Rockport's or Magico's

Thanks for the kind words Grant.

I agree with what you said that the Magico and Rockport speakers both have their charms, strengths and specific presentations that define them. And throughout their respective product lines and price points it will come down to personal preference, associated electronics and the listening room that ultimately will determine which brand a listener will prefer.

Sammy may be this would satisfy you. Magico M5 - extremely detailed (to the point of fatigue to my ears), tremendous bass extension and resolution, pin point imaging and staging, extremely fast but a little hard sounding, no warmth in the midrange, and in the end uninvolving for me. Sounded like this eventhough they were driven by VTL reference tube mono blocks and preamp and $22k Accuphase SACD player. I heard them with solid state electronics also and no improvement there either. I would put their sound similar to Wilsons and YG Acoustics - solid state sounding. Some people like this type of sound, I don't.

Rockport Altairs have bloom, warmth, wonderful natural staging and imaging, a little full in the bottom octive, sweet nonfatiguing highs, natural timbre, and very musical and enjoyable long term. But they do have a slight veil compared to the Magicos. These charasteristics were maintained even with solid state electronics.

Sammy I only have a chip on my shoulder when people like you try to make underhanded comments about my opinions. Your snide comments were not warrented.

As an owner of Rockport Antares, I am anything but unbiased. I realize, too, that these are now old speakers that are no longer made. I just wanted to add that I bought the Antares in 2001 after extensive auditioning of many speakers; and that I auditioned them in my home before buying them as well. My point? After about 40 years of "upgrade-itis", owning countless high-end speakers and other equipment, I have finally been content for 8 years. I believe the Rockports are generally "music-lovers" speakers. I imagine I might take some criticism for saying that (or at least get an argument). I am simply saying that - FOR ME, for the first (extended) time in my life - I just sit back and listen to music now, not worrying about resolution, imaging, bass, highs, mid-range, etc. I will also add (as I believe someone else also said) that my Rockports are very "chameleon-like".

By the way, I have not heard the Magicos, the latest Rockports, or the RSAs.

If someone were to give me a pair of Magico M5s, I am SURE I can get them to make music. Perhaps with VAC amps and gold cabling throughout. There are quite a few options out there.

Thanks again to those of you who stayed on topic and provided answers to the specific question. I think I have a good idea on the differences now but I will need to listen on my own in the end.

Dracule,

Highjacking of threads and digressions to other topics happens a lot on audiogon. It is very unfortunate because people get emotional and in the end it becomes unpleasant for everyone.

While I think people would value your feedback,and since you felt so strongly, maybe it would have been more appropriate starting a new thread on "speakers better than rockport and magico"

Anyway, thanks for your feedback