AudioCircle

Industry Circles => Spatial Audio => Topic started by: jtwrace on 5 Jul 2016, 04:55 pm

Title: Listen to Spatial Audio Speakers Here...
Post by: jtwrace on 5 Jul 2016, 04:55 pm
SOLD
Title: Re: Listen to Spatial Audio Speakers Here...
Post by: mirekti on 5 Aug 2016, 04:44 pm
I wish I live closer. :)
Title: Re: Listen to Spatial Audio Speakers Here...
Post by: jtwrace on 5 Aug 2016, 06:04 pm
I wish I live closer. :)
Where are you?
Title: Re: Listen to Spatial Audio Speakers Here...
Post by: mirekti on 5 Aug 2016, 10:11 pm
Dallas,TX
Title: Re: Listen to Spatial Audio Speakers Here...
Post by: glynnw on 5 Aug 2016, 10:54 pm
I have a pair of Spatial Audio M3 Turbo S spkrs in Shreveport if you want to come listen.
Title: Re: Listen to Spatial Audio Speakers Here...
Post by: finsup on 11 Aug 2016, 11:15 pm
Charlotte, NC

M3 Turbo S
Sent you a PM.
Title: Re: Listen to Spatial Audio Speakers Here...
Post by: jtwrace on 12 Aug 2016, 12:42 am
Sent you a PM.
Sent back to you!   :thumb:
Title: Re: Listen to Spatial Audio Speakers Here...
Post by: OzarkTom on 12 Aug 2016, 12:49 am
I have a pair of M3's coming in next week here in the Ozarks. :thumb:
Title: Re: Listen to Spatial Audio Speakers Here...
Post by: bixby on 16 Oct 2016, 10:42 pm
anyone in the Denver area with 3s or 4s?  Would love to give them a listen. 
Title: Re: Listen to Spatial Audio Speakers Here...
Post by: AGrede on 19 Oct 2016, 03:05 am
Dallas,TX
Fellow Dallas-inhabitor
Title: Re: Listen to Spatial Audio Speakers Here...
Post by: drhoon on 15 Nov 2016, 03:00 am
Anybody in NYC? I would love to come and take a listen.. :D
Title: Re: Listen to Spatial Audio Speakers Here...
Post by: jtwrace on 15 Nov 2016, 03:20 am
Anybody in NYC? I would love to come and take a listen.. :D
South Jersey for sure.


http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=145497.msg1568958#msg1568958



Title: Re: Listen to Spatial Audio Speakers Here...
Post by: OzarkTom on 15 Nov 2016, 03:32 am
I sold mine, no longer here in the Ozarks at my house.
Title: Re: Listen to Spatial Audio Speakers Here...
Post by: shadowlight on 15 Nov 2016, 01:12 pm
South Jersey for sure.

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=145497.msg1568958#msg1568958 (http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=145497.msg1568958#msg1568958)


Anybody in NYC? I would love to come and take a listen.. :D

The speakers were borrowed from Clayton for the GTG over the weekend and will be packed up to be shipped out tomorrow, unless you can stop by tonight in Princeton NJ.  I see them in my future after the new year.
Title: Re: Listen to Spatial Audio Speakers Here...
Post by: Goosepond on 15 Nov 2016, 02:30 pm
I sold mine, no longer here in the Ozarks at my house.

 :thumb: :thumb: :thumb: :thumb: :thumb: :thumb: :thumb: :thumb: :thumb: :thumb: :thumb: :thumb:

Gene
Title: Re: Listen to Spatial Audio Speakers Here...
Post by: sunnydaze on 23 Nov 2016, 05:16 pm
Anybody in NYC? I would love to come and take a listen.. :D

I thought you previously owned a pair.....

Isn't this your FS ad?  Someone else using your account?     :scratch:

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=140467.msg1497583#msg1497583
Title: Re: Listen to Spatial Audio Speakers Here...
Post by: drhoon on 24 Nov 2016, 10:35 pm
I thought you previously owned a pair.....

Isn't this your FS ad?  Someone else using your account?     :scratch:

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=140467.msg1497583#msg1497583

It didn't work in my small place and I have since moved  :D
Title: Over at Jason's Place
Post by: finsup on 31 Dec 2016, 07:00 pm
Warning:  This review is a little long.  My own writing style reminds me of the bloke who wrote the novel, “The Last Ship”. Words would spill across three pages when all he wanted to say was “Hard right rudder!” so, forewarned, let’s get on with it.

It was with considerable excitement when I drove up to Jason’s (jtwrace) home in Huntersville, NC back on Dec. 3rd to listen to his Spatial Hologram M3 Turbo S. Yes, I know, it’s been almost a month but business, um, stuff, collided rather forcefully a couple of days after my visit to Jason’s.  Rather than being late, let’s just call this post perfect timing.

This listening session took place just one week prior to his trip to Utah to listen to the new Spatial X1 Uniwave.  I have purposefully not read a single comment about that trip before getting this review up today. 

Jason is a self-professed” low-key guy”.  Really, his own words, ACers. I had inquired earlier about bringing lunch and the adult beverage of his choice.  He demurred and wrote that I should just bring myself.  Well, OK.

I am reasonably familiar with Jason’s posts here on AC.  I had this vague sense that I would be going to a place where a substantial, dedicated listening room awaited, tweaked to the gills, combined with a showcase of equipment that would make any mom and pop audio store green with envy. Rather, when Jason greeted me and showed me to his room, I was presented with a typical, ordinary living room such as one finds in most multi-family dwellings, with some sound treatments, the M3s taking center stage in the smallish room and some – but not too much -  audio equipment.  This was not on the scale I was expecting from reading prior descriptions of his listening space, but this was going to be OK since I would hear the speakers in a room not too un-similar to mine.  Turns out, seasons change, as do people or their circumstances.

