More than just open baffle, Maco Macarias Speakers

[@ThomasAndStereo]

A special offer from MACO Visit macoacoustic.com 10% off the MACARIAS for the first 10 people who use this code in the next month: THOMAS10FOR10

[@CarlVanDoren61]

Thanks for sharing 👍

[@Audiofreak71]

Good to see a speaker manufacturer pushing the bar for better sound. Thanks for the video Thomas.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

I think it is rare to see a speaker manufacturer choosing the best possible components as opposed to choosing the least expensive components.

[@Audiofreak71]

@@ThomasAndStereo Agreed , especially at this price point.

[@robk5745]

Made in Canada with no cutting corners! Love it, Canada is starting to pump out the great products.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Yup, when I go to the factory here in Quebec, man, they have this proudly made in Quebec flag 30 times my size on their wall. The only thing is it is expensive. The packaging box for my class A amp, made in Canada here, cost me 13x more compared to the one I made in China.

[@robk5745]

@@ThomasAndStereo everything is so expensive here in Canada but less and less people want to buy from abroad and enjoy buying local, far more pride in ownership!

[@ThomasAndStereo]

@@robk5745 Maybe, many complain about made in China, but when they see the price of Made in Canada, they complain even more. I think only Schiit audio is able to pull it off at low price.

[@Cyril29a]

Canada has been pumping out some cool stuff for a long while now I think. We definitely had a hold in the mid fi market at least but I think HiFi was pretty well represented considering we are only 39 million people

[@ThomasAndStereo]

@@Cyril29a There are a lot of amazing engineers here in Canada.

[@DrNoahBoddy004]

Count me impressed! They sound fantastic! That relative ease in projection stands out for me, as I cannot stand eyeball-scorching PA screaming from speakers! An Excellent assessment, and thank you for posting.

[@Voidoid77]

Love your enthusiasm, always! Many thanks for your great Galion TS components, and your very objective, comparative & informative videos. All the very best from Japan, (ex-Scotland).

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Thank you very much!

[@user-od9iz9cv1w]

Interesting! Well done demoing with toe in vs straight ahead. Seems to me that these drivers have problems with off axis response. So much more information in the toed in demo. I am not a fan of your demo track, but I have to say these speakers caused me to sit up and listen to it like I have never heard it before. Made me wonder what they sound like with music that I like. Great review. BTW as a fellow Canadian I am proud of these people building something special at a great price right here in the most expensive city in NA. These guys are in west central Toronto where the average house is in the millions. Not for the faint of heart.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Yes, I'm glad you heard the difference in the sound demo and yeah proud of them too.

[@davelistenstohifi]

Great review as always Thomas! I really feel like I know what these speakers are all about, gotta get an audition myself.

[@dajikbatarang1]

I always wanted to try an open baffle speaker, but I prefer a multiway design rather than the use of a full range driver. I would still love to hear these.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Yup, try different things, you never know.

[@stevieg2755]

In the seventies we used Jensen 6x9 in the back of our vehicles,cause the cutouts were already there for that,they were full range and had the cone on the center, In 1970s money would set you back around 60.00

[@20CycleMonger]

Apparently I'm just getting my feet wet with 2.2 sat/sub, TL & Maggie/Sub systems and satisfied with my music sessions. I just need some audio buddies for the full range, horns and OB experiences... Great review Mr T!

[@CarlVanDoren61]

Think ahead, very affordable 👌

[@Justwantahover]

If you lower the baffle to the floor by less than 1/4" it will make the bass more colored (I reckon). More boomy and bonky just by a little bit.

[@armadilllo]

I made some of those in 3rd grade when i found a pair of old speakers in a field, the boxes were broken so I just took the fronts

[@riccitone]

These really are special…and so glad that we’re getting your impressions on them.Thanks again for your super comprehensive approach! Wondering how much of a delta between these and the new Caladans by Clayton Shaw at 1/2 the price. Noted that these aren’t just a simple open baffle 🙏🏼👍🏼

[@histubeness]

I own the Caladans in walnut. They're less than 1/3 the price of the Macarias in equivalent walnut baffle.

[@tee-jaythestereo-bargainph2120]

🇨🇦 kicking butt in Audio ! Thanks Thomas ' Hit the 👍 button !!

[@carlitomelon4610]

Interesting: Isolation feet with OBs? The LRS are OB, so this review got me to experiment... I squished some Moon Gel pads under the metal T bracket feet of the vertical stands of my Oak framed LRS (on tiled concrete floor- thick wool rug between speakers). This gives the speaker a damped subsonic (3hz?) frequency "wobble" if poked. Initial impression? I believe I can hear further back into acoustic recordings. Images more detached from the plane of the panels. I find this surprising, since I've long subscribed to the rigid spiked philosophy 😮 Maggies don't fit that idea! Then came Max Townsend podium$... You can buy 10 Moon Gel pads for about $20. Cheap upgrade/experiment! 🎵🎶😀🎶🎵

[@mudibluz2006]

Are these better than the perlistens s7t since they are similarly priced? Also isn’t Clayton Shaws caladan speakers better than these for only 3k a pair?

