My findings on Magico V2.....what now?


Hi guys, I've finally managed to make a 250km trip to audition the Magico V2. The V2's were driven by Soulution 740 preamp and 710 power amp (each costing $40k and highly acclaimed by JV of TAS). The source used was a Soulution 745 disc player. So...the sound was G-R-E-A-T...but I sat there in the auditioning chair like a rock. To my surprise, I found myself unmoved and unstirred. By the 4th CD, I started to get bored. I felt almost none of the wonderful emotions I got when I auditioned the Avantgarde Uno G2 driven by Audio Note Meishu SET amp.

Should this experience be conclusive and enough for me to make my decision? Should I explore the V2 with other amps, say, the Pass XA100.5? As great as the Soulution combo is, they sounded sterile to me. And unfortunately the Magico dealer carries only a couple of brands for amps so I can't make any A/B comparison.
jtein

Showing 5 responses by mariv26

If you prefer the colored sound of an Avantgarde/Audio Note setup, you would definitely not like the Soulution/Magico sound. Try listen to the V2 with a tube amp, see what you think. Some coloration may do the trick.
Funny that you mention the VAC combo. That is how I first heard the Magico few years back at the show. It was clearly a magic moment. In fact, I believe that Kevin Hayes, the owner of VAC has a V3 himself.
Jtein,

I do not think you should move on. Perhaps you are not experience enough, but I can’t tell you how many times I had to change/sell what “blew” me away at the dealer. How much frustration and disappointment was shed on trying to “tame” an Avantgard honkyness, or get over the horrible transition from the horns to the subs (Never happened). What “excite” you at a dealer, can get on your nerves very fast. Think about live music and how it sounds. It is subtle and natural, not necessarily “exciting”. Anyway, sound like you have some work to do…
Paulsa,

Many times, what appears to be a "clarity of vocals or instrumentals like guitar" is simply elevated upper midrange lower trebles cause by poor XO work and driver integration. Many loudspeakers guys out there have made a good living doing just that. It may be exciting but it is certainly not "right". Put a good piano recording or a violin and see what it sounds like. It take experience and willingness to explore these issues to identify these pitfalls.