Spatial Audio open baffle speakers, who has them? Worthwhile change from Maggies?
Doug One set of speakers I forgot about that NEARLY made the grade as far as boxes go were the DeVore Gibbons. See this thread from a while back. https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/joseph-audio-rm-33le-vs-devore-gibbon-8-my-experience?highlig... |
“wifely constraints“ LOL But she’s okay with you buying all of the different speakers! Sounds like you need a man cave away of the rest of the house. Seriously continued good luck with the new speakers. Aside from your room not functioning for certain speakers my hats off to you for trying what appears to be some of the best. Most of which I only have heard at the RMAF. Actually I have ran the gamut (on a smaller scale) with “box” speakers and I am now enjoying Magnepan LRS.’s. I have heard the Spatial’s (I forget the model #s) and they are indeed like Magnepan’s on steroids. Cheers. |
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! |
dbt, I thought the Sophias did a lot of things right, but there was something about the midrange I didn't like. It was smoothed over, no texture or realness to it. At the time I was comparing them to two other very good speakers, the Piega P10 and the Green Mountain Audio C3. I ended up keeping the C3s and selling the other two. It's been quite a few years since the Wilsons were here, but yes, I really believe there would be no contest with the X3. It is far more dynamic and easier to drive, it just swings more than most speakers (excluding horns) that I have owned. And the X3 are a stones throw away from matching the dynamics of horns. I haven't heard the PAP offerings but they look very good. I would love to hear them if the opportunity arises. But it would be hard to give up the powered sub of the X3 and how well it is mated to the rest of the speaker, just seamless. Oz |
dbt, between Spatial and PAP I would lean towards Spatial. When I owned the Spatial M3 I had considered the PAP Trio 15 as well. The main drawback (as I saw it) with PAP, was the build it yourself format (except for the Classic...which are gorgeous BTW). I'm a big fan of DIY, but when you're left with a dozen empty boxes, you're pretty much committed to keeping the speakers, and your resale audience just got a lot smaller if you do want to unload them. Ask the guy in Bend who listed his Quintets. Really nice speaker pair, but good luck selling them. Spatial being made in the USA helps if support is needed, and the warranty is generous. Clayton is great with answering any questions you may have. I'd be all over that X5 if I had the right room for them. Please let us know what you decide. |
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 |
One consideration I have not seen discussed here is whether there is a removable grill. While some designs are more polished and appear more living room-esque, they are imo hindered if they have a fixed grill. The impact of the grill is substantial; when I compare with/without grill on speakers I much prefer sans grill. I am not sure I would accept a speaker with fixed grill as a reference. It is one reason I moved away from lower end Vandy and Magnepan speakers. The loss in performance is not insignificant. Imo, the buyer is best served if they determine which primary driver in an OB speaker their ear likes best, concentric, horn, full range, array etc. as they all are distinct sounding. |
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Not sure on that, likely to still sound very good but maybe not deliver their best without free air around them. Mine are now approx 4ft from back wall and 4.5ft from side walls, a recent change that is a couple inch more than previous which gave even more solid bass and mids. Best visit AudioCircle where there are numerous Spatial speaker threads with a lot of knowledge especially on setup. Good luck and enjoy if you enter the world of Spatial. Mine are going nowhere unless I win the lottery...famous last words I know! |
How have the Spatials worked out for you? I currently have a pair of the original Spatial M3's, and a pair of 1.7i Maggies. In my room, the Maggies are easily the winner, but it may be a different story with some of the newer M3's, such as the Turbo S, etc. Just curious as to what you've decided. One of these days I'm going to connect with Clayton and listen to the Sapphires (I live in Utah). |
If you want to add sparkle to any speaker you need these: http://www.townshendaudio.com/supertweeters/ I got them for my Harbeths, and several other speakers... and... they do the job very well. Though, they are a bit pricey... but... worth it. |
I agree on the townshend supertweeters. I have them coupled to my Martin Logan montis. However, I found they are best when I have them next to the Montis on their own speaker stand and pointed backward toward the wall behind the Montis. Incredible increase in airiness and widened, deeper soundstage. |
The Spatial Audio X5's sounds like nothing at all ! http://www.dsachsconsulting.com/reviews%20of%20gear%20i%20own.html |
