It Is A Shocking Decision - Which Loudspeaker Is Staying ?

[@jaysaudiolab]

If you have enjoyed my latest videos with unbiased views and opinions, PLEASE LIKE AND SUBSCRIBE to my channel. That is the ONLY way I’ll keep doing this type of content. Thank you !

[@jesss7180]

This is not an honest review channel. It’s a sales and marketing tool.

[@chucke.7141]

I've followed you for a few years now and this might be my favorite of all your videos.

[@jaysaudiolab]

Wow, thank you!

[@marksironi3324]

I was honestly expecting both to go.

[@jaysaudiolab]

Surprise !

[@fatdoi003]

agreed from what i seen so far the magico has more limitations like in the bass department.....

[@hotdog9262]

​@@jaysaudiolab arendal 1528. would you listen to them

[@quma001]

Makes perfect sense: The Sonus Fabers are there to enjoying music, while the Magicos are more suited for analyzing and evaluating components. Enjoying music vs. analyzing music. (I don't mean this in a judgmental way)

[@MasterofPlay7]

he wants to use his head than his heart lol

[@sean_heisler]

LOL perfect

[@mormodog]

It makes perfect sense. It’s what the owner of Magico says…Magico get out of the way and you are hearing your components.

[@nunopimentapaiva]

I found the 3 expert friends video a very good sales pitch to sell the SFs, old tricks still work 😅

[@BaileyWiggebutt]

The SF’s are going next month.

[@mariancol2428]

A correct choice! You choose the equipment that highlights the differences between the equipment!

[@ckdamoneking9622]

Long term, it's the Sonus Fabar all day. For testing out to see what electronics can do, it's the Q7. I would just hate to get rid of those beautiful Sonus'. But like you said, business will eventually bring what you ultimately want. Love what you do Jay! Wife loves the vids too!

[@jaysaudiolab]

Tell your wife I appreciate her watching me too!

[@ckdamoneking9622]

@@jaysaudiolab For sure brotha 🤜🏾🤛🏾

[@jmhodge12755]

I'm glad you decided to stay with the magical q7 2024 has been your year in the lab and may never be topped The Q7 is truly an end game speaker and it will be great to hear those with the CH precision you may have finally arrived

[@robg915]

Really enjoyed this content seeing different people's perspectives. Keep up the good work.

[@jaysaudiolab]

Thanks, will do!

[@jeanlouispicard9501]

Magico are not musical just analytics. I would sold both and buy TAD reference one ❤ They just need 100watt class A to run perfectly

[@GuiltyRocker]

Hey at least you're honest and you keep it real. I see other channels just talking nonsense and trashing others because they can't afford the stuff. Your channel is going up the ladder, keep it up Jay.

[@jaysaudiolab]

I appreciate that

[@batomatovic6286]

is it a good speaker that is difficult to match with other products? and is it the speaker that is correctly built ?? and the other products less adaptable than the top notch amplifiers and cables? ..question is free to ask but the answers are impossible to get ....😃

[@brentcollins9727]

Thanks for the memories, SE 17’s. We’ll miss ya!!! Great job, Jay.

[@jaysaudiolab]

You bet

[@damaisentosa4631]

Your choice makes everybody happy.... And you will get support from this industry.... Good job Jay ❤

[@beornthebear.8220]

I like how you described your use for each speaker; one for enjoyment, one for critical listening of components.

[@jamiesmith6838]

I appreciate your candor Jay. 👍 Those Sonus Faber are OMG! ❤ That decision to let them go makes clear business sense. Otherwise, that explanation sounds like you've found your Golden Goose & the end of this channel resulting from it ? 😳

[@markfischer3626]

I love this site because it shows me how this industry is evolving. As an engineer I parted company with it 50 years ago. I never would have guessed the direction it has taken nor the kind of recordings most enthusiastic audiophiles would be listening to. I parted company there too. I feel like I'm in a different universe looking in. I have to admit I don't understand the engineering goals the people who create these products have in mind or what the market is looking for. However Jay gives me the opportunity to see what the best efforts of the manufacturers produce. I'm also surprised and a bit jealous of the enthusiasm and passion audiophiles still have. I don't see the tribal flame wars that were common 10 or 15 years ago. The truth is that I've never heard any of these products and I'm likely to. I'm just fascinated watching it as an outsider. I have no opinions about any of it except that it seems expensive.

