Spatial Audio open baffle speakers, who has them? Worthwhile change from Maggies?

Oz,

I noticed in your list of speakers that you’ve owned a pair of Wilson Audio Sofia’s. I heard them years ago and always wanted a pair and was waiting for a used pair of the version 3’s to reach my budget. My brother and cousin own a pair of Wilson Audio Watt Puppy V.5 & V7, with Conrad Johnson preamps and mono blocks, so I know the Wilson sound well and looked forward to joining the W/A family. BUT, I continued to research a myriad of traditional “box” speakers and everything I’ve ever heard just seemed like something was missing. I listen to 90% traditional jazz and its hard for a speaker to reproduce the true sound of a piano. I stumbled upon the world of OBD speakers, although I have never heard them, and was shocked at all the positive reviews. As a result of my research, I had narrowed it down to Pure Audio Project or Spatial Audio X5. I’ve spoken to Ze’ev of PAP and Clayton of Spatial Audio and I’m leaning heavy on the Spatial Audio X5 once I have sold my Paradigm Signature 6 speakers.

So, have you concluded that your Spatial Audio X3’s smoke the Wilson Audio Sofia’s? How would you compare the differences between the two?

Lastly, have you ever heard any Pure Audio Project speakers, if so, how do they compare to
your X3’s?

Thanks in advance!

Oz,

Wow, “no contest with the X3” is impressive!  It’s good to get a view point from a former Wilson Audio Sofia owner.  I’m sure some may think otherwise because many have never heard OBD speakers and the big boys like Wilson, B&W, Magico, etc. are so well respected that many would not be willing to take OBD’s serious.  But, I bet if Wilson and some of the other respected speaker manufacturers started building OBD’s, there would be a newfound respect for them.

I’m trying to sell my Paradigm S6 speakers, so it may be several months before I’m able to update the AudiogoN community about my X5 venture!

Thanks for your input!
DBT

Yakbob,

You made a very interesting point that I have thought about carefully, concerning can I resale the Pure Audio Project (PAP) speakers given the way their purchase model is setup.  I actually thought about whether or not I could sell any OBD speaker due to the fact the masses buy traditional box speakers?  From what I’ve seen on The Music Room’s used audio equipment website, the (2) Spatial Audio speakers recently listed moved pretty fast!

I was definitely concerned about the build yourself speaker model that PAP offers, especially after spending $5k-$7k.  After constant research and talking to Ze’ev of PAP, I was willing to give them a shot, but I have since changed my mind and shooting for the Spatial Audio X5.  
I’m not into measuring speakers and all the technical stuff that some folks like to do.  I simply research and try to create system synergy with the appropriate components and cables.  
So, I am concerned that the first time the entire PAP speaker setup is heard and tested will be in my house.  I prefer the speaker manufacturer conduct the quality control testing before selling the speakers to me.

Thanks for your input!

DBT