Magico S5 review

Originally Posted by joeinid

True. If anything include them and offer a grill delete option.

I agree with that, I think Magico's thinking was to keep the price as low as possible and just offer the grills as an optional extra since the grills aren't essential for correct imaging (like Avalon for example). With that said, I think they make the S5's look less busy & look avante garde. I'd be interested to know if the grills are acoustically transparent, or if the S5's otherwise sound better without them? To grill or not to grill, that is the question!

[CLEE]

I prefer to have detachable grilles for protection. There was no such option when I got delivery last December. I wonder how the grill would be installed given the smooth front baffle.

--Charles

Originally Posted by KKF1

Thanks David.
Btw, S5 sounded amazing with Levinson No 532 which was kind of surprise for me. Titanium is the best M COAT finish. My wife wanted Rose. I wanted Pewter. She won...

Thanks for the feedback on the Levinson 532 with the S5's. I've heard the S5's with the Dartzeel NHB-108/18NS and thought that pair sounded great; very smooth, warm, detailed, liquid & musical. I agree the Titanium finish looks terrific I guess pewter is popular also because its a no cost option. You made a wise choice letting the boss win!

[takahwon]

Originally Posted by CLEE

I prefer to have detachable grilles for protection. There was no such option when I got delivery last December. I wonder how the grill would be installed given the smooth front baffle.

--Charles

In the United States, Magico S5's shipped after January 1st, 2013 have the grille covers included as standard. They attach magnetically. They can also be ordered separately and attached to any pre-January 1st, 2013 S5 according to Irv Gross at Magico.

[Togil]

I'm a bit confused about the colors.
Is piano black gloss an additional cost option ?

[takahwon]

Originally Posted by Togil

I'm a bit confused about the colors.
Is piano black gloss an additional cost option ?

From what I understand, the standard finish includes all M-Cast colors; if you want any high gloss finish, including black, expect to pay an additional ~$3,100 USD.

[jazzman]

Originally Posted by Bodhisattva

I agree with that, I think Magico's thinking was to keep the price as low as possible and just offer the grills as an optional extra since the grills aren't essential for correct imaging (like Avalon for example). With that said, I think they make the S5's look less busy & look avante garde. I'd be interested to know if the grills are acoustically transparent, or if the S5's otherwise sound better without them? To grill or not to grill, that is the question!

you would be crazy to have any serious listening with the grills on. Magico speakers are designed to be listened to without grills. There is not such a thing as a fully transparent grill.
But yes, it is a good option for protection

Originally Posted by jazzman

you would be crazy to have any serious listening with the grills on. Magico speakers are designed to be listened to without grills. There is not such a thing as a fully transparent grill.
But yes, it is a good option for protection

Thanks for your f'back Jazz. I'm happy to go without the grills as I don't have kids or pets. Contrast Magico's approach with Avalon who design their grills as an integral part of the design & their manual advises to leave the grills on at all times to ensure proper imaging (similar to classic Infinity Renaissance speakers). Both very different approaches. I wonder which one is correct, or if both are correct?

Here is a pic of the S5's with optional grill fitted..

[joeinid]

I like it