Magico Q7 MK2 - 3 Audiophiles Give Their Impressions Of The Best Loudspeaker In 2017 !

[@TheGrandPumma]

An Excellent Video Jay. The people that you picked - not only had great systems - so they could give a proper pros and cons (and not just be impressed by an expensive system vs their Bose speakers) - but were very articulate in their analysis One of the best videos on the channel . Thank You

[@carlosoliveira-rc2xt]

Not entirely correct as they still give their impressions of what they heard and apply sone kind of logic. For instance the nonsense they spoke of ported bass is just not true.

[@Carl-bd1rf]

Jay you have balls of steel letting people into your room and then let them give us their uncensored opinions. My hats off to you.

[@jaysaudiolab]

Tell the rest of the punks this… it would mean more to me if you did

[@Carl-bd1rf]

@@jaysaudiolab I will every chance I get.

[@stevemd8947]

These gentlemen did a great job with their descriptions of what they heard.

[@John-jl9de]

I have found that speaker placement is absolutely critical in my room and system. I have found that to sound "right" that sweet spot is within 1/2 of an inch, front to rear, left and right. After days and weeks of experimentation, they have found their home and I'm getting everything my rigs capable of producing in my very good room. Speaker placement is the most cost effective thing you can do to improve the sound of your rig in your room. Happy listening.

[@imosolar]

Jay, kudos to this format which is opened up new reviews. Different options. Keep it up

[@jaysaudiolab]

Thanks, will do!

[@normloo1590]

Your guests are articulate and thoughtful with their comments. Kudos!

[@Infinityconstructiontnknox]

Best video of 2024 hands down. Ready and waiting for phase 2.

[@davidrivera2165]

Thank you Jay for bringing in unfiltered, unbiased, comments from experienced ultra high end audiophiles. As you may remember, I have shared my comments (as far back as 2020) in your channel that with digital source systems (mainly streaming and PCM dsd files & CDs) a tube preamplifier is essential in order to soften the edges on sharp notes, and add an organic natural tone. Again, this is for a digital source. For Analog sources (Vinyl & Reel to reel) the opposite is the case. The most revealing solid state line stage and Class A amps are key to deliver all the details and dynamic fullness within the recording.

[@mikelautermilch8939]

Really enjoyed this. Love getting honest opinions like this from people who don't have ulterior motives

[@jonortet86]

Great video Jay. It puts a lot of things in perspective for me. One of the best videos of your channel

[@vicentepostiganogueira3258]

@Jay, congrats! Best video so far! I love this format, sharing the opinions of other people who have top notch systems.

[@jaysaudiolab]

Glad you liked it!

[@ljubomirkamdzijas9119]

Great idea Jay, bringing Top Audiophiles (who by the way have high end systems in their homes) to give their honest opinion. I look forward to the next video with Sonus Faber!

[@jaysaudiolab]

Boom!

[@jakejones4333]

Best video I’ve seen from your channel yet. I felt like these were true honest opinions and it was very interesting. I hope you do more content like this.

[@morganmoren4467]

Realy great work Jay!-This type of testing gives us so mutch information 👌🙂.

[@jaysaudiolab]

Glad you think so!

[@xsamitt]

bravo...this is how it's done! fantastic !

[@Inlinefour-m9j]

I agree with the gentleman on the right's comment regarding tubes.. The can soften up a bright speaker.

[@jaysaudiolab]

Yes

[@davidp3096]

Jay. I am 100% think this is the way to go. We value your opinion and know what you like but to hear other opinions 👍 Your heading to the stars my friend

[@jaysaudiolab]

I appreciate that!

[@mizake01]

Great format!

[@jeromelester8]

You are really blessed to afford this incredible gear and talk to enthusiasts and friends about it. Thank you for sharing your passion!

[@jaysaudiolab]

My pleasure!

[@parvezshaikhul]

Excellent Jay what a work. Race car analogy was fantastic. May be Tube pre amps or amps or dacs might mitigate it with trade offs as nothing is perfect. Can't wait more for the 2nd part.

[@robertdb5111]

This is the best video you have came out with so far in my opinion only. I like the people who are judging and are not afraid of saying what there options are about the speakers. Mikey's going really, really mad that you have friends that don't agree with you all the time and are not afraid of saying that!😢😂

[@gil3green]

This is good. An objective listening panel plus viewers can see the room set up. Add a sample of what is being played gives us a good sense of what one may expect in person.

