I genuinely appreciate your guidance and have decided to save up for now. Thank you all for your thoughtful advice! 😊

9 hours ago, AccMagi7s said:

A gentleman in his seventies, who resides in Kuala Lumpur, recently contacted me via Facebook after viewing my YouTube upload. He extended an invitation for me to visit and collaborate. I believe I will certainly accept his invitation. 

 

Surprisingly, this is what he currently possesses!

I opted out on this topic earlier as we obviously have very different ideas on what represents a sound we like. So I thought anything I like is probably not what you would like.

That being said, and since this post, if I were to point you in any direction as to what I think works with the Magico’s i would of suggested listening to CH Precison they are my favourite amps on Magico by some distance (with limited experience) so it’s interesting now that another owner has recomended them.

Our decision making process is generally floored, and while I essentially agree with different amps, different flavours it’s the flavour that is critical, and you have already plunged the money. I debate that the Gryphon is the right flavour for you, but i also debate that completely satisfied is somewhere you may get.

But you can get to a place where there is no where else to go and so you may as well stop trying.

Here is an offer to listen to something else and i think travel too, and spend time with someone like minded, given the amount you have already invested this investment is minimal, what do you have to lose by going. I mean relax, don’t rush but go.

If you don’t like them then you have nothing to consider, if you do like them then you can consider what next.

The feeling inside that you want something different won’t actually change. The fantasy in the mind that something could be better causes more mind irritation than the firm knowledge something is. 

Thanks, Russ.

CH-Precision components are quite expensive; the cost of $300k for the pair of monoblocks is beyond my budget.

I'm not sure if you remember, but there was a complete CH front-end setup powering Magico M6 speakers back in 2018, owned by one of the doctors (I can't mention the name as he's deceased) here in Perth. Have you had a chance to listen to that setup?

 

Regarding another M7s owner in Malaysia, I will make a trip to Kuala Lumpur to listen to the gentleman’s setup. I find it intriguing that he utilises the Magico MXO active crossover, which is specifically designed for M9s, for his M7s and Magico Titan subwoofer.

Here’s what he wrote: “The MXO is an active 2-way 24dB/Octave 55Hz crossover.
MXO split the signal out from  Preamp. 55Hz and below goes to the Magico Titan sub. The Titan has its own build in power amp. Signal 55Hz and above goes to power amp that drives M7.
Remove 55Hz and below signal into the Poweramp increases the efficiency...low frequency is more demanding on the amplification. 
Ditto for the M7 which doesn't have to work that hard to deliver the deep bass. 
You can read online about crossover....the pros and cons.
I chosed Magico MXO and Titan sub as I believe the synergy of crossover, speakers and sub are very critical. “

 

Lets catchup when you’re next in Perth. 

Cheers. 

Edited June 20, 2025Jun 20 by AccMagi7s

I have heard Magicos sounding really good with both Accuphase  and Audio Flight Strumento no4 power amps.The way high end prices have gone the Audio Flights are probably a bargain .The preamps are nothing special but that is a cracker of a power amp .At least if you like a warm and organic sort of sound.

Edited June 21, 2025Jun 21 by THOMO

Now that my digital server is satisfactory, it's time to refocus on the analogue source. Major operation today to rearrange the furniture again to accommodate the AudioNet PAM G2 phono. Possible new Lyra Etna or Atlas in the foreseeable future. 

47 minutes ago, THOMO said:

I have heard Magicos sounding really good with both Accuphase  and Audio Flight Strumento no4 power amps.The way high end prices have gone the Audio Flights are probably a bargain .

 

 

Audia flight strumento no. 8 mono power amplifiers would probably be better again for those M7's, I wish I could afford a set of those no 8's myself.

Output power per channel W rms 8/4/2 ohm: 500/1000/2000

 

deleted....

Edited June 21, 2025Jun 21 by brodricj

Fine system you have there--Kudos--regarding "upgrading",terrible word I know!-- If it was Moi😎

I'd get that Lamm setup  being sold in your neck of the woods and forgo the rest😉!

 

The naysayers will tout 37w as insufficient --but I've heard that same Pre /Power combo driving WilsonXLF,s without any strain on Metallica ("Yep!)"and the  Saint-Saëns Organ Symphony-the purity and sonics were incomparable.

I've attended the original launch of the Magico brand at CES and always thought the idea of brute force Amplification used on their Speakers since then in the many demos both at shows/dealers and US private homes has not to my ears, proved mandatory to achieve what the Speaker is capable of.

 

The nuances, transparency, plus the layering to enable the performance flow sonically in a room required for fatigue free listening in a domestic environment--I feel the Lamm combo ticks not all the boxes but 99% of them.

Seriously the numerous brands out there that state their credentials while admirable, will come close to suffice in some singular areas over the Lamm System BUT not the 99% it delivers so concisely .

