Magico M3 speakers announced!
![[Deleted User]](https://w1.vanillicon.com/1b2b0ed5162b8b7b376441a856f243a1_100.png)
[Deleted User]
Posts: 342
Exciting news from Magico LLC with the release of what appears to be the replacement for the Q3, using filter down technology from the M Pro, Q7 Mk2 & even S5 Mk2 (with the machined 3D convex top plate). Beautiful speakers, though I don't think you'd get much change out of $80k 
I'm impressed that Alon has filtered up the machined, 3D convex top plate from the S5 Mk2 to this new model. That shows what a successful design element it has been. Thumbs up to all the folks at Magico!
I'm impressed that Alon has filtered up the machined, 3D convex top plate from the S5 Mk2 to this new model. That shows what a successful design element it has been. Thumbs up to all the folks at Magico!
Post edited by [Deleted User] on
Comments
-
Magico have now officially announced the new model designated 'M3' in what appears to be a new series replacing the Q series, starting with the Q3ultrahighendreview.com/magico-announces-the-m3-loudspeaker/
This new model looks stunning & appears to be a full model replacement for the Q3 as opposed to a Mk2 version. Priced at $75k, the M3 is only $17k more than the S7, and uses proven M Pro technology, including an updated version of the 6" Graphene midrange & updated carbon fiber side panels, as well as new 7" Graphene bass drivers, a custom midrange enclosure & the copper woofer coupling system found in the S5 MK2 & S7.
Following all the S5 vs Q3 threads in other forums, I couldn't help but compare the S5 Mk2 to the M3 and noted a few interesting points which make the S5 Mk2 a relative bargain imho;
* M3 MSRP = $75k, S5 Mk2 MSRP = $38k. Price difference = $37k
* M3 Frequency response - 24Hz - 50kHz, S5 Mk2 FR - 20Hz - 50kHz
* M3 Recommened power - 20 - 500 watts, S5 Mk2 - 50 - 1000 watts
* S5 Mk2 shares exactly the same Graphene Nano-Tec midrange driver (part no: MAG6004RTC) as the M3, which is an evolved version of the midrange found in the M Pro
* S5 Mk2 shares the copper woofer coupling system found in the S7 & M3
* S5 Mk2 uses a similar computer-modelled polycarbonate midrange enclosure to the M3
* S5 Mk2 shares a similar machined, 3D convex top plate to the M3
So in many respects, the S5 Mk2 is a tour de force package featuring Magico's latest technology at a relative bargain price of $38k
.
But of course, the word "relative" all depends on your budget. The M3 uses a better and more comprehensive 28mm tweeter designed and built in-house by Magico. The M3's cabinet also uses the best design elements of the M Pro & Q7 Mk2 to realize a perfect balance between rigidity and damping, whilst one could expect the M3's crossover to use more premium parts & achieve even higher resolution & musicality (than the S5 Mk2). The M3 is also 3db more efficient, leaving open the option of using a wider range of ss and tube amplifiers.
Putting aside the huge cost disparity between these speakers for a moment, they are clearly designed for different purposes & with different end users in mind. The Q3 was to me the perfect speakers for small band jazz, acoustic, world & classical music & excelled in those genres. The M3 on spec looks to be focussed on that niche, whilst obviously taking the sound to a completely different level.
The S5 Mk2 OTOH retains its original dna of being a "great allrounder", able to play rock, jazz, classical, world & even double as HT speakers with equal aplomb, whilst obviously taking the sound to a whole nutha level over the legacy S5, moving closer to neutral (yet still retaining some of the S5's inviting warmth) & offering a good serve of the M Pro's remarkable transparency, coherency & ease.
For what they do at their relative price points, and their intended use, both are truly remarkable speakers and a tour de force of SOTA technology and musical bliss. Let's call it a win-win for us audiophiles!
