Magico & Focal: What is not good about these loudspeakers?? loudspeakers review 2022

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Video Title: Magico & Focal: What is not so good about these loudspeakers?? loudspeakers review 2022
here are the cons of both loudspeakers. this was a tough thing to do but i had to be open and transparent about what I found to be their weaknesses. I hope you all enjoy!
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#jaysaudiolab
#highendaudio
#hifi
#audiophile
#gryphon
#homeaudio
#focal
#magico
#krell
#simaudio
#wilsonaudio
#sonusfaber
#boulder
#rotel
#aurender
#krell
#taiko
#magico
#audioquest

[@jaysaudiolab]

Please like and subscribe. Comment below 👇!

[@nogaroblu9321]

I admire your commitment to your channel. You do it at great personal expense and we appreciate it.

[@jaysaudiolab]

Much appreciated

[@djcordes4352]

As a recovering audiophile who has blown too much money money on this stuff all I can say is when the cost of this stuff was 1/4 of the cost it is now is there’s no such thing as audiophile nirvana. The more expensive the speaker, the more expensive EVERYTHING else becomes to deal with it being revealing. This is because the equipment is so revealing you stop just listening to music. I’ve come to the conclusion you’ll never be really happy. It’s better to go with the Focal that makes stuff sound better instead of hearing that last 5% of detail and not wanting to listen to music that’d you’d normally listen to. Or you could buy a big pair of Klipsch speakers and a big sub and just enjoy music with lots of bass and have fun again like I’m doing as I write this listening to a 5/10 recording that is still listenable.

[@Dr.Richard_Kimble]

Analytical brain is total buzz kill.

[@niccster1061]

There is such thing as audiophile nirvana. It's just not in your expensive snake oil shit. If you losers spent more time learning how to properly use a umik1 and DSP and less time buying equipment then maybe youd actually be in nirvana by now 😂

[@jimbreakall9331]

Hi Jay. This is the Professor (Penn State) that we met at AXPONA with my custom room and DIY tri-amped monoblock system. I guess you heard that Peter Breuninger passed away in his sleep. Whatever one thinks of his review style compared to others, he was a very enthusiastic, energetic, and passionate person for sure in all his reviews. I hope you will say a few words to send condolences to his family and friends and audiophiles around the world. He just had some reviews from the Munich HiFi Show. I had the opportunity to meet him at both Capital Audiofest and AXPONA and he always was one to spend time no matter who you were. Rest in Peace Peter and Condolences to his family and friends....from Prof. Jim

[@jaysaudiolab]

Hi Jim Yep i just heard the news. Very unfortunate and it helps us all put it into perspective with regards to our life and what is important. Often times we get caught in petty stuff instead of what is important.

[@markfischer3626]

OMG, if I ever win the lottery I'll have a big problem.

[@gt4viking789]

Excellent video Jay thank you. I’m with you all the way in your effort to isolate the speakers from the floor structure. I have a pair of PMC Fact 12s and like you report in my case a pair of Townsend Podiums completely transformed them. All the best Peter

[@colanitower]

This video really makes sense. The center of my system is not the system but the music collection. The center of that are the 5,000 or so very best tracks. The tracks I love the most. The recorded quality varies, so if I could shop at this price level it would be the Focals because they help elevate the listening experience. Perfection I could reach with only a few tracks so that's not important to me.

[@alexvoiculescu1646]

I'm glad I found this channel, it's a big difference between others who praise everything "the best I've ever heard" who of course are paid to make a "positive review"

[@BioMedUSA]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts, expertise, opinions and enormous efforts to provide your viewers the opportunity to vicariously and virtually experience a Focal vs. Magico - an experience few could ever enjoy in real life. RE; M-pods or any other acoustic isolator - It is counterintuitive that a vibration / acoustic isolator would enhance the bass as the loudspeaker would rock. However, I hypothesize what may be happening is that the isolators are acting as a stiff spring {k} that in turn allows the entire Magico cabinet to resonant at a very low frequency (due to mass {m} of the speakers), as per Hook's Law (simple harmonic motion is the oscillation of a mass on a spring (Time period {T} = 2 * PI * SQRT[ mass / k]. when the three forward firing woofer diaphragms are vibrating the counterforce is absorbed and manifested as rocking by the entire cabinet on the M-pods. This in turn converts the entire front baffle of the speaker into an oscillating diaphragm, probably from 40Hz and below, thus the apparent enhancement of bass. You would also lose a bit of resolution as a trade off, both in the bass and midrange, softening the mids and deepening the bass.

