Spatial X5 speakers


Just got mine, with upgraded crossovers, a couple of weeks ago.  I now have about 250 hours on them - mostly driven by the Voyager Gan 350 wpc class D amp and most recently by Don Sachs 65 wpc tube amp.  Speaker Cables are Griver Huffman Pharoah's and the preamp is Don Sachs tube preamp.  They are easy to set up as they come fully assembled.  Right out of the box they sound promising but the bass is cardboard like and the tweeter can sound harsh.  Nevertheless, after about 175 hours, these babies developed a pleasing midrange liquidity and nice open baffle bass.  They throw an expansive soundscape that extends beyond the width of the toed in speakers that is also deep front to back.  I mean, these speakers truly disappear as in my listening spot nothing localizes to the speaker itself.  Both amps drive these speakers nicely.  The Sachs amp defitely sounds better using the 8 not 4 ohm speaker posts.  I am now getting air with very nice detail and tonal colors.  

 

These speakers are just awesome.  They are worth every penny I paid for them.  Clayton warned me about the prolonged break in time and he was dead on the money.  I just love the OB box less sound.  These speakers are awesome.

 

I hope this thread does not degenerate into a toxic pussing contest like my Voyager Gan amplifier thread.

128x128Ag insider logo xs@2xjaymark

Showing 2 responses by sonic79

Loving my M3 Sapphires. Depth of the soundstage is very impressive--one of the first things I noticed after getting them. In a nearfield configuration this is a huge advantage. The soundstage is projected rearward behind the speakers. It helps a small room sound larger.

Very effortless and easy to listen to as well. Listening sessions have lasted for several hours with the sound getting better the longer I listen. Only have to stop because the sun is rising!

@audiosaurusrex 

My room is 11'5" wide by 15'5" long. Speakers are a little under 7' apart centerline to centerline, and a little under 9' from the listening position. Toe in around 15° but I think I will try less toe. I tried 19 different positions, moving the speakers incrementally before settling on the curent spot. I was worried about using the larger M3's in such a small room, but they work amazingly well. As I mentioned, the open baffle design has advantages in small/difficult rooms. Hard to imagine a box speaker working out as well.

 

And yes, I am using a 21wpc tube power amp that drives them easily. The 93dB rating of the M3's means lower power tube amps can be utilized.