I am in the midst of trying to make a decision between the YG Acoustics Hailey 3 and Magico S3 (both the latest/current models) as my next speaker. I have a small to mid-size listening space. My equipment consists of the MSB Cascade DAC and S500 power amp. I have heard and auditioned the Magico S2, S3, S5, and M2 at a local dealer in Portland (Pearl Audio). They are a dCS house btw. The S5 was better than the S3 for sure, but it would be way too much for my space. The S3 definitely sounded better than the M2.
The only other speaker I am very seriously considering is the YG Acoustics Hailey 3. I am planning on flying out to Alma Audio in San Diego in a few weeks to listen to the higher priced YG Sonja 3.2 speaker with MSB S202 amp and Reference DAC.
If any of you have had a chance to audition Magico vs YG, please share your experience with me. Any insights and thoughts that could help me make a decision here would be much appreciated.
I had Magico S5 2024 for a while. Along with the Cascade and S500. Having listened to the Hailey 3 multiple times. I preferred the YG. It’s warmer and more musical than Magico. But Magico will find every last bit of detail that exists in the music to a fault. They are brilliant speakers, just not my cup of tea. No regrets and didn’t not enjoy my time with them, but they didn’t stay.
If you have hardwoods with a water based finish be cautious the feet will stain your floors.
So you have YG’s now? Which ones? And regarding hardwood floors getting stained, it wasn’t clear from your comment which speakers were you referring to… if you would clarify please. And by staining, you mean the weight of the speakers will leave an indent in the hardwood?
No YG at the moment, they are on the short list right now, I have something else on loan right now I’m evaluating. Hailey or Sonja would be my choice.
As for the staining it was the Magico S5 but they use the same feet pads as the S3 and S2 and I assume the S7. Not indenting, stains. Something in the rubber was interacting with the solid white oak floors unfortunately. You can see the silver dollar sized dots on the floor in this picture
Having listened to the Hailey 3 multiple times. I preferred the YG.
I can’t agree anymore. Magico brings out more musical detail, while YG brings more balance. Using the MSB DAC as the source is already of very high quality and density, in my opinion. I would suggest that the subsequent pairings could be even more balanced and musical.
If possible, listen to both before making a decision.
Alma Audio now carries Von Schweikert loudspeakers; you may want to audition both the VR.30 and the Ultra.7 while you’re there. I have the Ultra.9 and the VR.55 Aktive (priced below the Hailey 3), and I love them!
And the preventive measure is to use thin silicone pads under them. You can find them as kitchen pot holders and likely other places. Amazon would probably be a good start.
Wow… This reflects poorly on such a heavily engineering-focused brand like Magico… Are they aware of this issue? I am sure yours is not an isolated incident.