[@faysalriaz1312]

Very informative video. Love seeing the best gear in the world duel it out on this channel. Thank you

[@johangustavsson4927]

Jay! you are the only reviewer worth following! you are the best! continue with what you are doing! 🔥👑🙏

[@jaysaudiolab]

Thanks man

[@BioMedUSA]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts, expertise, opinions and enormous efforts to provide your viewers the opportunity to vicariously and virtually experience a Focal vs. Magico - an experience few would have in real life. RE; M-pods or any other acoustic isolator - It is counterintuitive that and vibration isolator would enhance the bass as the loudspeaker would rock. However, I hypothesize what may be happening is that the isolators are acting as a stiff spring {k} that in turn allows the entire Magico cabinet to resonant at a very low frequency (due to mass {m} of the speakers), as per Hook's Law (simple harmonic motion is the oscillation of a mass on a spring (Time period {T} = 2 * PI * SQRT[ mass / k]. when the three forward firing woofer diaphragms are vibrating the counterforce is absorbed and manifested as rocking by the entire cabinet on the M-pods. This in turn converts the entire front baffle of the speaker into an oscillating diaphragm, probably from 40Hz and below, thus the apparent enhancement of bass. You would also lose a bit of resolution as a trade off, both in the bass and midrange, softening the mids and deepening the bass.

[@jaysaudiolab]

Thank you for this !

[@jeffkalina7727]

Just wanted to thank you for sharing your playlist. I listened to each track and selected 4 female vocals I was not familiar with.

[@alldhat-n-den-sum4190]

Exerlent video and review Jay you get better all the time. No one I know on KZbin has done pros and cons the way you have regarding setting up and placement trial and error cables and amplifications etc... Very very good practical knowledge right there... Bless

[@jaysaudiolab]

Thanks man

[@parvezshaikhul]

Jay Many Thnx for your critical analysis.

[@shahzadalam2081]

Nicely done and well presented keep ‘em coming !

[@jaysaudiolab]

Thanks

[@imosolar]

Jay, keep up the good work and yes I believe you regarding deep pockets for ultra high quality speakers. Because brought Wilson Audio speakers. It has taken me 3 weeks to tune them well and also it is calling out my lack of room treatment and upgrade of DAC... OMG

[@jaysaudiolab]

Yep

[@jaysaudiolab]

Please like the video and subscribe!

[@VaioII]

Great vid Jay! 👍👍 Do you got a link to the M Pods you are mentioning in the vid would be great🖐

[@sevestan]

I use twisted 4/0 solid copper for my speakers and they sound spectacular

[@gilbertoverbeek5690]

Thank you Jay, that was clarifying ! Just want to add that my M3’s do play (very) well with all silver cables (Siltech Classic Legend 880). Very honest and no harshness at all. Try it and maybe your opinion on beryllium & silver will change ;-).

[@jaysaudiolab]

I can see that

[@rgarid62]

Just like the endless amounts of music produce out there, the sky the limit on how you choose to listen to your music 🎼 😎👍

[@kwinglee5923]

The fact that Acoustic suspension speakers are less efficient than port speakers and require more power has been known for a long long time. This is one of the reasons for moving to vented speakers. Not sure why it needs to be proved. Appreciate the nuances with respect to the cons for both speakers. Nice channel.

[@exupgh123]

love the last two videos - pro vs. cons (Utopia vs. S7). Great work in presentations of those points - (make me wonder, just how much of those pro's/cons are relevant to the smaller versions of those two wonderful speakers). Thank you for this series Jay.

