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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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.

I dont hear traditional close or ported boxes fan,  are they gonna sell Wilson

Tektone , Devore , ets and swich to OB design ?

I doubt owner of Wilson and Devore will sell them. I know one sold their Tekton below 3k plus for spatial speakers.

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.

 

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.

At least you can hope that most of your money is going to good quality drivers, a well designed crossover, and some nice wood work for the frame and baffle, and not going to make a heavy MDF or HDF cabinet with vinyl wrap or wood veneer.