[@jaysaudiolab]

I already did give u samples. Check my short videos

[@gil3green]

@@jaysaudiolab I saw them. Just reenforcing a good thing.

[@adzajcom]

So it seems that it all comes down to personal preference and habits. There are no speakers that will please everyone... Especially knowing that no two people have exactly the same hearing aid. I think "compromise" is the key takeaway here - you can't have a fatigue-free and analytical speaker at the same time. Another thing - I could be wrong, but based on the pictures of your friends with their own systems - it seems like they don't sit that close to the speakers...

[@Grooverski]

Few points. 1. As much as I personally like to listen at loud reference levels, 95dB with peaks probably in 100+, it can get fatiguing for extended period of time. 2. Louder you play your music, High and Low frequencies become more prominent. Simple physics of out hearing and how amplifiers project those frequencies at different SPL levels. For example, you won’t hear 20-30Hz test tone at 50-60 dB levels. I don’t remember from the top of my head but it’s probably 65dB when those frequencies become audible. And lastly, while everyone is part of this so called “test” brain re-calibrates itself for exactly that purpose. That differs from casual listening with enjoyment in mind. Test induces stress, awareness, anxiety. Of course some people perform better under those conditions but I don’t think it applies to this sort of tests. Just my two cents.

[@jaysaudiolab]

Great comment

[@RLM-TV]

Great content, fascinating.

[@jaysaudiolab]

Glad you think so!

[@rrd1975]

It's fascinating that the audiophiles agreed that your Q7 system did some things exceptionally well, but for them was not the absolute best sound. My ears really perked up over the claims of listener fatigue, because this system seems very detailed, smooth and holographic played over my headphones and desktop system. As my father would say, they tried to pick Fly s- - t out of black pepper! Maybe if I sat in your lab and listened for several hours, my opinion would change.

[@kurthill7030]

Great job you fellas 👏

[@jaysaudiolab]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@dkernighan1]

We’ve seen so much ultra high end gear in Jays lab. The ultra high end components all have a common denominator: wow factor, hyper clarity and detail, speed, etc … the objective audiophile cliches. So, where does it go from here Jay? What about different flavours? Something other than Wilson, SF, Magico, Focal … all of which share similar characteristics at the flagship level. I’d love to see something very “different” come into the lab. “Different” might mean less audiophile, but something very different or unique would be fresh and interesting. Props on sharing the perspectives of others.

[@jaysaudiolab]

Thanks

[@bigjay1970]

Well that was educational and fun.😛 Also agree regarding the race car analogy!🤔😬

[@supercompooper]

I never tire of driving my McLaren. It is not fatiguing. It is enjoyable at low speed or high speed 😊

[@BA-ng7vt]

Wonderful video. I fully agree with all the comments made. Tube would deliver more organic, dense, and warmer sound with less fatigue over time. Gryphon is perfect when matched with SF but not with Magico speakers.

[@jaysaudiolab]

Well said!

[@donpayne1040]

Nice that y’all, for the most part, are taking the AC out of the equation, as with such beasts that* variable would be yet another huge subject. And the room treatment, of course.

[@perfectsoundpursuit007]

Very good video Jay. I think ( like others)," lack" of bass it's from room, not the room itself, but position of speakers in room. BR

[@adrianadrianp5305]

Very interesting Jay, I have a 911 GT3 and I love it but for me Magico's can often be a little too analytical and leaner than I like as a natural sound and real live event

[@vinnievincent85]

My experience is room accoustics is almost more important than the system itself. Like 55-45%. Jay has some tratment even in the ceiling wich is good. But i often see people on youtube with high end systems that barely has any room treatment. Why is that? Me myself dont have an extreme system, but i have treated the room and it makes a ton of difference.

[@henkmiljoen3373]

Verry interesting Jay👍nice comments

[@jaysaudiolab]

Thanks 👍

[@brown-eyedman4040]

Cool man, thanks. I would say that 90 dB average is fatiguing no matter what.

[@tejkarangehlot4741]

Ok, gentleman, fair enough. Waiting for part 2

[@lorenzorichardson2999]

Loved it!