He had the M3s playing at low volume as I walked in, sounding pretty….underwhelming.  We took a walk around the room, I noting the phase shifts in sound.  I personally own the Ohm Walsh 5000 and am more accustomed to a wider sound stage with less noticeable changes to the sound, even when being way-off axis.

What gives?

First Note to Self:  Never, ever come to immediate conclusions about anything.

Jason showed me the speakers and associated equipment:
Motorola Modem sb6141> Emo Systems EN-70HD > (6) eero > Synology 1813+ (DSM 6.0), 4TB Seagate NAS Drives, 4GB RAM & Zero Surge & APC XS BX1000G/backup to Synology DX513) > Emo Systems EN-70HD > Micro µRendu > Vinnie Rossi LIO (Silver AVC/Tubestage) > Spatial M3 Turbo S

Most of the computer- associated equipment, Jason told me, was upstairs in a spare bedroom so I was left to try and visualize what all this meant – and discovering later I had done a pretty poor job of it.

We took our seats, I in the sweet spot, with the music still playing at background level and conversed for a while.  I am mentally comparing what I am hearing at this volume against my own set-up and I am liking my own at this point.

Refer to my first Note to Self.

I’ll admit that almost as much as I was looking forward to seeing and hearing the M3s was also seeing/hearing the Vinnie Rossi LIO DHT.  It was nowhere to be found, out on loan to a friend.

Second Note to Self:  I need better friends.

Jason did have another LIO, this with the MOSFET module and Silver AVC/Tubestage.  Jason could not say enough good things about this combo, and said the investment in the Silver AVC attenuator was well worth the additional cost. Whether to allay my disappointment in not getting a chance to audition the DHT or not, he said that in many instances, he preferred the MOSFET and Silver AVC/Tubestage over the DHT.  Whatever.  It must be nice to have your cake AND eat it too, Jason.

Jason pulled up his iPad and asked me if I was ready.  Sure, let ’er rip.  (I was not ready).  I did not see Jason actually dial up the volume.  He did and what first burst forth from the M3 Turbo S was like a cannon shot.

“Holy Master and Commander, Batman!  What was that?” I was startled.  No.  Stunned.  I could feel the sound wave hit me like a linebacker hitting Cam Newton, except in the chest, not the head.  I can only imagine what the cannon shot from the scene in Master and Commander where the French privateer fires on the British warship would sound like on these speakers.  I might as well as have had a concussion or been hit by a cannon ball because I failed to immediately get the track info from Jason. Turns out it was “Bass and Drum Intro” by Nils Lofgren, and that first bass note nearly pummeled me. Jason let this play for a few moments; I later heard the full track.

Jason backed off the volume a bit. Wits gathered, next up was Sarah Jarosz “Come on Up to the House”.  I had not heard of Sarah until now, but I was familiar with Tom Waites and this song.  Her cover of it had the same bluesy swagger but a bit more tempered with Southern hospitality. 

I should have asked Jason how he put this particular playlist together and in the order he did.  It may have been happenstance but I suspect some mad genius was at work here. Next up was Lee Ritenour’s “Am I Wrong”.  I am not a big fan of Ritenour’s voice but there’s no denying he is an incredible musician when it comes to anything with six strings.  But on this track, Lee doesn’t appear.  Rather it is Keb' Mo' and Taj Mahal.  They are a very compatible duo on this light, vaguely funky fusion piece.

The Playlist:

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=155604)

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=155605)

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=155606)

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=155607)


I am not going to go into every song. However, I want to highlight the songs that really struck me:

By now, we are 22 tracks in according to the playlist Jason had provided.  I’ll admit that I had not heard a single song in the version as performed by the artists on Jason’s list.  Moreover, I was not that familiar with most of the songs at all so this was truly a new experience for me.

We next listened to six songs I requested which he accessed by Roon.  Before coming over, I told Jason I didn’t have the songs downloaded to a file.  Would it be OK if I just brought over the CDs?

“What’s a CD?”,  he asked.

Third Note to Self:  Time to get with the times, Michael.

I was really looking forward to hearing what I thought was the best-recorded song on my own playlist. “South of the Border” (Chris Isaak).  It sounded great, but I realized that after listening to Jason’s own hi-rez music, many carefully recorded and mastered, I was really missing out.

I wanted to test how these speakers sounded with some poorly recorded music.  I asked him to play some Reneé Olstead from her debut album.  I really love the arrangements and her voice (she was 14 at the time she recorded this album, I think).  Unfortunately, the recording engineer compressed the crap out of the music.  The M3s faithfully reproduced the crap in all its crapiness.
 
Fourth Note to Self:  Time to get better music, Michael.

My faith in my taste in music was somewhat redeemed by Aaron Neville’s "It Feels Like Rain", Alison Krauss + Union Station playing “When You Say Nothing at All”, and Melody Gardot’s “Worrisome Heart”.  Goosebumps.  I mean, I love these songs on my current system, but I really lusted after them on Jason’s rig. Especially on the last.  I’ve always imagined Gardot’s song as backdrop to some 40s film noir, all smoky and dark, with the fog hanging heavily around.  It seemed like the room actually filled with fog and everything turned black and white – and no – no fog machine in sight.

Most of Jason’s playlist consisted of refined, beautiful music.  He did let his hair down on a few tracks – Nils Lofgren “Bass and Drum Intro” and Bon Jovi’s “Prayer”.  I knew some of Lofgren’s music and knew the Bon Jovi song, but again, I wasn’t familiar with either the song (Lofgren) or the version (Prayer).  Although it doesn’t appear on his playlist, we did listen to AC/DC’s “Thunderstruck”.

