + M7-HPA mono blocks. That combo sits between the Magico M3 and M6 price-wise with a nice pre like an ARC Ref 40th Anniversary up top, making the Vandys a compelling choice if you have the means. I wouldn't even mind seeking out a 2nd hand set of that gear in maybe 8-10 years when I have a dedicated listening room, unless a pair of Magico M6's came up at the right price :Bow:.

 

[Alpinist]

Hi Ken,

Fair enough. The thing Adam and I have in common is he and I both take a balanced system approach, though with different room sizes and budgets in play. I agree the M3's are the right speaker for his smallish room. And the S5 Mk2's + S Pods are the right speaker for my medium size room, budget & dual 2-channel/HT requirements. Yeah Magico took a big leap forward with the new S series models...for me an even bigger leap than from M Pro + M Pods - M3.

I think you've done very well purchasing your Vandy 7 Mk2's + M7-HPA mono blocks. That combo sits between the Magico M3 and M6 price-wise with a nice pre like an ARC Ref 40th Anniversary up top, making the Vandys a compelling choice if you have the means. I wouldn't even mind seeking out a 2nd hand set of that gear in maybe 8-10 years when I have a dedicated listening room, unless a pair of Magico M6's came up at the right price :Bow:.

Hi David,

It sounds like you have obtained all the key components and accessories for your system and have them dialed in. That is certainly the advantage of the balanced approach to building a system. I, on the other hand, throw as much of my budget as possible at my speaker purchase and then backfill. This has meant at times running with no preamp or power conditioner and stock power cords. Certainly not optimal in the near term but I eventually get around to adding those pieces.

The M Series are certainly destination speakers. I think what that other forum member was initially alluding to is the rapidly decreasing market value of the M-Pro with the intro of the M3 and M6. Most would agree that the S5 Mk2 is at the apex of price vs. performance but the M-Pro is rapidly becoming an incredible deal if you have the funds available.

As for my Vandersteen 7 Mk2, they were my initial purchase of this go around and I worked backwards. I was lucky enough to be able to add the matching M7-HPA monoblocks and then the Ref 10 preamp. The only retained component is my Esoteric K-01X digital player. Very happy with my decision as it sounds like you are.

Best,
Ken

 

[Kingsrule]

Ken..

Exactly my point regarding M Project

Most guys get it, some cant see beyond their own rhetoric

 

[Alpinist]

Ken..

Exactly my point regarding M Project.

Thanks K.R. on that first sentence. Are you considering making the move to the M6? They are incredible looking speakers and a significant step forward in cabinet design in my opinion. I can only imagine how great those babies sound.

Ken

 

[Melbguy1]

Hi David,

It sounds like you have obtained all the key components and accessories for your system and have them dialed in. That is certainly the advantage of the balanced approach to building a system. I, on the other hand, throw as much of my budget as possible at my speaker purchase and then backfill. This has meant at times running with no preamp or power conditioner and stock power cords. Certainly not optimal in the near term but I eventually get around to adding those pieces.

The M Series are certainly destination speakers. I think what that other forum member was initially alluding to is the rapidly decreasing market value of the M-Pro with the intro of the M3 and M6. Most would agree that the S5 Mk2 is at the apex of price vs. performance but the M-Pro is rapidly becoming an incredible deal if you have the funds available.

As for my Vandersteen 7 Mk2, they were my initial purchase of this go around and I worked backwards. I was lucky enough to be able to add the matching M7-HPA monoblocks and then the Ref 10 preamp. The only retained component is my Esoteric K-01X digital player. Very happy with my decision as it sounds like you are.

Best,
Ken

Hey Ken,

Sounds like you've taken a similar approach as PF reviewer Robert Youman Robert has done a bit of backfilling himself since that review in 2013. But he hasn't taken the plunge on Mk2 spec yet.

Re: The M Pro, I don't think legacy models should be considered when discussing the "sweet spot" in a product range, since in effect, they're no longer part of the range. It is a literal oxymoron. And there appears to be one or two .... on this forum.

Btw I don't feel like I have all the key components and accessories in place yet....there is still plenty of development to come, so watch this space. But I do feel like my system is balanced now .

 

[Alpinist]

Hey Ken,

Sounds like you've taken a similar approach as PF reviewer Robert Youman Robert has done a bit of backfilling himself since that review in 2013. But he hasn't taken the plunge on Mk2 spec yet.

Re: The M Pro, I don't think legacy models should be considered when discussing the "sweet spot" in a product range, since in effect, they're no longer part of the range.

Btw I don't feel like I have all the key components and accessories in place yet....there is still plenty of development to come, so watch this space. But I do feel like my system is balanced now .

Yes, Robert Youman's approach to system building is very similar to mine. I don't think any of us are ever really finished improving are systems. It's seems to be an ongoing process but I'm hoping that most of my major components won't change again.

Ken

 

[cmarin]

Yes, Robert Youman's approach to system building is very similar to mine. I don't think any of us are ever really finished improving are systems. It's seems to be an ongoing process but I'm hoping that most of my major components won't change again.

Ken

Ahhh Ken, hope springs eternal!


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[Melbguy1]

Most guys gets it, some cant see beyond their own rhetoric

"People do say I'm cocky, some say I need a good whuppin', some say I talk too much. But anything I say I'm willing to back up.” - Mohammed Ali.

 

[Kingsrule]

Thanks K.R. on that first sentence. Are you considering making the move to the M6? They are incredible looking speakers and a significant step forward in cabinet design in my opinion. I can only imagine how great those babies sound.

Ken

Yes, they look incredible ! You never know......

 

[Elberoth]

bigger SQ increase?

to me the speaker-room interface is the big deal in performance.....larger for sure than any speaker upgrade. if your current speakers match your room in terms of dynamics and scale, then stick with them and work on all the acoustic tricks to optimize them. a larger (more dynamic) speaker might have to be throttled down a bit (like in an audio show). you may make any slight issues worse.

OTOH if your room can handle more dynamic performance and scale up then the more capable speaker will give you more to work with (and dwarf signal path upgrades). but......and this is a big but......accept that it will take lots more effort to optimize the more capable speaker. finding the same intimacy might take awhile. the larger speaker will push things. at first you will be in 'lust', but over time you will realize where you have issues to work out.

have fun either way.

All you have said is true.

I was talking about my system and obviously - my room. The more expensive M3 is actually a slightly a smaller speaker than the S5 mk 2. Both are perfectly happy in a 14x19 listening room.

 

[Elberoth]

Most would agree that the S5 Mk2 is at the apex of price vs. performance but the M-Pro is rapidly becoming an incredible deal if you have the funds available.

+1