Best Small Floorstander for Rock Music -Magico/B&W


Hope the forum can help with some recommendations.

I have a smaller room - 13.5 by 15.5 feet.

Currently using all Bryston components. (lots of clean, high power)

For the past 5 years have been using B&W 804S which I like but have always felt a little bit harsh, not an impressive soundstage, and the bass a bit muddy.

Currently looking too upgrade. I have demoed the Magico V2 in my house and absolutely love it except I find the bass lacking. I just find a lack of emotion on the lower end, especially the bass drum and guitar just not extending. Part of this is very likely due to the Magico not being ported but I still feel a bitter mre bottom end presence would be a big improvement - I am not looking for a big slam speaker.

The size of the Magico V2 and 80S4 are perfect aesthetically for the room and ideally would like an option of similar sizing.

The V3 I have also heard but found it maybe a bit big for the room and the lower bass not much of an improvement over the V2 (however I did not hear them side by side so any comments on this would be welcome).
qkot

Showing 1 response by johnnyb53

Since you're willing to spend Magico money, look at what Sonus Faber has to offer in your size and budget. I just auditioned a pair of Cremona M's and mm-mm-mm. Geez Louise these are great virtual reality devices!

They're good on all kinds of music but they have several things to commend them for rock, including a clean, tight, fast, articulate bass, engagingly transparent midrange, air and detail that draws you into the musical experience but doesn't distract or irritate, and most importantly, they're very dynamic with lots of "jump", something that you want for rock. If the Cremona M's are too big for the room (probably not), you could go with Liutos or with a stand-mounted product. With their high excursion drivers and rear ports, even the stand-mounted SFs should make good bass in a 13x15 room.

Given that higher sensitivity combined with power handling is a good combination for rock, you may want to consider something from Zu Audio appropriate to your room size.