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Open Baffle Experience

Much has been said about open baffles, including an epic website by the late, great Dr. Linkwitz but I've only heard them really once, playing absolutely garbage music (thanks Pure Audio!) at a hotel.

I'm talking here about dynamic drivers in single baffles without enclosures, not ESLs or Magneplanar type systems.

I'm curious who has had them, and who kept them or went back to "conventional" boxes?

I'm not really looking to buy speakers, but I did start thinking about this because of a kit over at Madisound made with high quality drivers.

 

 

erik_squires
audiokinesis
2,724 posts
 

In response to Kenjit's post about me above:  For the record there are two apparently very different sides to the story, but imo this thread is not the place for either side.

soix
8,833 posts
 

It is important to mention that Audiokinesis and I had a disagreement initially about speaker design but then he started making ad hominem attacks on my character. Its not clear whether his opinion of my character has influenced his opinion about my views on speaker deisgn or vice versa but there is some correlation.  So keep that in mind when reading his responses to my comments as there may be some bias.

This is akin to a butcher having a disagreement with a surgeon about how best to remove a tumor.  Substitute “knowledge” for “character” and you might have something here.  Jeez. 

mwatsme's avatar
mwatsme
183 posts
 

@reimarc Those 521's are beautiful. I've never heard them, but have a spare 4x10HD and 12-ch amp and intend to build them one day.

atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,633 posts
 

@audiokinesis +1

moonwatcher
354 posts
 

I’ve never had the pleasure to hear open baffle speakers, but I’ve seen plenty of reviewers saying they loved them. Even Steve Guttenberg, for "entertainment value" has switched from his beloved semi-permanent on loan Klipsch Cornwalls to PureAudioProject open baffle speakers.

My issue is of course I simply don’t have a room to do OB speakers right. My living room is only 13’ x 25’ x 8’, and of the 25’ only about 21’ are "useful", not devoted to acting as a de facto hallway.

So for those of you who can enjoy them bon appetit! Those Spatial Audio X4 look killer.

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