Magico Q3 Original Owner!

Greetings,

I am the ORIGINAL OWNER of these Magico Q3 loudspeakers. I purchased them brand new from Magico’s Bay Area Authorized Dealer, Audio Image Limited in Oakland, CA, in 2011. I saved up to buy Magico Q3 brand new the moment they were released. First came the Q5, then as soon as Q3 were released to the market I jumped on them.

FYI: Bob with Audio Image was one of Magico's best dealers before he retired a few years ago. Honestly, his showroom in Oakland with Magico Mini 2, V2, V3, M5 paired with VAC was by far the best sound I've ever heard in my life. (I've been to most of the shows, dealers on east and west coasts and many friends, try to name something I haven't heard :)). I visited Magico's headquarters a year ago and listened to the M6 in their amazing room, but it did not have the magic of Bob's room!

I've heard just about every Magico, here's my take...

Q3 are the best for three reasons:

1) Efficiency. They are easier to drive with big powerful tube amps than the Q5 or any S series Magico. Ever notice higher efficiency speakers are more engaging? Things just have an ease and relaxed quality to them, the Q3 do this best out of Magico's Q and S series lineup.

2) Midrange. They have the warmest midrange with the best coherence. The bass drivers are close in size to the to the midrange and to my educated ear, they are the most coherent Magico save for the M6. (I owned S5, I did not like them because of the midrange. Not only did the S5 SUBSTANTIALLY lack refinement compared to the Q3, the midrange sucked. It had no texture, no warmth, no midbass connection. Very poor match of the 6" midrange to the 10" drivers made of completely different materials. Q3 midrange and bass drivers are made exactly the same so guess what, single-point driver type of sound with real coherence).

3) Size. They are manageable. Ever tried to position a Q5? So heavy, and since you're buying a used product, you will have to set them up for yourself in your room. Magico's demand precise placement within the room. If you don't like Magico's, you haven't heard them setup properly. When setup is correct down to the millimeter (I'm serious), then there is a 50% change in sound quality for the better. They open up, they soundstage and image like crazy, they get coherent, and finally they get warm and involving. Think Magico is not warm or involving, keep working on setup because you're not done until everything is perfect. The cabinets are so quiet, it's awe-inspiring to hear the 3D spatial effects that bring music to your listening room. As audiophiles, we want realism when the needle drops, that happens best with Magico!

Given their age, I've rated them at 8/10. Physically there are in very good condition. They've been babied with VAC, Pass, Concert Fidelity, Air Tight and now Soulution equipment (talk about synergy, wow!). Check out this YouTube video, it captures a very close rendition of Magico and Soulution...

https://youtu.be/5pJO2h3g-y4

The replacement of the Q3, M3 is $85,000, it's wonderful because the cabinet is even more quiet and the new drivers are a little tiny bit better so you hear music even more realistically, but you can't afford the M3 so my Q3 is your next best bet. When I bought them, they cost $38,950 in 2011, and I think they got up to $48,000 before the M series took over.

The only reason I am selling is due to life changes and other interests in real estate.

Payment should be by wire. PayPal fees absorbed by buyer. Q3 ships in a single wooden crate, over 500lbs, so freight delivery is required.

Buy with confidence, I am an experienced and trustworthy audiophile.

Best, Harry