Magico A3 vs Martin Logan 13A

[JoeN]

I have a choice between two different systems and need a list of pros and cons on each. While it will be my ears - and budget - that will make the final choice, there is wisdom in seeking advice from others with more experience. So, here they are:

System 1:

Mc 611 Amps
Mc C49 - Pre-Amp
BlueSound 2i Vault
Martin Logans 13As

OR

System 2:

Pass Labs 260.8s
Pass Labs XP-12
Aurender A10
Magico A3s

Since, these two system have been wife approved, no other systems are being considered. I know there are many other systems in this price range (40-45K and the lower the better) that some here may enjoy more, but for various reasons I'm down to these two and only these two.

I listen to mostly jazz, soft rock (50s-70s and some 80s) and R&B / Soul.

Both of the above systems are good and each has their own strengths and weaknesses. Each is within budget. I don't think I'd go wrong with either.

The Pass Labs / Magico is the way I'm leaning - at least for the next 10 seconds. In some ways, it seems to draw me more into the music and definitely has a better bass. IMO, it has a better sound stage and imaging too. It also has a much better streamer which will be my primary source until I purchase a turntable next year ...

The Martin Logans excel - IMO - in other areas, esp. with female vocals which I listen to a lot. It's a little warmer sounding. This said, the Mc / Martin Logan is more expensive - by 2K. But, it also has a sentimental appeal as my first exposure to high end audio was my father's Mc tube system some 50-60 years ago.

Anyway looking for your opinions.

[Puma Cat]

They both will be wonderful...but I would go for the Pass system with Magicos.

[Sharp 1080]

Pass and Magico would be my choice.

[GSOphile]

System 2, although you could save some money with an integrated amp solution, especially for your musical preferences, which will not be taxing from an amplification standpoint.

[Mikado463]

not trying to be a smart ass here but unless you yell us about the room in which the choose system will reside your system choice question is meaningless.

[JoeN]

Originally Posted by Mikado463

not trying to be a smart ass here but unless you yell us about the room in which the choose system will reside your system choice question is meaningless.

This is a new home. So, the room will not be ideal initially, and by its very location never completely will be. But next year we will be adding in some room wife-approved treatments to help. One of the two systems above will be placed in it.

Unfortunately my pic - with furniture placement - won't post (to large I guess), so here is a very brief description. I apologize in advance if this is somewhat confusing, but it makes perfect sense if you are looking at the pic:

Our Great Room - where the audio system and TV will go - is part of a larger space including a Dining Room, Gathering [Cafe] Room, and Kitchen. All the windows in the home are impact glass (nice to have in FL) and the space will be full of all sorts of furniture - briefly described below. Ceilings are 12'. All the floors are tile, but we will have some very thick area rugs ...

Great Room (think TOP RIGHT on pic): Yes, it is located in one corner of the overall space. This specific space measures: 14’-6” x 18’-10”. It has impact glass patio sliders on the RIGHT side (sliders - 155” x 84” and has a fabric slider on it). There are also two impact windows (plantation shutters) behind the audio system. Between these two windows will be the 75" TV and below it the audio components in a Quadrashire rack. This room has two leather recliners and two end tables.

Dining Room (think BOTTOM RIGHT on pic): It is located immediately BEHIND the Great Room - BEHIND the recliners which are some 14' from the TV - (no walls separating the spaces) and measures: 12’-5” x 11’-4”. It has a 8.5' table, 8 chairs, and a server in it. It also has one double wide window (plantation shutters).

Gathering [Cafe] Room (think TOP LEFT on pic): It is located off to the immediate LEFT of the Great Room (no walls separating the spaces) and measures: 11’-0” x 11’-11”. It has a sofa, 2 chairs, a coffee bar, and coffee table, etc. It has a single wide window (plantation shutters). The entrance to this complete space is a hallway / foyer off this room ...

Kitchen (think BOTTOM LEFT on pic): It is located immediately BEHIND the Gathering Room (no walls separating the spaces) and measures: 12’5” x (app) 10’-0”. Plenty of stainless steel appliances, quartz counter tops, and space above the cabinets to make a few more reflections something to live with; but no windows.

So, there will be room issues. And the space has already been partially evaluated. Another evaluation (this time with calibrated audio tests) will come after the insertion of the audio system, etc. sometime next year. So, many of the room issues will be addressed, but even then it will never be an ideal room for any audio system ...

So, as best we can the room will be addressed. Of course, how we deal with the room will in part depend upon the system I choose.

So, back to the main question. Which system and why?

[Mikado463]

Ok then, while my room has the same width (14'6") I have 6 more feet of depth.

Having listened to both speakers under ideal conditions, to my ears(hands down) the Logans were a better transducer. With that being said if you can't give the 13a's the proper 'room to breath' (min 4' out from back wall and 3-4' from side walls) then the Magico's may be your better choice.

my pick would be the Logan's, although driven by the PASS X260.8's ........

[JoeN]

Mikado463,

Many Thanks. That's great info. I'm not sure yet of the space for the MLs. There will be plenty of room from the back wall - 3-4 ft. But on the one side near the patio doors there may be only 2 ft or so. We're going down to do some more measuring tomorrow.

What we ought to do is just grill out every day on the back porch. Then we could gut the entire area for audio. For some reason though I don't think that is in the cards.

[Mikado463]

one other thing 'JJ', you mentioned Jazz as a primary source. To my ears nothing reproduces the piano like a great stat panel.

[Still-One]

I don't think you can go wrong with either of your choices. Are we to assume these are coming from two different dealers since the source and amplification is different fro both speakers? If so which dealer are you more comfortable with in the long run/