Short answer: the Magico A5. Both are rated 4.3/5 for sound quality (#61 and #80 of 226 floorstanding speakers), and the Magico A5 costs $24,800 against $34,999 for the PS Audio Aspen FR30, with sound quality a draw, the lower price decides it.
The case for the Magico A5: Manufacturer Spinorama data shows a narrow 1.7dB reference band, 0.524 listening-window smoothness, 0.324dB on-axis average absolute deviation, and a 2.92 sound-power directivity-index standard deviation. The tradeoff: Despite three 9-inch woofers, the measured -3dB point is only 49.5Hz and the 1.17 low-frequency Q indicates a pronounced sealed alignment, so subwoofers still help with the deepest bass.
Why pick the PS Audio Aspen FR30: The Aspen flagship with front and rear planar tweeters, a 10” planar midrange, four 8” woofers and four 10” passive radiators. The tradeoff: No independent measurements yet, so its tonal balance and directivity can’t be compared with ranked speakers.
Buy the Magico A5. Both are rated the same for sound quality, and it costs $10,199 less than the PS Audio Aspen FR30.
Worth knowing: the PS Audio Aspen FR30 has not been measured yet. Its rating is estimated from related models, with a likely range of 3.9 to 4.7, so treat this verdict as provisional.
Still deciding? The full Passive Home rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Magico A5 | PS Audio Aspen FR30 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $24,800 per pair | $34,999 per pair |
| Ranked | #61 of 226 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers | #80 of 226 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers Estimated |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 49.5Hz (measured, spinorama.org) | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | approximately 30Hz (measured, spinorama.org) | - |
| Enclosure | Sealed aluminum | - |
| Drivers | Three 9-inch woofers; 5-inch midrange; 28mm beryllium tweeter | 1x 10” planar magnetic midrange, 2x 2.5” planar tweeters (front/rear), 4x 8” woofers, 4x 10” passive radiators |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.65 | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.49 | - |
| Sensitivity | 88dB (manufacturer specified, 2.83V/1m) | 88dB (manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal | 4 ohms nominal (manufacturer specified) |
| Dimensions | 44.8”H x 10.5”W x 14.9”D (1137 x 267 x 378.5 mm) | 60.5”H x 16”W x 25.7”D (1537 x 406 x 654 mm) |
| Weight | 179.9 lbs (81.6 kg) each | 230.4 lbs (104.5 kg) |
| DIY Kit | No | - |
| Frequency Response | - | 28Hz - 20kHz (-6dB, manufacturer specified) |
| Amplifier Power | - | 100-600W recommended |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More top alternatives to Magico A5:
- KEF Reference 5 Meta vs Magico A5
- JBL 4369 vs Magico A5
- Magico A5 vs TAD Evolution 2
- Magico A5 vs PS Audio Aspen FR20
- KEF Blade One Meta vs PS Audio Aspen FR30
Prices on this page were last checked October 11, 2026 at 4:59 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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The Two Speakers In Full
Magico A5: $24,800 per pair Magico Dealer Network eBay
Same family: the Magico A1 (bookshelf, estimated 4.2/5), the Magico A3 (smaller floorstanding, ranked lower, estimated 4.2/5), the Magico ACC (center, estimated 4.2/5) and the Magico Audio ASUB (subwoofer, rated 3.6/5).
Pros: Manufacturer Spinorama data shows a narrow 1.7dB reference band, 0.524 listening-window smoothness, 0.324dB on-axis average absolute deviation, and a 2.92 sound-power directivity-index standard deviation. Bass measures 49.5Hz at -3dB, 39.1Hz at -6dB, and 25.1Hz at -12dB; preference scores are 5.65 without a subwoofer and 7.49 with one. The rigid sealed aluminum enclosure, dedicated midrange, three 9-inch woofers, and beryllium tweeter support high output without ports. Measured bass extension of 49.5Hz (-3dB).
Cons: Despite three 9-inch woofers, the measured -3dB point is only 49.5Hz and the 1.17 low-frequency Q indicates a pronounced sealed alignment, so subwoofers still help with the deepest bass. The $24800/pair price is extremely high, the data is manufacturer supplied rather than an independent ASR or Erin measurement, and the design needs substantial amplifier power.
Full Magico A5 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | approximately 30Hz (measured, spinorama.org) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 49.5Hz (measured, spinorama.org) |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 44.8”H x 10.5”W x 14.9”D (1137 x 267 x 378.5 mm) |
| Drivers | Three 9-inch woofers; 5-inch midrange; 28mm beryllium tweeter |
| Enclosure | Sealed aluminum |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal |
| Sensitivity | 88dB (manufacturer specified, 2.83V/1m) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.65 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.49 |
| Weight | 179.9 lbs (81.6 kg) each |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
PS Audio Aspen FR30: $34,999 per pair Estimated PS Audio eBay
Same family: the PS Audio Aspen FR5 (bookshelf, rated 3.7/5), the PS Audio Aspen FR10 (smaller floorstanding, ranked lower, rated 4.2/5) and the PS Audio Aspen FR20 (smaller floorstanding, ranked lower, estimated 4.2/5).
Pros: The Aspen flagship with front and rear planar tweeters, a 10” planar midrange, four 8” woofers and four 10” passive radiators. Audioholics praised its resolution, dynamics and bass slam.
Cons: No independent measurements yet, so its tonal balance and directivity can’t be compared with ranked speakers. It needs 100W to 600W of amplification and a large room.
Full PS Audio Aspen FR30 review and specifications →
| Released | Mar 2022 (4 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 100-600W recommended |
| Dimensions | 60.5”H x 16”W x 25.7”D (1537 x 406 x 654 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x 10” planar magnetic midrange, 2x 2.5” planar tweeters (front/rear), 4x 8” woofers, 4x 10” passive radiators |
| Frequency Response | 28Hz - 20kHz (-6dB, manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal (manufacturer specified) |
| Sensitivity | 88dB (manufacturer specified) |
| Weight | 230.4 lbs (104.5 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons