Foreword
Hifi Guru Oy celebrated their 30th anniversary at 10-11.9.2016 and arranged
an open doors event as well, naturally. I have been a customer of Guru almost
from the very beginning of their career and also seen their significance for
Finnish high-end and audio enthusiasm. No doubt, they have been -- and still
are -- one of the most important importers, dealers and actors in this very
challenging field. Also, Hifi Guru have been faithful in their strategy. Only
carefully selected brands match to their requirements. Though, personally I
disagree some of their brand decisions. However, there is still Magico, Mangneplanar
and Audio Physic speakers, Transparent cables, Burmester equipment and Clearaudio
vinyl stuff available. This is honorable, isn't it!
The demoed setup consisted of brand new Magico S1 mk II speakers, Bel Canto electronics, Clearaudio vinyl player and Transparent and Burmester cables. All these were carefully selected and set up, as usual. The other setup on the side wall was not listenable during our visit.
Listening
Although I spent most of the time in the kitchen with my colleagues, I managed
to have plenty of listening as well. Actually, one was able to hear the clear
and high quality sound into the kitchen already!
The music reaproduction of the setup had almost a full similarity to the sound
of more expensive Magico setups which I have heard at Hifi Guru and TL Audio.
One can even claim that S1 mk II might deliver more homogenous listening results
than its' bigger brothers! Was this actually a truth or not is debatable, of
course, but the listening results were very impressive given to the size of
the speaker.
What surprised me and many others was how well this relatively
small speaker filled the big listening room by excellent sound. There was absolutely
not any feelings of small or restricted presentation when normal listening volumes
were used. Naturally, the setup was at its' best in smaller scale music reproduction,
like chamber music, but honestly it could handle very well more extensive and
dynamic music as well.
The old truth is, that one simply cannot achieve stomach shaking
bass, very high dynamics and ear shearing loudness with small two way speakers.
This is not what I'm trying to change. However, with Magico S1 mk II and Bel
Canto electronics, one can achieve fully enjoyable, stunningly homogenous and
very highly transparent listening results and still have an unpredictably dimensional
sonic picture as an extra!
Conclusion
Magico S1 mk II seemed to be a pure high-end product which delivers real goodies
for its' high price, not a surprise. Of course, one can have bigger and more
punchy sound for the same price, but can one have all the goodies which Magico
S1 mk II offers as well? I strongly doubt that. Also, Bel Canto front end with
the selected Transparent and Burmester cabling was a very good match for the
speakers. So, the listening results were memorable once again and suited promptly
for the celebration of Hifi Guru Oy. Congratulations!