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Magico Mini 2

I've been listening to the same set up for a 6-7 years now and been fairly happy till recently, when I saw a pair of Magico Mini 2 at a used dealer.  I am of course very curious about these speakers as they were unobtainable back when they were released.

My present system are listed below.  For music, I value musicality, timbre and staging, listening mostly to vocals and small jazz groups. Nothing too loud in a small 12x18 ft listening room

Esoteric K05x with Cybershaft clock
Aurender S10 
Acuphase E450 
Sonus Faber Cremona Auditor 
Mixture of Acrolink and Shunyata cables with a Hydra conditioner

My questions are
-  Is the Magico Mini 2 still relevant and one of the best out there?  AT USD12K used, it isn't exactly cheap but certainly a price I can buy into to try the Magico sound.
-  Understand that its a power hungry speakers and I'll likely need to switch my amp as well eventually... are there any intergrates options out there that you can suggests?
- Not all standmounts are the same and while my auditors work well in my smallish room, can anyone advise if this will be a problem?  Changing the room is not an option ;)

Thank you for taking your time to read this and please offer your thoughts and advise, especially former/present Mini 2 owners. 

128x128petzzz
mapman's avatar
mapman
21,838 posts
 
When I heard the Mini 2’s off the VAC tube amp and DCS digital source (also pricey wiring throughout), the sound had a nice but subtle touch of warmth through the mid-range, not unlike good Sonus Fabers when I have heard them.

I use a modest Audio Research sp16 tube pre-amp in my system built around Class D Bel Canto ref1000m monoblocks and that also helps deliver just a subtle touch of similar warmth through the midrange though how much will vary still with speaker used.

Never sounds "tubey" though and neither did the VAC/Magico setup as I recall.   Just clean and detailed with a very subtle touch   of warmth perhaps in the midrange.
mapman's avatar
mapman
21,838 posts
 
Regarding Quads/Electrostats, those were a reference standard sound for me when putting my setup together.

I wanted that sound but with more dynamics to be able to feel the music as well as hear it.

The Magico’s when I heard them around the same time certainly fit the bill.  Just as clean and detailed but with that touch of warmth and better macro-dynamics.
petzzz's avatar
petzzz OP
23 posts
 
What don't you like/feel is missing from your SF Cremona's? Remember that the grass is not always greener ...
@roberjerman
Thanks for your pointers.  I own 2 pairs of LS3/5a from Harbeth(11ohms) & Rogers (15 ohms) and they take rotation with my 300B SET.
Love my tube system and it has remain unchanged for more than 15 years :)
But you’re right... the Magico it is a lot of money... however considering its price from what it was, this might be my chance to own one of the best and likely my last change since I wont be moving from my home.

My SF Auditors lack the resolving ability that my other components can output hence the reason to switch. Having said that, I do love its warmer sonic signature and have been looking for the original Guarneri Homage as the first upgrade choice.  Sadly, I’ve not encountered it for the past 2 years locally...

I’m limited by my listening space hence only considering monitors.  At 12x18 ft, bass in any floor standers will be problematic.  

petzzz's avatar
petzzz OP
23 posts
 
@mapman When I listened briefly to the Mini the other day, it was set up with Goldmund amplification plus an Esoteric K01X SACD.  The setup sounded very clean and analytical that although is good, its not what I’m looking for...
My Accuphase has a right balance of details, smooth without being bright and slightly warm presentation which I like and am hoping that it would influence the Mini’s sonic signature. Also, I’m not sure its 180W can handle the Mini.

As you mentioned earlier, I dont think I will spend too much upstream but I’ll likely budget for another $4-5K for a used SS amp if I’m pursuing the mini.

Wondering if this switch right thing to do... especially in view of the cost
twoleftears's avatar
twoleftears
5,313 posts
 

Here's an alternative.

https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649632169-for-sale-alta-audio-celesta-frm-2-speakers-as-new-in-original-boxes/

I don't know if you've even heard of the company, or unlikely as it is, had an audition of them, but my point is this.

Just because (1) there's a used pair down the street available now, (2) they cost a boatload when new, (3) Magico has accrued a remarkable reputation, doesn't mean these are necessarily the right speakers for you.

You really need to listen to a bunch of speakers within your price range.  Almost certainly one or two will stand out.  If you'd been hankering after the minis for years, and then these came along, that would be one thing, but from what you've said the situation is totally different.

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