[@ThomasAndStereo]

The Perlistens are sealed box designed so it will not have that 'open' sound as the Maco speakers. At the same time, the bass of the Perslistens will be stronger. However, you will not have the intimacy of the midrange of Maco, but the Perlisten will be..... you get the point. It is like comparing cucumber to broccoli just because they are both green color, which one taste better? So are these better than S7T, yes for some people, no for other people. Is Clayton Shaws speaker better? Define better? More intimate midrange? Faster bass? More detail? I don't think anyone can say it is better until they try both at home, and these Maco speakers have not shipped yet.

[@hh88hht]

If can only have one set of speaker would you keep the sopra 2 or large open baffle

[@dannyng5427]

How does it compare to Pure Audio Project?

[@ericelmore887]

Thomas I’m waiting for you to do a open baffle design or electrostatic design.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Haha...I actually have access to a design with smaller driver but it is a tower. Shipping will be an issue so that is why I don't think I will move forward.

[@endrizo]

you can always add a sub and supertweeters, caution with mid bass it can easily be a muddy mess

[@moogoomoogoo5990]

I loved these at Axpona. I have a McIntosh MA9500. I see you had a McIntosh on the video but didn’t comment about the pairing. Any thoughts?

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Well the MAC 6700 has a more older Mcintosh sound while the MA9500 has the newer sound. So my experience with the pairing might not be meaningful to you. I would say out of all the amps I tried with the Maco, it was middle of the pack because 6700 is not a fast sounding amp, and I like the Maco with a bit more speed.

[@SuperMcgenius]

Dam, foil inductors, those are expensive and the very best, you don’t find those on $.100,000 speakers. I have done side by side tests with foil vs wire coils and the difference is huge😮

[@thinkIndependent2024]

Your Best Ever

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Thank you!

[@brucermarino]

Thanks for another fascinating review. One question!. These appear to be dual-cone as opposed to actual full-range drivers we're all sound does propagated by a single cone. As such they have a mechanical crossover and the high-frequency cone shadows the main cone. This can involve more compromise than a typical electrically crossed over two a design. So, I would distinguish them from "true" full range drivers which have only a single cone like some Mark Audio drivers, for example. Any thoughts? Thanks!

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Ah, I don't know the technical side but you taught me something!

[@brucermarino]

@@ThomasAndStereo Thank you, my friend!

[@georgechirayus4865]

Thanks for the review. Great one! I have mine ordered very early on when they had the VIP deal. Should be in production in July. Deborah was great to deal with - very helpful. As a follow up, you said you enjoyed them when played at a louder volume. Would be grateful if you can elaborate what “louder” is for you please (approximate dB)?

[@ThomasAndStereo]

They sound ok at 75db but I like them 80db and more because it makes me feel like going to the gym.

[@georgechirayus4865]

@@ThomasAndStereo Thank you. Will contact you on possible Galion matching in due course. 👍

[@labalo5]

I like these but darn is there something to do with low soundstage other than sitting on the floor??

[@CarlVanDoren61]

Yes, taller speakers 🔊 Fill room w more sonics

[@handjarshrirukmana3986]

I wonder if i could use field coil driver from Voxative as open buffle speakers...

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Only one way to find out.

[@davidchesters7040]

I want some Tannoy 15" golds to make a set of open baffle speakers with. No way I'll ever have the cash, but I've already got the mahogany fronts for them :) A man can dream. If anyone out there can afford to source and build them, I'd love to know if I'm right in that they would sound amazing.

[@JohnDoe-np3zk]

For under 2k I got the magnepans lrs and two relt5 subs. I just cant wrap my head around these for 16k. The open baffle is interesting but to me having exposed drivers just looks silly. Then they have done a cup midrange with some odd tweeter in the middle. Let me play my Infinity Kappa 8s and plug these in see what they do then. Lose is my guess.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

I have had the Magnepan LRS, 0.7i, 1.7i as well as REL subs and all I can say is, not all speakers technology sound the same. There are things Magnepan can do that no other speakers can do. However, there are things single driver can do that no other speaker can do. That is the point of having different technology, there is not only one way to Audio Nirvana. $16k is because of Granite. Paying a company to make you a handful of granite body here in Canada is expensive. That is the cost of doing business in Canada. Infinity Kappa, sure I have listened to them before. They are ok for what they are but they cannot do everything too.

[@dajikbatarang1]

If you actively crossover the subs it will be even better and allow the maggies to open up even more. I actively cross my 1.7i at 65hz makes such a difference.

