Used Magico V3 or Rockport Mira 2

Ricred1...where will you be listening to the Mira2s? Please let us know what you think after the audition. Thx

I first heard Magico speakers at the California Audio Show 2 years ago. I had heard very positive things about their speakers and was looking forward to the demo. The room was packed. Unfortunately, I was extremely disappointed with what I heard. The sound itself was clean and weighty with a large soundstage. What I thought it did a poor job of was replicating the tone of unamplified instrumnents. People brought all kind of funky demo disks (wind chimes, techno dance, sound effects) that seemed to really impress. Once I heard some actual instruments (trumpet, Oboe, Viola) I moved on. I find this a trend with many mega buck multi driver speakers these days. On their own terms they produce an impressive sound - I just don't find the sound an accurate representation of real instruments. A trumpet at fortissimo is not pretty. Too many speakers seem to smooth over the rough edges.

Sibelius,
Are you saying the Magicos smoothed over the rough edges of a trumpet played at fortissimo levels or that other speakers often do that? What model of Magico did you hear?

Cmalak... I am not sure which model you have heard, but you clearly hearing something completely different then what I, and just about everyone else in the “establishment” is hearing. You are claiming a “lot of (dry) details”, yet Sibelius here just claimed it is too smooth and “pretty”. You claim “lacks of natural harmonic overtones in the low frequencies” where even MF, the bass freak that he is, admitted that they have the best resolving bass he ever heard. In theory, and in measurements, Magico bass alignment is more accurate and extended then ported design. Yes, it is not as efficient, but no one should argue that it is less accurate, and more extended(I am sure many that “trust” their ears will disagree, but you should Google the subject, keep your mind open and trust your ears less because they are lying to you all the time). That is in theory, but also how, I and many reviewers and music lovers around the world hear them. All the best to you as well and happy new year.

I've never found Magico to be analytical or dry. They don't have the dimension of a good Wilson or YG, but I like them better because I value tone and timbre over attack and decay.

I have a good friend that has a pair of M5's with nice Esoteric gear. I'm familiar with the V2 and V3 as well. I've heard similar priced Rockports at Goodwins. I prefer the Rockports. It's a tough call and your money so take the trip and listen to as many speakers as you can.