Looking for my End Game Speaker


I'm looking for my end game speakers.  My system currently consists a digital streaming front end with the Mola mola Tambaqui DAC and Grimm MU1 streamer along with Magico A3 speakers.  For amplification, I recently acquired on the used market, the Audionet Humboldt.  

I live in a small 960 sq ft condo in a highrise.  My system is in the great room (living, dining, and kitchen all in one).  Given the room configuration, my speakers have to be located close to a side wall (unless I radically change the room and block my balcony doors with my stereo).  Room dimensions are 12' x 16' (not including kitchen).   

The following speakers are on my list to auditon:

Marten Parker Trio,  Acora (SRB, SRC1, SRC2), Magico S3 - 2023, Magico M2, Joseph Audio, Franco Serblin, Rockport, Vivid Audio Giya G4, 

I have already heard the Acora SRC1 and thought they were amazing, however, perhaps a bit  bass shy.  

Given my room constraints, I'm concentrating more on the models that have a sealed box design.  Given that, I am very interested in the Magico M2 and S3 - 2023.  Has anyone heard these two models?  A used M2 would cost about the same as a new S3.  How do these two models compared?  Which would you choose?  

Can anyone recommend any other sealed box design speakers.....or any speakers that would fit into a relatively small room (close to the walls)?  I should also note that I would like a speaker that performs well with lower listening volumes....

I have booked my ticket to AXPONA 2025, so I'm making a list of speakers that I should audition.

 

calgarian5355

@zuesman I'll definitely put Monitor Audio on my list!  Thanks!  A local dealer is doing a special listening session with the new Monitor Audio Hyphn later on during the month, so I'll probably drop by if I get a chance to hear them!

@laaudionut  @jdavis234  Thanks for your recommendation.  I'll put the TAD on my list to audition.  I'll do some research ahead of time!

@larsman Do you have the model with the Diamond tweeter or the ceramic?  Yes, I've read great reviews about the whole Marten lineup...and I'm a big fan of the custom made isolation feet by Isoacoustics.

@stringreen I haven't listened to Vandersteen in years!  I'll have to check out their new lineup; I see they've totally redesigned their Carbon model....looks very similar to the Quattro wood.....

@p05129 The Magico A3 that I have now don't seem overly large in my room currently.  The Magico M2 (used) is very similar in size to my existing speakers...so I think they would be a good choice (although, even in the used market, is one of the most expensive options).  The Vivid Audio Giya G4 would also be a good fit size wise....

@calgarian5355 - I have the model with the ceramic tweeter; that about topped my budget out right there. I was first going to get the Oscar Duos but then auditioned these Parker Duos along side of them and thought they were worth the extra $$; love that lower midrange! You are right about those custom Isoacoustics feet!

Do the exhibitors offer show specials during Axpona?  

@calgarian5355 - yes, one can often negotiate a discount price to purchase the demo component.  Yes, the Vimberg has the diamond tweeter upgrade.

When I heard the Vimberg Mino D at AXPONA, it sounded great but was unaffordable with the Diamond upgrade. I love high notes from bells, violins, etc so I love excellent highs.  After explaining to my trusted audio dealer, he managed to negotiate a great price but I blew my budget significantly.  I’m very happy where I landed with a clean neutral speaker.

Subsequently, I auditioned the Gershman Acoustics 30th Anniversary Grand Avant Garde. Audio Bacon reviewed then purchased a pair here.   I was surprised how much bass these smallish floorstanders produce.  They sounded fantastic.  If I found this speaker first, I’d likely purchase this and save some cash.  It’s worth a demo.