The Magico M3 Speaker Thread

[MylesBAstor]

Sorry for the lousy pictures. The lighting makes getting good pictures a bit of a challenge.

Today at Bob Visintainer's Rhapsody Music and Cinema.

The system today consisted of:

Front Ends:

Digital: Aurender N 10 Music server $8K. Aurender will currently only play up to 2X DSD.
MSB Select II DAC (Femto 33 clock, single Power Base options-can also add a second Power Base for all out, dual mono operation). $110K

Analog: Studer A812 reel-to-reel tape deck with built in King-Cello tape preamplifier
Audio Note Ginga turntable/SME arm/Io-M cartridge/SFz SUT


Electronics:

Vitus SL102 preamplifier
Vitus SM102 Class A monoblock amplifiers
All EnKlein cabling


Finally, the speakers:

Magico M3 speaker with Mpods (75/86k). The Mpods can also be added to either the S7/S5; cost is $1100 per footer.

Just a couple of notes starting with the MSB. Bob will be adding the Universal Media Transport (UMT) to the system. Based on the Oppo, the UMT will allow him to play back Quad DSD, PCM up to 24/192 as well as use NAS drives, memory sticks, all kinds of discs and network streaming such as Rune. Interestingly, MSB claims that with the UMT RBCD sound quality rivals that of high-rez digital files.

The Select II is MSB's top-of-the-line offering but their entry level, Analog DAC, starts at $7K. It offers much of the performance of their state-of-the-art offering and one can also add many of the same accessories down the road.

The new M3 is based upon the Magico's earlier limited edition, M-Project concept speaker (only fifty pair were sold). But the new M3s sport some new additions including new carbon fiber side panels, graphene midrange and bass drivers and driver coupling system (the copper gaskets I described in my S7 speaker introduction). In addition, the M3 features the very special diamond coated, beryllium driver found in and developed for the M-Project speaker. The XG nanographene/carbon fiber weave used in the speaker's midrange and bass drivers are 20 percent lighter and 300 times stronger than previous Magico designs. And the new crossover adheres to that old adage addition by subtraction. The new drivers allowed Magico remove those components needed to control driver breakup modes. Plus the underhung motor design also allows for greater linear driver excursion. The M3s are slightly smaller than the S5 Mk. 2s in house for review, yet weigh 100 pound more. That says something about the difference in cabinet design as well internal bracing.

Other pertinent specs include:

1x1-inch tweeter
1x6" midrange
3x7" bass drivers

Sensitivity: 91 dB
Impedance (nominal): 91 dB
Frequency response: 24 Hz to 50,000 kHz
Weight: 320 pounds per speaker

[MylesBAstor]

More to come.

[Metamatic]

One thing for sure is I really like the look of the Q series and this M series. The S series never grabbed my attn looks wise and seeing them in person @ the HK show - I never will.

Myles, Are you getting the M3 's in for a review at some stage after the S5's ? That would be a really good chapter as you have the gear that can support both speakers easily.

[JackD201]

S5,S7,Q3,Q5,M3 hmmmm all pretty much in the same ballpark in terms of height and footprint. I can't think of any other company that has five like Magico does.

What does Alon say about differentiation Myles? This has the potential to be confusing. Hopefully Bob can chime in with the dealer's perspective.

[allenh]

One thing for sure is I really like the look of the Q series and this M series. The S series never grabbed my attn looks wise and seeing them in person @ the HK show - I never will.

Myles, Are you getting the M3 's in for a review at some stage after the S5's ? That would be a really good chapter as you have the gear that can support both speakers easily.

This! Would be interested in your thoughts on M3 vs. new S series like the S7 and S5MkII.

[JCOConnell]

how much do the M3s cost?

[Rhapsody]

how much do the M3s cost?

Hello JC, The M3's list at $75K, the Mpods and the three point aluminum platform is $9600 and is optional.

Let's wait until Mr. Myles finishes his updated above.....I think he might have a lot more to say. After Myles finishes his comments I will chime in with any tidbits from the cheap seats, but I am sure he will cover his listening session in depth.

[Rhapsody]

S5,S7,Q3,Q5,M3 hmmmm all pretty much in the same ballpark in terms of height and footprint. I can't think of any other company that has five like Magico does.

What does Alon say about differentiation Myles? This has the potential to be confusing. Hopefully Bob can chime in with the dealer's perspective.

Hey Jack,

My spin on the S series and the new M series, having the S1II, the S3, the S5II, S7 and M3's in the "laboratory" here, is that they actually all have their place and I don't think that there are too many models. I really could live with any of these models below and be a "happy camper".

S1II- I could live with the S1II forever as my only speaker. They are that good for me. At the price point, BIG TIME sound.

S3- Pretty full range (not last octave stuff) and fills even a big room at not a crazy price.

S5II- A little more pricey, BUT I think this is the "sweet spot" in the line. You get a whole lot of even the M3's at half the cost.

S7 - If you have a BIG ROOM, then this is the one.

M3 - For me, the latest and greatest Magico speaker that I have ever experienced. I'm in love.

[JackD201]

Nice having all those great speakers in the Lab Bob. Choice is, after all, a buyer's best friend.

How are the three lines positioned? Is it S then Q then M or S then M then Q. I'm assuming the Q7 remains the flagship but maybe an M7 will come out later and supplant it. Maybe I'm over thinking this or thinking to much along automobile lines. Maybe it's not by price but by voicing? Color me confused.

