They're easier to make, and the lower vocal range gets less cabinet coloration. I suspect they're more popular with the DIY crowd than mainstream. If I were to approach an OB design, I think I'd integrate OB for the midbass with a more conventional box or transmission line for the bass.
Open baffle speakers
Open baffle speakers design is the simplest , to get bass response similar to other design , like ported, the baffle size must be huge to avoid low frequency degradations . Tipical size the baffle width 10-20" got weak bass performance. I am wondering how open baffle speakers design became so popular ?
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Open baffle speakers have many virtues, very deep bass is NOT one of them because the front and back waves of the drivers are out of phase and bass frequencies wrap around the speaker and cancel each other. One could use subwoofers or box woofers for the lower frequencies, but, depending on your taste and priorities, the bass without such augmentation can be good enough. I've heard PureAudio Project open baffle speakers that, for my taste, have enough bass without augmentation. The "small" version has twin 15" woofers, and the taller version has four 15" woofers. I consider this brand's speakers to be among the very best for the money. I've heard some other open baffle speakers with quite large baffles and some with sides that go backwards to effectively extend the path length for front-back interaction, but these tricks only reduce cancellation. |
+1 @coralkong I’ve heard Spatial speakers on several occasions and they never sounded bass shy even without subs — on the contrary the bass sounded excellent. 100% agree almost all box speakers benefit greatly from a couple subs as well so that’s not a deterrent to owning an open-baffle speaker in my book. As always there are trade offs either way, but when you can get that level of sound/openness/efficiency without the considerable expense and additional weight of an having to build/ship a heavy, inert box it’s not hard to see why open-baffle designs offer some significant advantages. I could live very happily with what I’ve heard from these designs and may well own some in the future. |
I moved to OB's last year with zero regret. bass is fast dynamic and deep enough for me. each of my speakers has a 18" sub bass, 15" mid bass, 8" mid, 1.5" tweeters and a tinny supper tweeter. I get bass in room down to 25-30hz, properly set up of course. to be honest i though bass was going to be the down side but its really the best part of the speakers. supper fast no boxy sound etc. If you've not tryed a good OB in a room that can support it, then its worth a listen. the key is a room large enough to get them out from the wall 4'-6' to get proper front and rear wave integration. |
@soix , Yep. Exactly. I went to OB, and don’t think I can ever go back. The bass hits differently than a box speaker, but I guess it depends on what type of music you listen to. I do run a sub, but my OB configuration is a concentric tweeter in a 12" carbon mid with 2× 15" carbon woofers. Not bass shy by any means, but they don’t "slam" like the effect you get with a powered sub. They sound really, really good. I'm very happy, and they certainly cured my upgrade-itis.
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Few people have heard either the Linkwitz Lab or GR Research open baffle loudspeakers, both of which include open baffle woofers. Linkwitz uses a pair of 10" woofers in an M/W frame, GR Research a choice of two or three 12" woofers in an H frame, with a dipole cancellation compensation circuit incorporated into the Rythmik Audio plate amp that comes with the DIY kit, along with Rythmik’s servo-feedback system. Bass response to 20Hz. The GGR/Rythmik OB/Dipole Sub was developed in a collaboration between Danny Richie of GR Research and Brian Ding of Rythmik Audio. Danny was already offering OB subs in kit form, when he learned of Brian's new servo-feedback system. He thought combining OB woofer design with servo-feedback might produce state-of-the art bass reproduction, so proposed the two of them join forces. Danny is a longtime die-hard OB enthusiast, more so than Brian. Brian himself finds the sound characteristic of the OB/Dipole Sub "leaner" than he cares for, preferring the extra weight of sealed and ported subs (of which he offers in a vast array of models). If you've heard the low frequency reproduction produced by the big Magnepan models (the old Tympani line, and the current 30.7), you have an idea of what the GRR/Rythmik OB/Dipole Sub sounds like.