First Note to Jason: It’s OK to admit it. 8)

So, I needed to hear something with which I was familiar.  I asked Jason to play Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Born on the Bayou”.

Me:  Jason, and please, Crank It.

Jason:  Crank It? How loud?

Me:  Yep.

Jason:  Wry grin.

This swamp-rock song explodes from the speakers.  The guitar riffs come crawling out of the speakers, all eerie, creepy atmospherics. And – dang! An alligator just crashed through the front door!! You want realism? These speakers deliver.

Jason pulls out his decibel meter.  104.  Pretty sure the Spatial M3 Turbos S nor the LIO are not even breaking a sweat.

A couple more songs later, and I think it is time to wrap this up.  Jason looks over, says, “Look, I know you haven’t asked for this song, but I am going to play it anyway”.  Crocodile smile.  “Wait!  Don’t!! Stop!!!”, screams I.  Too late. “Hotel California”.  At least, in keeping with everything that has happened already, it is not a version with which I am familiar.

A few minutes later, he shows me his computer rig.  It is an amazing set-up. “Um, Jason, how much to have you come over to my place and set something like this up”?  He tells me unless I want to spend a lot of time tweaking it (I don’t), not to bother.  He later writes me and says if I want “…a one box solution for Roon and the µRendu I'd look into these (https://www.smallgreencomputer.com/collections/audio-server/products/sonictransporter-i5?variant=20893269764/). Silent, purpose built and he does have bundles too”.   Thanks, Jason!

So, if you have read this far, I love you for the forbearance.  If you just skipped to the end, then here is what I have to say about the Spatial Hologram M3 Turbo S:  I want ‘em!

They have this uncanny ability to both front the musicians and instruments, lending a kind of individual reality, but at the same time, offering a sense of presence and space.  I know it seems trite to write the following – I had always thought it a cliché talking about how “performers seem to be in the room playing”, and it I guess it is a tired old saw – until you actually experience it.  These are the most "live"-sounding speakers in my experience, offering an up-close perspective with the kind of presence and immediacy that are among the chief pleasures of in-person performance. In audiophile terms, they are fast… But their speed and agility does not come… at the expense of beauty.

They are not without fault, at least to what I am accustomed to. Many of you, maybe all of you, will cringe when reading that my system is Sony HAP-Z1ES or Raysonic CD128 > Lector Zoe > Butler TBD5150 > Ohm Walsh 5000. This was cobbled together when I did not know anything about anything.

In my own set-up, I can honestly say the Ohms are not very resolving speakers. What they do, they do wonderfully, and they work very, very well for my own listening habits.  You see, I don’t often sit still for long and just listen deeply, deeply, to music.  Because I move around a bit, the Ohms’ ability to provide great sound, even when way-off axis, is very valuable to me.  In this regard, the Spatials will force me to just sit and listen since the sound does degrade off-axis quite a bit.

I doubt very much I will ever let go of the Ohms. As I wrote, they are not that resolving, at least in my set-up. Still, I am someone who prefers truth, but needs that truth served up in an artful way and the Ohms do that for me. I prefer the truth of beauty.

It wasn’t that long ago that I lived in Fort Mill, SC. When my spouse took a job 50 miles north, we decided to move to North Carolina, splitting the difference and landing in a small town and smaller house.  Had we still lived in Ft Mill in my house with room enough for two main systems, the M3 would likely have a home because I have enough room in my life to also admire the beauty of truth.

In closing, I cannot recommend enough that given an opportunity to listen to these speakers that you do so without fail.  I wish I could have heard these speakers with more than one source of amplification, but Jason doesn’t live far and when he gets the LIO DHT back, maybe he will invite me back for a second listen.  I would love to hear how the M3s sound with tubes.

Thank you, Jason, for being such a wonderful host and for exposing me to another plane of beautiful music!  You’ve taken great care to get your system just so and your love of music is clearly evident.  If the M3s are up for sale – I have not read anything about your trip to Utah, your impressions of the X1s, and your plans for the M3s were unclear when I left your home - call me.

Happy New Year,
--Michael

Title: Re: Listen to Spatial Audio Speakers Here...
Post by: SFDude on 31 Dec 2016, 07:28 pm
finsup, that was one of the best recaps of a listening session I've ever read in about 20 yrs of reading audio posts/forums (since the r.a.h.e days, for those of you old enough to remember them).

Thanks for the recap (well worth the wait) and impressions of the M3 Turbo S speakers with Jason's gear. I've got a lot of work to do on my own system (anchored by the very same speakers) but sounds like it is a journey that Jason has finally neared the end of. Who am I joking? That journey never ends but at least he has made a stop that sounds lengthy enough to rest at. :)

Title: Re: Listen to Spatial Audio Speakers Here...
Post by: poseidonsvoice on 31 Dec 2016, 09:14 pm
^^^^^what he said!!!


Gobsmacking review and to be honest, I'm not surprised, jtwrace knows how to assemble a fine musical experience  :thumb:

Best,
Anand.
Title: Re: Listen to Spatial Audio Speakers Here...
Post by: ebag4 on 1 Jan 2017, 02:03 am
Great review Michael, thanks for listing some of the tracks, a few new (for me) gems in there!

