Loudspeakers

Magico's miniature claims a sensitivity of 85dB and nominal impedance of 4ohm but neither figure quite squares with our measurements. Measuring at 1m on the tweeter axis we recorded a pink noise sensitivity of 82.4dB SPL for 2.83V input, about 2.5dB shy of the spec – which is not surprising given the A1's compact size and closed box bass loading. Minimum impedance modulus was measured at 2.7ohm (20Hz-20kHz), which islow for a nominal 4ohm design. To be fair, though, this occurred at 20kHz and the minimum EPDR (equivalent peak dissipation resistance, which takes into account impedance phase angle as well as modulus) – also low at 1.3ohm – likewise occurs at high frequency (5.1kHz), where it is less likely to be troublesome. Otherwise the EPDR dips to a low of 2.2ohm at 91Hz, which is much more amplifier-friendly.

Also contributing to the low sensitivity is the A1's excellent bass extension of 47Hz (–6dB re. 200Hz), determined by diffraction-corrected nearfield measurement. Some small speakers flatter to deceive at low frequencies by having a peak in the upper bass but not the A1, whose LF roll-off is monotonic. The forward frequency response [again at 1m on the tweeter axis – see Graph 1] is tightly controlled to within ±2.4dB, for both speakers of the pair, although there is a distinct shelving down in output above 1kHz. Pair matching over the same 200Hz-20kHz frequency range is also tight at ±0.8dB. The cumulative spectral decay waterfall [see Graph 2, below] shows fast initial treble energy decay but despite Magico's advanced cone materials there is evidence of cone breakup in the resonances visible between 1.5kHz-5kHz. KH