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KEF Reference 1 Meta vs. Magico Loudspeakers A1 in a Small Space
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- Written by SoundStage! Hi-Fi Reader SoundStage! Hi-Fi Reader
- Category: Reader Feedback Reader Feedback
- Created: 28 April 2023 28 April 2023
Hi Doug,
I would like to ask for your advice on a speaker to choose for a 12′ × 11′ × 9′ office. I have some additional space with a closet door removed and my desk stuffed into that space. The room is nicely treated with GIK panels.
I used to have a pair of KEF LS50 Metas and KEF KC62 sub in this room and it was great. However, I have a new 200W amp that makes sub integration difficult. I am looking for a monitor speaker to replace the LS50 Meta so that I can get more bass without running a sub. The LS50 Meta needs the sub to shine.
My two top contenders are the KEF Reference 1 Meta and the Magico A1. I have not heard the A1 but have heard the A3. I thought the A3 was good but not great, due to driver-integration (coherence) issues with the bass (for my ears). I am assuming the A1 being a two-way will not have these driver-integration issues for my ears.
I expect the KEF Reference 1 to be a better version of the LS50 Meta + KEF KC62 sub, but I am concerned a bit about the Reference 1 being too powerful for my office.
Which speaker would you choose for my small office?
Regards,
MC
United States
Hello MC,
Based on what you’ve told me, I think that the KEF Reference 1 Meta would be a better choice than the Magico A1, for the reasons I’ll outline below.
Bass issues of the A3 aside, if you only thought that the A3 was good but not great, I can’t see you thinking that the A1 is great. I reviewed the A1 in May 2020 and thought it to be a fine-sounding standmount loudspeaker. But even at that time, there were speakers available that I know some would find as good or better than the A1. For example, our electronics measurement specialist, Diego Estan, tried the A1s in his system, liked them, but thought his Focal Sopra No1s were better. And now, there’s even more choice.
Then there’s the price, though I don’t know how important that is to you. The A1 was $7400 per pair (all prices in USD) when I reviewed it. Now it’s $9400 per pair, which is quite an increase. By the way, those prices don’t include stands or grilles.
I haven’t reviewed the Reference 1 Meta, but I did review the original Reference 1 way back in 2014. I thought that model to be spectacular. Since KEF has a reputation for making improvements with each subsequent series, I’d imagine that the Reference 1 Meta is at least as good or better—though, admittedly, that’s speculation. The Reference 1 Meta is priced at $9000 per pair, without stands but with grilles, which is obviously cheaper than the A1. It also comes in multiple beautiful finish options, whereas the A1 comes in plain ol’ black.
I don’t think a pair of Reference 1 Metas will overload your space any more than a pair of Magicos would. Any bass issues are likely going to be similar. But, just like the original Reference 1, the Meta version comes with two user-installable bass ports of different lengths to tune the low-frequency output to your room, which could come in handy.
That said, I want to caution you about something—neither the A1 nor the Reference 1 Meta will give you the bass depth that the LS50 and KC62 combination does, all because the KC62 can easily reach down to 20Hz in a room of your size. The Reference 1 Meta and A1 deliver bass to about an octave higher. But since you mentioned subwoofer integration to be a problem with the electronics you have, it’s kind of a moot point—though I did want you to be aware of that. I hope this helps you make a good decision.
Doug Schneider
All the Right Points on Vinyl
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- Written by SoundStage! Hi-Fi Reader SoundStage! Hi-Fi Reader
- Category: Reader Feedback Reader Feedback
- Created: 07 April 2023 07 April 2023
Hi Doug,
It was a great article! You hit all the right points with your usual balanced perspective. Like you and many others, I am not an absolutist when it comes to music reproduction. All sources can produce great music when properly matched and, more importantly, when located in a suitable listening environment. As a middle-aged man, I still have records from my youth (I have about a thousand LPs and about the same number of CDs, and I also stream from Tidal). I rarely buy new vinyl as most of my listening is from digital sources. The exception is well-recorded, well-pressed reissues, or new albums (even those with digital “tinkering,” though I won’t get into the MoFi debacle here). I am happy to see the younger generation getting into LPs, no matter their motivation, but given the prices of new LPs, I don’t think the extra 10–20 dollars compared to the price of the same CD is worth it.