 

Good Listening,

Willco

4 hours ago, AccMagi7s said:

Now that my digital server is satisfactory, it's time to refocus on the analogue source. Major operation today to rearrange the furniture again to accommodate the AudioNet PAM G2 phono. Possible new Lyra Etna or Atlas in the foreseeable future. 

The Etna is good, but the Atlas leaves it for dead. And at that level, the Etsuro Gold is unbeatable. I don't think I've heard a better cartridge. Made a few Koetsus on the same rig sound rather ordinary by comparison.

Mark

Edited June 21, 2025Jun 21 by Douglas HiFi

18 minutes ago, Douglas HiFi said:

The Etna is good, but the Atlas leaves it for dead. And at that level, the Etsuro Gold is unbeatable. I don't think I've heard a better cartridge. Made a few Koetsus on the same rig sound rather ordinary by comparison.

Mark

 

Agree.  I own both and the Atlas is on another level.

  The Etna is a little more forgiving if that’s what you need or prefer. 

 

 I would luv to hear the Etsuro Gold.  

21 minutes ago, Douglas HiFi said:

The Etna is good, but the Atlas leaves it for dead. And at that level, the Etsuro Gold is unbeatable. I don't think I've heard a better cartridge. Made a few Koetsus on the same rig sound rather ordinary by comparison.

Mark

My preference is to get it right and stop chasing my tail. I will send a private message later, Mark. I might also consider your recommendation for a phono stage to match, but I will see what my budget allows.

We’re going to unboxing @brodricj’s flagship Esoteric Network Audio Transport

Grandioso N1T. 

https://www.esoteric.jp/en/product/n1t/top

 

My room is being tidied up for His Majesty. 

The Esoteric is in, it sounds absolutely phenomenal. To say the least! I'm left wondering whether Brodric might be in a bit of trouble after today’s visit, as I can’t seem to shake off my thoughts about this experience.

Let’s talk about the Esoteric Network Audio Transport Grandioso N1T. I’ve had the Tasso lower-grade Esoteric Network Transport here before, but it never quite made the cut—until today! Goodness gracious! Allowing him to do the unboxing video here was a monumental mistake. Now, how do I possibly overcome this once again, just like I did with my DIY DAC, and now the servers?

 

Will upload an unboxing video soon! 

 

Curse you Chanh!! I thought my system sounds OK. But after hearing the Esoteric Grandioso N1T playing Qobuz HiRez files on those glorious Magico M7's and Siltech wire your system was sounding totally off the audiophile Richter scale. It's the best system I have ever heard, by a long measure. I had goose bumps at times as I was transported into the Audiophile stratosphere.

Actually it was totally unbelievable, beyond comprehension. I have a lot of experience with the Esoteric Grandioso series and they all have needed 200+ hours break in time. This N1T was brand new cold straight out of the box yet it sounded mature and detailed and effortless and spacious...alas, perhaps even flawless. Tonight I have the Grandioso N1T connected to the Grandioso D1X mono DAC's via ESLINK (which is a better connection method than the USB we used earlier today) > Esoteric Grandioso C1X pre-amp > Halcro dm88 monoblocks > Magico M3's and it's sounding terrific. But I don't have Qobuz Connect, I'm listening to Spotify Connect. Until I heard Qobuz on your system today I thought Spotify was good enough. It is rather odd using a $45K network transport to stream 320 kbps lossy audio files. I'm going to have to think about a Qobuz subscription. It's going to be a long night.

 

 

Edited June 21, 2025Jun 21 by brodricj
Photo added

21 minutes ago, brodricj said:

Curse you Chanh!! I thought my system sounds OK. But after hearing the Esoteric Grandioso N1T playing Qobuz HiRez files on those glorious Magico M7's and Siltech wire your system was sounding totally off the audiophile Richter scale. It's the best system I have ever heard, by a long measure. I had goose bumps at times as I was transported into the Audiophile stratosphere.

Actually it was totally unbelievable, beyond comprehension. I have a lot of experience with the Esoteric Grandioso series and they all have needed 200+ hours break in time. This N1T was brand new cold straight out of the box yet it sounded mature and detailed and effortless and spacious...alas, perhaps even flawless. Tonight I have the Grandioso N1T connected to the Grandioso D1X mono DAC's via ESLINK (which is a better connection method than the USB we used earlier today) > Esoteric Grandioso C1X pre-amp > Halcro dm88 monoblocks > Magico M3's and it's sounding terrific. But I don't have Qobuz Connect, I'm listening to Spotify Connect. Until I heard Qobuz on your system today I thought Spotify was good enough. It is rather odd using a $45K network transport to stream 320 kbps lossy audio files. I'm going to have to think about a Qobuz subscription. It's going to be a long night.

 

 

I’m shocked that Spotify or 320 kbps is even an option with this quality of equipment 😱

25 minutes ago, brodricj said:

Curse you Chanh!! I thought my system sounds OK. But after hearing the Esoteric Grandioso N1T playing Qobuz HiRez files on those glorious Magico M7's and Siltech wire your system was sounding totally off the audiophile Richter scale. It's the best system I have ever heard, by a long measure. I had goose bumps at times as I was transported into the Audiophile stratosphere.

