New Magico Speaker ??? 12-12-22

[Rhapsody]

Any mention of price?

S3 M-Cast SRP $ 45,500 /pair

S3 M-Coat SRP $ 52,500 /pair

 

[Gregadd]

I presume you have not heard them.

 

[Rhapsody]

I presume you have not heard them.

Nope. I doubt if anyone other than the factory personnel has heard them.

 

[PeterA]

I am reminded of the internals of my old Q3, a very stiff structure. That had 3 X 7" low frequency drivers. I suspect this new S3 would fair nicely against the Q3, and they are about the same price. I am surprised to not see the soft molded midrange driver enclosure of some past designs. I also wonder what that lime green plate behind the midrange is doing.

I had thought this might me an S6, but it makes sense given the economy to start with the smaller design which I presume is a pretty good seller.

 

[Gregadd]

Nope. I doubt if anyone other than the factory personnel has heard them.

i think the next show is in February Florida. Nice place for a deburt.

 

[Gregadd]

Nope. I doubt if anyone other than the factory personnel has heard them.

I think the next show is in February Florida. Nice place for a debut.

 

[XV-1]

S3 M-Cast SRP $ 45,500 /pair

S3 M-Coat SRP $ 52,500 /pair

Magico certainly slaying inflation.

Original S3 in 2014 was $22,600
Mk2 - $28,000 (M-Cast finish), $32,000 (M-Coat finish)

How much a guess will the updated S5 cost?

 

[ICUToo]

