An all-new S3 from Magico

THE Magico S3 is the third iteration of the series, but the latest version features such extensive improvements over the MkII that the company has returned to the original model name, calling it the “new S3”. It features trickle-down technology from Magico’s flagship M9, with improvements made in the enclosure, drivers and coupling system.

The enclosure is now assembled from four separate extruded aluminium panels. According to Magico, “each panel, including the front baffle, is carefully machined to take on an overall edgeless-shaped perimeter”, while the “machined top plate is curved and has an upward pitch to minimise enclosure diffraction, and break up vertical standing waves.”

The thicker baseplate incorporates a new three-point outrigger system with a new foot design that “lowers the centre of gravity of the speaker and increases overall stability, resulting in a lower noise floor
and increased dynamics.”

Magico says the new enclosure, which is 30% quieter than its predecessor, benefits from “uncompromised investment in measurement technology.”

The transducer chassis has benefitted as well: “New chassis profiles have been developed for the S3’s midrange and bass drivers, which result in ideal stiffness and damping properties to minimise any acoustical contribution by reducing resonant modes while also maximising air flow.”

The tweeter features Magico’s acclaimed 28mm diamond-coated beryllium diaphragm. “Optimised geometry, created using state-of-the-art Finite Element Analysis modelling tools, brings the S3’s high-frequency reproduction one step closer to perfection. This was achieved by skilfully leveraging beryllium’s physical properties, making the tweeter closer to the theoretical ideal without gaining the extra weight normally associated with a material such as diamond’s specific gravity. The new S3 tweeter registers the lowest distortion measurements possible today from a high-frequency transducer.”

Both the five-inch driver and nine-inch woofers have received significant updates as well.

The former features “an advanced cone material formed of a honeycomb aluminium core sandwiched with outer and inner layers of graphene and carbon fibre. This enables wider dispersion characteristics and results in greater midrange transparency.” The cone is supported by a customised basket assembly and innovative foam surround, which helps achieve ideal cone/surround integration, faster settling time, and impressively low distortion.

“The bass driver features an enhanced version of Magico’s Graphene Nano-Tec cone and incorporates oversized components including a five-inch pure titanium voice coil and huge copper cap with 1/2-inch of linear excursion.” The new S3 features twin bass drivers.

The S3 has sensitivity of 88dB, impedance of four ohms, and frequency response of 24Hz to 50kHz.

The new Magico S3 starts shipping in the first quarter of 2023; retail prices per pair are US$45,000 for M-Cast (textured powder coat finish) and US$52,000 for M-Coat (high gloss paint finish).