[@stephenneutralharris9162]

I listen to music at a certain volume which i think is necessary but you can’t do it with every single track that’s what’s causing the fatigue.If the speakers were harsh sounding then you’ll get fatigue at any level but the fact that it came on at higher volumes shows it came from certain tracks

[@jayedgar2373]

I was fortunate to hear the Magico M5 from 2009. I found out right away that these speakers are not near field or even mid field listening speakers. I noticed that the M2's were too close (IMO) in your setup. Just an observation. Try placing the speakers further back. Your room is rather confined. Magico (like many other speakers of similar caliber) need a spacial potion during setup so as not to create too much sound pressure to the listening position. As for too much detail???, I do not believe in too much detail (DB is a result of the speaker output in reference to the signal input, such as vinyl verses CD). Just my 2 cents on this. Can't wait to see part 2 ;)

[@alpro3714]

Out of curiosity, how far are the seats from the speakers? It looks they are relatively close (about 8 feet) and the distance from the speakers does influence the sense of width, depth and details. It is surprising that they would need to be driven at 90 db to get the full benefit, and not surprising that they all experienced system fatigue. At the price of the whole set up, it is disappointing to me.

[@reybalderas1367]

Could the room be too small for these speakers? Perhaps in a larger room more power can drive the speakers with a lower overall decibel level.

[@jaysaudiolab]

Its possible

[@jayedgar2373]

YES! As I have stated previously, moving the speakers back will reduce the sound pressure levels and allow the speakers to be less fatiguing in general. I have had the pleasure of hearing Magico speakers before. The do need the room to allow the speakers to sound better from there (a bit heavy) sound pressurization. Again, Magicos are not a near or mid range field speaker.

[@MattyDaddy14]

I like all your videos! 🎉 but as I understand it, the ROOM/acoustics play a large role in “fatigue”. Thank for the videos! 🎉

[@Mark-rw3kw]

Is it a coincidence that these three guys with very expensive systems are not wearing a wedding ring?

[@Romulus980]

It's nearly like describing active ATC speakers...

[@RozeRosy-f3l]

ATC50 blows and farts on this overpriced overrated overhyped speakers.

[@chrishamilton5960]

I guess they were not totally blown away. Was not expecting it to sound thin at normal listening levels. Sounds like the speakers are not in the right spot in the room.

[@J25000]

Sheffield Labs “My Disc” has 2 interesting tracks. Track 83 is normal. Track 84 has a delay of about 7 milliseconds at low frequencies. This would equate to a loudspeaker offset below 100hz of nearly 7 feet. Play these two tracks and see on which speaker it is more obvious. It would be a fun test.

[@dmfdarkness]

Loudness in and of itself, doesn't beat your ears down. Loudness, combined with distortion and/or a clinical quality, beats your ears down.

[@mrhd5831]

Nonsense

[@SAGNI0971]

There’s a trend throughout Jay’s high performance audio preferences and that is brittle sounding and fatiguing systems (analytical to a fault)-at least from what I can surmise. Acora, Magico, etc- That’s cool but you have to be a discerning viewer.

[@endrizo]

impressive analitical too much detail is tiresome... just like driving a race car. the analogy was great. im tuned for part 2

[@ilonatensill]

Hey Jay, this is not an attack on you. Sometime people need to hear the truth to get back on the right track. I was a big fan of your channel, but unfortunately your channel became a big joke around 1 year ago. Do you even realize that the only reason you have this channel is to sell your second hand gear. You are changing your gear like other people their under wear, nearly none of your speakers even have the privilege to be set up correctly and been taken of their casters and your amplifiers are not even making it out of the flight case. Your electronics are all mixed up with different brands you always pretend to say how important synergy is. Do you not think that it would be a good idea, to set up for example a full CH Precision system including DAC, pre amp and power amp and then compare it to a full Esoteric, Gryphon Audio or Nagra Audio system consisting of the same items. As you have all the gear staged up in your room. It is like the only people that you are interested are your paid members. In the past this channel was for every one. And please STOP saying "my 100k speaker cables, my 80k pre amp, my 120k power amp and my 275k speakers". Because the are not 100k speaker cable anymore, they are second hand items and you only paid a fraction of the original RRP. Please take this as a positive feedback to get you back on the right track. Don't delete this comment as you always say "I don't delete comments". Thank you very much for listening.

[@robbase-f6x]

what makes you think you are telling him anything he does not already know ? Has he not made it extremely clear that he is an audio dealer and this is product he is selling ?

[@ilonatensill]

@@robbase-f6x Then he should change the name of his channel to Jay's second hand marketplace and not audio lab.

[@chasehatton3691]

Check out the recent video on the Magico Q7 vs Sonus Faber SE 17. The results are in. With virtually everyone who responded giving the Sonus Faber SE 17 the win.

[@ADE-RCB]

Can you get more lower frequency base from putting the speakers closer to the walls?