View attachment 101493
HAYWARD, CA (USA) // December 12, 2022 // Magico - the leader in high-performance loudspeaker design and manufacture - is pleased to announce the new S3.
Magico’s flagship loudspeaker, the incomparable M9, was as much a tour de force engineering exercise as a finished product. The knowledge distilled and technological advances gained in the M9 development have been applied to the new S3 which reaps the rewards of those monumental efforts. With new state-of-the-art R&D capabilities, we set out to redesign the S3 Mk II loudspeaker to achieve audible improvements in every parameter. With new enclosure, drivers, and coupling system, the S3 accomplishes far more than the initial design brief.
Page 1 of 5
The technologies and construction techniques leveraged in the new S3 achieve a purity of sound and measured performance that surpassed our expectations. The new Magico S3 shatters the boundaries of performance for a speaker in its class.
ENCLOSURE TECHNOLOGY
The new S3 features an appearance that is at once refined and fortified. With a newly engineered enclosure assembled from four separate extruded aluminum panels ranging in thickness from 1/2” to 2-inches, the S3’s enclosure is ambitious to say the least. Each panel, including the front baffle, is carefully machined to take on an overall edgeless-shaped perimeter. A massive machined top plate is curved and has an upward pitch to minimize enclosure diffraction and break up vertical standing waves. A thicker and more substantial baseplate incorporates a newly designed 3-point outrigger system with a new foot design that lowers the center of gravity of the speaker and increases overall stability, resulting in a lower noise floor and increased dynamics.
Magico’s new in-house 3D laser interferometry system measures each S3 enclosure panel, up to 1000 points a side, and calculates the aggregate SPL resonance of the entire enclosure. This highly accurate analysis enables us to compare the enclosure resonance contribution in relation to the acoustical output of the transducers and strategically apply internal bracing and damping techniques to optimize the overall sound performance of the S3 in its finished form. The new S3 enclosure is 30% quieter than its predecessor.
View attachment 101497
Page 2 of 5
ACOUSTIC DESIGN
The Klippel Near-Field-Scanner (NFS) uses a single microphone that rotates around a loudspeaker enclosure that is suspended in free-air. The microphone analyzes the environment space first, and then takes fully automated 3D acoustic measurements (on and off axis) in a minimal amount of time without the need for an anechoic chamber. The 360-dgeree sphere of measurement points are then calculated with the initial room measurements deducted from the equation. The Klippel Near-Field-Scanner provides Magico with unprecedented, highly accurate data and allows us to predict the in-room reflections and response of each loudspeaker in a standard listening room environment. The new S3 greatly benefitted from this uncompromised investment in measurement technology. The result is a speaker with clear technical superiority that results in unparalleled sonic performance.
DRIVER TECHNOLOGY
Three years of engineering research brings a new generation of transducer chassis designs that provide improved mechanical and acoustical parameters. New chassis profiles have been developed for the S3’s midrange and bass drivers, which result in ideal stiffness and damping properties to minimize any acoustical contribution by reducing resonant modes while also maximizing air flow. No aspect of the S3’s design was left to chance. Magico’s commitment to leveraging its R&D resources for the best acoustical performance is unrivaled.
TWEETER HIGHLIGHTS
Using key elements of the M9 tweeter platform, the newly designed S3 tweeter features the vaunted Magico 28mm diamond-coated beryllium diaphragm. Optimized geometry, created using state-of-the-art Finite Element Analysis modeling tools, brings the S3’s high-frequency reproduction one step closer to perfection. This was achieved by skillfully leveraging beryllium's physical properties, making the tweeter closer to the theoretical ideal without gaining the extra weight normally associated with a material such as diamond's specific gravity. This applied technology allowed Magico to increase the dome diameter from 26mm to 28mm, improving many aspects of performance and allowing even greater power handling and vanishingly low distortion. Combined with a neodymium-based motor system, new acoustically improved back chamber, and customized shape to integrate into the curved front baffle, the new S3 tweeter registers the lowest distortion measurements possible today from a high-frequency transducer. When coupled with even greater power handling, the S3’s tweeter is a technical and sonic marvel.
MIDRANGE DRIVER HIGHLIGHTS
The 5-inch pure midrange driver in the S3 features an advanced cone material formed of a honeycomb aluminum core sandwiched with outer and inner layers of graphene and carbon fiber. This enables wider dispersion characteristics and results in greater midrange transparency. The advanced cone is supported by a customized basket assembly and innovative foam surround, which helps achieve ideal cone/surround integration, faster settling time, and impressively low distortion. The all-new underhung neodymium-based motor system uses two extra-large magnets to facilitate a super-stabilized magnetic field and a pure copper pole cap that minimizes eddy currents and maximizes efficiency. This development in midrange driver technology sets a new benchmark of measured performance in both the frequency and time domains.
Page 3 of 5
BASS DRIVER HIGHLIGHTS
Finite Element Analysis (FEA) provides Magico engineers a single platform to assess acoustical, mechanical, electromagnetic, and thermal properties. This meticulous testing helps minimize distortions in the frequency and time domains. The S3’s bass driver has benefitted greatly from this advanced research.
The 9” bass driver in the S3 features an enhanced version of Magico’s Graphene Nano-Tec cone. Graphene, a hexagonal lattice of carbon, achieves 50 times the tensile strength of high- carbon steel. The new cone is formed using a honeycomb aluminum core sandwiched by outer and inner layers of CF Graphene, which combine to achieve the highest possible stiffness-to- weight ratio, ideal damping properties, and extremely low distortion. The new bass unit incorporates oversized components including a 5-inch pure Titanium voice coil and huge copper cap with 1/2” of linear excursion. The super-stabilized magnetic field enables the S3 to reproduce superior low bass output (112dB @ 50Hz measured at 1 meter), while maintaining very low distortion and inductance below 0.25m
The new Magico S3: Technical superiority achieved through an uncompromised commitment to the most advanced research and development techniques in the industry. The result is a sonic masterpiece that will reveal more listening pleasure than thought possible at this price point
Page 4 of 5
SPECIFICATIONS
View attachment 101495
Driver Complement
1 1.1”

1. 1 5”
2. 2 9”

