Open Baffle vs Box

@sonicjoy Thanks for the very informative post. I really was looking for a former Vandy owner to chime in. While there have been no formal reviews of the M3 Sapphire with a 60 day in home trial I have nothing to lose. I was debating stepping up to the X3s but I should really control myself. With Clayton’s knowledge and continued passion to improve I’m sure they will be killer speakers.
It was actually Clayton that suggested I post this question and the answers ranged the gamut and I appreciate everyone jumping in. As I have said I always find this forum extremely helpful!!

Glad to help! I have a feeling you will be pleasantly surprised.
Cheers.

It’s cool you are talking to Clayton and getting advice from the designer. I am working with Mark Shifter he is one of the other designers of Emerald Physics speakers amps and DSP units. (currently working on their next gen amps) I actually bought my EP2.7’s from him and he is the one who upgraded them to the new tweeters. He worked with GR Research in Texas using their test facility’s to dial them in. Not only did they modify the crossovers for the new tweeters but they upgraded some of the parts to increase the performance even further. He feels the 2.7's with the new tweeter from the current EP 2.8's is the best version of EP speakers ever. He says the paper cone drivers of the older 2.7's have better tone than the carbon fiber of the EP 2.8's. He is helping me get the most out of them. So cool to be working with people who know your products inside and out. He is a super nice guy. Thanks Mark!

I have heard Clayton is very helpful as well. So nice to have folks in this industry willing to be so helpful. Don’t be afraid to call and ask their advice.

OBs are surreal. You’ll never go back to boxes. That said, dust can be a problem for those living in or near the desert or even in coastal Southern Cal with OCD. 

One of the most exciting sounds (OB or box) I ever heard was the Linkwitz LX Studio and Orion. The naturalness, the dynamics and the soundstage are uncanny—surreal, as above! But you need space and the right amplification