[@MarkRobinson-y2d]

I heard a pair of magicals at the Toronto Audiofest a couple years ago and thought that they sounded average but on the 2nd day my jaw dropped as they'd broken in wonderfully

[@Hi-EndAudioGuy]

Kinda makes sense, like how the Yamaha NS10 sounds poor yet studios used them. To be honest, I don't know if we can assume that the sound of the Magicos are actually more "accurate" or precise unless you have good measurements of both in your room. What if the Magico is simply *too bright* so it has the appearance of "air" or "definition" in your space and at your listening position? If you find that an amp synergizes well with it, that doesn't mean it's a good amp, just one that tones down the brightness and would in fact be a poor amplifier for most audiophiles.

[@jeromelester8]

The NS10's are super fast (transients) and needed to detect mixing mistakes. It's more a tool than a speaker for listening pleasure.

[@FrankAVEnthusiast]

Thanks for another great Video Jay, Yes please do a Blindfold test with the Esoteric Vs Oppo, that will a Good one for sure as I have the Esoteric XO1-D2 and would love to know how the newer Esoteric performs

[@Hi-EndAudioGuy]

One more thing Jay. Given all the time, money, effort so far, I think you owe it to yourself before selling the SF's to run at least a REW frequency response measurement at your listening position to compare the two. That'll really make this a "lab"! I bet viewers will be very interested in what you find also.

[@joebeckham8352]

Unfortunately I don’t think that’s what this channel is about, he’s probably trying to sell both of them and has an offer on the SFs and not the magicos.

[@Phloored]

I hear you although finding a speaker that makes you unwind and relax for extended periods is too me what it's all about.

[@MasterofPlay7]

he'll spend too much time enjoying music that's what he's trying to avoid

[@BorisJurash]

That's s a very elaborate selling pitch: 1st you invite mates and all confirm unanimously that sonus wipes the floor with magico. Then you say that you want to sell a better speaker because you want to keep magico. Because of a business reason

[@jaysaudiolab]

Cool

[@nigelbrittonaudiophilemusi6272]

This series has been a great help to my thinking. Thanks for an awesome idea

[@iamwitness8918]

Hey Jay - I have to say, when you first mentioned you were staying with the Magicos, I yelled at my screen! However, you offered some very sound logic and I'm now fully tracking with your position in full agreement. I would most certainly do the same when it comes to having a system that needs to be analytical and transparent. I completely get it; I now have a deeper respect for what you're doing as I have seen consistently that we share the same frame of mind most times. Now that you've made this choice, I hope the inner turmoil you're grappling with nudges you toward finding a bigger place where you can have two awesome listening spaces! 🙂 Love the content!

[@jaysaudiolab]

Thanks

[@slocke4558]

Jay makes the most interesting content in the KZbin hi-fi space. Educational, down-to-earth and entertaining. Thank you

[@jaysaudiolab]

Glad you think so!

[@ChezRaymonddeParisHongKong]

What you are saying makes sens... I ones went to listen Magico speakers, I was very curious about, it was the Q3, my sales doing second hand high-end equipment. He told me that it took him a lot of testing to find the good combination for the Q3. He ended-up with 2 Accuphase Classe A monoblocs 100 watts channel and a sublime Accuphase C-3800 as pre-amp. I did not go home with the Magico's... I went home with the Accuphase C-3800 who's a subilme amplifier. I loved the sound of the Magico's but mostly I would have to change ALL my setup to get them sing! So yes, it makes sens, for you to review gears, they are the best choice!

[@parvezshaikhul]

Jay you already hinted it in your last 2nd video about sonus faber SE17 it is no surprise you have done this so many times earlier. You as a reviewer I appreciate your decision.

[@jaysaudiolab]

Thanks

[@brown-eyedman4040]

Once again I appreciate how much work goes into honest reviews of hifi gear. In this case the choices seems to come down to "revealing" vs. "musical". My choice would be the S-Fs, but I'm not reviewing gear.

[@MdeBoer1]

Your argument kinda makes sense, so lets upgrade to the Magico M9. "'We do it big or we do nothing at all''

[@morganmoren4467]

I have test Oppo 205 against Oppo 105/D.Oppo 105/D sounds best. The Oppo 205 have not the same natural/smith/neutral sound as the Oppo 105/D.

