Quantum 807 areadvd 11_11en:Layout 4 - Magnat

TEST
Quantum 807
"Superior sounding floorstanding
speaker with an
excellent overall acoustic
profile"
+ Fine dynamics which are above average
for the price range
+ Coherent overall reproduction
+ Excellent degree of spatiality over all
frequency ranges
+ Extremely stable levels
+ First class workmanship
+ Fair price
October 2011

Quantum 807
"Magnat's Quantum 807, which is priced at around € 1300/unit, is a visually elegant
acoustic column speaker with a solid base and high-quality surface finish.
The speaker is available in a Piano Black, Piano White and Piano Palisander highgloss
wood grain finish, meaning the buyer is able to choose from contemporary
colours. Thanks to the use of state of the art technology, however, the sound transducer
is far more than a visual ornament in the living room. The elaborate, multibraced
housing interior may remain hidden from the user, but it minimises inherent
noise from the speaker effectively. And the configuration of the three-way bass reflex
unit is ultra modern: Two 170 mm woofers cater for an immensely powerful
bass response, yet their comparatively small cone diameter also promises high
pulse fidelity. The ceramic/aluminium cones consolidate this impression. Thanks to
their low mass it means maximum fidelity is also ensured here, while the highstrength
material guarantees precise cone movement in the bass range. The midrange
also measures 170 mm and features an aluminium/ceramic cone. The
structurally inert die-cast aluminium basket has flow-optimised ventilation openings
and is non-magnetic, which should have a positive effect on the efficiency
of the overall system. The precision fabric dome used for the tweeter is handcoated
with ceramic particles. The purpose of the broad surround and the waveguide/flange,
which has been calculated as a flat horn, is to optimise dispersion
properties. With the exception of the centre speaker, all of the other speakers in the
new Quantum series stand on an intermediate base, which increases the decoupling
of the body; this is also applicable for Magnat's Quantum 803 unit, which is a
sophisticated, elegant shelf speaker costing € 499. The load values of the 4-8 ohm
construction make for impressive reading: 220 watts RMS and a 380 watt shortterm
rating, which is on par with upper-class models.
Workmanship and technology
The timeless and modern speaker, which comes complete with an elegant finish,
weighs 27.8 kg, measures 185 x 1128 x 365 mm (W x H x D) and is thoroughly
compelling thanks to its flawless surface quality (the white high-gloss finish is deep
and elegant), as well as its lovingly designed details. The bass reflex port is fitted
precisely and secured in place with five screws. The circular plateau located underneath
the bass reflex port, on which the speaker screw terminals are accommodated,
is also screwed securely in place. The terminals themselves are of a high
quality and are easy to access. The flexible bridges, which are removed for bi-amping
operation, are very practical and are easier to handle than static metal bridges.
The chassis units at the front are cleanly integrated into the baffle and the frame is
very well made. The front cover consists of fabric that doesn't crease. The frame
is extremely solid and provided with an aluminium border - the use of real metal has
a positive impact (the fact that real metal has been used is evident from the coolness
it imparts when touched, as well as the weight of the front grille). The entire
construction is held magnetically to the baffle and it makes a very high quality impression.
Under the speaker is a solid base, which can be optionally provided with
spikes.
The various struts are clearly visible inside the speaker and plenty of insulating
material is also evident. The housing consists of thick MDF. The speaker chassis
are additionally supported from the rear to reduce natural resonance.
The midrange speaker chassis and the woofer chassis (both 170 mm) make a very
good impression when removed and exhibit some special features. The basket
has been flow-optimised and is non-magnetic thanks to the use of die-cast aluminium
as the material. This reduces unwanted air turbulence and resonance. The
cone consists of a ceramic/aluminium mixture and the fmax tweeter ensures a
broader upper frequency range, which means that even BD audio discs and
SACDs can be rendered accurately. The powerful magnet system used by the
tweeter is shielded and has been optimised to prevent distortion. The fabric cone
of the 25 mm component is coated with ceramic particles. The front ventilation of
the dome minimises distortion at high levels - we can confirm this as the Quantum
807 also performs dynamically and spatially at extremely high volumes in the treble
range. The floorstanding speaker has a maximum load capacity of 380 watts,
while its RMS rating is 220 watts. Playback of 20 to 60,000 Hz can be realised
thanks to the high quality tweeter. The speaker, which is designed for impedance
ratings of 4 to 8 ohms and has a sensitivity level of 93 dB according to the manufacturer,
is available in a Piano Black, Piano White and Piano Palisander finish.
.
Sound
Magnat's Quantum 807 is pleasing to the ear with unexcited playback - this is genuinely
meant in a solely positive manner. The slim transducer can do everything
well and handle any style of music superbly. This is due to various factors. The
first to be mentioned would be its tonal neutrality, as the speaker reproduces all frequency
ranges equally. At the same time each frequency range exhibits an excellent
level of flexibility. Factors also requiring high praise are the seamless transitions
between the bass and midrange frequencies as well as midrange and treble reproduction.
