Magico S1 vs YG Carmels

I think I heard the same demo as Larryi at Capital Audiofest several years back. I'm pretty sure a different model floor standing Magico (S5 possibly?) were involved

The two sounded more similar to me than different with the vocal jazz recordings demoed. Both did an excellent job delivering a convincing full range and dynamic 3-D soundstage in the fairly large ballroom. Both were set up well into the center of teh room to do this FWIW. I did not come away with a clear preference for either.

I think it was a YG demo intended to demonstrate the value of their speakers compared to Magico. My recollection is the YGs came in for much less than the Magico's demoed.

What if you throw B &W 802D in with these two?

How do they compare side by side?

So hard to find dealers that have enough lines.

It was a “tweaked” V3. At that time I owned a V3, and at the demo, they sounded nothing like the V3 I owned. I would not put too much weight in to that shoot out.
The S1 is quite superior to the YG, including the bigger, more expensive 2 ways they make.

I've heard both of these speakers several times in different rooms and systems. They both punch significantly above their weight but I'd give a slight nod to the Carmel which I found to be somewhat more resolving and to have more precise imaging. Needless to say, they are both superb speakers and I could easily see someone preferring the S1s and saving $6k to boot.

That said, I would encourage you to audition the S3 which have impressed me every time I've heard them. Yes, they are $4k more than the Carmels but I think they have the most remarkable midrange I've ever heard from a cone speaker. Perhaps it's the new polycarbonate midrange enclosure but Magico's got something pretty obviously special going with the S3 that I find very compelling. I liked them better than the YG Haileys and I'm a big a YG fan.