[@jaysaudiolab]

Thanks man

[@sanjayladi]

Thanks for the unique video. It's enlightening. Keep it up.

[@jaysaudiolab]

Thanks

[@marcbegine]

Completely agree with you Jay. The ISO Acoustics Gaia are perfectly adapted to the Focal LS

[@skipgordon5382]

Good job Jay - I envy those that get to this level. Audio reproduction is an extremely synergistic process. It is truly a sum of the parts.

[@jaysaudiolab]

Thanks man

[@osteoporit]

Dear Jay Thank you very much for the many exciting insights into your work. Would you recommend the isoacoustics Gaia Titan Theis for the Wilson Audio Sasha DAW? Thank you for your answer and best regards

[@jaysaudiolab]

I didn't try. Can't give my opinion

[@robertmitchell6015]

Hi Jay I recently bought a pair of YG Acoustic Hailey 2.2 and am disappointed at this stage it seems to be lacking in bass completely, I have Vitus power amps so power is not an issue and Siltech cables, I have 40hrs run in time into them, am I being inpatient? Or is something else going on? Would like your opinion.

[@marclajeunesse9635]

Thank you Jay very informative

[@jaysaudiolab]

Thanks

[@shaynakash4222]

you described it the best way possible about the magico s 7 they show you your system the way it is and you must have power ,and alot of power .....

[@jaysaudiolab]

Correct

[@colanitower]

This is so far beyond my Wharfedale Lintons and Denon PMA-1060 amplifier 😁 But it's fun to watch. Love them anyway. And ... none of the cons here apply 😊

[@lbrizzle18]

👍Focal's are my lottery winning speakers!

[@jaysaudiolab]

Cool 😎

[@bikemike1118]

Interesting conclusions. Thx Jay

[@jaysaudiolab]

Thanks

[@cedman498]

Appreciate your effort and relaying of what you find. You should document your approach to evaluation and exploration of products. Though, these videos could probably be used exactly for that. 🙂

[@topside3]

Since the Focal tweeters seem to be sensitive to silver cables, what cables have you found that work well with them?

[@JDG1971]

Hey Jay. I have to tell you... You explain it really well to us... It couldn't have been better... Thank you for your honesty, as always... Greetings from the Netherlands Limburg Maastricht and of course continue with High-end. Peace and love and of course coffee beans... ✌🏾🌍😘☕️👈🏾

[@jaysaudiolab]

Thank you

[@jeffinnh76]

Great video Jay

[@jamesj9728]

You nailed it, Jay. Your cons matched what my friends and I have found in practice. Nice work. The con that really hit home is regarding what happens when you move the Focal too far apart. I will add that the more power the have, the cohesive distance increases. It is partially a function of power, which goes hand in hand with your power con. In this vein, the Focals are fantastic for low level near field listening, so depending on your listening goal you may not need power. We have Maestros running off of 45 WPC, class A with outstanding near field imaging results, however the speakers are only about 7' apart. Looking forward to the STROMTANK reveal!

[@jaysaudiolab]

Thank you for your comment

[@ThePerfeckted]

"the truth will set you free"

[@joeb4349]

Part 1 -- great. Part 2 -- great and great ! Thank you, Jay,

[@jaysaudiolab]

Nice

[@ChrisMag100]

Great video Jay. Considering stepping up from Sopra 2’s to Scala Evo’s. Your comment about speaker placement on the Focals mirrors my experience with the Sopras. Focal’s manual recommends placing the Sopras in an equilateral triangle or slightly narrower than the listening distance. Love the look of your Magico’s but some of the cons you mention here would be problematic for me.

