Open Baffle Experience

I have Spatial Audio Lab's X5s and I love them. They are easy to drive and I haven't even done anything really to set them up. They sound even better when the equipment behind them is improved (duh). 

@jaytor do you think the GR Encore Studios are worth the price? They look interesting but are kind of pricey when there are a lot of good speakers below $2,000.

@soix I'm thinking you heard the X4s. Right now Spatial Audio Labs is only producing 2 models, the X4s and the M4s. I think this is due to parts shortages. The main difference between the X4s and the X5s is that the X4s have a passive woofer whereas the X5s' woofer is active with a hypex amp built on. I do think the X4s (newer) may have newer speakers although I don't know how much a difference that is. 

@dz13 - I assume you are referring to the NX-Studios. I would say that, within their limitations, they are exceptional speakers. The NEO3 is one of the best drivers for upper midrange and treble that I’ve heard, particularly in an open baffle implementation.

These speakers won’t play exceptionally loud, and they don’t go very deep (maybe 65Hz) so if you are looking for deep bass, they need to be used with a sub. They also aren’t as efficient as GR-Research’s other models, but that’s true for most stand mount speakers.

I use them in my bedroom system (approximately 13’ x 15’) driven by a Purifi amp (DIY) and don’t play them particularly loud. With the jazz and folk music I typically play on this system, they are excellent - far better detail and soundstaging than the Totem Mani-2s I was using, with a sweeter sounding midrange, although the Mani-2s handily beat them in bass extension.

@jaytor  - yes I meant the NX-Studios. Thanks for the information. 

There are open baffle speakers and then there are open baffles speakers. One can’t judge all by listening to one, or even a few. Case in point: I came across the video on a preview of a review over at 6moons of Qualio Audio IQ open baffle (for the mids and highs) and I must say, if I had the room, I’d get them.

Now, his room isn’t treated and the head of Qualio admits as much, saying he’s gonna get some carpets and room treatment but the music I hear is astonishingly good, despite the echos. Here’s the video:

All the best,
Nonoise

Check out the simple system he’s using as well. I feel this system destroys a lot of audio shibboleths that we all adhere to.

It’s a video??? You can’t say it destroys anything. That’s just ridiculous.