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If the Magico A3 is on your shortlist, three serious audition candidates are the Bowers & Wilkins 803 D4, Focal Sopra N°3 and Wilson Audio Sasha V. They are not proven sonic equivalents: each uses a different cabinet alignment, driver set and impedance curve. Choose among them by matching the speaker to your amplifier, room, budget, handling constraints and listening priorities, then audition with your own electronics and recordings.
The A3 remains a useful reference point: a sealed, three-way aluminum tower rated at 88 dB sensitivity, 4 ohms, 22 Hz–50 kHz and 50–300 W RMS. The alternatives offer higher stated sensitivity or different bass alignments, but their published response figures were measured under different conditions and cannot predict which one you will prefer.
What the Magico A3 does differently
The Magico A3 is a three-way floorstanding loudspeaker built around a sealed and extensively braced 6061-T6 aluminum enclosure. Its driver complement is a 1-inch MB7 beryllium-dome tweeter, a 6-inch graphene Nano-Tec midrange and two 7-inch graphene Nano-Tec bass drivers. Magico lists 88 dB sensitivity, 4-ohm impedance, a 22 Hz–50 kHz frequency-response range and recommended amplifier power of 50–300 W RMS.
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The cabinet measures 44 × 11 × 9.25 inches and weighs 110 lb. Those dimensions describe a relatively narrow but very heavy tower; plan the delivery route, unpacking area and final positioning before ordering. Magico announced an original US suggested retail price of $9,800 per pair and first-quarter 2018 shipping. Both figures are historical launch information, not a current price or availability promise.
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That baseline matters when comparing alternatives. A sealed cabinet generally gives the room and amplifier a different low-frequency interface from a vented design, while the A3’s 4-ohm rating and 88 dB sensitivity make amplifier capability more important than the headline wattage alone. The alternatives below are candidates to audition, not claims of superior or identical sound.
At-a-glance comparison
| Model | Enclosure and layout | Drivers | Published response | Sensitivity and impedance | Amplifier guidance | Size and weight | Price information |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Magico A3 | Sealed, three-way | 1-inch MB7 beryllium tweeter; 6-inch graphene Nano-Tec midrange; two 7-inch graphene Nano-Tec woofers | 22 Hz–50 kHz | 88 dB; 4 ohms | 50–300 W RMS | 44 × 11 × 9.25 in; 110 lb | $9,800 per pair at 2017 US launch; historical |
| Bowers & Wilkins 803 D4 | Vented box, three-way | 25 mm diamond-dome tweeter; 130 mm Continuum FST midrange; two 180 mm Aerofoil bass units | 19 Hz–28 kHz, ±3 dB | 90 dB; 8-ohm nominal, 3-ohm minimum | 50–500 W | 1165 × 357 × 511 mm; 62.15 kg | $23,000 per pair on the surfaced US page; verify current regional pricing |
| Focal Sopra N°3 | Bass-reflex, three-way | 27 mm pure-beryllium inverted-dome tweeter; 6.5-inch W-cone midrange; two 8.25-inch W-cone woofers | 33 Hz–40 kHz, ±3 dB; 26 Hz at −6 dB | 91.5 dB; 8-ohm nominal, 3.1-ohm minimum | 40–400 W | 1264 × 402 × 595 mm; 70 kg | Not stated; request a current local quote |
| Wilson Audio Sasha V | High-end tower; cabinet alignment and complete dimensional data should be confirmed from the current documentation | Not stated in the cited owner guide | 20 Hz–32 kHz room-average, ±3 dB | 4-ohm nominal; 2.36-ohm minimum at 82 Hz | Not stated in the cited owner guide | Not stated in the cited owner guide | Not stated; confirm current price and availability locally |
These numbers are manufacturer specifications, not a common laboratory comparison. Focal states a ±3 dB response and separately gives a −6 dB low-frequency point; Bowers & Wilkins states ±3 dB from the reference axis; Wilson Audio states a room-average response. Treat the ranges as descriptions of each maker’s test conditions, not as a league table.