[@jaysaudiolab]

Understood

[@craigblackwood2165]

love the new intro

[@jaysaudiolab]

Thanks

[@GavinHodgson]

Great review and feedback

[@jaysaudiolab]

Thanks

[@staszekpulpecik3381]

Jay as previous owner of Stella I must tell you are absolutely right about minuses of Maestro. I gave up on them for those reasons. AAnd I think they are not for the beginners. They are also pretty hard to sell, here in Europe. You should try Rockport in the future

[@jaysaudiolab]

Maybe Rockport could make an appearance here. It's a matter of time

[@brettwilliams7688]

Jay nice job I really enjoyed the Focal vs Magico comparison, however there is a pair of Tidal Contriva G2 's for sale on audiogon , same price point as the two speakers you have in your room. It would be incredibly interesting to see where Tidal falls in between these two excellent transducers.

[@jaysaudiolab]

That won't sell when I'm done with it. I can't buy things that i can't sell when I'm done with it

[@RCbra]

There's no better way to put it, you nailed it all. In Munich I heard the difference live with and without Gaia Titan - clear buy.

[@jaysaudiolab]

Thanks

[@capezyo]

New opening video....nice

[@jaysaudiolab]

Thank you

[@dota9280]

Congratulation on the new intro, shorter and better.

[@davidrivera2165]

The Ultra High End gospel is what Jay has shared with us, my fellow audiophiles. The reason why many older audiophiles (and some younger) love vinyl and not digital (CDs, files, streaming) is mostly due to the fact that their music (jazz, Classical, 70's rock, some more modern audiophile recordings) was recorded far better than many 80's and newer recording with excessive fabricated reverb, and artifacts. Those issues (reverb that comes across as echo, artifacts that comes across as noise background harshness are completely exposed by truly transparent speakers such as the Magico S7. I'm 62 with 43 years invested in the audiophile madness. I haven't purchased a vinyl record in over 30 years. I transferred my LPs into digital files, and love streaming. The caveat is that I only stream and play high quality recordings. Personally I prefer Tube preamps to smooth out the edge, but a quality R2R DAC is even more essential for digital, and finally size matters, and so does power. By that I mean the AMP has to deliver the goods, ideally in class A topology. Jay is distilling the essentials for us to cut through having to chase our tail. Thanks Jay, you are sharing the gospel truth.

[@jaysaudiolab]

Thank you

[@tejkarangehlot4741]

Fair enough bro.

[@kevinpalt8873]

Is it possible for you to do a review of one of the new electrostatic speakers from Martin Logan? I know that you seem to stick to only dynamic drivers, though it would be an interesting twist if you could throw in a Martin Logan. I actually got to hear a pair 12 years ago. While they do not have the dynamic slam of a regular box speaker, they seem to have an almost magical presentation that I have simply never heard before or since from any other loudspeaker. In that sense, they are very similar to my Hifiman Ananda headphones which use planar drivers.

[@capezyo]

Rsrsr....Excellent Jay, nice precious tips, thank you.

[@jaysaudiolab]

Thanks

[@jondrake890]

Hay Jay have you listened to Martin logan 15a or neolith

[@mrhd5831]

Thank you Jay, that was a great video. I believe that what you call “friendly” or “beautified” is basically coloration. In the Focal, it is a strong enclosure vibration. It’s always there, riding the music. That is the price one pay to have a so-called ‘agreeable’ speaker.

[@tkl0111]

I would like to hear about tonality, sound stage, musicality, bass, extension, etc between the contenders instead of the brief overview and con but not really a con (cons that can be resolved with equipment or placements) format. From what I heard with the Magico, it's a fault less speaker because every trouble is either the room or electronics is not right instead of the speakers. Which we all know is not the case. Great video though, would like to see more about entry level (high end entry level like Magico A5, and Focal Sopra 3, Sonus Faber Amati Tradition, etc...). Thanks

[@jaysaudiolab]

Thank you

[@mjones3388]

Jay, I am looking for the best speakers for less than $25,000 a pair. What do you think? Best sound, best volume of quality sound. Please let me know. Thank you, Mark

[@devinmoran59]

I hope you get the s3 in the future, one that i can actually own one day

[@joshuagordon5270]

Jay, what do you think of the Goldenear Reference towers?

[@stevenoconnor5693]

What is your thoughts on the bowers and Wilkins d4 series of speakers.

