MAGICO S1 speakers ....

[metaphacts]

Originally Posted by marsalis

I don't think so...
S3 will be easier to drive then an S1. Nothing comes close at that price, should work nicely with the ARC.

Just a guess that while the S3 is more sensitive, it will also have a more difficult impedance curve.

[marsalis]

Originally Posted by analog brother

'try' it.

I did, many times... Like I said, the S3 is a good choice

[Orb]

If considering the S1, then would the Wilson Audio Sabrina make more sense than the Duette 2?

Cheers
Orb

[CLEE]

Originally Posted by Orb

If considering the S1, then would the Wilson Audio Sabrina make more sense than the Duette 2? Cheers Orb

+1
Just my view:
Duette 2 < S1 < Sabrina < S3

[analog brother]

sabrina is most definitely entry-level wilson.
duette 2 is much improved from the first version.
the sophia is the comparable model, not the sabrina.
so yes, much better to compare the sabrina with the s1. orb is correct!

[marsalis]

Originally Posted by analog brother

...
so yes, much better to compare the sabrina with the s1. orb is correct!

Oh, I see so now efficiency and drivability is not an issue…

[Orb]

Well I was also coming from speaker positioning (compared to say more traditional speakers such as S1 and the Sabrina) and sizing-design focus.
Just because it is cheaper does not mean it cannot perform as well as the Duette 2 in sound quality.
I have not heard the Duette 2, but IMO it needs a pretty big leap in ability to match even the entry S1 and Sabrina (spent a lot of time with the first Duette at home) and then there is the reduced flexibility in positioning the Duette 2.
In same way I feel SF Guarneri Evolution (listened to this extensively at home) does not match the S1 (and I doubt the Sabrina) when considering the benefit of floorstander over standmount.
It needs a serious amount of engineering and so cost to better a well engineered floorstanding even if it is an 'entry' model such as Sabrina or S1.

Cheers
Orb

[Orb]

That said I just checked the price of the S1, glad I purchased mine when they first came out as they have definitely jumped to 20% more than I paid.
And to validate my point above regarding design cost for a standmount, compare the £32k Q1 standmount to the £25k S3 floorstanding.
The Q1 does have excellent SQ, but it is fair to say the S3 does some things better due to the limitations of a standmount and also costs involved in design and implementation.

Cheers
Orb

[analog brother]

Originally Posted by marsalis

Oh, I see so now efficiency and drivability is not an issue…

yes, they remain an issue with the ref 75 being the driver in question.
the sabrina's lower efficiency and drivability is quite comparable to the s1.
even the physical footprints are quite alike.
the duette 2 has a much larger footprint (although not too large, to impinge too much on a bedroom), and is a much easier drive for said amplifier.
i have heard them, and they sound great (to my ears) even brought out much further from the boundaries, than what they were supposedly designed for.

[aqman]

To S1 owners: Do you still own and enjoy them? If not, why not?

On paper, the S1 seems like a perfect fit for me and I'm thinking of trying to find a dealer for a home audition. I would like to hear any long-term impressions. Thanks!

AQ