Post edited by [Deleted User] on -
I suspected when the M Project was introduced that it would be the replacement for the Q series. I like the appearance of this better than the S7. With all the internal bracing I bet it sounds leaps and bounds better than the S7, and we both know how good the S7 sounds.Lumin X1 file player, Westminster Labs interconnect cable
Sony XA-5400ES SACD; Pass XP-22 pre; X600.5 amps
Magico S5 MKII Mcast Rose speakers; SPOD spikes
Shunyata Triton v3/Typhon QR on source, Denali 2000 (2) on amps
Shunyata Sigma XLR analog ICs, Sigma speaker cables
Shunyata Sigma HC (2), Sigma Analog, Sigma Digital, Z Anaconda (3) power cables
Mapleshade Samson V.3 four shelf solid maple rack, Micropoint brass footers
Three 20 amp circuits. -
Hi Bud, yes I suspect those lucky audiophiles considering the S7's might be sorely tempted by the M3's which are better in almost every respect, except low end output & power handling. The S5 Mk2's however are a different kettle of fish & share more technology with the M3. At roughly half the price of the M3's, they represent a screaming bargain imho.
-
David, I suspect you are very right. I said before that while the S7 was better than the S5, it wasn't twice better, but just a little better. And that was at the Magico A/B demo. Then again, Alon didn't have any Marilyn Manson to really demo the S7.
Lumin X1 file player, Westminster Labs interconnect cable
Sony XA-5400ES SACD; Pass XP-22 pre; X600.5 amps
Magico S5 MKII Mcast Rose speakers; SPOD spikes
Shunyata Triton v3/Typhon QR on source, Denali 2000 (2) on amps
Shunyata Sigma XLR analog ICs, Sigma speaker cables
Shunyata Sigma HC (2), Sigma Analog, Sigma Digital, Z Anaconda (3) power cables
Mapleshade Samson V.3 four shelf solid maple rack, Micropoint brass footers
Three 20 amp circuits. -
Oh wow! Beautiful! I think my bird just twitched...2 channel:
Bryston 4B3, Bryston BDA3, Cary SLP05, Shanling CDT1000SE with parts conneXion level 2 mods, Nottingham analogue ace space 294, soundsmith Carmen MKii, Zu DL103 MKii, Ortofon MC 20 MKii, Dynavector XX2 MKii, Rogue Audio Ares, Core power technologies balanced power conditioner, Akiko Corelli power conditioner with Akiko Audio HQ power cable, Nordost heimdall 2, Frey 2, interconnects, speaker and power cables, Focal Electra 1028 BE 2, Auralic Aries Femto, Black diamond racing cones, ingress audio level 1 roller blocks, JL Audio E110 with Auralic subdude, Primacoustics room treatments.
Theater:
Focal Aria 926,905,CC900, SVS PB ultra x2. Pioneer Elite SC85, Oppo BDP93, Panamax M5400PM, Minix neox6, Nordost Blue heaven LS power cables. -
I thought you called that shootout pretty well Bud. At this level, the law of diminishing returns certainly applies. With that said, having heard the S7's in a system with familiar Vitus equipment, I thought the S7's were roughly 40% better than my old S5's. Though room considerations also come into play. And we all hear music differently.David, I suspect you are very right. I said before that while the S7 was better than the S5, it wasn't twice better, but just a little better. And that was at the Magico A/B demo. Then again, Alon didn't have any Marilyn Manson to really demo the S7.
-
Read about these M3 speakers on AA.
WHat can I say - that's a sick speaker.
As it should for $75 clams.
I thought you called that shootout pretty well Bud. At this level, the law of diminishing returns certainly applies. With that said, having heard the S7's in a system with familiar Vitus equipment, I thought the S7's were roughly 40% better than my old S5's. Though room considerations also come into play. And we all hear music differently.David, I suspect you are very right. I said before that while the S7 was better than the S5, it wasn't twice better, but just a little better. And that was at the Magico A/B demo. Then again, Alon didn't have any Marilyn Manson to really demo the S7.
40% is a huge improvement.