[@net_news]

makes sense Magico accuracy is the ideal tool for reviews and comparisons. 👏

[@jaysaudiolab]

Right on

[@tkl0111]

Calling anything "accurate" without having knowledge of the artists intent is just lying to oneself. Just state that you like brighter presentation and leaner bass speakers (relatively speaking) and call it a day.

[@net_news]

@@tkl0111 not only "artists" can be heard through a speaker, you can play a 1khz tone and measure it or just listen to the recorded voice of your wife and check if it sounds real or not. I didn't hear the Q7s but Magico's in general are neutral with super resolution and detail, that helps a lot to spot differences between gear. Regarding my preferences, I prefer the Sonus Fabers any day of the week, I don't like Magico's sound signature and I don't do reviews and/or gear comparisons... BUT I understand why Jay prefers them over the SFs.

[@tkl0111]

@@net_news OK sure if that's what you want to do. If Jae is serious at this, I would commission a live recording and be there in person to listen, work with the recording engineer. Now that's a reference that can be used with everything, not just speakers.

[@geminijinxies7258]

When it comes to entry level speakers there are ones that are revealing and still very musical. With the ultra high end I'm guessing it's all about pushing the limits so they go all in on being extremely transparent or sounding warm or having extreme dynamics etc. As a way to stand out from the crowd.

[@peted7619]

A dilemma all of us who enjoy music has, regardless of price point. A speaker that’s very revealing vs a speaker that you can sit back and just enjoy the music. Only answer is get both!

[@wertherclaymonicorosa960]

I wholeheartedly support the esoteric vs oppo comparison, multi thousand dollars spent in digital is not always necessary

[@dap777754]

I'm just not sure what I'm supposed to do with the comparison. It's not like Oppo 205's are out there for easy purchase. Not at $1000, not at $1500 . . . maybe what $3000?

[@joelanderson7973]

tons of love JAY!! no surprise with your decision, great job my friend with videos as always. would like to hear the cd review with the oppo cd against the super ones.

[@jaysaudiolab]

Got it!

[@dollarama3k]

Not surprised at all! I'd have made the same choice. The Magicos are way sexier!

[@michael-4k4000]

Both is a good option 😊

[@anrikamalov5588]

Dear Jay, thank you for such a good review! I think it was one of the best reviews ever!

[@brunodenis294]

Decision makes sens. Wish I could afford buying those se17 from you

[@brunodenis294]

@@tomastoth3839 if I only could trade-in my liliums…. But not on your continent guys, in France, you know, the country that invented taxes….

[@Jonziebal]

Makes perfect sense 👍🏼

[@antoniorivera3709]

Congratulations Jay and a good decision, I understand you, you have to move on, because you are Jay Lab and that's what you do when you test advanced High-End stuff❤💯❤👏👏👏😊

[@jaysaudiolab]

I appreciate that

[@antoniorivera3709]

Your welcome😊

[@antoniorivera3709]

Your are welcome😊

[@rohanthompson2240]

My next speaker will be Magico. Thanx Jay.

[@mordante01]

Love your channel Jay. Keep up the good work. If you are ever in the Netherlands come over and have a listen at my humble system. I'll give you some wine/beer, maybe that way you can enjoy my system a bit more.

[@robertdb5111]

I absolutely loved this series of videos you put together. It proved to myself that I made the right decision to purchase my last set of speakers( Harbeth 40.2 Anniversary’s with PLINIUS amp and preamp). They are my endgame musical organic yessound that I have I was looking for. I was chasing analytical sound for the last 5 years (12 different sets) and I was never happy with any of them for more than😂 6 months…I’m done! 😊 Thanks Jay

[@jaysaudiolab]

Wonderful!

[@bobpachner7528]

Such a well thought out decision.

[@davorcoha7806]

Very nice explanation. One of The Best speaker comparation ever made.

[@jaysaudiolab]

Wow, thanks!

[@gli7utubeo]

EMM still is my fave cdp (20 years on now).