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Their secret is their dipole radiation. I have the Emerald Physics 2.7's, Linkwitz Orion's, Magnestand Maggies (1.6 version), and the Maggie LRS+ - and - few other speakers can match their sound quality. The Emerald Physics and Linkwitz speakers are "maggies on steroids." Though, the Magnestand Maggies and LRS+ with the right setup sound as good. The primary difference is the bass balance of the Linkwitz and Emerald Physics - which is a bit more robust than the Maggies. While the resolution of the details and highs, and the impressive staging and imaging of the Maggies are impressive. These aspects of their sound set them apart from most other speakers. |
They’ve never really done it for me, but I’ve heard few. Also, I am of the opinion that when sound is coming from the rear and bouncing willy-nilly about the room, it may give a sense of depth to the soundstage but can’t really be good for imaging compared to a nice closed-back point or line source, or even time-aligned speaker. But this is not something that you will pick up from a YouTube video recorded in the sweet spot. I’ve specifically blocked off the rear wave from my modified Heil AMTs and my speakers image outstandingly. If you have good monitors, there are plenty of examples of open backs that you can listen to on (God Forbid!!!) YouTube. But also listen to similar quality closed baffle speakers because ultimately, your monitors have a lot to do with the sound, and you are listening to not just the speakers but for differences in the presentation of the sound between the open and closed back representatives. |
I used to know this guy he was from Turkey ,he believed just have a big single speaker a woofer.Well 2 of them .He just hooked up wires from the receiver to the speaker and had them just up against ,his equipment stand ,and just play them.The guy was great at fixing broken audio equipment. He said you don't need a speaker in a cabinet just lay it up.... |
I have an old set of Emerald Physics CS2.3 open baffles with two Buckeye NCx500 amps, run through a MiniDSP Flex and its amazing sound, great bass too. There is no lack of bass. Dirac helps too. No shortage of frequency range or dB. Highly recommended. Compared to Magnepan 3.7i it's more "forceful" or physical sound that can be felt, the Magnepan is refined, not as much "feel" to the bass, not to say it's lacking, just different, refined. |
@toddalin Well, I’ll take the other side of that. As a musician it’s obvious that musical instruments project sound in a 360 degree pattern, not just forward. If the room can’t deal with that info then it’s a problem more with the room than the speakers. When I’ve heard dipole designs from Spatial, Nola, etc., when they’re properly set up in a room they can be absolutely beguiling in a way traditional box speakers struggle to match. And I’m a proud and happy owner of box speakers so not like I’m biased one way or the other. That’s been my experience anyway. |
When Dizzy is blowing his horn, certainly some sound goes to the rear and bounces around. But with open back, were talking essentially as much sound going "backward" as is going forward, and it’s out of phase. Maybe this is proper for a Leslie, and some percussion (including piano) but little else that primarily goes forward, including guitar amps, PA systems, and such. It just doesn’t seem like it would present the same pin point imaging as two well placed speakers with no sound emanating to the rear except what is natural to the room they are being played in. But my listening to these OB systems is limited. If there is anyone in the Orange County, CA area with a nice OB system that they would like to share, I would love to come hear it! Of course you would be welcome to come hear my offerings.
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I have owned planars, horns and box speakers. The OB speakers that have come through my room are the GR Research Super V, the Spatial Audio X3, and now the Qualio IQ. It is my opinion that the OB speakers image just as good as anything else I've owned and better than some. The key is having a space large enough to get them into the room and away from the wall behind them. |
Hi all! I've tried many speakers etc including B&W Matrix 3s, Harbeth SLH5 Super 40th anniversary, Quad ESL63's and finally built a pair of "Compact Baffles" designed by Terry from Ladolce Audio and James from ABX Audiophiles and am gobsmacked with the result. My Audio friends are stunned and confused as they can't understand how they can sound soooo good. The bass is best I've ever heard in a home situation. It is clean, fast, tight, deep and loud! I no longer need my pair of RSL subs. First speakers I've had that don't need SUB support. These speakers use slot loading to simplify crossover parts and extend the bass. Compression tweeter through 15 inch coaxial and 18 Inch Bass driver. Dubious? Just look up ABX Audio or Ladolce Audio on Google for more info or sign up to Discord for all the plans and driver suggestions. It was my first furniture type woodworking speaker project. Hope you enjoy the process as much as I did. Cheers! Tony. |
My experiences with open baffle speakers started with the Caintuck speaker that I first observed on the Decware site, which I built and bought a pair of the least expensive Lii audio 6 inch speakers for. I wasn’t expecting much and was shocked how appealing they were to me, I later bought a pair of the F15s Which I put in a bit larger baffle and was further pleased. I had read Nelson Pass saying that he was rather enjoying open baffle speakers with no crossovers full range. That is what these were and they are surprisingly enjoyable. Lots of speed and leading edge definition And much less sensitive to sweet spot problems. They par nicely with subwoofers, but also hold their own without them. I think it is because they deliver such nice cues regarding the attack and transient qualities of the music that your mind fills in some of the missing base performance. I’ve also done a little experimenting digitally, equalizing them but tend to come back to liking their performance unaided, warts and all. Needless to say these are great speakers for small amplifiers both tube and solid-state. They are efficient and present a very easy to drive load. Maybe that is part of what makes them appealing. |
I never even considered that imaging would be a problem with open baffle speakers. They do a good job when correctly placed, as do most other types of speakers. In many respects, they are not much different from panel speakers, like Maggies, which also have a dipole radiation pattern that result in bass cancellation and substantial sound coming from the back. If the back wave is sufficiently delayed in time reaching the listeners ear vis-a-vis the front wave, the ear/brain hears it as reverberation and not a confusing signal about the location of the original sound source. Added reverb is generally not a bad thing and some people have spent a lot to generate additional reverb to supplement what is in the recording.
