Magico V2 vs. Q1

Sirspeedy, Great post. I agree that the Mini 2 is a classic. I did just take a close look at the Q1 at a dealership. It was in the hallway, so I couldn't hear it. It has very high build quality and looks quite good actually, though a very different aesthetic to the Mini. I am surprised by how much smaller it looks. Almost precious. The finish is excellent and I like the reveals around the edges. I do really like the look of the larger floor standing Q3.

I hope to someday hear Ebm's Mini2-based system. It must be wonderful.

I've asked myself a similar question regarding my Mini 2. So far I've resisted because of the price difference between a used Mini 2 and a new Q1. I also greatly prefer the aesthetics of the Mini. The V2 is a great speaker, IMO, though I slightly prefer the Mini 2 which are more expensive. There may be enough of an improvement over the V2 to pay for the upgrade.

I think the only way to answer this question for yourself is to try to hear the Q1 in your system. If you can't find a dealer willing to let you try them, at least hear the Q1 at a dealer demo with similar electronics and source to what you own. Only you can answer the question about whether or not it is worth the price difference to change. There may be some other area in your system which would benefit more for the same amount of money.

My room is 15' X 16' (240 sq feet) and the bass I get from the Mini 2 is tremendous. I use Pass XA160.5 because the Mini is a tough load and I listen pretty loudly when the music calls for it. The Q1 is supposed to extend even further in the bass. I think the Wilson Duette is ported while the Magico speakers are not. So the bass will have a very different character.

When I play the Sheffield Drum Track LP, the bass impact, extension and clarity is about all I could hope for in my small room. It shatters my ears when I turn it up. My buddy with Sashas doesn't get the bass I have from these two-way speakers.

Ask the dealer if you can demo the Q1 in your system. It's the only way to know for sure. What amps do you have? Magico needs lots of good, clean power.

Very interesting review Kana. Thanks for posting it. I wish more reviews had
such extensive measurement data. The room in which the review took place
seems very reflective and underdamped. I also wonder if those Transparent
cables were reconfigured for the new speakers or if they still matched the
Wilsons. Apparently, that is critical to getting the most out of the system.

This review is not posted on Magico's website.

I just saw the S1 at my local dealer. Lovely looking speaker. I went back the next day to listen to it but they had swapped it out for the S5. The dealer told me that he thinks the S1 sounds much more like the Q1 than the S5 sounds like the Q5. Perhaps the S1 is the great value in the Magico line today.

I'm actually hoping for a Q2 someday. That might get me to upgrade from my MIni 2. I would like to buy the Q3 but I think it is too much speaker for my room and I prefer the looks of the Mini to the Q1. I'm sure the Q1 sounds fantastic.

Evolution Acoustics and Magico are very different sounding speakers.

Perhaps, but it was the TAS review by Valin that got me interested in the Magico Mini 2. I read the review, heard the speakers in three different systems and settings and then bought a pair. I couldn't be happier and I'm glad I read that review. For $12K used, the Mini2 is a very good speaker. The V2 can be found for about $10K used.

I haven't heard the Q1 yet. I'm sure it's better, but it is also twice the cost.

Usermanual, could you elaborate? I don't understand your post. Thanks.

Charyro, do you mean from a sonic perspective, a profit perspective, or both? I wonder at this point which design has more sold units. There are quite a few Mini 1 and Mini 2 out there. If what you refer to is a sonic improvement, how would you describe the difference? Thanks.

Stereotaipei and Chayro, Thank you for your descriptions. I hope to hear the Q1 at some point. I love the Q3 having heard it at my local dealer, but it may be too big for my room. Perhaps someday Magico will come out with a Q2.

Hey, Ebm, there are three Q7s for sale. Can your floors support them? I've heard them and they are excellent.