Best,
Ed
Title: Re: Listen to Spatial Audio Speakers Here...
Post by: jtwrace on 1 Jan 2017, 05:20 pm
Glad you enjoyed the listening experience!   :thumb:
Title: Re: Listen to Spatial Audio Speakers Here...
Post by: mca on 1 Jan 2017, 06:01 pm
Anyone with a pair in the Seattle area? Would love to hear a pair. I can bring my LIO over to hear that combo as well  :thumb:
Title: Re: Listen to Spatial Audio Speakers Here...
Post by: jtwrace on 1 Jan 2017, 06:32 pm
I should also add some in room FR measurements at the listening position.  Small room with moderate GIK treatments.  Bass traps and (3) pairs of absorption panels and a pair of Diffusors.  Nothing special and a small room in a rental house.  I am going to be adding quite a bit of more treatments soon though. 


raw
 (http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=155681)



1/8 smoothing
 (http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=155682)
Title: Re: Listen to Spatial Audio Speakers Here...
Post by: Odal3 on 1 Jan 2017, 07:15 pm
Michael, what a nice review. I really enjoyed reading it!  Well done   :thumb:
Title: Re: Listen to Spatial Audio Speakers Here...
Post by: SFDude on 1 Jan 2017, 07:34 pm
Anyone with a pair in the Seattle area? Would love to hear a pair. I can bring my LIO over to hear that combo as well  :thumb:

PM me. I'm in Seattle proper and, despite my room and system not being fully set up, you're more than welcome to listen and actually help to dial it in a little better. :)


Title: Re: Listen to Spatial Audio Speakers Here...
Post by: mca on 1 Jan 2017, 08:15 pm
 :thumb:
Title: Re: Listen to Spatial Audio Speakers Here...
Post by: finsup on 1 Jan 2017, 11:28 pm
finsup, that was one of the best recaps of a listening session I've ever read in about 20 yrs of reading audio posts/forums (since the r.a.h.e days, for those of you old enough to remember them).

Thanks for the recap (well worth the wait) and impressions of the M3 Turbo S speakers with Jason's gear. I've got a lot of work to do on my own system (anchored by the very same speakers) but sounds like it is a journey that Jason has finally neared the end of. Who am I joking? That journey never ends but at least he has made a stop that sounds lengthy enough to rest at. :)
SFDude, thanks so much.  I'm not sure about Jason nearing the end of his journey, not even stopping for a moment.  I think he may be upgrading to the Spatial X1. Now, if he does get it, I need to invite myself over there  to audition them.  :green:
Title: Re: Listen to Spatial Audio Speakers Here...
Post by: finsup on 1 Jan 2017, 11:44 pm
^^^^^what he said!!!
Gobsmacking review and to be honest, I'm not surprised, jtwrace knows how to assemble a fine musical experience  :thumb:

Best,
Anand.

Great review Michael, thanks for listing some of the tracks, a few new (for me) gems in there!

Best,
Ed

Michael, what a nice review. I really enjoyed reading it!  Well done   :thumb:

Thanks for the nice comments. 
Anand, you are right about Jason setting up a great musical experience.  I can only imagine now what his prior listening space was like.  If he gets the X1s, I will be very interested how he gets the them to play in his current room.  That might be a challenge

Ed, if you want to know about any of the tracks listed, just PM me.

Odal3, I am glad you enjoyed reading it.  I enjoyed writing it.  I can't write about this stuff in technical terms but at least I can convey the musical experience.  I hope others will open up their homes to auditions.
Title: Re: Listen to Spatial Audio Speakers Here...
Post by: jtwrace on 2 Jan 2017, 01:41 am
SFDude, thanks so much.  I'm not sure about Jason nearing the end of his journey, not even stopping for a moment.  I think he may be upgrading to the Spatial X1. Now, if he does get it, I need to invite myself over there  to audition them.  :green:
You're welcome anytime. 
Title: Re: Listen to Spatial Audio Speakers Here...
Post by: jtwrace on 2 Jan 2017, 01:42 am
If he gets the X1s, I will be very interested how he gets the them to play in his current room.  That might be a challenge



Actually I don't think it will be any worse.  If anything, it should be better.   :green:
Title: Re: Listen to Spatial Audio Speakers Here...
Post by: SFDude on 14 Jan 2017, 06:40 pm
You're welcome anytime.

Well, that's all the invite I need then.  :green:

BTW, how long did it take you to dial in the sound with your M3s? I must admit, I've been making small adjustments to the positioning here and there. I have them toed in to be directed right at my ears in the sitting position and they are coming together. The depth of the soundstage hasn't been too much of a challenge (it's decently layered behind and very slightly in front of the speakers). The width on the other hand is a challenge.

I have no dampening or absorption in my room yet. Clayton Shaw suggested this and I haven't gotten around to a) purchasing the needed materials/acoustic panels, b) having more time than about an hour or so to actually sit down, listen and just enjoy the music.

Otherwise, all other tweaks have been in the upstream gear.

Any insights into your journey to dial it in would be useful and helpful for sure!

-dave
Title: Re: Listen to Spatial Audio Speakers Here...
Post by: jtwrace on 14 Jan 2017, 07:16 pm
Well, that's all the invite I need then.  :green:
Yep.


Quote

BTW, how long did it take you to dial in the sound with your M3s? I must admit, I've been making small adjustments to the positioning here and there. I have them toed in to be directed right at my ears in the sitting position and they are coming together. The depth of the soundstage hasn't been too much of a challenge (it's decently layered behind and very slightly in front of the speakers). The width on the other hand is a challenge.

I have no dampening or absorption in my room yet. Clayton Shaw suggested this and I haven't gotten around to a) purchasing the needed materials/acoustic panels, b) having more time than about an hour or so to actually sit down, listen and just enjoy the music.