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Last year at the Burning Amp Festival I heard a pair of open-baffle speakers that I found very impressive. They were tall, with 7 drivers in a D'Appolito configuration on beautiful hardwood slabs. The most natural sounding bass! A plucked acoustic bass sounded like real strings, not "thuds." Midrange and highs were lovely too. Imaging was excellent, IMO. They were made by a fellow named Greg Prisament and called "Natur". He has a web site but I don't know if he's taking orders. Previously I've heard smaller, single-driver OB speakers (some DIY and some commercial) and they were pleasant in many ways but wouldn't do orchestral music to speak of. These were speakers I could live with. I'm hoping he'll be there again this year, I'd like to hear them again. |
I ran various model Alon/Nola for years, certainly a different presentation vs box. Open baffle need to come out from front wall and likely need more absorption on that front wall vs. diffusion for box speakers. I actually preferred the way they imaged and did sound stage vs. box, more spaciousness around individual performers. Never could get used to the boxed speakers I used subsequent to the Alon/Nola, always sounded closed in to me. Now use horns which I prefer to the open baffle.
Listen to a friend's setup using Spatial's from time to time, still like the unique sound of these open baffles, perceive no great issues with bass. |
Open baffle sonic benefits do not surpass boxed speaker designs from engineers who know their stuff. Open baffle is much easier/cheaper to design/build. Even incompetent dudes with an open baffle offering can claim they are good at designing speakers. On the same note, If someone’s getting greedy/ trying to overcharge you for it (could name a few), have a second thought about it. They are a bit restrictive on your choice of subwoofer. But, inclusion/correct integration of subs is a necessity for openbaffle. They are much more room/placement sensitive. If you have a bad room or restrictions for optimal placement (atleast 80+% of guys on audio forums), try and stay away from it.
