Clayton Shaw (Spatial Audio) visits Danny Richie (GR Research), with his X4 loudspeaker.

Clayton and Danny are leaders in the field of open baffle loudspeakers (Clayton plug-and-play, Danny DIY kits), and have great respect for each other, as will become apparent if you watch Danny's latest YouTube video. Danny starts the video by raving about the new Spatial Audio X4 ("I'm blown away by 'em. I'm totally impressed."), something he rarely does about loudspeakers other than those of his own design ;-). Clayton reciprocates by praising Danny's NX-Treme.

The two then discuss open baffle vs, box loudspeakers, and why after hearing open baffle they could no longer tolerate the latter. I learned the same lesson back in 1974, and have listened to only dipole planars (Magneplanar, QUAD, Eminent Technology) ever since. I've seen a lot of talk about what is "wrong" with them, but there is something wrong with all speakers, each of us learning what imperfections we are least bothered by.

The two then talk about how different voices sound through open baffle speakers, a fact very important to me, as I listen to a lot of singer/songwriter music, often with harmony vocals. Danny then mentions they added a pair of his open baffle/dipole subwoofers to the X4, and what effect that had on the sound. The two then discuss how different open baffle bass sounds compared to sealed or ported woofers, If you've never heard an open baffle bass system (few have), you have no idea what you're missing!

If any of the above piques your curiosity, do yourself a favour and watch the video. Go to YouTube and do a search for "GR Research"; the first video in que should be Clayton and Danny sitting side-by-side.