Q3 vs S5

[The Sandman]

The Q3 or S5 are on my short list of possible speakers for my new system (Pass Labs XA160.5 amps and XP-30 preamp). Of the people who've heard both these Magico models, some say the Q3 is better (more accurate) and others say the S5 is better (not as "prissy", better bass).

In my particular situation, I already have a pair of F112 subs and the excellent Pass Labs XVR-1 crossover which I plan on using in the new system. In the presence of the subs, which is better choice - Q3 or S5?

[raidho]

Hi The Sandman,

With the Pass? I will go with the S5 without a sub. after & MAYBE I consider a sub in a system 2 channel.

I use a XP20-X250.5 and I have too a pair of XA100.5

Now driven the B&W802di and Raidho 3.1.

Like wrote the B&W802 is one of my favorit speaker (price/performance at the top) -> A system that make me dream, with powerfull, punch energie, and and and....no tube, no delicattessen

I have listen the Q5 with the Spectral 360s2, and the Q3 and S5 with Passlab x350.5 and xa100.5.
pre was a Spectral d30ss.

I think at your room from around 40m2?!?! -> The S5 are REALLY more engaging, lovely!!!! more & more


LowF present and controlled very well by the Pass amplifier.


The Q3 is prissy? Yes. can be more "afecionados" as speaker at the first listening session but after 1 hr. or at the second visit to the Dealer your heart go to the S5.

Well for me!
Enjoy
Style

[The Sandman]

This is a dedicated 2 channel system. The room is more like 45 sq meters plus an open hallway beyond so a total area of 50 sq meters. Ceiling height is about 2.5 meters.

It's possible I'll decide to do away with the subs, but since I already have them I plan on at least trying them with the system. The F112s really integrate well (disappear) once dialed in with a good quality active crossover. I'm thinking they will mate up even better with a sealed speaker than a ported one.

[Espen L]

Hi
I have hard S5 and Q3 and i buy the Q3 i think the Q3 are more correct in the way they sound. They are fantastic
Espen

[Masterlu]

Espen L... Welcome!

[chessman]

Espen L, welcome aboard!

[CLEE]

Hi Sandman,
Given the size of your room, I think you shouldn’t go wrong with either. It may come down to your listening preferences. I heard both at my dealer’s. The Q3 has slightly better resolution and possibly transparency. The S5 presentation is more relaxed throughout the range, especially in the bass region. It was a tough choice but I finally went with the S5. Also, if you usually play very loud (not in my case) the S5 may be better suited. However, I can imagine a Q3 + well integrated SW has the potential to produce the best Magico sound short of the Q7. Integration can be quite demanding given Magico’s excellent transient and clarity even at the bass region.


Hi Espen L, Welcome! I quite agree with your assessment of the Q3.

--Charles

[raidho]

Hallo Charles,

sorry what for ampli you use to drive your Q3?

You dont find that the good contolled Q3 is not "too much" controlled?

You have write: "The Q3 has slightly better resolution and possibly transparency" --> yes is true but you ont think tha at long time can be a "limitation" for the pleasure of listing session?

Dont will be a "static-analitic" sound?
of course if you can have a sub connected, integrated SW at 100% can be a good plus for th Q3...but a so expensiv speaker need a extra SW to say is very amazing?....in a 2 channel system a sub is not agreed (imho)!!

With the S1 I can understand....are a "great monitor speaker and the LF are not the edge of diamont of this speaker well a SW is agreed bu not with a Q3...

What do you means?

thks Style

[TOGA]

Hi,

I had Q3 and tried them with various serious amps. They never lack of deep bass. Bass was solid and deep.
Only infrasonic at high volume playback that made all tiny woofers hit movement limit.
About the tightness in overall sound. I agree on this, they were so tight and too tight. Until, after a year of use
With 1000 hours on them playing hard, with the correct cables, plugs, power conditioners, I don t find that to
Be the case any more. Also by using Harmonix spike cups like RF900 Mk II make Q3 sound sweeter.
Yes I heard S5 driven hard by DartZeel , They do play louder. But the Transparency of Q3 after treated by
First rate of associate components was very addicting. I had Revel Salon2 and Wilson Sophia3 in the same room
For comparison, but I just don t wanna listen to them as much as I used to before I get Q3.
It s Ok if somebody prefer S5, but I don't agree that Q3 do not sound musical. Treat them well and they can sound
In anyway you like them to be, a single fuse changed in a system can make a big change in Q3 presentation.
One will never judge Magico sound in unknown system, one must take times with them to know them well enough.
We will be able to make Q3 as relax and sweet with some tuning, but we will never make S5 as transparent.
At any sane high playback level with sane music, I never make Q3 stressed. Only rumble in movie or cannon in 1812
At high playback that I heard three woofers cried.
They became too tight , grip too hard, but with incredible resolution when I replace RSA Maxim power conditioner with
Accuphase PS1220. Returned to Maxim made sound much more relaxed, but less energy and impact.
Normally I listen to music from 21:00 - 03:00 or six hours straight, the later at night I tend to play louder as everybody go to
Their bedrooms far away. No fatigue at all.

Toga

[raidho]

Originally Posted by TOGA

Hi,

I had Q3 and tried them with various serious amps. They never lack of deep bass. Bass was solid and deep.
Only infrasonic at high volume playback that made all tiny woofers hit movement limit.
About the tightness in overall sound. I agree on this, they were so tight and too tight. Until, after a year of use
With 1000 hours on them playing hard, with the correct cables, plugs, power conditioners, I don t find that to
Be the case any more. Also by using Harmonix spike cups like RF900 Mk II make Q3 sound sweeter.
Yes I heard S5 driven hard by DartZeel , They do play louder. But the Transparency of Q3 after treated by
First rate of associate components was very addicting. I had Revel Salon2 and Wilson Sophia3 in the same room
For comparison, but I just don t wanna listen to them as much as I used to before I get Q3.
It s Ok if somebody prefer S5, but I don't agree that Q3 do not sound musical. Treat them well and they can sound
In anyway you like them to be, a single fuse changed in a system can make a big change in Q3 presentation.
One will never judge Magico sound in unknown system, one must take times with them to know them well enough.
We will be able to make Q3 as relax and sweet with some tuning, but we will never make S5 as transparent.
At any sane high playback level with sane music, I never make Q3 stressed. Only rumble in movie or cannon in 1812
At high playback that I heard three woofers cried.
They became too tight , grip too hard, but with incredible resolution when I replace RSA Maxim power conditioner with
Accuphase PS1220. Returned to Maxim made sound much more relaxed, but less energy and impact.
Normally I listen to music from 21:00 - 03:00 or six hours straight, the later at night I tend to play louder as everybody go to
Their bedrooms far away. No fatigue at all.

Toga

Hi TOGA,

I agree with you.

for this reason I say that the S5 can be a better solution.

Yes the S3 in not a bad speaker! this is sure. Q3 or S5 ? I say always S5....in place of the Q3 maybe a Wilson Sahsa or sure the Alexia win hand open.

Style