new Magico speakers the Q5

Speaker systems and their pricing will always be a topic of hot debate because more than any other component they are open to subjective assessment within a limitless array of contexts. Full range speaker systems are not inexpensive to produce and the competition for sales in that limited high-$ market is fierce.

If there are brands that grossly over charge for what is delivered I do not believe they will have long term success. European and Asian markets can sort out the wheat from the chaff even more quickly than the US and without strong markets overseas there is little chance for prolonged success.

That Magico is bringing a new model into the market in this economy is a sign of health and growth. That does not come by accident or slick marketing campaigns. They have some good dealers supporting them in the US and Europe and those are hard to come by these days.

I've heard Magico speakers sound great in Europe M5's with Spectral in Munich and at Goodwins with Boulder-- and not so great at a past show (mini 2's). Like other brands they are probably sensitive to rooms and ancillaries.

People may knock them or love them, but I doubt their pricing is inflated based on their obvious build quality and normal import margins.

Hens,
I wonder what marketing are you talking about? Any supported data you like to share? All I have seen so far from Magico, and I have been a big fan for many years now, is a monthly single ad page in TAS. It dwarfs in comparison it to the massive multiple pages ad campaigns of companies like Wilson or YG. Yet, all over the world Magico is being recognize as one of the best, if not the best, loudspeakers brand around. It surpasses YG dealer and distributor dealers network by 10 folds. Are you suggesting that the majority of audiophiles community, all over the world, are all wrong?

One thing which never cease to amuse is that whenever the name Magico popped, there's bound to be controversies and many will start ridiculing their prices. Wonder why this seldom happen with the many other exotic brands commanding similar or even higher pricing (categorically). Question is, are these other brands' asking price then more commensurate with the quality offered? Or perhaps market profile simply not 'tall' enough to be targeted as yet?

Bvdiman-

Very good question. I believe that Magico is challenging the typical audiophile “modus operandi”. Some people find it threatening since it puts their “reasoning” for buying products that they desire. Take for example Rtn1, which seamlessly criticizing Magico “value” while owning, what is “objectively” truly a very poor value, the Avalon Isis. Just because it is big, it does not mean it is worthy. I am truly amazed at the levels of “reality banding” that is going on, just to protect some vulnerable ego.

I've heard the Magico V2 and Mini II. I was not impressed by the Mini, but maybe the rest of the system was not well matched. At the same dealership in a different room and with completely different equipment, the V2 was simply stunning. I think $18K is a lot for a pair of speakers, but relative to a good analog front end plus phono stage, $18K seems reasonable for that level of quality. My point is that value is relative and enjoyment is subjective. And Magico has arrived in the marketplace with a bang. They are certainly doing something right.