There is an interesting video on YouTube by The Absolute Sound online magazine (from September 2024) covering the 2024 model of Magico S5.
The video lasts 19mins but is worth watching if you have not seen it before. The video may provide some clues as to why your general preference may be for Magico loudspeakers.
That was a great video - thanks!
Market volatility and the increased relative value of liquidity has me pausing the Magico order … which I know is prudent in most senses but seems reckless in another. I mean, how many days do any of us have left on this earth anyway, and how profligate of that time not to fill them with Magico sound?
Certainly a very personal decision, but based on your post I think you’re considering all of the relevant factors. Listening to good music certainly can brighted even the darkest of days for me.
@protegimus, I now know that you have a wonderful system. Over the weekend I listened to Magico A5s driven by a Pilium Leonidas. It was the best sounding combination of stereo components that I’ve ever heard.
I am sure that the S- or M-Series Magicos, and/or the Olympus/Zeus Pilium separates, might have drawn even more out of the music … but even just with the more modest Magico and Pilium components, this audition was revelatory. I’m not sure stereo gets better than this brand pairing. Wow.
@Middle thanks, makes me happy that you’ve enjoyed the time listening and discovered the combination. You write very eloquently and I believe that irrespective of preference of artist/genre we both identify heavily with the emotion the experience brings, and the pure enjoyment that is the result.
My Leonidas has been missed recently as it is on its own journey. 
Konstantinos has upgraded it to full 2024 spec and it’s actually shipped and due back on Tuesday. I’m eagerly awaiting its return and have been assured that I won’t regret the time apart - transport, customs, etc. has resulted in a slightly longer trip than anticipated.
Magico A5s ordered. Looking at installation next week.
Anyone willing to chime in on an amp-for-Magico debate? I’ll be trading in my 250DR once the Magico A5s arrive. It’s been a great amp but the A5s would benefit from more.
I’m looking at Naim 350s (thanks @Edmund-of-Essex for your earlier feedback) and the Coda 16.0 as likely finalists. Coda 16.0 is probably not well known here. It’s 100 watts of pure class A and 100 amperes so it’s got current up the wazoo. 350s are no slouches either and keep the Naim sound that I like …
I’d think the 350s should be good to drive A5s. What pre would you be using?
For now @Bart still my 222. That’s probably next on the upgrade path.
Hi Middle, I am looking forward to hearing about what you choose for amplification!
The CODA 16.0 seems specified to be a very good amplifier and will be up to the task.
My personal preferences for driving ‘difficult’ loudspeakers would certainly include Coda 16.0 as a candidate. In my search for amplification from 5 years ago and also last year (in a situation where I already owned an ATI 4005), I considerd EMM Labs (MTRS and MTRX2), T+A (A3000HV with PS 3000HV and also M40 HV), Naim Statement (very costly and big), Sanders Magtech (Mono and Stereo versions, available on direct sale home trial in USA), Soulution (511/501 and 711/701 series - very costly and also big), and of course Linn Klimax Solo 800 (very costly).
Depending on what the budget and your dealer situaution is, maybe forget about anything Canadian and perhaps try the Naim 350s against a Sanders Magtech as well as the CODA 16.0. Plus you could always include an ATI 6002 or 4002 in the trial as well if it is just stereo you need with a lower budget consideration?
PS: I make these suggestions as a person based in the UK, with a HiFi dealer network that can facilitate trials of most amplifiers for customers expressing serious interest in a purchase.
Thank you for the valuable feedback!
Yes, we do not have the same home demo options in Manhattan that you seem to in the UK. This seems strage to me … this city is so good at retail, generally … sigh.
I’m trying to roll my own home demo, which really means committing to buy either the 350s or the Coda from the dealer if the dealer lets me try them out in my space (or at least try the Coda out in my space, since that’s the real wildcard). The dealer carries both brands. He’s not thrilled about this suggestion – it will mean his guys lugging the 50 kg Coda up 5 flights of stairs to the top level of the brownstone and maybe back down again – but I think he’ll go along with it. We shall see!
Hi Middle,
Actually, nearly all my amplifier comparisons have been undertaken at the various dealers. It is me who lugs my amplifier to the various dealer properties!
The exception was during the COVID era when dealers obviously had a very strong incentive to loan amplifiers to potential clients in their home environments!
My local dealer here in the Boston area has no problem with home demos (they are closed Sundays and Mondays so picking up something late Saturday and returning it Tuesday has never been an issue) . . . it’s just when stuff is BIG and HEAVY is becomes a challenge.
I hope the dealer comes through for you; they CAN do it if they WANT to do it.
The times I’ve listened to Magico’s its been with D’agostino electronics..Exceptional combination! Not sure how Naim would sound but honestly if I afford Magico’s No question Id be using D’agostino.
Congratulations on the A5s Middle!
Will you not consider a used Leonidas? As it beds in I’m ever more impressed. Really no longer listening, rather part of the performance.
Yes, the Pilium Leonidas integrated sounded KILLER with the A5s, @Protegimus. Unfortunately they are rare on the used market here in the USA and seem to retain a lot of value when they do come up for sale. That’s the match that I aspire to, though, for sure. Still can’t get that sound out of my head. I’m hopeful that the Coda or Naim electronics will get me most of the way there, or maybe get me to a different place that I like just as much. We shall see.
I now have Magico speakers with Naim. Naim 222 → 250DR → Magico A5s.
I’ll report back after I’ve had more time to digest. This change in speakers is like having a completely new system.
Three learnings after 5 days living with the Magico A5s:
How do you like the 222?
