Monitor Audio Platinum or Magico A3

Eric that is interesting.  In terms of audition I  have had two auditions of the Magico A3.  But the Monitor Audio Platinum II would be a blind (or is it deaf) buy.  
The reason I say that is interesting is that I would have thought it would be the other way round - because of the port.  The MAs are ported and the Magicos are not.  I thought that ports, in particular rear ports, needed the space behind the speaker (unless one wanted to get some sort of boost by actually being closer to the rear wall / corner).

Lots of variables, as I infer from your reply.  One interesting factor is that the Magicos are stunning looking in the flesh, whereas they look like boring boxes in photos.  Size also counts, as do specs, and I also value the opinions of others.  

Thanks guys for the input so far.  My room is a tad narrow but is of 'average size' and I have diffusers to the  rear and point of first reflection.  Associated gear is Pass X150.8 and Ayon Eris Pre.  LP and PC with Dac for source. 
I still have two or three weeks up my sleeve before pulling the trigger.  The big minus for me is that I cannot audition the MAs.  That is why ANY input is helpful.  Thanks again. 

@zzrider
They did not make my shortlist. I am a big fan of good looks and they are stunning.  Also liked the tweeter supertweeter concept.

@jhajeski   
nearest dealer is 420 km away.  Love driving my Nissan - but not that much.

@ricred1 
actually I don't mind being told what to prefer.  A minority view to be sure.  I used to like boomy bass.  I was repeatedly told that was wrong - and wrong it was.

I certainly did jackd.  I have also auditioned them twice.  I have Triangle Cellos and the Canton K3 were similar in presentation but just all round better.  (The same thing can be said for Focal Sopras).  In a sense the Cantons (or the Sopras) would be a safe bet.  They both do everything better.  In fact I was singularly impressed.  
In the end I have decided that I want something different as well as something better.  Speakers like Spendor D9s or the Triton Reference bring more refinement (compared with the Cellos) to the table.  I would not consider the Tritons because of their looks.  I have the Spendor D1s in my office and I am familiar with their delicacy and I extrapolate that the D9s would give the bass that is missing in the D1s.  I could live with the D9s I'm sure.

But back to the Cantons - they pretty much have it all.  I also like their looks.  In fact it is still not too late to back to them.  I took my brother to Audio reference and we auditioned the Cantons and Magicos - he had a preference for the Cantons!  The second time I took my son - he had a preference for the Magicos!

Some of the other speakers mentioned such as the Dalis and ProAcs look interesting too and I am happy for these ideas.  

Terry at Audio Reference was selling some Magicos - something higher up the tree and said he was likely to get some Monitor Audio PL500 II s as a trade.  Would I be interested?  Interested yes but they would totally dominate my lounge / listening room.  Never mind WAF - also BAF (Buyer acceptance factor!)

I have the SW2.  I think that is the one before the latest version.

@ johndoe21ro

Thank you very much for your considered reply.  An upgraded Triangle is out of the question.  I could go for a Sopra or Canton if I wanted to go down that route.    The Sopras were a vast step above the Triangles and the Cantons were a significant step above the Sopras.  So it is partly a question of quality.  I turned down the Sopras at a low price even though they were better than my Triangles.  I am looking for a different presentation from my existing Triangles.  Moving up from Triangle to Focal or even up to Canton is an improvement.  But I am hoping to go to a different level. 
I am sure based on your input that the latest Triangles would be an improvement but I am looking at a different level, providing I can afford it.  Than you again for your input.

To others out there:  have you ever wondered why so many products "punch above their weight".   We NEVER hear of products that punch "below" their weight.  Well in my opinion Triangle punch below their weight.  There are many reasons for this.  One is price.  Second is the problem with with the low impedance - ie you will need a good amp to drive them.  Get a good amp (eg the ATC P1) and these babies will sing.
Just don't get an Anthem 225 and expect miracles.  OK at High levels the Anthem will deliver the goods but otherwise it will not.  If yiu want good low level sound get a Perreaux amp for example. 

The ATC P1 is the same amplifier module that is in many of the world's professional studios - see the ATC website for an astonishing list.  It could drive my cellos with ease.  You must have a fab system if it not up to spec with other components.  I have not sold mine (it is running my office system and I consider it is not outclassed by the Daniel Hertz M6 Pre-amp - a good match actually).  The only reason it is not running in my man rig is that I got offered a Pass 150.8 power amp at a good price.

MAIN COURSE.  I have sold my Triangle Cellos and pulled the trigger on the Magico A3s.  Good Grief!  Midrange: As fab as the Cellos were in midrange this is a large step up.  Piano sounds closer to a real piano.  Same for guitar.  A bit less difference with the viol family and human voice.  Less again with woodwind and brass but still a slight improvement.  Treble:  Not much in it so far.  Some better clarity but the jury (of two) is still out.  Bass:  I had no idea!  Bass is now totally coherent and better.  It is like there is now a foundation of a coherent structure rather than 'oh bass is better/bigger'.  I cannot comment on soundstage as I have not as yet optimised the positioning of the speakers.  So far so good!