Floorstanding loudspeakers — Magico M2

The M2 is a three-way, four-driver tower in the M Series from Magico of Hayward, California, announced on December 7, 2018 at USD 56,000 per pair, with deliveries from the first quarter of 2019. Unlike Magico's aluminium-bodied models, it uses a carbon fibre monocoque, with curved inner and outer walls intended to cut internal standing waves and external diffraction.

Key specs that matter

The complement comprises a 28 mm beryllium tweeter with diamond coating, a 6 inch graphene midrange and two 7 inch bass units. Response is quoted as 26 Hz to 50 kHz, sensitivity as 88 dB and nominal impedance as 4 ohm, and Magico asks for a minimum of 50 W RMS per channel. Measured with its stand, each speaker is 114.3 cm tall, 44.45 cm deep and 45.72 cm wide and weighs 75 kg.

Engineering and use context

The maker compares the monocoque with machined or extruded aluminium parts. It is laid up from multiple layers of carbon fibre to a total thickness of about 9.5 mm. According to the company, this raises the strength-to-weight ratio by a factor of 60, reduces overall weight by 50 % and makes the outer dimensions 30 % smaller with no loss of internal volume. Inside, a three-axis matrix framework is combined with three tension rods running from front to back, and the midrange is isolated in a purpose-built chamber of proprietary polymer. The tweeter has a neodymium motor tailored so its sensitivity and power rating match the other drivers, and is designed for long excursion and wide dispersion. Midrange and bass cones combine a Multi-Wall carbon layer of XG Nanographene with a new, ultra-stiff carbon weave of Magico's own, which is claimed to be 20 % lighter and 300 % stiffer than the previous Magico cone material, and the woofers are stacked vertically for room integration, with FEA simulation used to reduce music-related distortion. The crossover uses the Elliptical Symmetry topology with 24 dB Linkwitz-Riley slopes and Mundorf components from Germany. The optional MPod 3-point stand, priced at USD 7,600 per pair, is based on Constrained Layer Damping and acts as a noise channeling system that dissipates resonance. It comes as a set of six MPods with a professional grade torque wrench.

Pairing

With a demanding load and a stated power minimum, a transistor stereo amplifier or monoblocks with generous current reserves into low loads fit best, in a room of about 20 m2 or larger.

Alternatives

The Magico M3 is the bigger M Series floorstander, standing 120 cm tall and weighing 145 kg.