Which alternatives are worth auditioning?
Bowers & Wilkins 803 D4: a vented option with a more forgiving nominal rating
The 803 D4 is a three-way vented-box design. Its 25 mm diamond-dome tweeter, 130 mm Continuum FST midrange and pair of 180 mm Aerofoil bass drivers make it a substantially different engineering approach from the A3’s sealed aluminum cabinet. Bowers & Wilkins publishes 19 Hz–28 kHz at ±3 dB, 90 dB sensitivity, an 8-ohm nominal impedance and a 3-ohm minimum, with recommended amplification from 50 to 500 W.
The 8-ohm nominal figure can make the 803 D4 look easier to drive than the A3, but the 3-ohm minimum still demands a stable amplifier. Check the amplifier’s continuous-current capability and its manufacturer’s guidance for low-impedance loads rather than choosing solely by the nominal label. A 50 W amplifier may fall inside the stated range yet be a poor match if it cannot deliver current cleanly into the speaker’s minimum impedance.
At 1165 × 357 × 511 mm and 62.15 kg, the 803 D4 is tall and substantial but lighter than the 110 lb A3. Verify doorway, stair and elevator clearances in the units used by your installer; the metric dimensions and weight are the figures published for the model. A US page surfaced a $23,000-per-pair price, but dealer currency, tax, freight and current model status can change that figure. Obtain a written quote and warranty terms in your country.
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Focal Sopra N°3: higher stated sensitivity and larger bass drivers
Focal’s Sopra N°3 is a three-way bass-reflex column using a 27 mm pure-beryllium inverted-dome tweeter, a 6.5-inch W-cone midrange and two 8.25-inch W-cone woofers. The published response is 33 Hz–40 kHz at ±3 dB, with a separate 26 Hz figure at −6 dB. Focal lists 91.5 dB sensitivity, 8-ohm nominal impedance, a 3.1-ohm minimum and recommended amplification from 40 to 400 W.
The 91.5 dB sensitivity is higher on paper than the A3’s 88 dB, so the Sopra N°3 may reach a given sound-pressure level with less amplifier power under comparable conditions. That does not remove the need to check current delivery: a 3.1-ohm minimum is still a demanding load, and sensitivity figures from different manufacturers are not guaranteed to use identical methods.
Its bass-reflex alignment and larger woofers give you a different placement and room-integration decision from the A3. The cabinet is 1264 × 402 × 595 mm and weighs 70 kg. Focal’s published specifications do not establish a current price in the supplied material, so ask an authorized local dealer for the complete delivered cost, warranty coverage and service arrangements.
Wilson Audio Sasha V: an option for amplifiers comfortable with very low impedance
Wilson Audio’s installation and care guide lists a 20 Hz–32 kHz room-average response at ±3 dB for the Sasha V. It specifies 4-ohm nominal impedance and a 2.36-ohm minimum at 82 Hz. That minimum is the lowest explicitly stated value among the models in this comparison and deserves attention before an audition.
The cited guide does not provide a complete driver list, cabinet dimensions, weight, amplifier range or current price in the information available here. Do not fill those gaps with assumptions from an earlier Sasha generation. Request the current specification sheet and installation requirements from a local dealer, and confirm whether your amplifier is rated for the measured minimum load.
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Because Wilson’s response figure is room-average rather than the same type of axis-based statement used by the other two alternatives, it should not be plotted directly against their ranges. The Sasha V belongs on a shortlist when its setup requirements, dealer support and amplifier compatibility fit your system—not because one response number proves a sonic advantage.
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Magico A3’s sealed alignment
A sealed enclosure has no port that exchanges air with the room. In practical terms, placement, boundary reinforcement and any subwoofer crossover will interact with the A3 differently from a ported tower. The A3’s specified 22 Hz lower limit is a manufacturer figure; it does not tell you how much bass your room will produce at the listening seat or how the response will change near a wall.