[@jkim4712]

I have Maggie 3.6 Active 3-way DSP with double 12 inch subs. But when I compare it to Apogee or dynamic drivers speakers, Maggie still comes short on dynamics and bass details because of not enough driver excursion and weak speaker structure. It is a good speaker for the money but more money and different technology can do better.

[@dajikbatarang1]

@@jkim4712 I would love to get a pair of apogee’s but all the ones ive seen on the used market are in rough shape and I wouldnt know where to service them.

[@CarlVanDoren61]

​@@dajikbatarang1 Florian w Clarisys Audio 😊

[@RedSinter]

Thomas didn't you think to review them with your reportedly Excellent TS A75?

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Between the TS A75 and TS34, the TS34 was a better match. So I just highlight the one with the best match. Sure, the TS A75 will make those speakers shake my foundation but the TS 34 could do the same a bit less but faster. The mid range is another story, this is where the EL34 tubes get a chance to shine.

[@WoodstockG54]

Thomas, did you ever live in Vancouver? I’m trying to figure out where I have seen you. Sound Room?

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Nope, by brother did!

[@WoodstockG54]

@@ThomasAndStereo Interesting 🙏🏼

[@donnywidodo8874]

They write this in their site : "Drivers shown are MACO™ prototypes; the final version that will come standard with the MACARIAS are featured below in the section "MACO™ Drivers" so it will be different?

[@ThomasAndStereo]

The aesthetic will be different.

[@donnywidodo8874]

@@ThomasAndStereo man that toe in does do magic, nice find!

[@chengo51]

Less echo in the second session starting at 19:53.....now this is over internet...so ....

[@firecloud77]

What is "dryness" in the mids? Never heard of such a thing.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

@firecloud77 use this link for what it means. Basically means short decay. www.stereophile.com/content/sounds-audio-glossary-glossary

[@matthewhalliday8193]

Even without me having my headphones in on my phone you could hear a difference from when you had them straight forward and they didn't sound as good as when they were toed in 🙂.

[@JingoLoBa57]

Did you test with a tube amp of certain lineage :-) Noodles at the ready…

[@alpachlavi]

If Open Baffle are so great and even cheaper to build, why aren‘t they industry standard? What is the reason? There must be major downsides? Which are they?

[@ThomasAndStereo]

WAF. Those speakers are big.

[@alpachlavi]

@@ThomasAndStereo Are you sure this is the only reason Thomas? What about placement? I heard they are Divas compared to closed baffles?

[@ThomasAndStereo]

@alpachlavi sure, there must be gazillion reasons why it is not as popular. I cannot speak for everyone since everyone has their reasons. What I think is true is rarely people get to listen to an open baffle today. If people have no experience with open baffle, how can they be interested in open baffles? Magnepan seems to be very popular and they are open baffle. Something to think about. In the 70s, we have speakers with big 15 inch woofers , and today, we have 5 inch small speakers. Is it because 5 inch woofers are better? Someone who has listened to a 15-inch woofer might not agree, but how many people have had the chance to listen to 15 inch woofers.

[@alpachlavi]

@@ThomasAndStereo ok, you won. Next speaker I will try is an OB. Thank you

[@fumo1000]

really don't understand your opening statement on the difference between open baffle and boxed speaker.... you can add whatever type of driver types to either style....

[@ckeister74]

you should always demo speakers without other speakers in the room, sympathetic resonance will suck out energy and sound from the source. This is audio 99 level, remedial. I expect better Thomas

[@ThomasAndStereo]

I need a bigger house :(

[@20CycleMonger]

@ThomasAndStereo This has been "De rigueur " since the 70s with Linn/Naim dealer's "single speaker demonstration rooms". They wouldn't even allow telephones in the dem rooms due to their deleterious effects. Now we'll have to take your previous speaker reviews with a pinch of salt! At the very least one should short out the unused speaker inputs to electrically brake/damp the drivers. Happy to hear you've seen the light / heard the colouration;-)

[@matytinman]

I am not convinced by the sound. I ask for more for what they cost.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

There is nothing to convince, sound is subjective and personal. Once you find the right sound for you, nothing else matters...well except the price I guess.

[@CohibaJoe]

100% agree. I had been an early VIP (40%) off but did not take the bait. Sound for the show did lack Bass and was picky on types of music that was played. The price reflects the cost of the speaker cabinet which the speakers themselves should be the main factor.

[@paulsochinfan]

Me too, I've been an early VIP but didn't go for it. I think the speaker needs side and bottom wings

[@jamesschneider3828]

My issue with these is there is no place for my cats to sit on top. 😻

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Darn, forget WAF, CAF should now be considered for all speaker manufacturer

[@ericlubow4354]

Good review but your video’s sound is muffled like there’s a blanket over the mike. In contrast with other videos, there is a significant difference.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

There is 2 sound demo at the end, did you listen to both?

