08-31-13: BhobbaBill, you have very strong views against Magico and have had for many years. Nothing has changed. Actually Jeff Fritz compared both the S5 & Avior and personally told me he prefers the S5. The S5 is a very smooth, fluid (liquid) and well balanced/coherent speaker. Matched with Vitus gear and Jorma Prime cables, the sound is very musical and anything but dry and brittle! Rockport's top speakers are very good, yes. But the Avior is overrated imho and doesn't walk all over the S5 as you suggested. Each to their own..
There are many people that go ga ga over the Magico, I am not one of them (dry and brittle to my ears), but many do. However musicality is not the usual reason given and IMHO, for musicality, the Rockport wins hands down.
The same with YG's - some go ga ga over them but musicality is not the usual reason given.
Thanks
Bill
Speaker input, which one, Magico, Avalon, Yg, Rock
Tough decision, Have recently updated all my Spectral with all the latest Spectral, 400 Dma, 4000sl, 30ss11. I currently have Avalon Edilons, 2002 purchased. I like the sound but am looking for a better bass. I like music not over detailed or bright, I need to hear before I purchase, but will never hear all of the above in one place. I would appreciate input as they relate to Spectral . I am considering, Magico q30, Avalon compas, Yg KIpod 11passive, and Rockport Atria. All are excellent speakers, but which is the most musical and fits my 15 by 18 by 10 ft room. Thanks. , I also like the soundstage I now have