[@jayedgar2373]

Yes, but you will loose some holographic effects when doing this, unless your system is capable of reproducing a holographic sound stage regardless if the speakers are near wall positioning. And, some music was mastered to create a holographic sound stage which will benefit the sound stage holographic image all together. Just my experience and 2 cents on this.

[@rrobz3948]

If you have to listen to a speaker at 90db+, something is very wrong - either the amps are a poor match (as I suspect the Gryphons are), or the speakers have issues with microdynamics.

[@5starmaniac]

How are the new S5's, in comparison? Anyone heard them? :)

[@jaysaudiolab]

Not in the same league as q7

[@a.s.2426]

How do we know that all the attributes they attribute to the speakers aren’t really functions of the rest of the system, mainly? I mean, fast, fatiguing, edgy, etc. are qualities of most of your systems, it seems to me.

[@MrBoomtheroom]

Get a set up that has a SINAD of 110 or more both amps and preamps then test your speakers.. Dont care how much they are worth but would be a good test for the speakers

[@Nightjar726]

How far is the listening spot from the speakers? It looks closer than I thought. How big is the room if you don’t mind me asking? Awesome speakers !

[@jaysaudiolab]

Speakers are 10ft away

[@Nightjar726]

@@jaysaudiolab oh ok, thanks man. Looked closer from that angle. Those speakers could cover a much much larger room. Must sound amazing. Enjoy

[@martinezstephen9159]

I would love to hear your impression with two J&L Gotham Subs

[@jaysaudiolab]

Yea

[@staceymangham]

Personally i think some valves in the mix would of tamed the over analytical sound they appear to agree on, as always its horses for courses. A top level Hifi system is a personal individual thing as we generally listen alone in the listening position, so it has to sound good to the owner only and doesn't matter what others opinion is, its such a subjective hobby and this once again highlights this. Also its set up to Jay's preferences with the speakers well out into the room and listening position hard against the back wall, where some would prefer the speakers a metre out from the wall behind, and half a metre from the side walls, and the listening position half to a metre away from the rear wall. Again horse's for courses depending on whats important to YOU, and your personal preferences, i think audiophiles lose sight of this and are to quick to bag a product based on their own preferences. And finally a good product can be made to sound bad or underwhelming by its installation and, or, what its paired with.

[@brodricj3023]

GT3, what's that?

[@endrizo]

cup grand touring or gt3 is a category of racing cars.. also the porsche gt3

[@GuiltyRocker]

It's all preference, I personally don't care for the Magico sound, but that's just me.

[@Carl-bd1rf]

Wow, listening fatigue at this level. That’s insane.

[@jaysaudiolab]

At any level

[@Carl-bd1rf]

@@jaysaudiolab I’ve never owned or even listened at that level of equipment cost. I just assumed that one wouldn’t find fatigue there. So much for making that assumption again. Nice to see you’re not afraid to crank your system. I regularly listen at 85- 90db levels and on frequent occasions hit 100+db levels. So many reviewers refuse to report on how equipment sounds at such levels. Then claim how said equipment is the cats meow!

[@michaela.5363]

Ultra high-end. Where do you go from here?

[@jaysaudiolab]

Nowhere but down lol

[@StuartKarlson-qn8pj]

A better room

[@vandemon9643]

Sideways, with other ultra-class components.

[@DYNABLASTERTUNERS]

Drivers must have bigger coils when it sounds good only loud

[@StuartKarlson-qn8pj]

Love your channel n what you do but please get a decent room and decent acoustic treatment, you are sitting to close and no room behind your couch . Sound would improve far more than any gear you bring in if this was done . The money you spend would be chicken feed to sell n get a better room.

[@jaysaudiolab]

Nah I’m good. I love my room but you could get yourself top level electronics for your amazingly beautiful highly treated room ?

[@StuartKarlson-qn8pj]

Correction you’ve lost my respect if you can’t handle facts . You got shit stuck all over the place , get an acoustic engineer like I did . This is called constructive criticism, no hate here bro. My room is properly and professionally treated, gryphon and Wilson owner myself , but sounded like shit until I got a pro in to fix it!

[@jaysaudiolab]

Good for you. Enjoy.

[@arkadiuszcurzytek7863]

I guess Esoteric source mighf bs responsible for the fatigue, it has the tendency to wear youe ears even in lower volumd levels

[@davidp3096]

Slightly of track Jay. I heard a system recently that simply had no character. There was pure, transparent sound which could easily pass as real music physically in front of you. You will judge the recording not the system Top DCS, Robert Koda Takumi K-15 pre. Latest constellation stereo power and latest Magico S3 Soundstage parameters could be small as a dot between the speakers or as wide as your room depending on the recording

[@toebuster]

I think most quality speakers perform best and shine at 90+ db.