[@LeonFleisherFan]

Makes sense! Having said that, I once spent two days listening to the Magico waiting at an importer's in a nearby country for a component to be repaired, got to sit and play music all day, occasionally someone would come by and ask if I wanted a cup of coffee, and I came to the conclusion that I don't like it. It's not that it's "too neutral" or any of that nonsense one keeps hearing, how could a speaker be true to the source yet not sound great, no, the problem is it doesn't bring music to life, neither tonally nor dynamically, both aspects that aren't easy to pin down in measurements. I use measurements to design and build speakers myself, and while I find them extremely helpful and time-saving in R&D, whoever tries to make prospective buyers believe measurements tell everything there is to know is a halfwit, or dishonest. At this point in time, we're still unable to measure all that is relevant. That doesn't make one or the other, measurements and experience (listening), irrelevant, all I'm saying I can hear what Magico is trying to achieve, I understand what they're doing, and that to my mind, there's something missing that goes beyond quality/price ratio and such, not even arguing what these cost, what I am saying is that after two days of being given the opportunity (gracious hosts, lovely people, which is why I'm not going to mention names), I can honestly say that I wouldn't want to own (live with) a pair if I got them for free. Now, I also got to plug and compare cables, different price categories of MIT speaker cables and interconnects, and I agree, if that were the purpose, to make comparisons (as in reviewing components), these speakers are certainly revealing of differences. I like to say that there are those who use music to listen to gear, and there are those who use gear to listen to music, and that to me, both are audiophiles, to each their own (perspective on the hobby), but I'm in the latter camp, a music lover. So much so that if anything sticks out like a sore thumb in the long run, if there's anything that draws attention to the system or a component, to me, that is a flaw and unacceptable. Hence these aren't perfect, by no stretch of the imagination. Just my two cents' worth, of course…

[@SonicJourneys-lo1rk]

What brings speakers to life is high sensitivity. And light membranes.

[@LeonFleisherFan]

@@SonicJourneys-lo1rk That's certainly part of the equation, another aspect there would be for drivers to have a high mechanical Q-factor (so-called Qms, by no means automatic, although in general, low-mass drivers tend to have lower mechanical loss). Another factor is for speakers to be wide-band and play in time and in phase, and have an even dispersion (aka coverage) pattern.

[@DrBroncanuus]

Not even the Magico M9 's could defeat the magic of the Sonus Faber .....

[@1997inspire]

In your use case the Magicos are the logical choice.You want a mercilessly, meticulously revealing precision instrument that has no friends and takes no prisoners.Something that will reveal the minutest differences among various components including ,ahem, cables.

[@Romulus980]

You went for a speaker which can be used as a reference for other components. I would of liked to have heard both speakers live to hear the differences. For lesser money a lot of audiophiles end up with active ATC speakers and that is their end game which by coincidence has a lot of famous clients also use them (Pink Floyd, Rolling Stones, Lenny Kravitz to name just a few...😊)

[@johnshaw359]

SCM40 user reporting in...

[@rangerrecon]

Baed on what I saw in the last video, this seemed like a straightforward (albeit not easy) decision to go with the Q7's. From what I heard from you and reinforced by the reviewers, the Sonos Faber seemed to make everything sound good. Regardless of pre-amp, power amp, speaker wire, etc. these Sonos Faber speakers always sounds great and are an excellent choice in anyone's home that can afford them. However, that isn't what your room is for. Your room is for demoing and testing premium audio components and it became clear that the Q7 was more responsive to these change for whatever reason. Therefore it only make sense to retain the speaker that will expose the difference in the various other components. Now, if I can convince my wife to look into a second mortgage, I can make a serious offer on those Sonos Fabers...

[@Relayer6a]

The best gear I've ever listened to is completely unobtrusive. Sure, the first time you hear it, and often when you first start your listening session, you think, "Boy, this stuff sounds great!" But that goes away and you are left listening to the music rather than the stereo. And almost without exception when you change something out in the system it either sounds appreciably better or worse. Often still coherent, but obviously not as good or better. So in my experience, transparent and revealing go hand in hand.

[@vandemon9643]

Doesn't matter if you own them, Jay. We want to know which is best. I have lots of gear. Like it all but have my favourites and pecking order. PS, if you have a "business partner" less popular than others, it's time to get a new plan.