803 D4 and Sopra N°3 ported alignments
The 803 D4 is described as vented and the Sopra N°3 as bass-reflex. Ports can increase output around their tuning region, but their interaction with room boundaries and listening position must be evaluated in the actual space. Leave the manufacturer’s recommended clearance around the cabinet, then adjust by ear and, if available, with room measurements. A ported speaker that looks deeper in a specification table may not produce deeper or cleaner bass in every room.
Why the response ranges are not a ranking
A response range without its tolerance, reference axis, room condition and low-frequency definition is incomplete. Here, the A3 range is stated without the same tolerance details used by Bowers & Wilkins and Focal; Focal additionally reports a −6 dB point; Wilson reports a room average. Use the figures to understand design intent and to plan an audition, not to declare a winner.
Amplifier matching: look beyond watts
Start with four data points together: sensitivity, nominal impedance, minimum impedance and the manufacturer’s recommended power range. The table below puts the published values in one place.
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| Model | Sensitivity | Nominal impedance | Minimum impedance | Recommended power |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Magico A3 | 88 dB | 4 ohms | Not stated separately | 50–300 W RMS |
| Bowers & Wilkins 803 D4 | 90 dB | 8 ohms | 3 ohms | 50–500 W |
| Focal Sopra N°3 | 91.5 dB | 8 ohms | 3.1 ohms | 40–400 W |
| Wilson Audio Sasha V | Not stated in the cited guide | 4 ohms | 2.36 ohms at 82 Hz | Not stated in the cited guide |
A nominal 8-ohm specification does not mean an amplifier will never see a lower load. Both the 803 D4 and Sopra N°3 publish minima near 3 ohms, and the Sasha V’s guide gives 2.36 ohms at 82 Hz. Ask the amplifier manufacturer about continuous operation at those loads, protection-circuit behavior and the impedance range for which its power rating was measured.
For the audition, use the amplifier you actually own or are prepared to buy. If a dealer substitutes a much more powerful amplifier, note that the result demonstrates the speaker-and-amplifier combination, not the speaker alone. Listen for clipping, protection shutdown, loss of control at high levels or obvious tonal changes as the volume rises; stop if the amplifier shows distress.
Room size, placement and physical handling
All four choices are large floorstanding loudspeakers. Before scheduling a demonstration or delivery, measure the listening room, doorway, stair turns, elevator, floor loading and the distance from the front wall to the intended speaker plane. Include packaging dimensions if the dealer can provide them.
- Small or acoustically lively rooms: ask the dealer to demonstrate boundary changes and toe-in. Do not assume the smallest cabinet will be easiest; bass alignment and room gain matter as much as width.
- Medium rooms: begin with symmetrical placement, equal distances to side walls and a clear path between the tweeters and listening seat. Adjust toe-in in small increments while replaying familiar recordings.
- Large rooms or high listening levels: prioritize amplifier current capability, listening distance and the dealer’s setup support. Higher sensitivity can reduce required power, but the minimum impedance still governs electrical demand.
- Hard floors and stairs: confirm the supplied plinth, spikes or feet, floor-protection method and the number of people or lifting equipment required. The A3 weighs 110 lb; the 803 D4 and Sopra N°3 weigh 62.15 kg and 70 kg respectively.
Do not compare a speaker positioned close to a wall with one pulled far into the room and then attribute every difference to the model. Record the distance from each cabinet to the front and side walls, listening height, toe-in and any subwoofer or room correction in use.
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The A3’s $9,800-per-pair figure belongs to its 2017 launch and should not be used as a current market quote. The 803 D4 page surfaced a $23,000-per-pair US figure, which is likewise time- and region-sensitive. No current price was established here for the Sopra N°3 or Sasha V. Currency, tax, freight, installation and dealer discounts can materially change the delivered total.
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- Ask for a dated written quote listing the pair price, finish, tax, freight, installation and any required accessories.
- Confirm whether the model is current, discontinued, special-order or available only from existing dealer stock.
- Read the warranty’s geographic limits, transfer rules and requirements for authorized installation or service.
