Open baffle speakers

When Dizzy is blowing his horn, certainly some sound goes to the rear and bounces around.

But with open back, were talking essentially as much sound going "backward" as is going forward, and it’s out of phase. Maybe this is proper for a Leslie, and some percussion (including piano) but little else that primarily goes forward, including guitar amps, PA systems, and such.

It just doesn’t seem like it would present the same pin point imaging as two well placed speakers with no sound emanating to the rear except what is natural to the room they are being played in. But my listening to these OB systems is limited.

If there is anyone in the Orange County, CA area with a nice OB system that they would like to share, I would love to come hear it! Of course you would be welcome to come hear my offerings.

The first open baffle speaker was the venerable Dahlquist DQ10. Below 300hz bass was handled by a sealed box woofer. The speaker was notably open and transparent sounding. I have a restored pair.

Wharfedale SFB preceded the DQ10 by 20+ years. 

DeKay

@toddalin 

I have owned planars, horns and box speakers. The OB speakers that have come through my room are the GR Research Super V, the Spatial Audio X3, and now the Qualio IQ. It is my opinion that the OB speakers image just as good as anything else I've owned and better than some. The key is having a space large enough to get them into the room and away from the wall behind them. 

Hi all!

I've tried many speakers etc including B&W Matrix 3s, Harbeth SLH5 Super 40th anniversary, Quad ESL63's and finally built a pair of "Compact Baffles" designed by Terry from Ladolce Audio and James from ABX Audiophiles and am gobsmacked with the result.

My Audio friends are stunned and confused as they can't understand how they can sound soooo good.

The bass is best I've ever heard in a home situation. It is clean, fast, tight, deep and loud! 

I no longer need my pair of RSL subs. First speakers I've had that don't need SUB support. 

These speakers use slot loading to simplify crossover parts and extend the bass. 

Compression tweeter through 15 inch coaxial and 18 Inch Bass driver. 

Dubious? Just look up ABX Audio or Ladolce Audio on Google for more info or sign up to Discord for all the plans and driver suggestions.

It was my first furniture type woodworking speaker project.

Hope you enjoy the process as much as I did.

Cheers! Tony.