Magico Q3's at Goodwin's High End


Just a quick note to say that Goodwin's High End (in Boston) along with Alon Wolf presented a demonstration of the Magico Q3's yesterday.

As usual, it was a class act by Goodwin's and a real treat overall. Mr. Wolf fielded a number of questions about the speakers (and Magico's approach to design) and his detailed responses were fascinating.

The Q3's sounded spectacular. They were setup in Goodwin's huge listening room (20x30x11) and they were positioned quite wide apart and deep into the room (almost halfway). I was transported to the symphony hall with a few tracks - like nothing I've ever experienced before. They were driven with very expensive electronics, inluding huge Boulder amps that were 1000w each (if I'm not mistaken) to compensate for the size of the room.

The Q3 is a modest size floorstanding loudspeaker, but it weighs 250lbs! Like the Q5 (if you've ever heard it) it is very clean and neutral sounding. Definitely a speaker that lets you listen into the music rather than wow you with a forward presentation. Besides classical, we heard some jazz, some instrumental and a cut from Jennifer Warnes Famous Blue Raincoat that was stunning. These speakers don't call any attention to themselves. They were so coherent and produced such an impressive soundstage that it didn't feel like they were the source of the sound. Jennifer's voice had no artifacts (sibilence, etc) that it was like she was standing there. I feel I finally heard how the record was supposed to sound.

Anyways, I'm not trying to do a proper review here, but I did want to thank Goodwins and Magico for the opportunity and I thought I would share my initial impresssions.

Would love to know what other folks at the presentation(s) thought.
madfloyd

Showing 3 responses by audiofeil

>>06-15-11: Folkfreak
For example Sandy Denny was not a tall or large person, and this is how she sounds through these speakers<<

Huh?

Please explain how a vocalist's size/stature have anything to do with their voice.

This should be interesting.
>>06-16-11: Jdoris
Could a petite person have a petite voice<<

I guess you'd have to ask Celine Dion, Linda Ronstadt (in her younger days), and Barbra Streisand.

Next question

>>Does a mandolin sound "smaller" than a double bass?<<

The issue is people's voices as they relate to their physical size.

How about another question?

Slam dunk
LOL
Calm down sports fans.

If you re-read my posts, this is my position:

There is no correlation between a vocalist's physical size/stature and his/her voice. Nothing more and nothing less.

It is irrefutable.

I never mentioned musical instruments which are an all together different argument.