[@robbase-f6x]

there is no " best " ... if you go to a major audio show do you know how many different speakers sound "great " ? There are so many brands that sound amazing .... not only that but they sound different ..... which different do you like best ? .... the Onmidirectional MBL..... do you like the sound of the huge electrostatic Soundlabs ? ,,,,,,,, maybe you happen to like the sound of planer speakers and the largest Magnepans are for you ......... heck maybe you are a horn guy and dont know it and the Aventgards are for you ....... Jay has made it clear that he investment pieces that he can easily sell

[@fatdoi003]

keep doing what you do and i'll see your review on MBL 101 x-treme soon....

[@brodricj3023]

The SE comment is very mischievous. The Esoteric SE upgrade was a significant hardware upgrade with no cosmetic changes at all.

[@bradknight2618]

Would like to see you bring in a pair of Voxativ, just to show a different design sound stage. Not to mention the art form of the speaker. A beautiful speaker.

[@philippusviridi6527]

Pay attention kids when this man speaks you you do not hear the room. This is a finely tuned room which is what you want. So many audiophiles prefer a room that adds coloration to the speaker I.E echo.

[@endrizo]

Yessss i want blinfolded comparissons. Im sorry you cant keep both. I understand your choice. The magico is a tool in your lab. Oooh man but the sonus are so unique, only 30 in the world and so so good.

[@joelowens5211]

That's right. I don't need to tinker anymore with my Sonus Faber Aida 2's, my Vivaldi apex DCS stack, my pair of VAC 452 IQ music blocks. I have my lifetime system. Jay is running a business so the neutral but boring Magico makes sense. He can use that speaker like a lab rat for his testing.

[@jaysaudiolab]

Cool

[@gmoney1961]

That’s a decision I’d hate to make 😮😮👍🏽

[@chipsnmydip]

Good choice. IMO, the Q7 records better, probably because of tweeter height/sound dispersal.

[@spacejaime]

What mega speakers are left out there that fit your room? 🤔🤔...well, there is a new YG Acoustics reference speaker...

[@louv4437]

Can’t go wrong with any Magico period

[@DBTAudio]

Jay, I enjoyed this series with the speaker comparisons using your three friends. That was good to hear their impressions. I was shocked the Wilson Audio XVX took a backseat to the Sonus Faber. I didn’t see that coming. Lol…. I’ll see you at the 2024 Capitol Audiofest in Maryland if you plan to be there.✌🏽

[@lildadh5308]

My brother best video ever, always love

[@jaysaudiolab]

Thanks man !

[@ivanfilatov7913]

Please do more of these videos! I think maybe getting a speaker that combines both of them, us audiophiles just keep searching and climbing the latter lol.

[@jaysaudiolab]

Will do!

[@rw3915]

Nice work Jay!

[@jaysaudiolab]

Thanks!

[@skipgordon5382]

So you are saying you can identify components that bring out the best of the Q7 because it needs a more specific design of electronics. I understand but I’m not so sure it accomplishes what you are trying to do. When evaluating components I would prefer a speaker that is not so demanding. I believe either speaker would do the job you are trying to do. Both are very special. After 7 years of evolution in my room the last three things I added were not electronic. They were acoustic treatments and this did more than many electronic changes through the years. An important limiting factor is the room. You have stated this as well but I doubt most understand the influence of the room.

[@pizzaearthpancakesandother2549]

I am smashing my keyboard with unbridled typing RAGE at this decision! Jay, you owe me 30 buckaroos for a new keyboard

[@ffari4346]

So basically Jay, you’re selling a pair of speakers because they’re too good? Kind of crazy! However I get your points… thanks for the video Jay

[@jaysaudiolab]

Pretty much!

[@mariancol2428]

Jay, when you have time, can you make a list of what style of music you listen to?

[@jaysaudiolab]

Ok 👍

[@royli3260]

In response to your question about making more vids of these bake-off/comparisons - (once again) hell yeah! I am enjoying these bake-off vids cos they're so different to all other hifi vids - these are fun to watch involving kit I can only dream of one day.

[@jaysaudiolab]

More to come!

[@ThePerfeckted]

REVEALING for lab to continue its journey. MUSICAL will just make lab stagnate because you will no longer change anything. I get it. GROW the channel!

[@cdgerhart]

The one that goes is the one you can sell first.

[@jaysaudiolab]

Einstein 😅

[@ilaion11]

Please, review the Gryphon EOS 5! I believe it would wipe the floor with anything else!

