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 jdoris

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

Interesting. Could a petite person have a petite voice, and as massive person have a massive voice? Are there many 92 pounders singing bass? Does a mandolin sound "smaller" than a double bass?

Sorry, now back to Magico.

John
I think Ronstadt does in fact have a small person's voice; I don't think the "size" of person's voice is only a matter of their capacity to project volume.

I'm no expert, but I'd be quite surprised to learn, for example, that the tonal qualities of my voice are unrelated to to my having a 48" chest.

Stay outta the paint, Mr. Feil.
Big Joe Turner (6'2"/300 lbs.):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5PLz_zOobMY&feature=related

Big Mama Thornton (unknown, but considerable):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5XUAg1_A7IE&feature=related

Don't singers and guitars both have bodies?

I hope Big Joe and Big Mama sound big on the Magico's!

John