Magico S5 vs Tannoy Westminster Royal SE

Kiddman, thak you for your kind comments. For me, Tannoys, at least of the time-tested Dual Concentric variety, are not known for their ability to reproduce the fine detail of some of the mega-buck speakers, such as Magico and Wilson, they just make music listening a constant joy on a daily basis.

For example, I once heard Wilson Maxx-2's, driven by VTL Siegfried mono-blocs, and found the sound to be hyper-detailed, and not to my liking.

Tannoy's get to the meat of the music, and are capable of reproducing the scale of music in a way I've heard few other speakers do.

I have audio friends that drop by when they can (it's a five hour drive). They are very well-seasoned audio enthusiasts, and members of the Portland Audio Society (in Oregon). Upon their initial visit, they described what they heard as "world class", much to my surprise.

This was before the new crossovers had been implemented, and before the woofers had been reconed with the hard edge surrounds, and improvements have been made in amplification, and both analog and digital front ends as well.

Whether or not they are "world class" is immaterial, what's important, is I never tire of listening to them, and they are a source of constant enjoyment. My solo listening sessions last from 4-6 hours daily, with no listening fatigue. I feel no need to try and improve on that.

As always, regards and enjoy,
Dan

I'm afraid I am not in the price league of being able to consider Magico speakers, but spent a long time auditioning in a top price system with Dartzeel pre and monoblocks. The rather foolish dealer was boasting that the speaker cable cost more than most peoples whole systems. I agree with Islanmadman, I found and have found in other demos, that Magico are brittle and fatiguing, even with a top flight Dartzeel amp set up. I see why people might enjoy them, but they were'nt for me.

Like Islandman, I put Magico in the same camp as Wilson. However, I went to a small show in the UK recently with Wilson speakers and reinforced my view of them, with a Krell amp. Switching to an Audio Research ref 150 and another room with D'Agostina pre and monoblocks, they were a revelation. No edge, just detailed, transparent with a wonderful deep wide soundstage. I presume Magico could also be made listenable to me, with different ancillaries.

Aprica - you answered your own question -no?

The sound from S5 is a bit "Brittle". Detail and refine. And 1 word that that I think best describe the S5. It is Coherent.

Purchase the coherent speaker. Music is about coherence.

I am positively amazed at the wisdom, at the correct take on the sound by some folk in this thread. I am used to the big, new, heavily reviewed, heavily advertised, "state of the art" (as I roll my eyes)" owners and supporters flaming the guy mentioning a classic product made by an old company. You see, unobtainium materials and mystique, and some supposed new genius on the block always seems to trump all else. Until the bandwagon wheel falls off, and everyone goes to the next flashy company.

The support the Tannoys receive in the above posts gives me hope for sanity and truth to sometimes prevail in this marketplace. The Tannoys are that good.

I have one caveat about an above Tannoy supporter's post: I get all the detail with my Tannoys that those other named speakers do. It's just that the highs and mids are not "forced forward" with aggression that results in folks thinking that it is detail. When I listen closely to each, it is all there with the Tannoy.

The Westminsters are ridiculously good. AND, you can listen for hours and hours, the next day just wanting more. That cannot be said for many speakers at any price.

Hi Dan

Thats the exact reason I prefer Rockports and Lenehan's to the Tannoys - they seem to be as musical and satisfying as the Tannoy and yet have the detail of Magico's. But there are plenty who don't agree - viva la difference I say.

Thanks
Bill