Actually it was totally unbelievable, beyond comprehension. I have a lot of experience with the Esoteric Grandioso series and they all have needed 200+ hours break in time. This N1T was brand new cold straight out of the box yet it sounded mature and detailed and effortless and spacious...alas, perhaps even flawless. Tonight I have the Grandioso N1T connected to the Grandioso D1X mono DAC's via ESLINK (which is a better connection method than the USB we used earlier today) > Esoteric Grandioso C1X pre-amp > Halcro dm88 monoblocks > Magico M3's and it's sounding terrific. But I don't have Qobuz Connect, I'm listening to Spotify Connect. Until I heard Qobuz on your system today I thought Spotify was good enough. It is rather odd using a $45K network transport to stream 320 kbps lossy audio files. I'm going to have to think about a Qobuz subscription. It's going to be a long night.

 

 

Your attempt to spoil my night with your added photo has been a success! 😍

 

Regarding online streaming services, I personally found QoBuz to have a superior sound quality compared to Tidal, while Tidal, in turn, outperformed Spotify. However, when listening to these services on my car, all of them sound remarkably similar. 

11 minutes ago, awayward said:

I’m shocked that Spotify or 320 kbps is even an option with this quality of equipment 😱

After hearing Qobuz Connect on Chanh's system today the Spotify Connect option might be relegated to HomePod duty. I would like to compare Qobuz Connect to my Esoteric Grandioso SACD transport. There might be a new King of digital sources.

4 minutes ago, brodricj said:

After hearing Qobuz Connect on Chanh's system today the Spotify Connect option might be relegated to HomePod duty. I would like to compare Qobuz Connect to my Esoteric Grandioso SACD transport. There might be a new King of digital sources.

It may be prudent to await the arrival of Wadax Studio. The time is drawing near. It will be an enjoyable experience to have you return to witness it firsthand. 

 

Further information will be provided shortly. 

2 minutes ago, AccMagi7s said:

It may be prudent to await the arrival of Wadax Studio...

Curse you again! My Esoteric Grandioso D1XSE is on order. 20% deposit down. Mine should be in the September production.

7 hours ago, AccMagi7s said:

My preference is to get it right and stop chasing my tail. I will send a private message later, Mark. I might also consider your recommendation for a phono stage to match, but I will see what my budget allows.

Hi Mark ( @Douglas HiFi)

Shortly after posting here, a very good friend from Victoria contacted me and offered me this cat, which I have accepted. 

https://www.artisanfidelity.com/

Hi Mark ( @mtf )  This one is on its way. It will be interesting. Speak more tomorrow. 

I've ordered a Shunyata Sigma v2 NR power cable for the N1T, I should receive it in a few days. I've also upgraded my chassis ground cables to Shunyata Sigma v2. However my Shunyata Altaira-SG grounding hub is fully loaded and doubled up in places, so I need another one of those. And of course I've run out of power outlets on my power distributors. The new Shunyata Everest-X was announced recently, and it has an eye watering price tag. My Everest 8000 can be hardware upgraded to the -X standard but Shunyata tells me the price for that will be about US$6k. Ouch. This caper is never ending. After hearing the Waversa today that will be a mandatory new addition to the inventory. I probably won't SFP my N1T, I'll optimize the ethernet hardware.

8 hours ago, AccMagi7s said:

Hi Mark ( @Douglas HiFi)

Shortly after posting here, a very good friend from Victoria contacted me and offered me this cat, which I have accepted. 

https://www.artisanfidelity.com/

Hi Mark ( @mtf )  This one is on its way. It will be interesting. Speak more tomorrow. 

That cart looks very interesting, I'll be curious to hear how it goes.

I noticed that website has my favourite cart too, the My Sonic Lab carts.

Dear Chanh, while remaining relatively steady for many years, your upgrade pattern appears to have recently entered a runaway expansion phase, please stay safe at this dangerous time!

🙂

 

Remember it's still all about synergy, between grape juice and the equipment.

 

25 minutes ago, Martykt said:

That cart looks very interesting, I'll be curious to hear how it goes.

I noticed that website has my favourite cart too, the My Sonic Lab carts.

Hi Marty,

 

This csttride I acquired surpasses $20,000. It is a special edition (another special order outside the 10yrs Ann) featuring complete silver coils and wiring. I was assured by him that it outperforms the Lyra Atlas in every conceivable aspect. Only time will reveal the truth. The evidence lies in the auditory experience. He is a trusted companion for couple decades, and he also owns a collection of turntables with a net investment exceeding $1 million, excluding tone arms and a shelves collection of different Cattridges model. During my last visit to Melbourne, he graciously accommodated my busy and hectic schedule, allowing me to stay at his place until 1:30 am in the morning. We exclusively listened to the turntable throughout the night.

 

I will need to borrow your ears when you travel to Perth again. Hopefully, Mark will have it properly set up by then.