You could put it differently, and ask them about both M2 and M3 driven by a 500DR while mentioning the M2’s impedance curve (implying you’re hesitating between the M2 and M3)
I also did consider the Focal Scala. Nice speakers that blend pretty well with Naim amps, especially the NAP500DR. I was this close to buy them.
I then auditioned the Magico S3 MkII… amazing speakers!
The Magico are bit more expensive (~40K with SPODS).
I enjoyed both speakers.
The Magico are faster and their tweeter is really good, I’d say better then the Facal’s (for me).
The M series is simply astonishing, but rather expensive.
Another thing to consider is size : the Focals are bulkier.
For complex music like symphonies, or well recorded rock, the Magico were simply better. For piano, the Magicos also did slightly better. For voices both are excellent.
I very much prefer Magicos. But that’s just me.
I trust you won’t go wrong with Magico, especially with Naim
amplification.
But you need to listen to both. Speakers is a matter of taste.
You might want to look at the Martin Colloms review of the M2 in HiFi Critic. As I recall, he ended up with excellent results using his 500DR, but did comment that in a large room the amp might struggle a bit.
Trust me if the bass was bad no one would bye those speakers.
The bass is simply brilliant! Extremely fast and precise. Really outstanding. And therefore probably… unusual.
The thing is that people are so used to speakers that lack precision in the low end (big mash like bass) that the M2 could sound “lean”.
Double bass lines, organ pieces and furious symphonic movements sounded incredibly good through those speakers, when I auditioned them.
I wouldn’t listen too much to those comments.
Of course, if what you enjoy is heavy bass and like crank up the volume and if you’re ok trading some precision to more visceral music reproduction than maybe Magico isn’t for you.
ProAc speakers might be an interesting alternative, and they are a lot cheaper.
As for budget, if you’re planning to spend less than 50K than Magico S series could be an option. The S3 MkII or S5 MkII are two nice options ton consider, along with Focals.
I’ve been there and believe I understand your concern.
I bought my Magico S3 MkII without home demo, as I did for all my gear.
Not all dealers offer home demos, even for expensive gear (or because of it).
But I knew exactly what I was looking for.
For instance, ProAc speakers were not an option.
In terms of music reproduction/presentation I was more on the Focal side.
Magico nailed it.
I got exactly what I was looking for : extreme precision and great musicality. It’s like having electrostats with the low end extension and the dynamic range of piston based speakers.