Magico A3 vs Magico S1 MK2

They have a very wide dispersion, so in either case, you need a lot of space or good treated room.

To me, they all sound a little chesty, with a little extra resonance in the bottom of female voices and piano.  No one else I've talked to has heard this though!

Next, the S1. Honestly kind of a curious animal. Limited bass, low efficiency, needs lots of room to sound good.  So, you have this limited output speaker that needs a big ass amp and a big effective footprint. But, really nice mid to treble, glass smooth.

Haven't heard the A3, but price wise, it's a better value.  Better efficiency, better bass, same price, more or less, right?

Oh, forgot to mention, the stereo imaging with the S1, on and off axis is outstanding. If the A3 can give you all of that, taking up similar amounts of space, with less demands on an amp, and more bass, it's hard not to go that way.

I am very happy with my A3s. They are full range as compared to the S1 mk2. To me the real question is what is the increment difference between the A3 and the S3? However, the A3 was more within my financial abilities and it is an end game speaker on one of my two systems. It is also a bit versatile. I have driven them effectively with First Watt M2 and SIT-3 amps. But also with Benchmark AHB2 monoblocks and a PrimaLuna Dialogue Premium HP. Of course, good cabling and interconnects will be used effectively with the A3s Bottomline: If the choice is between the A3 and the S1 mk2. The clear choice for me is the A3. Good luck.