[@mrhd5831]

Any speaker played at these levels for 3 hours strait will be fatiguing (and actually harmful).

[@garoldpowell863]

I was intrigued by your factory tour and interview with Magico founder. But I find it hard to understand a $xxx speaker with two 9 inch mid-bass and two 12 inch bass drivers needing a subwoofer...and then the need to switch to tube amps...you could never audition such speakers when so many variables are involved in getting a satisfactory listening experience. Then ear damaging SPLs...must need a 10k sq ft listening room. Not my cup of tea.

[@christofferekman8497]

The most american looking chairs I have ever seen!

[@ciprianporumb693]

One line: no one of them liked the presentation of Q7’s.

[@jaysaudiolab]

Wow you are smart lol

[@CarlVanDoren61]

What?? No BS Node streamer? 😮 Man these guys are missing out

[@michaela.5363]

You need to get the Pilium electronics in to match those Magicos

[@jaysaudiolab]

No thanks

[@robbase-f6x]

You don't buy a system like this because it sounds best - that's irrelevant ,,,,,,, you buy it because you have a big house and you have a huge room where you want an impressive show piece to fill open space ..... some folks buy a grand Piano ,,,,, others an expensive looking stereo system.

[@MrTripoint1]

Totally misjudging these speakers under these conditions. Missing the silence, serenity, harmonic overtones, fluidity, lack of purity (mechanical), dynamics are presented in a pushy unnatural manner. Typical hi-fi. The downfall of the audio industry. Most dealers are demoing this pathetic sound.

[@jm_1214]

No.... good systems sound good at low volumes

[@a.s.2426]

80 db average? Forget it.

[@austinlibby7025]

Matter of opinion, I have five of us pure high-end audio files totally disagree with both or all three of your decisions on what’s best that’s a joke. What’s best is a Corvette C8 with 1000 hp have more performance in a Volkswagen absolutely yes everyone agrees not hi-fi. It’s personal personal personal personal you guys should know that 3/4 of these reviewers are only in the review to get the equipment and half cost, you know $10,000 dealer pays 5000 for it you buy it put 5000 back in his pocket. It’s agreed greed green and this is just a hobby. Don’t take it as life or death. It’s a hobby and the 60s 70s and 80s it was a true hobby card. Johnson was out there. There was high product but it wasn’t mixed up with a ton of reviews that were all and that’s fine. It’s a personal thing I like black underwear you like underwear so don’t tell me the best of the best bunch of BS bunch of the best the best you’re the best lover and so is the guy across the street.

[@drumsac3004]

Magicos are ALWAYS fatiguing and sterile to me. I hate them.

[@robbase-f6x]

I have been to a lot of audio shows and they have never stood out to me as being any more then average .... now the MBL speakers - holy smokes did they sound good !

[@dmfdarkness]

​@@robbase-f6x I heard the small MBL speakers at the audio show in Dallas, and then though they were small....they were amazing.

[@RozeRosy-f3l]

These are like pmc and atc speakers ultra precession bright super definition Xray off music Love the majico

[@chrischarabowski3520]

I have to laugh, Jay just pushes over priced mediocre equipment. I have worked in major rerecording studios across the east coast and not one of them has equipment like the stuff on this channel. A good set of studio monitors would put this junk to shame. Like P. T. Barnum said there is a sucker born every minute.

[@jaysaudiolab]

Then go find a channel that suits your equipment taste. I don’t have plan in bringing the trash you just mentioned. This is about the ultra high end.

[@StuartKarlson-qn8pj]

Come on man you sound jealous because you can’t afford it

[@chrischarabowski3520]

@@jaysaudiolab You missed the point the trash that I mentioned is the trash that produced all the music that you listen to.

[@NeutronizedDjango]

The variations in personal tastes occur here and even if front end components are changed,the same end result will occur. If I have to live with a system, I have to like its performance delivering acceptable sonic presentation my taste in music , full stop! Optimization or the concept of what it is, is tired old subjectivity and time dependent, meaning one can be happier with results of changes for a limited time before performance criticism commence impelling the desire to exchange pieces, and this is the tragic trap audiophile fall into, but, one learns much more from switching pieces and deriving new sound signatures than tolerating boring sounds..