[@rvickner]

is it a point of the Sonus Fabers don't care about the electronics they just sound amazing, while the Magicos "determine" what is a good component and what isn't (sonic match wise)?

[@Nefty_]

Yes to the 3 others friends

[@JanMarais-m5y]

Jay what are the q7s like if you add subs since everybody is complaining they don't have enough low end at low volumes vs the se17s?

[@CarlVanDoren61]

Jay has yet to integrate subs 😮

[@capraruf]

Graet video Jay!!!

[@jaysaudiolab]

Thanks

[@chahyadirusli5219]

wise picked Jay. Q7 is about neutrality period.

[@robbase-f6x]

" the Sonus makes me remember things from my past - good AND bad " - Jay 10/3/24

[@Rockapotamus91]

Would love to see real world blind comparisons between a working man’s component and the ultra high end. Example 2K DAC vs 100k DAC. I think your channel is the only one that can do it.

[@jaysaudiolab]

Noted

[@spacejaime]

You DO have a serious investment, and how! May you rotate the inventory quickly to keep your fabulous channel superbly entertaining!

[@jaysaudiolab]

Thank you

[@oohtob6685]

I'd buy those se17s from you. Unfortunately i live in the UK and those speakers are the size of my front room. 😂

[@keithfox2995]

He's keeping the magico because no-one who listens to their system for enjoyment would buy them, and thats what most people do.

[@jaysaudiolab]

Wow 😂

[@fatdoi003]

i think Wilson is better as a reference speaker..... there's no speaker i heard that's so good and detail and yet so bland the speaker i listened to was grand slamm

[@MasterofPlay7]

@@fatdoi003 what do you bland? like water?

[@fatdoi003]

@@MasterofPlay7 bland as in very even, nothing stands out, not musical, it gives you whatever is in the record/cd/media file... after the initial wow, listening became a non exciting event....

[@MasterofPlay7]

​@@fatdoi003 that means the music has no soul/life.... But I heard wilson speakers are exciting like klipsch, and they don't measure well....

[@realhi-fihelplarry8047]

Get a hold of a Marten Coltrane or Marten Mingus speaker, that might possibly beat these 2.

[@MrYamaha413]

makes sense after past review sonus faber being better speaker is easier to sell 😉

[@capezyo]

Top

[@AlainForget-e6t]

Jay, are you going to review Simaudio 888 ?

[@IgnoranceBegetsConfidence]

magico.

[@sidvicious3129]

We'll Jay, I'm going to have to pour out a little liquor for the memories of the Sonus Faber😢😢😢😮

[@jaysaudiolab]

Yes 😂

[@neps4th]

Jay; Excellent as usual ! Just send those rejects to me😊

[@jaysaudiolab]

Done!

[@andrewj6231]

Amateur enthusiast here with a question. Would Wilson speakers be a combination of Sonus Faber and Magico? Or are they completely different beasts?

[@jaysaudiolab]

Different

[@chalcedonv6997]

Shocking in what sense? You have to sell things in order to make money. You must constantly switch gesr. That's all. No surprise and nothing wrong with it. It would have been shocking if you chose to keep the SF. Please, there is no need to colour this business decision with "I need analytical stuff for my reviews". You need to buy, sell and change, change and sell and buy.

[@morrisg5060]

I could not agree more. "Shocking" my foot.😅

[@JohnDoe-np3zk]

Be honest. Nobody wants a 750 lb chunk to move let alone ship. From my end its hard to really judge from the phone.

[@jaysaudiolab]

Ok

[@davidbee8178]

WOW - can you imagine how many tickets to LIVE events we could buy with the THOUSANDS of dollars these speakers cost? It's fantastic to be able to have great sound in our houses but in essence we are chasing our tails because it is STILL so easy to discern the difference between live music and even the BEST speakers on the planet - which THESE guys ARE :-) I HAVE heard BOTH of these speakers Jay and they are BOTH great. BUT strictly from an ENGINEERING perspective the Magico goes against the most elemental "rule" of design - the KISS principle. Keep It Simple Silly . . . each Magico model has literally HUNDREDS of fasteners as part of its inner structure - as far as I know, it is the ONLY speaker made this way and it BEGS the question: WHY? HOWEVER I CAN see why you chose the Magico as an analytical tool.

[@dlfrestoration]

That is a big surprise

[@jaysaudiolab]

Yes