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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
bvdiman
491 posts
 
This thread is about Magico, let's leave it at that. I'm just raising one concern as a 'consumer', and that I have no problem whatsoever with their pricing/value which I think is way cool--having a new product which killed the previous flagship at only 60% of the price (Q5-M5). What I'm trying to convey here is that, if only they could work their costing right from the beginning it would be better for all. Most people have to plan for their audio outlay too.

Speaking of value.. bought my Mini2, 28k sold @19k (3yrs ago). V3, 25k sold @11k (recent).. Bottom line, no value is good value in things audio--unless of course you buy it used.

Btw.Are you a dealer or speaking on behalf of one? You sure don't seem to be on buyer's side.
razmika
45 posts
 
Bvdiman,
I am on the side of good sound, service and value. It has to work for both the buyer and the seller. These are trying times to all. I am not saying that changing prices often is a good thing, but I am not in favor of price gouging either...
peterayer
1,382 posts
 
Rasmika,

If your "good deal" quote is referring to my post about seeing a Magico V2 sell for less than $10K, I only meant that it is a great speaker in absolute terms and represents a particularly good value relative to other speakers available for that amount of money, used or new, IMO. The market is dealerships and Audiogon and everything in between. I came close to buying the V2 before I bought my Mini II and I was willing to pay a lot more than that $10K.

I agree with Bvdiman that the Q series may represent an even better value than the older Magico speakers because of the incredible technology and sound they offer. The M5/Q5 for example and the Q1 will cost less than the last price for the Mini II and is supposed to sound better. Unfortunately, I can't afford a pair.

These are extreme prices but so are luxury cars, watches etc.
bvdiman
491 posts
 
Razmika, agree that buyer/seller have to be in a mutually benefiting relationship in order to persevere. The pricing issue I brought up, since it relates as to how their initial selling price was yet again increased--just months after released.

Then, there's also some quality issues I had with not one, but both pairs of speakers I owned. Thankfully, my responsible dealer took good care of and had them replaced with brand new pairs--both time. Magico was a young and upstart company then, I'm sure things have improved since.

Please not view any of the above as any form of bashing--no hidden agenda here, except to share my personal experiences with fellow members, and hopefully, a constructive message to the company as well.

Let's leave it as that, and hand the thread back to the new much improved Q3..
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