Rockport Avior or Magico S5


Well I am selling my Verity SarastroII and looking at the Rockport Avior or the Magico S5. From what I am hearing the Rockport's are a darker presentation than the Magico's. Both seem to have great sound stage and depth. My Sarastro's I think are more like the Magico S5's and I am thinking of going in a different direction with the system.
What do ya's think?
hevac1
Lot's of strong suggestions, but it comes down to YOU. Go listen. Make a list of 4 or so maybe and bring your music and see what you like. Then try and get them to let you bring them home to eval. Then you can get what YOU love and not waste money or time always chasing your tail. We all have own bias and we should as long as we love our systems. There are only a few lines I'd buy as I may like a speaker in the store, but couldn't live with it for the long haul. Since finding the speaker line I love, I only look to upgrade within that line, even though I'm still listening to other lines as I have an open mind. Then I look to upgrade the components (I LOVE my source (Empirical OSDE upgraded with synchro mesh and top silver cables and a Basis TT with Benz cart)). I didn't realize HOW MUCH difference power cords and line conditioners make and am really looking into those. Maybe you should look elsewhere in your system as newer components and cords will surely upgrade your sound greatly I bet. Room too as many others have suggested. JMHO..
Did you ever try alternative jumpers on the Verity speakers? Something to consider, for there is a strong chance you can capture the sound you want by trying several different jumpers, and save about $20K+ in the process.

IMO, you have an advantage in the jumpers in that you can contour the Verity speakers quite a bit, whereas the others you are looking at you have one option for sound.

I have no doubt you can improve the Verity speakers significantly over the stock jumpers, and for a relative pittance.
Given what you're looking for I don't think Magico would be a good choice as they are probably too analytical, and Rockports would seem to be more in the right direction. As you're looking for soundstage depth and an ability to play various recordings while sounding musical I would highly recommend also giving Joseph Audio Pearls and Vandy 5s a listen as well. Best of luck.
Magico is not analytical if you have a very good preamp power amp and cables.
I agree, but this is relative. I like Magico very much too, but relative to Verity it will likely be more neutral or analytical than this OP may be looking for given his system and what he's trying to achieve. Verity and Magico are not, in my experience, substitutes. Especially given what the OP's stated goals are.