[@ericlubow4354]

I’m talking about your voice, not the speakers. Compared to many other KZbin videos, it’s muffled.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

@@ericlubow4354 I need a new camera

[@incredifunk]

I like that you prefer your tube amplifiers... Although why not let us hear the experience with you? It don't say it's because we won't hear the same you're hearing through our phones. Some of us listen on home stereo systems for just that reason

[@ThomasAndStereo]

I chose the best sounding match one instead which is the Pathos Kratos.

[@haraldh.9354]

noit new look for blue planet acoustic power trio........and hifiakademie Dipol speaker

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Yup, lots of options.

[@ACM1000000PT]

so it's a open baffle with 2 drivers, got it

[@annebokma4637]

Electrostats!!!! You cant call yourself an audiophile if you havent heard a pair of those 🤔

[@pongyang8705]

Come on Thomas. You’re killing me. Where’s your class A amp and tube preamp? 😅

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Class A amp is ready, it will be selling on my website by Tuesday May 22. The video maybe by next weekend? Tube preamp is back to the drawing board, my friends were not wow by it and if they are not wow by it, it does not come to market.

[@pongyang8705]

@@ThomasAndStereo Awesome! Can’t wait Thomas! I am thoroughly impressed with what you’ve been able to accomplish in such a short amount of time! Much respect!

[@henrikhengerics6782]

@@ThomasAndStereo And how do these sound with the A20 amp?

[@ThomasAndStereo]

@@henrikhengerics6782 They sound very very very detailed and there is enough current to move those 15 inch woofer. I did not talk about it because for the Maco, I prefer the TS34 more because that combo gave me goose bumps. we were AB testing against a $7k class D amp and my friends were like WTF, the TS34 is a better match.

[@Artemis_Prix]

​@ThomasAndStereo Oh my, Oh my! Can't wait to see what you come up with Thomas. My Freya+ was purchased as a hold-me-over, pending the purchase of a PS Audio BHK preamplifier. I've debated upgrading the Freya so that it's more than just good enough, but am still on the fence...$400+ dollars in high quality caps vs. the $900 purchase price of the Freya will do that to a person. The Freya dampened many, but not all, of the magical dynamics my system was able to produce pre-Freya. But, upgraded tubes, silver coated interconnects, and power cables brought some of that back. With one of your preamplifiers installed, I hope the world will be my Oyster. Keep innovating Thomas. Good luck.

[@eosare]

21.27 minutes youtube commercial

[@ThomasAndStereo]

@eosare For some people, anything that is overwhelming negative is a commercial. Funny I did not get paid for making a commercial.

[@Thomas..Anderson]

Exactly. At about the same a lot of those self proclaimed gear reviewers started pushing this borderline scam. What you get with this loudspeaker are two low quality cheap big drivers in a slab of a material of your choice. Wrapped in usual audiophile mumo kambo that makes no sense. Just a trap to divert money from naive suckers.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

@@Thomas..Anderson You forgot to add the few hundred thousands in R&D and customs minimum orders to the price. If you have time, you should read this forum post to see what is the true cost to run a business. I can relate because I run a business now. www.avsforum.com/threads/philharmonic-audio-dennis-murphy.1348949/page-418?post_id=57933376#post-57933376

[@sanolivo6867]

I hope they don't sound as ugly as they look 😂

[@BasicYTUser]

First

[@myu4039]

You're the best one!

[@johnnysmile01]

No bass not for me

[@ThomasAndStereo]

There is enough bass to shake your room but not exaggerated bass

[@johnnysmile01]

@@ThomasAndStereo alright so it's for me after all the problem is the size they até pretty big 🤔

[@ThomasAndStereo]

@johnnysmile01 if it is the size, there nothing you can do.

[@neuronmind]

These speakers are just bad design . The fronts are hold by nothing ( normal an entire box will hold it in place and stops it from resonating ). Without it the entire front will resonate on it's own resonate frequency which is a worse case scenario. And the louder you play, the worse it gets. And there's more like no dampening of the speaker units themselves and radiation of sound from the back of the speaker straight into your room ( which is out of fase ). Same problem like electrostats , you have to place them half way in your listening room and still you will have bad low frequency response .

[@neuronmind]

@@dougdavis8986 I already do so. It's one of my hobby's.

[@5thlevelweb887]

Dipoles also have plenty of advantages - like side cancellations minimizing side wall reflections - and my electrostats sound great just 3' from the front wall.

[@peterw2714]

Boxes can and do resonate on most box speakers. This company has a stone option for their baffles that don’t resonate much at all.

[@neuronmind]

@@peterw2714 I listen on Floating chameleons III . The tweeters are totally disconnected from the baffle and case (hence the name Floating) complete different concept but sounds very detailed and open.