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Magico S5 MK1

I have an opportunity to get a great deal on a demo model of the older Magico S5 MK1. They sound great, but does this make sense in 2020 or just save up for the MK2's, which really are a step up. Budget aside, this brings up an issue I think about which is avoiding the cutting edge and its premiums and staying one model behind the front of the ship. This means you can buy more used stuff as well.

Anyone heard the two side by side and feel that the increase in price is worth it? (We're talking more than 20k difference!)
128x128sampajanna
sampajanna's avatar
sampajanna OP
4 posts
 
I can also get Focal Scala Evo possibly
ebm
9,311 posts
 
Not as good as MAGICO!!!!!!
sampajanna's avatar
sampajanna OP
4 posts
 
Even for my gear? I worry may be bright. Focal is adjustable.... I am worried I will have to switch amps. Also, I can only get the Magico S5 MK2 new where I live, so much more costly...
jtgofish's avatar
jtgofish
513 posts
 
The S5 Mk 1 is a very fine speaker but as others have commented it benefits from some tube component in the system.I have heard them really open up and sound much better when a Supratek Cabernet preamp was inserted in place of a far more expensive SS preamp.It changed that system from sounding quite good to sounding utterly fantastic.From a bit tight and congested to open,3D and musically expressive.I feel confident that most people who heard that system would ask themselves if it was possible or worthwhile trying to get a better sounding pair of speakers than that.
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