Magico Q3's at Goodwin's High End


Just a quick note to say that Goodwin's High End (in Boston) along with Alon Wolf presented a demonstration of the Magico Q3's yesterday.

As usual, it was a class act by Goodwin's and a real treat overall. Mr. Wolf fielded a number of questions about the speakers (and Magico's approach to design) and his detailed responses were fascinating.

The Q3's sounded spectacular. They were setup in Goodwin's huge listening room (20x30x11) and they were positioned quite wide apart and deep into the room (almost halfway). I was transported to the symphony hall with a few tracks - like nothing I've ever experienced before. They were driven with very expensive electronics, inluding huge Boulder amps that were 1000w each (if I'm not mistaken) to compensate for the size of the room.

The Q3 is a modest size floorstanding loudspeaker, but it weighs 250lbs! Like the Q5 (if you've ever heard it) it is very clean and neutral sounding. Definitely a speaker that lets you listen into the music rather than wow you with a forward presentation. Besides classical, we heard some jazz, some instrumental and a cut from Jennifer Warnes Famous Blue Raincoat that was stunning. These speakers don't call any attention to themselves. They were so coherent and produced such an impressive soundstage that it didn't feel like they were the source of the sound. Jennifer's voice had no artifacts (sibilence, etc) that it was like she was standing there. I feel I finally heard how the record was supposed to sound.

Anyways, I'm not trying to do a proper review here, but I did want to thank Goodwins and Magico for the opportunity and I thought I would share my initial impresssions.

Would love to know what other folks at the presentation(s) thought.
madfloyd
Hi Ack,I agree they always raise the prices did so twice on my MINI 2s.Thats some price jump!!
I was lucky to find a heavily discounted used pair of Mini II's. If one needs to be on the bleeding edge, buy the Q's now. Otherwise, enjoy what you have and wait. Look at the prices of V3, M5, Mini II right now. I saw a pair of V2's selling below $10K a short while ago. That was a great deal.

The Q1 should climb to over $30K after a good review as it is supposed to be much better than the Mini II which last sold for $32,500. The Q2 will end up in the high $30's (think TAD CR1) and the Q3 will be $45-50K in a year. It's all about what the market will support and these are very good speakers compared to their equally priced competition, IMO. Magico is pushing the technology.
Q3 sounded wonderful very dynamic great speed great bass etc.This being said i dont think they are broken in yet takes 500 hrs i dont think any dealer has over 500hrs i could be wrong.They do sound a little metalic maybe because they are not fully broken in yet.They are the best speaker under $50,000 i think.