Q3 vs S5

[asiufy]

Please do

[A.Wayne]

Interest ......................

[CLEE]

Originally Posted by hessec

My s5s did not come with instructions...... Wish they had. So what is the recommendation on toe in?

Thanks

My S5 also didn’t come with user manual. I read the toe-in guideline from the Q3 manual on the web:

“…THE RULE FOR THE TOE-IN IS TO PICK A POINT APPROXIMATELY 1 – 2 FEET (½ M) BEHIND THE LISTENER’S HEAD. TOE THE LOUDSPEAKERS IN TO INTERSECT AT THAT POINT. IF THE SOUND IS TOO BRIGHT, TOE THE SPEAKERS OUT A LITTLE MORE. IF THE SOUND IS TOO DULL, TOE THE SPEAKERS IN A LITTLE MORE.”

[CLEE]

Originally Posted by JRDesign

My speakers are currently about 3 feet from the rear walls and probably close to 3.5 - 4 feet from the sidewalls. Like Clee, I'm reasonably limited in placement options but they are singing right now so I'm ok with their position. They reside in my family room so the only room treatments I employ are a pair of small corner traps placed discreetly in the corners behind the speakers. Mine did not come with grille's either. My local dealer is David Michael Audio; you might call them and ask about the grilles. They are fantastic to deal with and are well versed in all things Magico.

Thanks. It seems that my placement is similar to yours. I use a few ASC tube traps (similar to those in the picture showing the S5's cross-over above) at the corners behind the speakers. I suppose Magico designed their speakers without grilles. However, not all of us have dedicated audio rooms and some (easily removable) protection would be nice, even if only for psychological comfort. I now just cover the fronts with the cloth covers that come with the speakers.

[hce1]

Originally Posted by Elberoth

I just got S5 loaners from my dealer. The Q3 will follow.

Hi Elberoth,

How is the S5 demo coming along? Have you compared the S5 to the Q3 yet?

I'm sure most of us would be interested in your feedback!

Thanks!

[The Sandman]

So most people here seem to recommend the S5 over the Q3. Has anyone heard the Q3 with subs?

[jazzman]

Originally Posted by The Sandman

So most people here seem to recommend the S5 over the Q3. Has anyone heard the Q3 with subs?

I would easily recommend Q3 over S5, at least on Jazz and classical: more transparent, more neutral bass.
the same way I would recommend Q1 over S1 (quite normal given the price difference, and I own both).
If I would listen much more Rock, electronic and pop music, I may prefer S5 over Q3.
I would never put a sub on a Q3- at least I have not heard a sub which is good enough to match the level of the Q3, or the S5 (tried to play with my two Fathom and the Q1, no thanks). Only sub which (in theory) may make me change my mind are the new Magico Qsub-15 and Qsub-18, but I have not heard them yet.

Originally Posted by jazzman

I would easily recommend Q3 over S5, at least on Jazz and classical: more transparent, more neutral bass.
the same way I would recommend Q1 over S1 (quite normal given the price difference, and I own both).
If I would listen much more Rock, electronic and pop music, I may prefer S5 over Q3.
I would never put a sub on a Q3- at least I have not heard a sub which is good enough to match the level of the Q3, or the S5 (tried to play with my two Fathom and the Q1, no thanks). Only sub which (in theory) may make me change my mind are the new Magico Qsub-15 and Qsub-18, but I have not heard them yet.

Jazz, i'm just interested to ask if you've heard the S5's on their factory feet, or with Stillpoints Ultra 5's with Ultra bases? The feedback i've received from Dealers and owners is, these feet are that good they're apt to provide a similar level of improvement (assuming your upstream electronics and cables are up to scratch) as a component upgrade. I must say having placed my Vitus amp on Ultra 5's, the improvement was remarkable. And we still haven't installed the Ultra bases yet! I have a box full of Ultra 5's & Ultra bases ready to install under my S5's when they reach 500hrs...can't wait!

Originally Posted by TOGA

Charles,

If you chose S5, I really do happy for you and no need for upgrade Q3 in the near future.
Just push your S5 to the limit and you will have a wonderful sound.
Don't let any weakest link left in the signal chain. Yep, 5$ wall sockets are weak link
In $xx,xxx system. Pls observe wall sockets shown in the other post " S5 Demo", those
Are likely to be brass, contractor grade sockets feeding Burmester amp and other electronics.
And they sure make big impact in overall result.. I am sorry to the shop if they are happen to be
White Oyaide R1 or Furutech FT D20.
Toga.

I'm hearing you Toga. Here is my twin wpo, though i'm not sure why you are apologizing for Oyaide R1 outlets I've read comments online suggesting they sound forward and "hifi". I think it depends on the synergy with your connected pc's. I am using Jorma Prime pc's which use Oyaide P-004/C-004 connectors. Just as Teslaplex outlets sound best with Tesla pc's, so too do Oyaide. In fact, I don't think you can fully realize the potential of the Oyaide R1 Beryllium AC outlet otherwise. If anyone is interested, I can pm the link to a review on another site which pretty much nails this combo. For sure this is a big upgrade over the standard $5 plastic wpo & inferior Furutech Aus-spec male connector....

[TOGA]

David, may be my bad English.
I meant that showroom may already use good sockets such as R1 or FTD20, but I said that it's a $5 whote sockets. So if they used good ones, then I am sorry.
most audiophiles judges sound of Magico from showroom or hotel shows, I just tried to point out that, a cheap sockets can make Magico sound the way they hate. because Magico never hide that harshness from cheap sockets.
Toga