[Rhapsody]

This is just my personal opinion, not speaking as a Magico representative....

I believe the Q7II is still the flagship Magico product (or the Magio Ultimate Horn System) at this point in time, but beyond the Q7II, I then look at the M3 and it's future siblings to come will become the "Premium line" of the Magico product offering. The S line, which has a LOT of what the M series has and will have will be around for several years to come, but will offer more affordable speaker offerings.

Eventually I envision the M series and and S series as the two Magico product line offerings.

The MPro was a limited edition, but definitely a premonition of "things to come".

Depending on the size of room, I believe that the M3 is actually second to none. Reason being is that the M3 has the latest version of Magicos Diamond coated Beryllium tweeter and the first time that the materials ( Multi-Wall carbon XG Nanographene and a new proprietary ultra-stiff carbon weave which is 20% lighter and 300% stiffer than the cone material used in previous Magico loudspeaker offerings) used in the midrange and woofer are identical. From what I am experiencing the midbass is OVER THE TOP GOOD and specifically because of the midrange and woofer driver integration. This is where amongst other things, comes the incredible mid-bass along with it's staggering RESOLUTION.

The MPro and the Q7II, which both will deliver lower extension and are suited for larger rooms than maybe the M3 will handle, still do not have the latest mentioned Magico technologies. The MPro/Q7II have pieces of the latest technologies but the M3 is the only speaker at this time to have ALL of the latest Magico technologies, including the carbon fiber sided speaker enclosures.

(I still personally believe the Q1, Q3 and Q5 with the right electronic set ups were and still are great sounding speakers)

Again this is just my personal spin on it, not really sure what Alon has up his sleeve

[PeterA]

S5,S7,Q3,Q5,M3 hmmmm all pretty much in the same ballpark in terms of height and footprint. I can't think of any other company that has five like Magico does.

What does Alon say about differentiation Myles? This has the potential to be confusing. Hopefully Bob can chime in with the dealer's perspective.

I think this is temporary. The Qs will be phased out of production. Mgico may then have two complete lines, the S and the M, the former being the value line, and the M be their statement line. Each line will have size/price differentiation with in it. I think it will be similar to the Pass Labs X and XA lines, though in that case it is more about a different sound than a different price/value product. This is only speculation on my part.

Magico certainly keeps innovating and introducing new designs at a remarkably fast pace for a company that is only ten years old.

The Qs, especially the Q3, should become a very high value speaker on the second hand market.

[ack]

Eagerly awaiting listening impressions.

[JackD201]

Thanks Bob, thanks Peter, that makes a lot of sense.

[MylesBAstor]

I think this is temporary. The Qs will be phased out of production. Mgico may then have two complete lines, the S and the M, the former being the value line, and the M be their statement line. Each line will have size/price differentiation with in it. I think it will be similar to the Pass Labs X and XA lines, though in that case it is more about a different sound than a different price/value product. This is only speculation on my part.

Magico certainly keeps innovating and introducing new designs at a remarkably fast pace for a company that is only ten years old.

The Qs, especially the Q3, should become a very high value speaker on the second hand market.

Agreed. I think that Alon is at the point where he needs someone else to take up the implementation of his designs and just let him concentrate on the design aspect. Kind of what Dan did at Krell and others also do. The addition of Peter McKay from Krell has also allowed the company to expand their business model too, especially with dealer interaction here and worldwide.

I think as hard as Alon fought for the "sound" of the Q-series, he in the end listened to the market. That started with the S-series and then with the new M-series. It will be interesting to see what happens to the Q7 Mk. II. Last time Alon and I talked, the Q7 was still his pride and joy. But I wouldn't be shocked to see Alon come out with a new superspeaker that puts together everything he knows. Every Magico speaker that is out right now, is still built to a price point and with that are some compromises as to what gives the best return for the money.

Bob and I were talking about the new M-series having soul and I mentioned that I thought that began with the S5. The new S5 Mk. 2, however, is a totally different animal than the original and I will make a comment about it vs. the M3 later today when I have a chance to post.

[Hugh]

Agreed. I think that Alon is at the point where he needs someone else to take up the implementation of his designs and just let him concentrate on the design aspect. Kind of what Dan did at Krell and others also do. The addition of Peter McKay from Krell has also allowed the company to expand their business model too, especially with dealer interaction here and worldwide.

I think as hard as Alon fought for the "sound" of the Q-series, he in the end listened to the market. That started with the S-series and then with the new M-series. It will be interesting to see what happens to the Q7 Mk. II. Last time Alon and I talked, the Q7 was still his pride and joy. But I wouldn't be shocked to see Alon come out with a new superspeaker that puts together everything he knows. Every Magico speaker that is out right now, is still built to a price point and with that are some compromises as to what gives the best return for the money.

Bob and I were talking about the new M-series having soul and I mentioned that I thought that began with the S5. The new S5 Mk. 2, however, is a totally different animal than the original and I will make a comment about it vs. the M3 later today when I have a chance to post.

I am personally anxious to hear your impressions on this Myles.

To be perfectly honest, the only speaker from Magico that impressed me was and still is the Q7 Mk. II (albeit the fact I had never got a chance to audition the S5 or M3).
The Q7 is up there along with THE Sonus Faber (Yes, it is THE). :-)