Magico M2, JL113v2x2, EMM, ARC Ref 10 Line, ARC Ref 10 Phono, VPIx2, Lyra Etna, Airtight Opus1, Boulder, AQ Wel&Wild, SRA Scuttle Rack, BlueSound+LPS, Thorens 124DD+124SPU, Sennheiser, Metaxas R2R -
@Joey, yeah the M3's look like the small brother of the M Pro, only more refined. If form follows function, they should be a great speakers! What is interesting for me however is how many design elements the S5 Mk2 shares with the M3 (incl: the same midrange unit). As I said in my review of the S5 Mk2, I think it will become the sweet spot in Magico's range.
I might have been a bit generous in my comparison of the S5 & S7's; The S7's to my ears were probably more like 35% better. They simply sounded more coherent, resolving, smooth/relaxed, had better bass that went deeper & also had better sound staging and imaging. Midrange clarity was also better thanks to the new Graphene driver & computer-modelled midrange enclosure. Though in some respects, the S5 Mk2 is even more evolved than the S7, using an evolved version of the S7's midrange driver & machined, 3D convex top plate.
Post edited by [Deleted User] on -
One of the design features of the M3 is it's MBD28 tweeter which was borrowed directly from the M Project. That had tongues wagging over at AS, but it was this comment by the guys at Rhapsody Audio in NY which nailed the reason why I settled on the S5 mk2 for my system...We have been driving the S3, S5II and S7 for several months now along with two customers who have the Q7II and the MPros.
The S3, S5II, S7, MPro and Q7II all are wonderful sounding speakers. I would caution to think that just because one of the mentioned speakers has a specific tweeter, that first having a great sounding room and then a great sounding system behind a specific speaker will have a LOT more to do with the musicality and overall system performance than specific tweeter. All of the latest gen Magico tweeters have special sounding tweeters, but I would suggest that with the right front end and amplification you could make more magic with even a S5II vs. any of the models above it if they did not also have the best room and synergistic set of electronics.
That's before you get to the point that it's all subjective anyway.....
We had the discussion earlier about the Vitus amps on the Magicos. I would add to that conversation that the SM011's running in Class A on the S5II's in a 700 sq.ft room approach listing to live music.....a lot closer that I would have imagined. And I play live music daily. -
The m3 is shaping up to be a speaker of dreams. Too bad it's out of reach.Magico M2, JL113v2x2, EMM, ARC Ref 10 Line, ARC Ref 10 Phono, VPIx2, Lyra Etna, Airtight Opus1, Boulder, AQ Wel&Wild, SRA Scuttle Rack, BlueSound+LPS, Thorens 124DD+124SPU, Sennheiser, Metaxas R2R
-
The m3 is shaping up to be a speaker of dreams. Too bad it's out of reach.
Are pigs flying? Even @Joey_V has a limit to what he can spend on speakers
"....not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted." William Bruce Cameron, Informal Sociology: A Casual Introduction to Sociological Thinking (1963) -
Yes and no. The M3's specs suggest it is more of a niche loudspeaker designed with a particular end user in mind. But in its niche, yes it should be one of the best loudspeakers in the world.The m3 is shaping up to be a speaker of dreams. Too bad it's out of reach.
Post edited by [Deleted User] on -
I like this comment by the Editor of Audiofi.netNEWS: If you want them big, strong… and costly… there are few things that match a Magico. And the new M3 loudspeaker shows why the company is at the forefront in its field of expertise.
-
Magico M2, JL113v2x2, EMM, ARC Ref 10 Line, ARC Ref 10 Phono, VPIx2, Lyra Etna, Airtight Opus1, Boulder, AQ Wel&Wild, SRA Scuttle Rack, BlueSound+LPS, Thorens 124DD+124SPU, Sennheiser, Metaxas R2R
-
I like this comment by the Editor of Audiofi.netNEWS: If you want them big, strong… and costly… there are few things that match a Magico. And the new M3 loudspeaker shows why the company is at the forefront in its field of expertise.
