Monitor Audio Platinum or Magico A3

I submit your view point is important and relevant. In my opinion Audiogon is better served by having diverse opinions, but not when we talk at each other. It’s great to share our opinions based on what we have and our experiences. I think it confuses some we when talk in absolutes and no one benefits. Someone asked me if I could own Magico’s? My answer was yes, but they need the right components to make them sing! I love Magico S5 mkIIs, but I didn’t want to have to rebuild my entire system around them. Choosing a new speaker can cause many changes down the line and I just don’t want to do that anymore. I like the A3s, but they are too small for my 20' x 26' room.

OP:

The issue comes down to a couple of areas: bass reinforcement as well as mid/treble dispersion. 

Magico's have super-wide dispersion. In a well treated room, or one with lots of space to the sides, this gives an excellent image and tonal balance in a wide sweet spot. 

Monitor Audio tends to be a little more "apartment" friendly. They control dispersion, and have less inherent bass so when you put them in an average room they will sound better. 

Both are significant technical accomplishments, and to reiterate, you must listen, but keep in mind the audition space, and compare to your own target space. :) 

Oh, one other point. Magico uses caps which add quite a bit of color, if not scintillation to the top end to some speakers. It's like old Fuji film. 

I make no value judgement, but want you to note this may be happening, so take your time while listening and buy what you want to live with. :)