Otherwise, all other tweaks have been in the upstream gear.

Any insights into your journey to dial it in would be useful and helpful for sure!

-dave


Well, it's really not that hard but it does take a bit of effort if you want it to sound its best.  I'd suggest you get a calibrated mic and stand and download the appropriate software and start there.  Otherwise, send/post pics of your room in a new thread in the acoustics circle and get feedback.  Either way you will need to take measurements if you really want to know what's going on.  Otherwise just play with placement until you get what you *think* is good. 
Title: Re: Listen to Spatial Audio Speakers Here...
Post by: Manolo on 14 Jan 2017, 07:42 pm
Michael I really enjoyed your visit and review writing. You should be in some kind of professional writing endeavor with that simple, natural, direct and at the same time eloquent writing style. Very nice! Really got into it, especially the information on the music heard so I am starting to assemble a playlist containing some of them. As far as the Spatials, well I use the M4's, and I can attest to the sound characteristics you describe. These, albeit in a small room produce a huge soundstage with a bowling alley depth. I listen to them nearfield - I am the only guy who listens to them in my house-  When I have friends over I move the system to my living room - one hour's work each time I do it-

Maybe you do not need the M3's which are much bigger than the 4's, but I did not gather the size of your room anyway. I recently added a pair of Ripole subwoofers - you can read about that in a few threads down- and they really compliment the Spatials. So, greetings and thanks for the review. Manuel
Title: Re: Listen to Spatial Audio Speakers Here...
Post by: jtwrace on 31 Jan 2017, 03:16 pm
Sounds like Michael "finsup" is going to come over for another listen.  Hopefully he'll let us all know what he thinks after he does. 
Title: Re: Listen to Spatial Audio Speakers Here...
Post by: TimS on 31 Jan 2017, 08:00 pm
Your'e getting the X1's?8)

Sounds like Michael "finsup" is going to come over for another listen.  Hopefully he'll let us all know what he thinks after he does.
Title: Re: Listen to Spatial Audio Speakers Here...
Post by: jtwrace on 31 Jan 2017, 08:10 pm
Your'e getting the X1's?8)
Maybe.  Dunno for sure yet.
Title: Re: Listen to Spatial Audio Speakers Here...
Post by: Don_S on 31 Jan 2017, 08:29 pm
Anybody near Sacramento, CA?
Title: Re: Listen to Spatial Audio Speakers Here...
Post by: TimS on 31 Jan 2017, 09:39 pm
 I haven't heard the M3's but from what I've read they appear to be very good value for money. 
The X1's are maybe 4 to 5 times the price of the M3's; in your opinion, do they have the same bang for the buck as the M3's?

Thanks

Maybe.  Dunno for sure yet.
Title: Re: Listen to Spatial Audio Speakers Here...
Post by: jtwrace on 1 Feb 2017, 02:59 am
I haven't heard the M3's but from what I've read they appear to be very good value for money. 
The X1's are maybe 4 to 5 times the price of the M3's; in your opinion, do they have the same bang for the buck as the M3's?

Thanks
So comparing the X1 to $40k - $50k speakers?  Yes.  The only speaker in that price range that I think can compete with it is the TAD's.  That's it. 
Title: Re: Listen to Spatial Audio Speakers Here...
Post by: TimS on 1 Feb 2017, 04:47 am
OK, thanks.  If you get them, look forward to your review after living with them for awhile. :thumb:
Title: Re: Listen to Spatial Audio Speakers Here...
Post by: seadogs1 on 1 Feb 2017, 06:32 pm
Anyone near St. Paul, Minnesota?
Title: Re: Listen to Spatial Audio Speakers Here...
Post by: fortc on 5 Feb 2017, 05:07 am
any Spatial Audio owners in the Central Coast of California ?
I sure like to have a listen or any dealers nearby that you know of.

Dick
Title: Re: Listen to Spatial Audio Speakers Here...
Post by: gnatster on 11 Mar 2017, 08:24 pm
Located in Columbus OH, pair M3's. Will audition.
Title: Re: Listen to Spatial Audio Speakers Here...
Post by: juszat on 29 Aug 2017, 05:22 pm
M3T in Brunswick,OH driven by a first watt J2
Title: Re: Listen to Spatial Audio Speakers Here...
Post by: R_burke on 31 Aug 2017, 12:57 pm
any Spatial Audio owners in the Central Coast of California ?
I sure like to have a listen or any dealers nearby that you know of.

Dick

Another central coaster interested
Title: Re: Listen to Spatial Audio Speakers Here...
Post by: Chris Adams on 31 Aug 2017, 02:09 pm
I will have a pair of X1s by September 14th. Give me some time to break them in. They will be connected to a Vinnie Rossi LIO w/2.0 DAC, LIO electronic crossover module and a pair of Vinnie Rossi VR120 amps in vertical bi-amp mode. I'm in Montpelier, VT. Glad to have anyone in to listen.
Title: Re: I have the M3's, No. Calif. Santa rosa
Post by: ric on 1 Sep 2017, 02:18 pm
If anybody wants to hear them.
Title: Re: Listen to Spatial Audio Speakers Here...
Post by: rollo on 1 Sep 2017, 02:37 pm
Anyone in NY or LI ??


charles
Title: Re: Listen to Spatial Audio Speakers Here...
Post by: TimS on 2 Sep 2017, 11:06 pm
Hi Chris

You currently have the very well reviewed  Pure Audio Project Trio15 Voxativ speakers?  Looking forward to your review of the X1's and how they match up against the Trio's.