I would love to hear one someday. Next time I have free time, I'll drive to the nearest (100+ miles) Magico dealer.... but they probably wont have the M3 on display given the cost.Magico M2, JL113v2x2, EMM, ARC Ref 10 Line, ARC Ref 10 Phono, VPIx2, Lyra Etna, Airtight Opus1, Boulder, AQ Wel&Wild, SRA Scuttle Rack, BlueSound+LPS, Thorens 124DD+124SPU, Sennheiser, Metaxas R2R -
@Joey_V, My Dealer has pre-ordered some pairs, so i'm putting my hand up for an audition. Given the amount of technology the S5 Mk2 shares with the M3 as I mentioned earlier, i'll be interested to see how close the S5 Mk2's get?
-
@Joey_V, My Dealer has pre-ordered some pairs, so i'm putting my hand up for an audition. Given the amount of technology the S5 Mk2 shares with the M3 as I mentioned earlier, i'll be interested to see how close the S5 Mk2's get?
Would be nice. When u taking delivery of the s5mk2?Magico M2, JL113v2x2, EMM, ARC Ref 10 Line, ARC Ref 10 Phono, VPIx2, Lyra Etna, Airtight Opus1, Boulder, AQ Wel&Wild, SRA Scuttle Rack, BlueSound+LPS, Thorens 124DD+124SPU, Sennheiser, Metaxas R2R -
They've actually already landed Joey, though due to some home reno works, it will be about 3-4 wks before I can get them delivered.Would be nice. When u taking delivery of the s5mk2?
As a side note, with the big strides forward Magico made in the design & technology of the S5 Mk2, I think it will stand the test of time. No doubt in a few years the S5 Mk2 will be replaced with a new model - perhaps with sandwich carbon side panels & improved drivers. However i'd expect the price to rise to >$50k for the M-coat version. And personally, I would be looking to improve my front end, room & amps before revisiting speakers. At this level, the law of diminishing returns certainly applies.
Post edited by [Deleted User] on -
They've actually already landed Joey, though due to some home reno works, it will be about 3-4 wks before I can get them delivered.Would be nice. When u taking delivery of the s5mk2?
As a side note, with the big strides forward Magico made in the design & technology of the S5 Mk2, I think it will stand the test of time. No doubt in a few years the S5 Mk2 will be replaced with a new model - perhaps with sandwich carbon side panels & improved drivers. However i'd expect the price to rise to >$50k for the M-coat version. And personally, I would be looking to improve my front end, room & amps before revisiting speakers. At this level, the law of diminishing returns certainly applies.
Agreed. I think it's to the point now that some speakers are just so good that although it can get better and there will be better, the delta and the cost is too lopsided.
I got things coming in that will end my game. End my ride on the carousel.
I hope.Magico M2, JL113v2x2, EMM, ARC Ref 10 Line, ARC Ref 10 Phono, VPIx2, Lyra Etna, Airtight Opus1, Boulder, AQ Wel&Wild, SRA Scuttle Rack, BlueSound+LPS, Thorens 124DD+124SPU, Sennheiser, Metaxas R2R -
Congrats Joey, were you referring to the Rotel 1590 amp & Audioquest Oak cables?Agreed. I think it's to the point now that some speakers are just so good that although it can get better and there will be better, the delta and the cost is too lopsided.
I got things coming in that will end my game. End my ride on the carousel.
I hope.
-
Congrats Joey, were you referring to the Rotel 1590 amp & Audioquest Oak cables?Agreed. I think it's to the point now that some speakers are just so good that although it can get better and there will be better, the delta and the cost is too lopsided.
I got things coming in that will end my game. End my ride on the carousel.
I hope.
Oh no... Not even close budMagico M2, JL113v2x2, EMM, ARC Ref 10 Line, ARC Ref 10 Phono, VPIx2, Lyra Etna, Airtight Opus1, Boulder, AQ Wel&Wild, SRA Scuttle Rack, BlueSound+LPS, Thorens 124DD+124SPU, Sennheiser, Metaxas R2R -