[@jaysaudiolab]

Good stuff

[@sfulmer430]

When you say that the speaker sounds best when bi-amped... are you recommending 4 Boulder 3050s? ;-)

[@jaysaudiolab]

Yes lol

[@labalo5]

This would be a first to see on YT. Hope it happens.

[@angusbeef880]

I've always seen Focal as the McIntosh of speakers...yes they look great but better looks than sound. used to sell them myself so I can speak on this

[@Inconceivable-Montoya]

Jay have you reviewed a Tannoy Westminster? Bet they would sound incredible with your system.

[@hoobsgroove]

a better product is the Townshend Audio Seismic Isolation Bars for Speakers and Subs. about $900 you should try them out they do the dampening feet as well on their own

[@rejeansamson9093]

Merci!

[@jaysaudiolab]

Much appreciated!

[@peterkuntz6076]

Excellent analysis Jay! Well done ---- At this level your advice should be well taken by those looking at either model. I would add that in earlier videos for each speaker you also commented on the repair aspect and the differences between them (Focal being easier to deal with and Magico being very difficult (the speaker needs to go back to the company for repair and therefore has high related costs)).

[@mrhd5831]

Simply not true.

[@CarlVanDoren61]

Light & fluffy 20.7s prevent ear fatigue

[@77MovieFan]

well done Jay with your pro & cons of both speakers THX for your hard work, we know it took you many many many hours to get these reviews together

[@jaysaudiolab]

Thank you man

[@allenbaines869]

Brilliant

[@jaysaudiolab]

Thanks

[@backrack01]

When you mention silver cable may be a bad match for Beryllium...is that all the cables that you are talking about or are you talking about speaker cables? I just bought a silver phono cable. Everything else is copper. Haven't put it in yet.

[@jaysaudiolab]

Most silver is too bright for beryllium

[@osteoporit]

Danke!

[@jaysaudiolab]

Thank you. Much appreciated 👍

[@derreckgilmore9422]

Went to the bank to apply for yet another mortgage on my house, in order to buy speakers that are both "honest", & will "disappear"...the bank agreed with the first part, & declined me because of the second.

[@kevink5074]

I’ve always wondered why Focal prefers to voice their evo speakers with Naim when they’ve always sounded underwhelming in most rooms they’ve been auditioned

[@mikenorris812]

Free Jay!!!! They should absolutely let you back on WBF.

[@jaysaudiolab]

They won't. They see me as a threat of some sort. I don't get it but i am not going to get into it here. I appreciate you posting here!

[@markfischer3626]

OMG if I ever win the lottery I'll have a real problem.

[@samuelsalins8309]

Yes, but they're pricey and tricky to install. This speakers 🔊 are rhythm to make system sing 🎶.

[@MaartenVisser2920]

A speaker should simply produce the exact sound of the input and make that audible in your room. That seems to be impossible and we think that making things more and more complex is the solution. In my opinion it is not. I designed and built my own speakers based on the Voigt pipe. The sound is simply like you're in the concert hall. Never heard that from any very expensive 'normal' speaker.

[@dieselbrodeur]

When you say it needs a loot of power how do you know that? I mean you only have huge very powerful amps ? I mean you kind of past that stage where power is a limiting factor. Great video as entertainment for us who would never buy this stuff but likes HiFi. Very interesting to follow your journey and don't have to spend the cash oneself :)

[@jaysaudiolab]

I've used several amps with them. That's how I know

[@NosTubes58]

I’ve heard Magico’s | Rockport Technologies at our local dealer David Michael Audio where their main listening room has to be about 30’ w x 48’ deep, and the sonics from both was simply wonderful.

[@oliviers5003]

I like your reviews. But why is it a con that you mustn´t use silver cables with Focal? If it sounds good using copper you save money 🙂

[@wimbrinkman6995]

Solid analysis Jay, but talking about high end audio in an extremly low end video cannot be taken seriously.

[@digggerrjones7345]

Rockports will make you forget about Magico and Focal.