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I’ve watched a lot of reviews of various OB speakers, but just like Magnepans (any dipole), they are a "non-starter" for me because my 15’ x 25’ living room simply will not allow me to pull them out away from the rear wall enough (or side walls if I want good imaging). And no, I’m not going to move them back and forth all the time when I want to listen. According to all the reviews, they can be excellent speakers with plenty of bass and great definition without cabinet resonances. If you have a room that can do them justice, you might want to try a pair. |
@moonwatcher You dont like wood veneered MDF, this is most popular main stream cabinets design. What you like -pure wood ? |
@bache No, I like them fine, just saying that you aren’t paying for that on most OB speakers. Your money should be going to making the other components better on OB designs. |
Never gave open baffle speakers a thought, then I went to an Audio show. Outside of $40k speakers, the open baffle ones sounded the best, actually had too much bass. These things blew me away, they sounded so good!! Then found out they are DIY for like $2k, still on the fence about building a pair, but still can't believe how good they sounded.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but when an acoustic band is playing, the "sound" is coming from every direction, and not straight to your ears. So would an open baffle with both forward, and reflective sound be more realistic, and natural? Have a much bigger sweet spot? |
Dick Olsher's Basszillas worked out very well for me. The bass reflex cabinet with the 16" woofer and the absorbent disk on the back wall gave smooth, articulate bass but not the submarine-low thunder that I didn't care for anyway, and the DX4's with the ribbon tweeters were magnificent. Drove the things with a 4 watt 2A3 to as far as you'd wanna go. That baffle, though, needs to be BIG. The plans are still out there, I think. |
An open baffle speaker with good field coil drivers sorts out typical issues with low frequency control. In my listening, the only traditionally boxed speakers able to eliminate cabinet colouration have been the massive kharma enigma veyrons and the goebel divin marquis, and even so, never fully - a nuanced degree of cabinet is always heard. Something about greatly increased size, i believe, reduces unwanted sound contributions of the sealed box design. Open baffle, all other things equal, comes without any trace of colouration whatsoever, coupled with all that air which accompanies live music. They’re simply amazing : ) In friendship - kevin |
If you MUST put speakers against the back wall, Larsen is the speaker for you. They are designed for that role and do it very well. If you wish to put your OB speakers (I have maggies and Linkwitz) close to a back wall, just hang a rug, curtain, quilt, or tapestry about 1 inch from the wall (attach the fabric to a 1x1 screwed into the wall) and place the speaker a few inches from the fabric. It can be a "hall runner" or something wider. Thick, fuzzy rugs work best. The speaker's stand projects at least a few inches front and rear, so you can push them up to the wall. If the room is wider than deep, turn the speakers 45 degrees to the wall (aimed at you) so the back wave reflects off the back wall and bounces off the side wall before bouncing back to you. That lengthen the path of the back wave. Floor carpet, rugs, etc will improve juat about any listening space. Popcorn ceilings are your friends. Happy listening! |
Open baffle sonic benefits do not surpass boxed speaker designs from engineers who know their stuff. Two different sonic presentation, nothing to do box speaker designers knowing their stuff. Open baffle is much easier/cheaper to design/build. Even incompetent dudes with an open baffle offering can claim they are good at designing speakers. On the same note, If someone’s getting greedy/ trying to overcharge you for it (could name a few), have a second thought about it. Tell that to Linkwitz. Just as many, if not more, incompetent dudes design box speakers. They are a bit restrictive on your choice of subwoofer. But, inclusion/correct integration of subs is a necessity for openbaffle. Correct integration is required for a box speaker as well. They are much more room/placement sensitive. If you have a bad room or restrictions for optimal placement (atleast 80+% of guys on audio forums), try and stay away from it. To get the best performance from any speaker room placement is important. 80% of guys on audio forums are not nearly as knowledgeable as they pretend. Use of that percentage to support "stay away" is meaningless. A Ripole subwoofer does a remarkable job for its size. Borrensen, pretty competent dudes, now offer their version of a Ripole. Boils down to preference, no right or wrong. Experiment and you could be pleasantly surprised. |
Danny Richie of GR Research designs and sells both OB and sealed box loudspeakers and subs (in kit form). He has used the same drivers in both applications, and makes no bones about preferring the sound the drivers make when used open baffle. That preference is not a result of design difficulty, but of achieving maximum transparency, greatest soundstage depth, and lowest coloration.
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I am a business owner, just an audio enthusiast (not in the audio business). But, give me 3 hours and I'll build you a open baffle speaker in my garage and the sound of it will get you jawdropped. I already know which pro drivers to use and how to build your crossover. I'll charge 20k just for kicks and laugh all the way to China town. Can I design/build you a ns5000, tad, etc. Absolutely not (do not know the secrets/have anywhere close to the knowledge base of the gifted dudes who design/build such things) |
Danny knows some stuff and is probably capable of designing a box speaker that can blow someone’s socks off too. But, the latter would end up costing more than what his target market would be willing to pay (i.e., diy guys fishing for high value stuff and very modest pricing). He is a small business/ lacks the resources of the bigger gigs to keep prices down. OB is the easier way out to satisfy his targeted customer base/modest price bracket requirement. My earlier comment was hinting at some other coaster clowns (not Danny) who know absolutely nothing about speaker design...but seem to be minting with their open baffle overnight speaker "expertise/extravaganza"....Am sure the next venture for these guys would be "high end" cable design...very easy to become a high end cable design expert PhD overnight as well.
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