Von Schweikert, Rockport, Magico

[HenryD]

For those who care about objective assessment of loudspeakers, i.e. measurements (https://www.stereophile.com/content/magico-s5-2024-loudspeaker-measurements). Feel free to point to any data that proves otherwise.

 

[ricjor1]

Value is determined by the individual. There isn't a direct correlation between measurements and preference.

 

[MattK]

I auditioned Lynx vs S5 2024, bought the S5 2024. The speaker just does everything right. Wonderful sounding speaker.

 

[mxk116]

I have an L-shaped room...front wall is 20' wide, length is 26', rear wall is 25' wide, 8' ceiling.

A satisfied Magico S5 2024 user. The first pair in Colorado (November 2024). I provided more detail in my post on @Amamoy2 thread discussing "Diffusion for Front Wall," so no need to duplicate that here. However, I think the same considerations apply in your search.

Our room (a multi-purpose room not a dedicated listening room) has multiple hallways and a large stairwell joining it. Acoustically, it is a difficult room to deal with. The dimensions are roughly 21.5' wide x 28' long x 11.5' high. Somewhat similar dimensions to yours but, in all likelihood, your room is more challenging in terms of speaker positioning and orientation due to its L-shape.

In our room, I tried the speakers initially on the 28' long dimension as the front wall and then the 21.5' dimension as the front wall. In this room the 21.5' front wall proved superior.

Every room has its own unique sonic signature. I learned that I had no alternative but to work with the room, being particularly mindful of the room's bass response, and choose the speaker location (and therefore the listening position) carefully. For me optimising the bass response of the speakers in the room was the first step, and foundational prerequisite, to obtain what I seek in overall sound quality.

Advice is worth what you pay for it and this is free. The room is the first component in your system. All of the speakers you are considering are capable of delivering satisfying sound quality. However, if not set up properly in your room, all are capable of disappointing your expectations as well.

I don't know where you are located but, unless you are expert in setting up your system by yourself, the dealer you purchase from might be a major consideration in which speaker you choose. Not only for their expertise in speaker setup but, potentially, for an in home audition.

 

[ricjor1]

A satisfied Magico S5 2024 user. The first pair in Colorado (November 2024). I provided more detail in my post on @Amamoy2 thread discussing "Diffusion for Front Wall," so no need to duplicate that here. However, I think the same considerations apply in your search.

Our room (a multi-purpose room not a dedicated listening room) has multiple hallways and a large stairwell joining it. Acoustically, it is a difficult room to deal with. The dimensions are roughly 21.5' wide x 28' long x 11.5' high. Somewhat similar dimensions to yours but, in all likelihood, your room is more challenging in terms of speaker positioning and orientation due to its L-shape.

In our room, I tried the speakers initially on the 28' long dimension as the front wall and then the 21.5' dimension as the front wall. In this room the 21.5' front wall proved superior.

Every room has its own unique sonic signature. I learned that I had no alternative but to work with the room, being particularly mindful of the room's bass response, and choose the speaker location (and therefore the listening position) carefully. For me optimising the bass response of the speakers in the room was the first step, and foundational prerequisite, to obtain what I seek in overall sound quality.

Advice is worth what you pay for it and this is free. The room is the first component in your system. All of the speakers you are considering are capable of delivering satisfying sound quality. However, if not set up properly in your room, all are capable of disappointing your expectations as well.

I don't know where you are located but, unless you are expert in setting up your system by yourself, the dealer you purchase from might be a major consideration in which speaker you choose. Not only for their expertise in speaker setup but, potentially, for an in home audition.

Thanks for your response. I use the front wall that is 20' wide. Luis from 3ma Audio setup my system. It took him several hours of listening, measurements, moving the speakers every so slightly, and playing several songs over and over again.

I think Magico's have great detail and resolution. I haven't heard a Magico speaker that is as 3-dimensional or has the ability to fill the room like I prefer (M6s are the exception). I've listened to Magico A5s, M3s, M2s(setup by Magico at Galen Carol Audio), S3 MK3s, S7s, and Magico M6s.

Everyone has different preferences and there are no absolutes in audio.

 

[mxk116]

Thanks for your response. I use the front wall that is 20' wide. Luis from 3ma Audio setup my system. It took him several hours of listening, measurements, moving the speakers every so slightly, and playing several songs over and over again.

I think Magico's have great detail and resolution. I haven't heard a Magico speaker that is as 3-dimensional or has the ability to fill the room like I prefer (M6s are the exception). I've listened to Magico A5s, M3s, M2s(setup by Magico at Galen Carol Audio), S3 MK3s, S7s, and Magico M6s.

Everyone has different preferences and there are no absolutes in audio.

I am familiar with 3mA in Houston, they are a quality shop. You are fortunate to have them as an ally.

They do represent Magico (I believe 3mA previously respresnted Rockport but don't see any reference to them on their website) so an audition in your room might be possible. I can say from personal experience, there is no substitute for an in room audition.

 

[Al M.]

Luis from 3ma Audio setup my system. It took him several hours of listening, measurements, moving the speakers every so slightly, and playing several songs over and over again.

That is wonderful service, and a great start. Yet it need not necessarily be the last word. You can also experiment yourself a bit.

The tastes of the set-up person are not necessarily yours, and it may take longer than a day even after expert set-up to realize some more issues, where changes in setup can yield yet more gain.

In addition, some changes in the system over time may require re-testing the speaker set-up.

 

[chuck]

I am familiar with 3mA in Houston, they are a quality shop.

3ma will be setting up my YG Sonja XV3s (I sent the XVi in for the upgrade) with the two REL 32s. The guys at YG suggested 3ma even though I am in San Diego. I have never been to that shop.

 

[ricjor1]

I like 3ma Audio. In a hobby with so much arrogance, it's nice to deal with a humble, down to earth dealer.

 

[chuck]

I like speakers that can portray height and smaller speakers don't always do well with height.

I am dealing with that now. The YG Sonja XV are away being upgraded and I have the YG Haileys in the meantime. The difference is pretty big. The Haileys are excellent speakers but not in the same league. At Axpona I asked YG designer Dr. Matthew why, what is that about? He answered in detail. It is real and there are no shortcuts.

 

[ricjor1]

I am dealing with that now. The YG Sonja XV are away being upgraded and I have the YG Haileys in the meantime. The difference is pretty big. The Haileys are excellent speakers but not in the same league. At Axpona I asked YG designer Dr. Matthew why, what is that about? He answered in detail. It is real and there are no shortcuts.

I sent you a PM.

 

[Backpacker]

It would be Vandersteen 7s for me. All drivers except the powered sub are carbon cladded balsa wood. Only the classic Zellatons sound as coherent to me (they also had drivers from the same materials).

Where the Vandesteen is almost impossible to beat is how the sub is tuned to the room with an 11 band analog eq during installation. Effortless relaxing sound with subterranean bass in a wide variety of rooms. My room has a peak at 45 hz but it was easily remedied without unsightly treatments.

 

[Scott W]

Greetings,

I'm considering the following as my last speakers before retiring: Von Schweikert VR Thirty, Magico S5 mk3, or Rockport Lynx. Has anyone listened to all of them? If so, how do they compare? I have an L-shaped room...front wall is 20' wide, length is 26', rear wall is 25' wide, 8' ceiling. I will eventually try to hear all of them, but wanted some initial feedback. Any other speakers below $90K that I should consider?

While more then $90k you can come hear the Vivid Spirits at my place around the end of the year.

 

[Woots]

I have demoed the Magico and Von Schweikert within the past two weeks. Based on my experience the Von Schweikert speakers are game changing. I demoed the VR30 but will, in all likelihood purchase the VR50. The VR50 will meet your price expectations including the powered bass version. Soundstage as well as the depth of the music was amazing. The one thing that made these speakers so amazing was the emotional connection with the music. Others to consider would be Wilson Alexx. Good luck and let us know how you make out.

 

[KeithR]

Richard, your Monitor Audios are favorably over 90dbs efficient with over a 4ohm minimum impedance. I'd search for speakers that are similar. The Rockports and Magicos of the world just don't have that and sound quite different. I auditioned all these brands, albeit older models, on my speaker thread so you can read my thoughts there or feel free to text me.

 

[ricjor1]

I have demoed the Magico and Von Schweikert within the past two weeks. Based on my experience the Von Schweikert speakers are game changing. I demoed the VR30 but will, in all likelihood purchase the VR50. The VR50 will meet your price expectations including the powered bass version. Soundstage as well as the depth of the music was amazing. The one thing that made these speakers so amazing was the emotional connection with the music. Others to consider would be Wilson Alexx. Good luck and let us know how you make out.

I sent you a PM.

 

[ricjor1]

Richard, your Monitor Audios are favorably over 90dbs efficient with over a 4ohm minimum impedance. I'd search for speakers that are similar. The Rockports and Magicos of the world just don't have that and sound quite different. I auditioned all these brands, albeit older models, on my speaker thread so you can read my thoughts there or feel free to text me.

I think audio is about individual preferences and not absolutes. Only my wife's and my own ears can decide what rights for our system. In my opinion the only way to determine preference is with listening.

I've listened to several speakers within the past several weeks. The only speakers I would sell my speakers for are Estelon X Diamonds or Vivid Audio Spirits.

I removed all of my GIK room treatment. Luis from 3ma Audio will be installing Artnovion Acoustics room treatment on Friday, so I'll see how that goes before deciding on speakers.

 

[ricjor1]

I listened to music last night without room treatment. I discovered my system benefits from room treatment more than I thought. I look forward to the installation of Artnovian Acoustics room treatment. I don't know if I will prefer Artnovion over GIK or not, but it may be the only change I need?

 

[coryengel]

3ma will be setting up my YG Sonja XV3s (I sent the XVi in for the upgrade) with the two REL 32s. The guys at YG suggested 3ma even though I am in San Diego. I have never been to that shop.

3ma just setup my new XV 3 Studios along with Duncan (I'm in the Houston area). They have also done another local audiophile's XVs as well. Luis is fantastic - Duncan was super impressed with his setup. I'm currently running the 2150s, but may upgrade to a pair of 3060s, to bi-amp. Matthew assure me that is the ultimate, but I may make another visit to Boulder to see Jeff for his thoughts.

 

[SuperDave]

I'm also in Houston and have known Johnny at 3mA for some time, great guy. I'm building a new home with a dedicated room and I'm interested to hear about the Artnovian Acoustics products you mentioned.

Dave