The Quantum 807 generates a sound pattern as if it has been cast
from a mould, which positively envelops the listener thanks to an extensive degree
of spatiality. What is excellent is the speaker's spatial imaging capability and
the detailed resolution that is evident in the pleasantly formed treble range. The
Quantum 807 impressively demonstrates that even an affordable speaker is capable
of producing an excellent performance in the treble range. This ensures
transparency is not missed, however, the Quantum 807 is never over-present and
is slightly aggressive in the upper frequencies. The degree of spatiality is very good;
this is evident, as already mentioned, over all frequency ranges. The Quantum 807
is never inclined to 'thicken up' the bass range, but it ensures a natural listening
experience, which, when playing tracks with an extremely low frequency pressure,
is very energetic and powerful. The bass response is excellent and fulfils virtually
all desires, especially when listening to a broad genre of music. We were able to
note a better degree of efficiency and improved coarse dynamics in comparison
to Magnat's Quantum 803 shelf speaker. If the Quantum 803 is the expert for subtlety,
the Quantum 807 is happy to take on the rough as well. It always generates
the right blend of sensitive reproduction and emphatic playback. richtige Mischung
aus sensibler Wiedergabe und nachdrücklichem Zupacken.
The Quantum unit is very adept at handling emphatic music, as is evidenced in
"Full Focus" by Armin van Buuren: The different bass structures are reproduced
faithfully and differentiated clearly, the bass response is outstanding and the effects
are excellent. This impression is reinforced by "Secret" from Absolom and "I Have
a Dream" by DJ Quicksilver. The powerful bass on both tracks is reproduced accurately
by the Quantum and distributed throughout the listening room with the
necessary degree of hardness. Lively, dynamic, spatial - the high-performance
speaker really makes listening fun. At the same time, however, it also reproduces
subtle structures in all of these songs. In "Life on Mars" by DJ Wag&Misar it emphasises
transitions between rhythm and effect perfectly and generates high acoustic
plasticity. In Jennifer Lopez's hit "On the Floor", the bass is once again precise
and to the point. The Quantum 807 also separates vocal and instrumental elements
cleanly from one another, even when operated at high levels.
In "It’s all over now, Baby Blue" by Bryan Ferry, the Quantum 807 separates vocals
and instruments cleanly from one another and produces another pleasing performance
with its excellent level of spatiality. The rhythm is reproduced very well,
even at high volumes, and is highlighted in an authentic manner. The same can
also be said of the 1986 007 title track "A View to a Kill" by Duran Duran. Expressive,
lively and stable - it's a joy to listen to the Quantum 807, especially as it -
and this is genuine progress compared to previous Magnat speakers - is not prone
to aggressiveness. It always stays on the "safe side", but is never lame or tired. The
Quantum 807 also proves it can handle music with emotional depth in "L'Attesa"
by Andrea Bocelli: The vocal rendition is among the best in this price range - only
Nubert's nuVero 10 offers a fraction more. The Quantum 807 excels with an unrivalled
bass response, which is well above the level of its price class. Actually, a
number of much more expensive speakers can learn a thing or two from the Quantum
807's performance. The Quantum 807 is also a worthwhile purchase for lovers
of classical music, as demonstrated by the rendition of "The Blue Danube Waltzes"
by Johann Strauss. The three-way speaker reproduces the complex structure of
the piece very well here and adds each new acoustic element with care. The transducer
presents the sometimes sharp dynamic leaps in a faithful and accurate manner.
It reproduces the strings beautifully in Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's Clarinet
Concerto in A Major KV622 and offers a mature performance in terms of resolution,
brilliance and overall harmony.
Competitive comparison
* Magnat Quantum 803: The shelf speaker is extremely suitable for fine, intricate
music and it really comes into its own in smaller rooms with a flawless stereo system.
It produces a decent, but not outstanding, performance in terms of coarse
dynamics and has the lower efficiency lever. Both speakers work superbly well in
a high-quality surround sound system, as the small Quantum 803 processes surround
effects with a fine degree of spatiality and high acoustic finesse, while the
Quantum 807 generates an enormous amount of pressure in the bass range, meaning
it is not dependent on an active subwoofer. * Klipsch Reference RF-62 MkII:
Saving with pleasure - this could be the slogan of the extremely well-priced RF-
62MKII. It produces a grandiose performance and offers enormous level stability
without being undetailed and clumsy; on the contrary: The RF-62MKII is a real allrounder.
In direct comparison, however, it is evident that the Quantum 807 is in a
different price class, as it generates a more open, detailed and spacious reproduction.
* Heco Celan GT 702: The Celan GT also offers a comprehensive performance
at a fair price. It produces a faithful rendition with good tactfulness and
sounds very pleasant. The Quantum 807 justifies the extra cost though through its
higher level stability, even better coarse dynamics and a higher resolution, especially
at high frequencies. The bass response is also more pronounced.
Conclusion
Magnat's Quantum 807 is an extremely well processed three-way floorstanding
speaker, which combines an enormous loading capacity with impeccable efficiency
level and whose dignified, yet dynamic acoustics, will be attractive to a wide range
of potential buyers. The high structural expenditure pays off acoustically - the
sound transducer can easily step up a class, it has great attention to detail, lots of
spatiality and a powerful bass range. We are particularly pleased by the fact that
the Quantum 807 does not focus inappropriately on any frequency range or place
it in the background, and it also provides each part of the frequency spectrum with
scope for growth. The stylish look ensures Magnat's big hit generates an excellent
impression in modern, high-end residential surroundings.”