I will have a pair of X1s by September 14th. Give me some time to break them in. They will be connected to a Vinnie Rossi LIO w/2.0 DAC, LIO electronic crossover module and a pair of Vinnie Rossi VR120 amps in vertical bi-amp mode. I'm in Montpelier, VT. Glad to have anyone in to listen.
Title: Re: Listen to Spatial Audio Speakers Here...
Post by: Chris Adams on 2 Sep 2017, 11:13 pm
Hi Tim,

Yes, I am curious too. The Trios sound terrific and because I like my Vinnie Rossi gear so much and Vinnie is working with Clayton, I'm hoping the X1s with no passive crossover will shine! Clayton's M4s and M3s have received such good reviews that I think I'm in for a treat. I will keep you posted.
Title: Re: Listen to Spatial Audio Speakers Here...
Post by: 2oldcranks on 28 Sep 2017, 02:07 pm
anyone in the greater detroit area with m3ts? thinking of upgrading? from focus 160 to m3ts but would like to hear em.
Trying to decide between spatials of maggies.The.7 and dwm seem about right for my room size but I like having just the two speakers as opposed to extra gear like seperate subs.
Using an april music aura note 2 class d integrated.Rated at 250 watts 4ohm.
Would the aura have nuff nuts to make the M3TS boogie in a 12 x 15x7 room?
Never used anything but box speakers and I dig loud percussive mucic,but waqnt to chill with low level instrumental/ambient to unwind at night.

Anyone go from dynaudio fucus to spatials? LOVE the tweeters in my focus 160 so dont want to loose that SMOOOTH detail.

Regards
Craig
Title: Re: Listen to Spatial Audio Speakers Here...
Post by: Whitestix on 30 Sep 2017, 10:12 pm
Hi,
I live in Sacramento and have a pair of M4 TS speakers that I would be happy to play for anyone interested in hearing them.  I have a Don Sachs 6SN7-based tube preamp and a First Watt F5 and a McCormack DNA .05 Deluxe amp powering them.  They are by far the most enjoyable speakers I have had in my system in 45 years of having high-performance audio gear.   I swapped them recently for a pair of a Revel M22 monitors that I have in my bedroom system, which are similarly priced to the M4's.  The comparison made clear my preference for the M4's, which have a vastly more open and realistic soundstage. 

Open baffle speakers perform in a way that I don't think conventional box speakers can, however,  I would not  argue with anyone that feels differently.  If you haven't heard OB speakers, I strongly urge you do do so.  Mine sound just fine within 24" of the baffle wall. 
Title: Re: Listen to Spatial Audio Speakers Here...
Post by: bhallin on 15 Dec 2017, 03:48 pm
Hello Spatial owners

Any of you in the Cleveland area? We live near the airport. I see juzsat is pretty close to me although he has M3's and I don't know if my wife would go for those, since she doesn't like the open baffle look of the smaller M4's. I'd still like to hear any Spatial speakers because I think they have a similar sound.
Title: Re: Listen to Spatial Audio Speakers Here...
Post by: pawsman on 15 Dec 2017, 07:25 pm
Anyone in Georgia?

pawsman
Title: Re: Listen to Spatial Audio Speakers Here...
Post by: apstoltz on 15 Dec 2017, 09:33 pm
Any owners in Indiana?

Title: Re: Listen to Spatial Audio Speakers Here...
Post by: Shear Bliss VMPS on 16 Dec 2017, 08:13 pm
In S.W Michigan, Metro Detroit area, would love to hear either the M3 or the M3 triode. Running a Digital Amplifier Cherry and a Sonic Frontiers Power 1.

Thanks, DW
Title: Re: Listen to Spatial Audio Speakers Here...
Post by: juszat on 21 Dec 2017, 02:12 pm
i Live in Brunswick ,suburb off Cleveland . i have an M3 turbo with LTA zotl40 and the zotl m2 preamp . I am also i the group who is soon receiving the Hologram X2 .

If interested . let me know .
 
Title: Re: Listen to Spatial Audio Speakers Here...
Post by: SlushPuppy on 21 Dec 2017, 03:23 pm
I live in downtown Houston, TX. I'll have X2's soon. I hope to have my room set-up properly by mid January. They'll be powered by a Lyngdorf Audio TDAI-2170 integrated amp in an all-digital system.

Dave
Title: Re: Listen to Spatial Audio Speakers Here...
Post by: Shakeydeal on 24 Jan 2018, 02:55 pm
Anybody near Lynchburg, Va.? I have a pair of GR Research Super Vs that I absolutely love, but the Spatial Audio speakers have always intrigued me. I would love to hear a pair.

Shakey
Title: Re: Listen to Spatial Audio Speakers Here...
Post by: rockadanny on 24 Jan 2018, 08:57 pm
Hi juszat. I am interested. Please PM me. I've also PMed you.
Title: Re: Listen to Spatial Audio Speakers Here...
Post by: drhoon on 15 Apr 2018, 07:30 pm
Hello,
Any kind person willing to offer audition of X2 or Triod Master in NYC?

Thank you,
Jae
Title: Re: Listen to Spatial Audio Speakers Here...
Post by: msommers on 16 Apr 2018, 07:04 pm
Is there anyone in Alberta Canada?
Title: Re: Listen to Spatial Audio Speakers Here...
Post by: Wind Chaser on 23 Apr 2018, 05:52 pm
I'm sure there are Spatial owners in Alberta. You might also want to inquire on CAM.

If you're passing through the Okanagan Valley in BC, I can provide you with a nice taste of the M3ts...

I honestly don't think there is anything in their price class, new or used that can compete with them. That's not to say they are perfect, but what they do well, they do extremely well.
Title: Re: Listen to Spatial Audio Speakers Here...
Post by: BalrogMaine on 25 Apr 2018, 05:05 pm
I invite anyone to come listen to my new X2s here in Mid-Coast maine.  3 hours from Boston.

They're hooked up to a Krell KAV-300i just reconditioned by Krell.  I'm on the downside slope of breaking in the speakers.  They sounds a little better every day.

Bring your favorite CDs, or use my jazz, classical, and some rock inventory.

Cheers!

Bruce
Title: Re: Listen to Spatial Audio Speakers Here...
Post by: gary on 5 May 2018, 04:23 am
Any chance there is someone in Northeast Florida/Southeast Georgia who has Spatial speakers and would be willing to let me hear them? I'm in Jacksonville and have not been able to make it to any hifi shows recently so I'm wondering if by chance there is someone nearby with these speakers.
Title: Re: Listen to Spatial Audio Speakers Here...
Post by: mkane on 12 May 2018, 06:51 pm
 Anyone in the N. Ca. area.
Title: Re: Listen to Spatial Audio Speakers Here...
Post by: ric on 13 May 2018, 02:02 pm
Hi, I'm in the Santa Rosa area and have the M3 Turbo S.
Title: Re: Listen to Spatial Audio Speakers Here...
Post by: Whitestix on 18 Jun 2018, 10:15 pm
I am in Sacramento and have the M4 Triode Masters that I will be happy to audition for you.   
Title: Re: Listen to Spatial Audio Speakers Here...
Post by: classical music lover on 29 Jun 2018, 05:27 pm
Anyone around Portland Oregon?
Title: Re: Listen to Spatial Audio Speakers Here...
Post by: Hear Clifford Brown on 6 Jul 2018, 04:15 am
Gig Harbor Audio (near Tacoma) sells them and has a pair of M3 TS set up.  Not exactly close to Portland OR, but not too far either.
Title: Re: Listen to Spatial Audio Speakers Here...
Post by: classical music lover on 6 Jul 2018, 06:16 am
Thanks!
Title: Re: Listen to Spatial Audio Speakers Here...
Post by: tantalum181 on 11 Jul 2018, 04:45 am
Anyone around Portland Oregon?
Longview, WA.
M3 Turbo S
finally mostly broken in. Minimalist system. Peachtree Nova 300, Rythmic L2 sub. Sonos source.
Sound quality....pellucid. Best word I can come up with.
Bob
Title: Re: Listen to Spatial Audio Speakers Here...
Post by: classical music lover on 14 Jul 2018, 06:11 am
Bob thanks for your information.  Did you have a box type speaker before the Spatial?
Title: Re: Listen to Spatial Audio Speakers Here...
Post by: tantalum181 on 14 Jul 2018, 05:48 pm
I had Ohm Walsh 4 with upgraded drivers, still over 15 years old on the upgrade. The super tweeter went out and I started looking for something new and...different. I auditioned and bought Emotiva T2s and really liked them, at first, but was breaking in the Spatials at the same time. The M3 sounded....not so good at first, but I kept playing them loud when we left the house. (Bella Sonos, Carboot Soul, Massive Attack)
After awhile(75hrs) the M3 really started to open up and provide the "air" that I like. The bottom end was very nice too but I wanted some more, uh, body. So after some research I settled on the Rythmic L22.
I use a Sonos connect and optical into the Nova300. The rest of the house has Sonos 1,  3s, 5s, playbar and sub, and Audioengine 5 scattered around. All sound good, but I really enjoy the M3/L22 combo.
I have listened to some classical and find them to be...revealing.
Bob
Title: Re: Listen to Spatial Audio Speakers Here...
Post by: ragnar01 on 20 Nov 2018, 03:50 pm
Just setup and in the process of burning in a pair of X2s in London Ontario. Would be happy to arrange an audition and share the enjoyment. I am located roughly 2hrs from either Toronto or Detroit or Buffalo.

Ragnar

X2<-Peachtree220<PeachtreeNovaPre or Schiit Freya<-SchiitBifrost<-JRiver<-Digital Library
                                                                                                              <-SpotifyConnect(MainSource)
                                                                             <-OPPO103D
                                                                             <-SchiitMani<-VPI PrimeScout<-DenonDL103
                            <-Purepower2000, BlueJeans cabling and connectors, TungSol or LISST tubes for Freya
Also available to compare ML Ascent, ZuOmen



Title: Re: Listen to Spatial Audio Speakers Here...
Post by: Whitestix on 24 Nov 2018, 08:45 pm
I have upgraded to the M4 Triode Master speakers in Sacramento.  I have a McCormack DNA .05 amp, a Pass Labs First Watt F5 amp, and a Don Sachs 6SN7-based preamp.  Three people who have come to audition my speakers have purchased them.  :-) 
Title: Re: Listen to Spatial Audio Speakers Here...
Post by: ric on 25 Nov 2018, 02:19 pm
Hi WhiteStyx, would you be able to describe the difference between the Turbo S (which I have) and the TM? Thanks much!
Title: Re: Listen to Spatial Audio Speakers Here...
Post by: veloceleste on 25 Nov 2018, 10:20 pm
Hi WhiteStyx, would you be able to describe the difference between the Turbo S (which I have) and the TM? Thanks much!
+1. Yes, please. It will be great to have your opinions with an all things equal comparison.
Thanks!
Title: Re: Listen to Spatial Audio Speakers Here...
Post by: vkohl on 26 Nov 2018, 02:01 am
PHILLY AREA ANYONE ? ...interested in the X2
Title: Re: Listen to Spatial Audio Speakers Here...
Post by: otinkyad on 6 Dec 2018, 09:47 pm
Hi all -- newbie here.  I'm interested in M3TM.  Anyone with those in Iowa or Chicago-land who would be kind enough to let me come listen to them?  Thanks.
Title: Re: Listen to Spatial Audio Speakers Here...
Post by: Dakotaconcrete on 20 Dec 2018, 05:52 am
Anyone willing to share a listen of their M3/M4 on the west slope of Colorado?
Title: Re: Listen to Spatial Audio Speakers Here...
Post by: ExileSt on 7 Jan 2019, 01:54 am
Anyone willing to share a listen of their M3/M4 on the west slope of Colorado?

