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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
moonwatcher
477 posts
 

I’ve never had the pleasure to hear open baffle speakers, but I’ve seen plenty of reviewers saying they loved them. Even Steve Guttenberg, for "entertainment value" has switched from his beloved semi-permanent on loan Klipsch Cornwalls to PureAudioProject open baffle speakers.

My issue is of course I simply don’t have a room to do OB speakers right. My living room is only 13’ x 25’ x 8’, and of the 25’ only about 21’ are "useful", not devoted to acting as a de facto hallway.

So for those of you who can enjoy them bon appetit! Those Spatial Audio X4 look killer.

snapsc
676 posts
 

Moonwatcher….I would note that your room is not really an issue for open baffles as long as you can have them 3-4’ out from the wall and as long as you match the woofer size/bass output to the room. 

czarivey
5,946 posts
 

After owning Vandersteen speakers I clearly decided that open baffle speaker isn't in my taste of performance.

rick2000
464 posts
 

Ferguson Hill FH001 Acrylic Horn Open Baffle speakers 

The Holy Grail of Speakers ?!

 They have Dealers here in the USA now

mbmi's avatar
mbmi
574 posts
 

Unless you are prepared to use a sub.....Open baffle are not a good Idea....I have 2 pair and rarely hook them up anymore.

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