MB5FP pure Beryllium, Diamond coated tweeter Gen 8 Midrange driver
Gen 8 Bass driver
Sensitivity: 88dB
Impedance: 4 Ohms
Frequency Response: 24 Hz – 50 KHz Recommended Power: 50 – 750 Watts Dimensions : 44H” x 17D” x 12W” (17” outrigger) Weight: 222 lbs
Ship Date: Q1 2023
For more information contact Peter Mackay, V.P. Global Sales and Marketing at Magico LLC.
Telephone: 1-510-649-9700, Ext 104 or visit us at www.magicoaudio.com.
View attachment 101494 View attachment 101496
S3 M-Cast SRP $ 45,500 /pair

S3 M-Coat SRP $ 52,500 /pair

Flap me, that’s a beautiful looking thing- and I suspect it will sound fantastic.
The A5 is unbelievable- I can’t imagine how this one will sound
Thanks for the data and photos

 

[Rhapsody]

Magico certainly slaying inflation.

Original S3 in 2014 was $22,600
Mk2 - $28,000 (M-Cast finish), $32,000 (M-Coat finish)

How much a guess will the updated S5 cost?

Not sure about all of Wilson models, but I know the X2s in 2014ish were I think around $150K. Isn't the XVX the current replacement for the Alexandria X2s now priced at around $335K in 2022?

If you need to (I don't really care) go back and look at YG, Avantgarde, Tidal, etc and compare prices from 8-9 years ago I think that you will see similar uplifts in price.

Edit: If you go back and look at the price of AL in 2014-2015 which is what Magico speakers are made from, the metric ton, raw material Al costs have gone up 35%-40%, then look at the shipping costs for these raw materials, as well as general inflation over the last 8-9 years. It all adds up and it's not just a Magico adjustment, it's a global happening.

 

[CKKeung]

Not sure about all of Wilson models, but I know the X2s in 2014ish were I think around $150K. Isn't the XVX the current replacement for the Alexandria X2s now priced at around $335K in 2022?

If you need to (I don't really care) go back and look at YG, Avantgarde, Tidal, etc and compare prices from 8-9 years ago I think that you will see similar uplifts in price.

Edit: If you go back and look at the price of AL in 2014-2015 which is what Magico speakers are made from, the metric ton, raw material Al costs have gone up 35%-40%, then look at the shipping costs for these raw materials, as well as general inflation over the last 8-9 years. It all adds up and it's not just a Magico adjustment, it's a global happening.

Agree.

The new S3 is 2 lbs heavier than the S5 mk2.
The top 28mm diamond-coated beryllium tweeters of Magico are employed.
The mid-range is the graphene-coated honeycomb aluminium driver of M9 & A5.
The 9" woofers are new and made with graphene-coated honeycomb aluminium, like the mid-range drivers.

All the above are significant advancement.
The only uncertainty is the new 6-piece enclosure and the lack of an interneral chamber for the midranf driver.

I wonder whether its performance can surpass the bigger S5 Mk2 or not?

 

[Rhapsody]

Agree.

The new S3 is 2 lbs heavier than the S5 mk2.
The top 28mm diamond-coated beryllium tweeters of Magico are employed.
The mid-range is the graphene-coated honeycomb aluminium driver of M9 & A5.
The 9" woofers are new and made with graphene-coated honeycomb aluminium, like the mid-range drivers.

All the above are significant advancement.
The only uncertainty is the new 6-piece enclosure and the lack of an interneral chamber for the midranf driver.

I wonder whether its performance can surpass the bigger S5 Mk2 or not?

I have no idea as I have not heard them, but my guess would be that there would be certain sonic qualities (transparency in the midrange and the mid-bass) because of what you mentioned regarding the driver technology that would surpass the sonic performance in the mentioned areas vs the S5 II. Again, just a guess.

 

[CKKeung]

The new S3 enclosure is deeper than that of S3Mk2.
Magico doesn't mention about the internal volume of the new S3 but my guess is that it may come closer to that of the S5Mk2.

