Magico S5

[mgbaron]

Anyone have any thought on matching the S5 with Ayre amplification? Sounds like a good match to me.

[jazzman]

I heard the Q3 with the Ayre mono. They are very good amps, match with the speakers was good. But not at the level of my Dartzeel or a Vitus. And I would probably still prefer a Hegel at a similar price point than the Ayre.

[mgbaron]

Originally Posted by jazzman

I heard the Q3 with the Ayre mono. They are very good amps, match with the speakers was good. But not at the level of my Dartzeel or a Vitus. And I would probably still prefer a Hegel at a similar price point than the Ayre.

Jazzman, you are a veritable wealth of knowledge with regards to Magico. Thank you!

[PLK]

Anyone heard the S5s with an ARC REF 75?

Originally Posted by jazzman

I agree with you that S5 can play louder, without distortion. But if you listen like me mainly to Jazz (all type), it doesn't really matter.
Difference in bass extension is much smaller than what you indicate. Biggest difference is that the frequency response in the bass is more flat for Q3. Some people like it, some not (this is the voicing difference).
Even if S5 is very transparent compared to most other brands, Q3 is much more transparent. Its noise floor is significantly lower. I was switching in my room between S1 and Q1: same story. The S1 sounds very transparent until you switch to the Q1 and realize there is still something to improve (normal at twice the price!).
Overall, the Q3 is a more neutral and transparent speaker. I personally find it superior to the S5, but again it is probably linked to my music taste (acoustic music mainly) and I would also be perfectly happy with a S5, that I would take against an Alexia, Radho, etc (that's why I don't regret a minute having bought both a Q1 and S1)

I've also heard the Q3's & S5's on several occasions. I agree the Q3 is the more neutral and transparent speaker, however I wouldn't say the Q3 is "much more transparent" or that it's noise floor is "significantly lower". From my listening tests, I would say it is a bit more transparent and lower in distortion at moderate listening levels...and that is supported by German Stereoplay's lab test results. I agree with KKF1's comment - "Q3 is voiced differently and if someone listens mostly chamber classical music and small band jazz then it excell over S5...for orchestral classic music, pop/rock or modern jazz S5 is way better choice. Of course, in my subjective opinion."

That said, I agree the Q3 is the more sophisticated speaker. You pays your money, you gets. I just preferred the S5 which sounds a bit warmer, well balanced and coherent & a tad more laid back. Overall I felt it is a better "all rounder"

[willyjack]

Originally Posted by Bodhisattva

I've also heard the Q3's & S5's on several occasions. I agree the Q3 is the more neutral and transparent speaker, however I wouldn't say the Q3 is "much more transparent" or that it's noise floor is "significantly lower". From my listening tests, I would say it is a bit more transparent and lower in distortion at moderate listening levels...and that is supported by German Stereoplay's lab test results. I agree with KKF1's comment - "Q3 is voiced differently and if someone listens mostly chamber classical music and small band jazz then it excell over S5...for orchestral classic music, pop/rock or modern jazz S5 is way better choice. Of course, in my subjective opinion."

That said, I agree the Q3 is the more sophisticated speaker. You pays your money, you gets. I just preferred the S5 which sounds a bit warmer, well balanced and coherent & a tad more laid back. Overall I felt it is a better "all rounder"

Agree - when i heard Q3 every detail was out front ...center of gravity was treble. Center of gravity on S5 is midrange. Both cut from same fantastic cloth.

[mgbaron]

Originally Posted by jazzman

I heard the Q3 with the Ayre mono. They are very good amps, match with the speakers was good. But not at the level of my Dartzeel or a Vitus. And I would probably still prefer a Hegel at a similar price point than the Ayre.

What about Boulder 800 series? I've read it can struggle a bit under tough loads. With Ayre and Boulder in my backyard, I'd like to give them the first look. Budget probably rules out the rest of the Boulder lineup.

I'm curious about the Vitus RI100 too, but I'm not sure if there is a dealer anywhere close. I'll definitely be giving Hegel a look as well.

[Kingsrule]

I think the VX-5 and S5's would be a pretty sweet match.....
The VX-5 is surprisingly good....

Matt, I've heard the Boulder 865 & Vitus RI-100, however I haven't heard the Ayre. I like both integrateds. The Boulder has excellent control, bass, and sounds natural, whilst the Vitus sounds powerful, and has a warm, slightly dark sound I would say. The Vitus also sounds quite liquid, though not as pure as the SIA-025. As a rule of thumb, Vitus has good synergy with Magico, though I think it will depend on how each option sounds in your system. My advice is see if you can get home demo's if possible.

[imprezap2]

Hi Matt, If you have the possibility to try an Accuphase class A integrated, you might be suprised.