- Ask how replacement drivers, crossover parts and cabinet finishes are handled in your country.
- Confirm the return or home-audition policy before accepting delivery, especially for a heavy speaker that is difficult to repack.
These checks are part of the comparison. A technically suitable speaker can become a poor purchase if support, service or delivery logistics are unavailable where you live.
How to audition alternatives fairly
No controlled head-to-head listening test establishes that any model sounds better than the A3. You can still make a disciplined personal comparison by controlling the variables you can.
- Use familiar recordings. Select tracks that expose bass pitch, vocal timbre, treble texture, dynamic swings and spatial placement. Use legally obtained, high-quality copies and keep the same versions for every speaker.
- Level-match carefully. A louder speaker often seems more impressive. Ask the dealer to match playback levels as closely as practical and to disclose any level-meter limitations.
- Use your intended amplifier. Bring the A3-compatible amplifier you own, or audition with models whose current capability matches the published minimum impedances.
- Allow setup time. Position each pair symmetrically, adjust toe-in, and let the dealer demonstrate reasonable wall distances. Write down every change.
- Listen at realistic levels. Include quiet passages, normal listening and brief peaks you would actually use. Do not use damaging volume as a test of quality.
- Repeat in your room when possible. A dealer room cannot reproduce your boundaries, furnishings or seating. A home demonstration or returnable purchase is more informative than a single showroom impression.
- Record decisions immediately. Note the track, volume, amplifier, placement and what changed. Separate observations such as “bass level changed after moving 20 cm” from conclusions such as “this is the best speaker.”
Which model fits which buyer?
Choose the A3 when the sealed design and compact width fit your system
The A3 is the logical starting point if you specifically want a sealed, three-way tower with a narrow 11-inch width, an aluminum enclosure and the published 50–300 W RMS guidance. Its 88 dB sensitivity and 4-ohm rating make amplifier matching a central part of the purchase.
Audition the 803 D4 when you want a vented design and an 8-ohm nominal label
The 803 D4 is worth hearing if its 90 dB sensitivity, 8-ohm nominal rating, tall cabinet and available dealer support suit your system. Keep the published 3-ohm minimum in view, and do not interpret the 19 Hz response claim as proof of deeper or better bass in your room.
Audition the Sopra N°3 when sensitivity and larger woofers are priorities
The Sopra N°3 offers the highest stated sensitivity in this group at 91.5 dB, a pair of 8.25-inch woofers and a 3.1-ohm minimum. It is a sensible candidate when those specifications and its bass-reflex cabinet align with your room, provided your amplifier remains comfortable with the load.
Audition the Sasha V when your amplifier and dealer can support its setup
The Sasha V deserves consideration for buyers who can accommodate a 2.36-ohm minimum at 82 Hz and who have access to current Wilson documentation and local installation support. Confirm all missing dimensions, power guidance, price and availability before making a shortlist decision.
A practical shortlist decision
Use the following sequence rather than trying to crown a universal winner:
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- Eliminate models that cannot physically enter the room or be safely positioned.
- Eliminate models whose minimum impedance your amplifier cannot support with adequate margin.
- Compare sealed versus vented or bass-reflex alignment against your room boundaries and subwoofer plans.
- Obtain current delivered quotes, warranty terms and service commitments in your country.
- Audition the remaining candidates with level-matched, familiar material and your intended electronics.
- If two remain convincing, choose the one you can install, service and live with most confidently rather than relying on a response-range comparison.
Bottom line
The Bowers & Wilkins 803 D4, Focal Sopra N°3 and Wilson Audio Sasha V are credible high-end floorstanding speakers to audition instead of—or alongside—the Magico A3, but the specifications describe different designs rather than a ranked sonic result. The A3’s sealed 4-ohm platform, the 803 D4’s vented 8-ohm nominal load, the Sopra N°3’s higher sensitivity and bass-reflex alignment, and the Sasha V’s documented 2.36-ohm minimum each point to a different system match. Let your amplifier, room, logistics, current dealer quote and a controlled personal audition make the final choice.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
