Magico’s new A5 is a statement speaker. Despite its advanced technology, it delivers musicality and transparency, setting a new benchmark for passive speakers according to stereoplay.
Introduction to Magico’s A5
The speakers from the Californian manufacturer Magico haven’t yet achieved the recognition they deserve for their sound quality. This might be because founder Alon Wolf doesn’t follow traditional market principles: Magico was founded in the 2000s, lacking a long history and fan base, and Wolf refuses to compromise on materials and construction, making his designs unaffordable for the average consumer.
Recently, Magico announced a flagship model in the M series, priced just under a million euros. The A5, on the other hand, offers flagship-worthy build and technology at about 1/30th of that price, making it accessible to more high-end audio enthusiasts.
Tech Specs
| PRODUCT | Magico A5 |
| ORIGIN | USA |
| TYPE | Floorstanding loudspeaker |
| WEIGHT | 82kg |
| DIMENSIONS (HxWxD) | 1137x267x378mm |
| FEATURES | • 28mm beryllium dome tweeter • 105mm midrange and 3x 175mm sandwiched-coned bass drivers • Quoted sensitivity: 88dB/1W/1m (8ohm) |
| DISTRIBUTOR | Absolutesounds.com |
| WEBSITE | magicoaudio.com |
Design and Construction
Like the A3, the A5 aims to maximize potential. The A5, however, takes a different approach with a 3-way system and a smaller midrange driver for better sound stability in typical living room environments. This driver was specially developed for the A5, using Magico’s best materials, including graphene.
The A5’s enclosure is built from thick aluminum plates, following Magico’s high construction standards. These plates are reinforced with an internal skeleton, securing each outer wall with numerous screws to eliminate resonances.
Two of these internal braces also serve as partitions for the midrange driver. Both acoustic chambers are sealed, and the rigid membranes require no traditional internal damping.
Materials and Drivers
Magico’s choice of materials includes beryllium for the tweeter, known for its excellent high-frequency performance. The A5 features a beryllium dome tweeter that operates from 2200 Hz, ensuring a smooth transition to the midrange driver.
The star of the A5 is its small midrange driver, measuring 5 inches in diameter but with an active membrane less than 10 cm. This driver handles only the midrange frequencies, with a high-pass filter at 250 Hz.
The bass is handled by three 9-inch drivers, designed for high excursion and power handling. These drivers use the same high-tech material combination as the midrange driver but are built to move more air for strong, accurate bass without the need for bass reflex ports.
Sound Performance
Despite its impressive bass capabilities, the A5 delivers precise and controlled low frequencies. Proper placement, particularly regarding distance from the rear wall, is crucial for optimal performance. In our tests, the A5 demonstrated remarkable speed and dynamics, handling tracks like Peter Gabriel’s “Steam” with agility and balance.
At higher volumes, the A5 maintained transparency without harshness, making it suitable for various music genres. Tracks like “A Star is Born” by Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper, and the Eagles’ “Seven Bridges Road,” showcased the A5’s ability to deliver intimate, audiophile-quality sound.
Complex orchestral pieces like Smetana’s “Moldau” and Bruckner’s 8th Symphony revealed the A5’s ability to handle intricate arrangements with clarity and emotional impact.
Technical Details and Materials
Magico designs all their drivers, using the best materials for each component. The tweeter uses beryllium, known for its excellent acoustic properties. The woofers and midrange drivers are made of a three-layer sandwich with graphene-coated carbon fiber, combining low weight, high tensile strength, and frequency-independent damping.
Graphene: The Wonder Material
Graphene, a synthetic form of carbon, is incredibly strong in two dimensions, making it ideal for reinforcing carbon fiber. This results in a material with unmatched stability, perfect for high-end audio applications.
The Magico A5 is a culmination of cutting-edge materials and meticulous engineering, delivering an unparalleled listening experience.
In Sight
- Custom 28mm beryllium dome tweeter
- Custom 105mm foamed-cored mid unit with graphene and carbon-fibre skin
- Three bass units are another custom unit – larger versions of the mid driver with a roll surround and rare-earth magnet
- Spikes do not come much sturdier!
- Single set of 4mm speaker cable binding posts
How it compares
While the Magico A5s are part-and- parcel of its ‘affordable’ A series, this flagship floorstander nonetheless commands an exceeding high-end price tag. This puts it right up there in competition with established references including the B&W 800 D3s and Wilson Audio Yvettes. These are both gorgeous- sounding speakers with exceptional qualities, the B&W flagship arguably closer to the A5 in overall balance and extension. If you are looking to splash your cash on something completely different then the Uno XD from German horn specialists Avantgarde could be just the ticket for a ‘live’ in-room experience!
Conclusion
The Magico A5 achieves a perfect balance between impulse dynamics and smooth resolution. It excels across all musical genres, extracting the best from each recording without colorations. The A5 is ideal for modern listening environments with streaming services and vast music libraries.
The A5 shines most with complex arrangements, stunning listeners with choral works, big bands, and orchestral brass sections. Tracks like Natalie Cole’s “My Baby Just Cares for Me” and Wagner’s “Tannhäuser” highlight the A5’s capability to reproduce both intimate vocals and powerful instrumental backdrops with holographic precision.
The Magico A5 Loudspeaker Review
Founded in July 2014, 7Review is a free audio resource for beginners, and we're dedicated to helping you create the ultimate movie-watching experience right at home. We pull insights from top audio magazines and trusted industry sources to bring you well-researched, reliable reviews and tips. Whether you're a home cinema pro or just starting out, we aim to give you the info you need to make the best choices for your setup.
Mr Magico is the best magician for any kids party. We absolutely loved him!