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New Magico Speaker Break-in Question

This afternoon, I received my new Magico A5s, which replaced Revel Studios that I have owned for more than 20 years. The A5s are definitely more clear, have superior imaging and provide at least equal soundstaging. The bass is tighter, but, with three 9" woofers, I am surprised that it doesn't go very deep at all (fortunately, I have two SVS SB17-Ultra subwoofers that will easily take care of that shortcoming).

However, there is one aspect of these A5's performance that I find a bit disquieting and the reason for this post. The treble in the 2KHz to 5KHz seems to be a little [what I'll call] shrieking; it is somewhat uncomfortable to listen to for an extended time. I know that this loudspeaker uses a beryllium tweeter, and I have never had a speaker before that employed one. Perhaps, its tonality is what I am reacting to .

And so, my question. I have read that it takes 250+ hours for the A5s to break-in and become the speaker that Mr. Wolf and his colleagues intended. As part of that break-in, will the tweeter also blossom and become easier to listen to? 

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decooney
2,295 posts
 

@jmeyers decooney Many thanks for your thoughtful response. My A5s are powered by McIntosh MC611s. These are mono amplifiers that output 600 watts are 8, 4, and 2 ohms. Consequently, I don’t think that my amplification is the cause of my near-term concern.

 

For sure, and you’ve checked that box and then some, very nice! Just a few days ago a known celeb’s system showed up on a video with similar Magicos, and the larger Mc amps. Interesting.

The other specific thing I can think of is those same caps in the speaker crossovers. I’ve used multiple variations of those same Mundorfs in different components and wow, they can take a looooooong time to form, break in, settle in. Some silver-over-copper and certain OCC cables can have a tipped up sound too fwiw. Curious how it sounds after your 250hrs of play time. Enjoy your system, have fun!

mark200mph
311 posts
 

I have the q7 and they have a binding post for the high and one for the low  to bi amp or biwire.i put the hegel 30 a in mono and it must have been too low of ohms and put it into loop mode.the mcintosh work great due to hybride it works fine sounds great. It takes alot of time to breat in speakers,caps ect.put them on 5 watts and play them for a week.give them a break for an hour to let the motor on the speaker to go through heat cycles. Use large gauge cabel at least 10 for speaker wire.you can always call magico and ask them what they suggest for breakin.i have installed many beryllium tweeters and they sound strange in the beginning. Good luck be patient.enjoy the s3arch.

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hk_fan
510 posts
 

I listened to Magico’s and also found the top end to be too aggressive for my liking.  I ended up with Rockports which also use a Beryllium tweeter but have none of the harshness.  Hopefully yours smooth out over time.

riie
231 posts
 

I had focal sopras which also use beryllium and they took 300-400 hours to break in. After that they weren’t shredding my ears as much

bobbydd
99 posts
 

I have A5’s for several years.  They are smooth as silk up top with the right amps; I can listen all day with no fatigue.  Hardness or shrillness in the low treble is what you are feeding them - they are very revealing.

 

My advice: continue the break in process.  If the problem does not resolve itself then try other amplification.

 

Good luck!

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