Short answer: the Perlisten S5t. It ranks #41 of 226 floorstanding speakers by sound quality, rated 4.5/5, at $15,990. The Magico A3 ranks #102, rated 4.2/5, at $15,400, $590 cheaper, which does not close the gap in sound quality.
What the Perlisten S5t does well: A slimmer Perlisten S7t with the same beryllium DPC array and two 180mm woofers, rated to 20Hz in room. Watch for: No independent measurements yet, so its tonal balance and directivity can’t be compared with ranked speakers.
What the Magico A3 does well: A sealed three-way tower in an aluminium cabinet with a 1.1” beryllium dome tweeter, a 6” Graphene Nano-Tec midrange and two 7” Graphene Nano-Tec woofers. Watch for: Magico’s data does not cover bass reliably, so it has no preference score; the rating is estimated from it and the measured Magico A5.
Buy the Perlisten S5t. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $590 saving on the Magico A3 is not enough to make up the difference.
About the ratings: neither speaker has been measured yet, so both ratings are estimated from measured siblings and predecessors (likely ranges: Perlisten S5t 4.2 to 4.8; Magico A3 3.8 to 4.6). Treat this verdict as provisional.
Want more options? Browse the full Passive Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Perlisten S5t | Magico A3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $15,990 per pair | $15,400 per pair |
| Ranked | #41 of 226 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers Estimated | #102 of 226 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers Estimated |
| Drivers | 1x 28mm beryllium dome tweeter, 2x 28mm Textreme TPCD domes (DPC-Array), 2x 180mm Textreme TPCD woofers | 1.1” (28mm) beryllium dome tweeter, 6” Graphene Nano-Tec midrange, 2x 7” Graphene Nano-Tec woofers |
| Sensitivity | 89.5dB (manufacturer specified) | 88dB (manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal (manufacturer specified) | 4 ohms |
| Frequency Response | 80Hz - 20kHz (±1.5dB, manufacturer specified) | 22Hz-50kHz (manufacturer specified) |
| Dimensions | 44.1”H x 9.4”W x 15.7”D (1119 x 240 x 400 mm) | 44”H x 9.3”W x 11”D (1118 x 235 x 279 mm) |
| Weight | 95.2 lbs (43.2 kg) | 110.2 lbs (50 kg) each |
| Amplifier Power | 100-300W RMS recommended | - |
| Enclosure | Bass reflex or sealed (switchable) | - |
| Woofer Cabinet | - | sealed |
| DIY Kit | - | No |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More worthwhile head-to-heads for Perlisten S5t:
- KEF Reference 3 Meta vs Perlisten S5t
- Arendal Sound 1528 Tower 8 vs Perlisten S5t
- Perlisten S5t vs Paradigm Persona 7F
- Magico A3 vs PS Audio Aspen FR10
- Paradigm Persona 7F vs Magico A3
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
Perlisten S5t: $15,990 per pair Estimated The Music Room (TMR Audio) eBay
Same family: the Perlisten S4b (smaller bookshelf, rated 4.8/5), the Perlisten S5m (larger bookshelf, rated 4.4/5), the Perlisten S7t (larger floorstanding, ranked higher, rated 4.5/5), the Perlisten S5c (smaller center, estimated 4.5/5), the Perlisten S7c (larger center, rated 4.6/5) and the Perlisten S4s (surround, rated 4.6/5).
Pros: A slimmer Perlisten S7t with the same beryllium DPC array and two 180mm woofers, rated to 20Hz in room.
Cons: No independent measurements yet, so its tonal balance and directivity can’t be compared with ranked speakers. At 43.2 kg each it is heavy, and it is sold through specialist dealers.
Full Perlisten S5t review and specifications →
| Released | 2022 (4 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 100-300W RMS recommended |
| Dimensions | 44.1”H x 9.4”W x 15.7”D (1119 x 240 x 400 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x 28mm beryllium dome tweeter, 2x 28mm Textreme TPCD domes (DPC-Array), 2x 180mm Textreme TPCD woofers |
| Enclosure | Bass reflex or sealed (switchable) |
| Frequency Response | 80Hz - 20kHz (±1.5dB, manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal (manufacturer specified) |
| Sensitivity | 89.5dB (manufacturer specified) |
| Weight | 95.2 lbs (43.2 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Magico A3: $15,400 per pair Estimated Magico eBay
Same family: the Magico A1 (bookshelf, estimated 4.2/5), the Magico A5 (larger floorstanding, ranked higher, rated 4.3/5), the Magico ACC (center, estimated 4.2/5) and the Magico Audio ASUB (subwoofer, rated 3.6/5).
Pros: A sealed three-way tower in an aluminium cabinet with a 1.1” beryllium dome tweeter, a 6” Graphene Nano-Tec midrange and two 7” Graphene Nano-Tec woofers. Magico’s own measurements show a smooth listening window and sound power.
Cons: Magico’s data does not cover bass reliably, so it has no preference score; the rating is estimated from it and the measured Magico A5. The load is 4 ohms and it weighs 50kg each. Magico has announced a redesigned A3 to replace this version.
Full Magico A3 review and specifications →
| DIY Kit | No |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 44”H x 9.3”W x 11”D (1118 x 235 x 279 mm) |
| Drivers | 1.1” (28mm) beryllium dome tweeter, 6” Graphene Nano-Tec midrange, 2x 7” Graphene Nano-Tec woofers |
| Frequency Response | 22Hz-50kHz (manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 4 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 88dB (manufacturer specified) |
| Weight | 110.2 lbs (50 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | sealed |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons