Looking for my End Game Speaker


I'm looking for my end game speakers.  My system currently consists a digital streaming front end with the Mola mola Tambaqui DAC and Grimm MU1 streamer along with Magico A3 speakers.  For amplification, I recently acquired on the used market, the Audionet Humboldt.  

I live in a small 960 sq ft condo in a highrise.  My system is in the great room (living, dining, and kitchen all in one).  Given the room configuration, my speakers have to be located close to a side wall (unless I radically change the room and block my balcony doors with my stereo).  Room dimensions are 12' x 16' (not including kitchen).   

The following speakers are on my list to auditon:

Marten Parker Trio,  Acora (SRB, SRC1, SRC2), Magico S3 - 2023, Magico M2, Joseph Audio, Franco Serblin, Rockport, Vivid Audio Giya G4, 

I have already heard the Acora SRC1 and thought they were amazing, however, perhaps a bit  bass shy.  

Given my room constraints, I'm concentrating more on the models that have a sealed box design.  Given that, I am very interested in the Magico M2 and S3 - 2023.  Has anyone heard these two models?  A used M2 would cost about the same as a new S3.  How do these two models compared?  Which would you choose?  

Can anyone recommend any other sealed box design speakers.....or any speakers that would fit into a relatively small room (close to the walls)?  I should also note that I would like a speaker that performs well with lower listening volumes....

I have booked my ticket to AXPONA 2025, so I'm making a list of speakers that I should audition.

 

calgarian5355

you really should go listen to the monitor audio platinum 200s or 300s they'll blow away the Magico, they're much more three-dimensional airy and spacious and more natural sounding they're very neutral and throw a much bigger enveloping sound stage, they make you feel like you're right in the middle of the performance, Magico is not even close in that respect.

Do you the know the Gershman 30th anniversary Grand compare to the Vimberg Mino Ds

Kind of tough, demoed at 2 separate audio shows. My impression was that the Vimberg was more neutral, while the Gershman was very engaging- stayed for many songs while the designers/manufacturers married couple were being interviewed for an audio publication.

All your speaker choices offer great sonics, it’s now more of a preference.

I did demo the A3, but it seemed lightweight compared to the S5, M3.

Early on, I did demo the Monitor Audio Platimum 300 - subjectively did many things well - high value speaker, but I was after a speaker that subjectively does all things well and that resinates with me AND fits with my budget…which I’ve blown many times 🙄

Oscar Marten Trios... superbly transparent, dynamics, and goes down to 27hz.

Of course you can do better with the higher models in the Marten range

I went through the same process while retiring. I ended up with JA Perspectives.  Part of my decision was size look and sound.  What I’ve found is I can’t afford the supporting equipment to truly understand how good these speakers are.  This is a really good attribute from my perspective.  Four years later I believe I own my end game system.  Having the Perspectives has allowed me to compare and contrast Amps, DACs, Pre’s, cables, tubes, etc.  Just my experience in my room.  You really can’t make a bad choice, trust your ears and demo as much as you can.  You will know when you know.  Good luck!  It’s a fun journey and enjoy retirement.  It is way underrated!