 

[microstrip]

Not sure about all of Wilson models, but I know the X2s in 2014ish were I think around $150K. Isn't the XVX the current replacement for the Alexandria X2s now priced at around $335K in 2022?

The XLF price was $200K in 2014 , the XVX can't be compared to a XLF - it is a model between the XLF and the $900K WAMM.

But yes, most speakers increased significantly in price during the last years - the Alexia 2 was $58K, the Alexia V is $80K. .

 

[XV-1]

Not sure about all of Wilson models, but I know the X2s in 2014ish were I think around $150K. Isn't the XVX the current replacement for the Alexandria X2s now priced at around $335K in 2022?

If you need to (I don't really care) go back and look at YG, Avantgarde, Tidal, etc and compare prices from 8-9 years ago I think that you will see similar uplifts in price.

Edit: If you go back and look at the price of AL in 2014-2015 which is what Magico speakers are made from, the metric ton, raw material Al costs have gone up 35%-40%, then look at the shipping costs for these raw materials, as well as general inflation over the last 8-9 years. It all adds up and it's not just a Magico adjustment, it's a global happening.

The ole change the subject trick.

Yes Wilson and their crazy increase in prices is out of control as well. So much, that for me to upgrade, I will have to look past Wilson as the Alexx is stupid pricing. Unfortunately it will not be Magico either.

That takes nothing away of the crazy price increase of this new S3. 50k for a speaker that is not really even full range.
I bet future customers look forward to the 75k S5.

This hobby is getting more stupid and out of control with each more expensive new model. It is starting to look like the luxury watch market - they don't sell many, but charge as much as they possibly can get away with.

Cars get cheaper wirh trickle down, not so hifi.

Ultimately this will be to the detriment of the industry and come back and bite these manufacturers.

 

[bryans]

@XV-1 you are correct. The prices have gone crazy. I must admit as I look at new speakers and gear, I'm hard pressed to pay some of these asking prices. But this is the world we live in I guess.

 

[XV-1]

@XV-1 you are correct. The prices have gone crazy. I must admit as I look at new speakers and gear, I'm hard pressed to pay some of these asking prices. But this is the world we live in I guess.

Thanks
I can guarantee when the RRP goes up on say for example the S3.
The customer pays a substantially higher price for what is effectively the same product.

I guarantee the manufacturer, distributor and dealer are making a higher $$ value for the sale of the same product.
Seems fair - not.

This leads to less speakers being sold, so up go the prices again. We all know where this ultimately ends.

 

[GSOphile]

The XLF price was $200K in 2014 , the XVX can't be compared to a XLF - it is a model between the XLF and the $900K WAMM.

But yes, most speakers increased significantly in price during the last years - the Alexia 2 was $58K, the Alexia V is $80K. .

I see the US MSRP for the Alexia V varying from $67,500 to $79,500 depending on finish.... so for WBF members, $80K would be spot on.

 

[microstrip]

I see the US MSRP for the Alexia V varying from $67,500 to $79,500 depending on finish.... so for WBF members, $80K would be spot on.

Thanks for pointing - the US euro rate changed a lot recently and our European prices increased to crazy values. We have to pay taxes and VAT on the Alexia V - 90 keuros is our price for standard finish! So it seems the real US price of the Alexia V just increased 15%.

 

[CKKeung]

It's not merely inflation, exchange rates or taxes.
I notice that new and particularly top/flagship products of many brands have got price increases way beyond the above 3 factors.
Two of the examples I encountered recently are the Kuzma Safir 9 and Lampizator Horizon. They are outstanding but the prices are ...

On the other hand, most of the Japan hifi brands such as Luxman, Accuphase ...etc have been setting the prices of their new flagships much more reasonably.

 

[Rhapsody]

Cars get cheaper wirh trickle down, not so hifi.

Compare Posrche, Ferrari, Lambo, Mercedes, BMW prices from 2014 with 2023 prices.

For probably the 100+ customers that will purchase the 2023 S3 over the next few years, their opinion will be different than the few posters here in this thread.