Hi @cavemanz,
If I recall correctly, a few months ago you posted some questions about both Magico’s M2 and Scala Utopia Evo as well. Still wondering which one the choose I guess
Both Focal Utopia and Magicos are well designed speakers.
Both highly resolving.
And both very different from ProAc and alike.
If you like the Focal Utopia range, you’ll enjoy the Magicos even more.
Compared to other brands, most of them in fact, I’d say Magico has a more engineered design resulting in an outstandingly low noise floor.
Both Magico S and M ranges are capable of providing the smallest details and still being extremely musical (I’m saying “musical”, but I have no idea what it means ).
What I mean is that you get all the details in a pleasant and flowing way. No hearing fatigue whatsoever!
As for comparing the S and M ranges I summed it up here
As for comparing the Scala Utopia to the Magico M2, I’d say the M2 is better.
The Scala is more in the S range, I even would venture to say the S3 MkII performs better.
Can the NAP500DR drive the M2? Yes it can. The NAP500DR is a very capable amp.
Still, be aware that the M2 aren’t an easy load. Which means you won’t be able to fill a gigantic room. But in a medium room 30-40 sqm, you’ll be able to enjoy a Mahler’s symphony at… symphony levels !
EDIT : The S3 MkII and S5 MkII are, I believe, options to consider too.
Magico S5 MkII and Magico S3 MkII :
EDIT 2 :
HiFi Critic about the Magico M2 :
"It is abundantly clear that the M2 is a decidedly
close approach to the state of the art, irrespective
of size or price. On many occasions I was strongly
reminded of the fabled midrange naturalness and
micro detail of the Quad electrostatic. With the
review audio system fully optimised the noise floor
was exceedingly low, the rendition of fine detail was
truly exceptional, this combined with frankly jaw
dropping stereo image focus, width and depth.
Myriad tracks and entire works sounded as if
they had been remastered and there was no need
for the system to be played any louder to hear all
of that. Somehow the designers have conjured
up an engineering recipe where the witness of the
design and technologies employed is no longer
identifiable, and created magic electroacoustic
devices which simply disappear into the entire
soundstage illusion."