Thank you,
Reginald
Canada
On State-of-the-Art Measurements
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- Written by SoundStage! Hi-Fi Reader SoundStage! Hi-Fi Reader
- Category: Reader Feedback Reader Feedback
- Created: 03 February 2023 03 February 2023
To Doug Schneider,
I enjoyed your piece on the NAD Masters M23 and the affordability of high resolution. I’ve had the NAD Masters M33 for about two years now and it’s left me scratching my head. It does a lot of things extremely well, but it always seems like something is missing. Maybe I don’t want ultimate transparency. My favorite amp ever was a McCormack DNA-500, a big, heavy, meaty-sounding amp. I’m sure it wasn’t the best-measuring amp. You could hear crackle coming through the tweeter. But the music sounded alive and real. The NAD sounds a little sterile to me. Some of the most disappointing equipment I’ve owned has been the best measuring.
Regards,
Rich Ramorino
United States
Magico to Replace Acoustic Research?
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- Written by SoundStage! Hi-Fi Reader SoundStage! Hi-Fi Reader
- Category: Reader Feedback Reader Feedback
- Created: 07 February 2023 07 February 2023
Doug,
I enjoyed reading your Magico A1 review. Quick question: I want to upgrade my mid-1970s AR11s with smaller, better-performing speakers to fit my home office. I like the acoustic-suspension sound defined by the old AR, KLH, and Advent loudspeakers. I know I need to hear it for myself, but that’s not easy as I live in Charleston, South Carolina (great for antiques and restaurants, not good for audio equipment).
Given all of that, do the Magico A1 and A3 speakers have the potential to be AR11 replacements with their 45-year newer technology, etc.? If so, the four-hour drive to Greensboro will be pretty short.
Thanks very much,
AAinCHS
United States
Hello, thank you for your email. The words “have potential” jumped out at me because that makes your question easier to answer.
Magico’s A1 and A3 are both good loudspeakers. Furthermore, either model should surpass your nearly 50-year-old AR11 if for no other reason than loudspeaker technology has come a long way since then. That’s because designers know more, the technology has advanced, and the materials available for speaker parts today are more plentiful. That all adds up to the potential to make better speakers today.
But will the A1 or A3 speakers thrill you? That I can’t say because your listening preferences have to be satisfied. I can only say they have the potential to, which is what you asked. But I must also add that plenty of other speakers have the potential to do so as well. Nevertheless, I think a four-hour drive would be worth it for you so that you know. Heck, I’ve driven for four hours for less important things. I hope that helps.
Doug Schneider
Turntable Advice: Dr. Feikert Analogue or MoFi?
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- Written by SoundStage! Hi-Fi Reader SoundStage! Hi-Fi Reader
- Category: Reader Feedback Reader Feedback
- Created: 28 January 2023 28 January 2023
Hi Jason,
I just happened to read your comments on the MoFi MasterTracker cartridge from back in 2019 from your review of the Dr. Feikert Analogue Volare turntable. I have been considering the purchase of a new turntable, and the Volare and the MoFi UltraDeck are both on my short list. The MoFi seems to me the best bargain, as it comes with a factory-installed 10″ tonearm and either the UltraTracker or MasterTracker cart. My phono stage is a Gryphon PS2-S that came installed with the Diablo 300 integrated amp. This is obviously not close to the Constellation phono stage you were using, but it does get good marks in reviews and from the dealers.
I really had the Volare at the top of my list, but when I started looking into MoFi—and given the sizable price difference with the UltraDeck (about $1000)—it seemed like a very nice rig at the $3000 price. I also have ideas on a future cart upgrade to an MC from brands such as Koetso, Kiseki, or Hana, to name a few.
My hope is that you can comment on whether the UltraDeck and MasterTracker make for a good package, or whether you might have other thoughts I could consider at the $3000 price point.
Thanks for any advice, and best to you.
Paul,
MN, USA
Paul,
While the Dr. Feikert Analogue Volare is indeed a bunch more money than the MoFi, it’s also a bunch more turntable. If you’re looking for a midway point in your turntable life, then the MoFi would be great, but if it’s an endgame you’re working toward, the Volare is far and away a better unit.
I’m not sure if that’s what you want to hear, given that you’re leaning toward the MoFi, but I think it needs to be said. I’d rather skimp on the cartridge, which is a wear item anyway, and throw extra into the ’table.
That said, the MoFi ’table looks very good, and would undoubtedly be a great-sounding unit. Please let me know what you decide.
Thanks,
Jason
