Spatial Audio open baffle speakers, who has them? Worthwhile change from Maggies?

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.