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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
mike_in_nc
1,128 posts
 

FWIW, I've heard @jaytor 's system (maybe with the old subs) and thought it was among the very best I've heard, including some costing far more. It's clear to me that, if designed and set up carefully, OB systems can be really outstanding.

curiousjim's avatar
curiousjim
4,269 posts
 

@erik_squires 

I’ve had Maggie’s, Ohm F’s and I still have Acoustat model X’s and they do project the sound differently. Many times I’d swear the music was coming from behind me. I’m not sure it’s exactly the same as the Spatial Audio’s, but I sure would like to give a pair a try for a few weeks.

pedroeb
493 posts
 

Open baffle seems like a terrific idea. Unfortunately there's unusually a wall behind them.

pmm
220 posts
 

 The reality is most speakers are just wooden boxes with drivers in them. It has been that way for decades but the public have been duped. 

Well, kenjit: here are some that have not been duped.

Do not listen to folks who claim open baffles are better than box speakers.  Its just sour grapes

This is silly. To each, their own:

Some enjoy the taste of sour grapes

goose
675 posts
 

Unless you listen to box vs. open baffle you can’t really comment.  I heard the Spatial Audio X4’s at the audio fest and thought they were wonderful and could easily live with them.  Oh yeah I have 20k box speakers.

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