[@martybousum1010]

A few cons, but no criminals. This

[@allansh828]

TLDR for future me: Focal: needs isoaccoustic foot placement performs best w/biamp No silver cables no more than 12 feet apart or mids get lost Magico: power hungry for sealed design needs to be far apart Mpods S and Q series are more ruthless power delivery

[@user-xw2qp2qb3j]

Vey focal nice .....but magico driver scanspeak.....AND FOCAL GRAND OUTOPIA EM....BYT SONYS FABER FENICE.......

[@jamosthemagician]

do you A/B test your content?

[@jaysaudiolab]

For months

[@jamosthemagician]

@@jaysaudiolab Very cool stuff. I still would love to see a segment of blind A/B testing. I realize the amount of work would be a very steep climb but the segment would be polarizing. Keep up the good work.

[@ochome1990]

Jay, I can't agree more about isolator shoes(iso-acoustic). Habe you tried Magico S7 with iso acoustic product?? I'm sure MPod will be better, but just curious. Always thanks!

[@reestyfarts]

I guess my Onkyo P3000R with Red Dragon M500 mk 2 monoblocks won't cut it.

[@VideoArchiveGuy]

IsoAcoustic footers don't sound as good as Stillpoints Ultra 5 or Ultra 6 under speakers in my room - try to find a dealer to see which works best for your speaker in your room.

[@jaysaudiolab]

No i didn't like still point under Wilson. Too bright

[@VideoArchiveGuy]

@@jaysaudiolab Focals seem to like Stillpoints; Wilsons tend to do best with Wilson's own Acoustic Diode system. Did you ever get to try them on yours?

[@mdeboer2669]

What he's really saying is, invest in good headphones. Lol you have to much passion for this, you should invest in creating a own speaker company so you can really go all the way to perfection.

[@jaysaudiolab]

Nah man 😂

[@datka3]

Room is # 1 , Power is # 2 now you can play with electronics

[@jaysaudiolab]

Yep

[@datka3]

@@jaysaudiolab J can’t wait to see what power products you are about to introduce

[@tritiumglo4699]

Most Magico demos, and I have heard many, are terrible. But once in a while, they get it right, and the results can be startling. Q is not S. Q is not forgiving but its more forgiving than S. Best I have heard Magico is with Hegel and Devialet. Focal. Combine with NAIM or Arcam and they are simply amazing.

[@InnovativeBuildersmd]

camera quality not up to par for a 600k system 🤣

[@grandebufalife]

You need a better mic , you sound like you're talking thru an old phone .

[@jaysaudiolab]

There was a Lavalier mic on my shirt. Not sure you saw it

[@grandebufalife]

Youre music video’s sounds so great , but in this video it sounded compressed and not like youre usual video’s . May be it’s KZbin .

[@t.j.bennett6454]

Jay your video is very jittery. I think you might have accidentally changed the shutter speed. If filming at 24p it should be at 1/50 or 30fps 1/60

[@jaysaudiolab]

Interesting.

[@t.j.bennett6454]

@@jaysaudiolab or maybe you filmed via live feed?

[@beyondonethousand]

Great video Jay but sorry don't like your new intro. I do like the first and second however.

[@qhomesystems]

At 9:25 you state "the soundstage was just not there". From what I can tell the speakers in your "Best system ever" video are placed in the position you describe that results in no soundstage. What is the difference as I cant see how you can claim possible best system ever then shortly after complain about no soundstage.

[@jaysaudiolab]

Please watch the video many times to understand

[@qhomesystems]

@@jaysaudiolab What is there to understand? Are the speakers playing in the "best system ever" video placed in a manner where the soundstage becomes a con? If they are how can that system contend for best ever?

[@vicentemonsalve5884]

In few words the Magico's will help you make your wallet flat 😂

[@quadspeak]

Stunned at the level of BS in today’s high end audio scene. Image a speaker at this price level only sounding good with $9000. Feet

[@jaysaudiolab]

It's not that they sound bad. Both of them need footers to transform them.