Heh, I just sought out this thread to ask if there were a pair on the Front Range somewhere -- I've got a new listening room to play with in Denver and these are at the top of my list.

Looks like there's demand in CO!
Title: Re: Listen to Spatial Audio Speakers Here...
Post by: jesphoto on 11 May 2019, 11:21 pm
Looking to audition either the M3 or M4 in the Connecticut area.  Never heard Spatials before and would really like to give them a listen.  Thanks!
Title: Re: Listen to Spatial Audio Speakers Here...
Post by: mreeter on 12 May 2019, 01:48 pm
Hello Spatial Audio Owners!  Would there by any chance be an owner in the Midwest? I'm interested in the M3T.M. but, would like to experience any Spatial model.

I know this is a longshot, as I live in Audio Wasteland in the middle of Missouri! Thanks in advance for any replies!

Cheers, Mike
Title: Re: Listen to Spatial Audio Speakers Here...
Post by: MONKEYWICKEDMONKEY on 13 May 2019, 07:18 pm
M3's in the Phoenix area?

Its a terrible place to live but I'd love the opportunity to play a few tracks and get a feel for the sound.
Title: Re: Listen to Spatial Audio Speakers Here...
Post by: Tyson on 13 May 2019, 11:01 pm
Anyone willing to share a listen of their M3/M4 on the west slope of Colorado?

Looking to audition either the M3 or M4 in the Connecticut area.  Never heard Spatials before and would really like to give them a listen.  Thanks!

I don't have M3s but I do have a pair of Super 7s that sound quite similar to Clayton's OB speakers.  I'm in Denver.  PM me if you'd like to hear them. 
Title: Re: Listen to Spatial Audio Speakers Here...
Post by: kazsud on 9 Oct 2019, 07:46 pm
Any owners in the Philadelphia Tri-state area?

100% new to Di-pole and I'm looking to see if it's right for me.

Coming from Emotiva Stealth 8 and Amphion Argon 3S
Title: Re: Listen to Spatial Audio Speakers Here...
Post by: targa02 on 9 Oct 2019, 10:59 pm
I have the Lumina L2s in Houston and would gladly have someone come over to audition.
Title: Re: Listen to Spatial Audio Speakers Here...
Post by: cordobaman on 10 Oct 2019, 02:21 pm
M4 Turbo S  in Erie, PA
Title: Re: Listen to Spatial Audio Speakers Here...
Post by: PS on 12 Oct 2019, 01:56 am
Anyone in the Seattle area?    I've got Maggies and am seriously considering a pair of Clayton's speakers for a small dedicated listening room.
Thanks in advance.
Title: Re: Listen to Spatial Audio Speakers Here...
Post by: dvdboulet on 24 Nov 2019, 02:22 pm
Hi all,

I'm in the Washington DC area and was struck by the sound of the Sapphire M3s at CAF... now I'm wondering if they could be my next speakers. Does anyone in close distance have the new Sapphire M3s (or even the X3s) and would be willing to host an audition or two? There is no rush... it will be sometime in 2020 before I have funds to buy new speakers... but would love to get familiar with the sound of various good-candidate speakers along the way. Thanks! 

-Dave
Title: Re: Listen to Spatial Audio Speakers Here...
Post by: Shakeydeal on 5 Dec 2019, 12:48 pm
Is there anyone near Macon or Atlanta Ga with a pair of Spatial Audio speakers that could offer an audition for a friend of mine.

Shakey


Title: Re: Listen to Spatial Audio Speakers Here...
Post by: bbybaudio on 5 Dec 2019, 01:56 pm
Hi Shakey, I have the X5s in Athens, about an hour away from Atlanta.
Title: Re: Listen to Spatial Audio Speakers Here...
Post by: jtnt on 5 Dec 2019, 03:17 pm
Hi all,

I'm in the Washington DC area and was struck by the sound of the Sapphire M3s at CAF... now I'm wondering if they could be my next speakers. Does anyone in close distance have the new Sapphire M3s (or even the X3s) and would be willing to host an audition or two? There is no rush... it will be sometime in 2020 before I have funds to buy new speakers... but would love to get familiar with the sound of various good-candidate speakers along the way. Thanks! 

-Dave

Dave, we have the M3 Sapphires (the exact ones you heard at CAF) at our shop in Takoma Park. We're not a dealer, just an east coast friend of Clayton's to allow people like yourself to hear his speakers. Feel free to PM me about a visit to hear them.

Title: Re: Listen to Spatial Audio Speakers Here...
Post by: deadhead on 5 Dec 2019, 04:28 pm
Is there anyone in the NY/NJ area with a pair of X3 or X5 that would be willing to allow an audition?

Jeff
Title: Re: Listen to Spatial Audio Speakers Here...
Post by: drhoon on 6 Dec 2019, 05:46 pm
Is there anyone in the NY/NJ area with a pair of X3 or X5 that would be willing to allow an audition?



Jeff

Mine should be shipping soon. Will give you an update
Title: Re: Listen to Spatial Audio Speakers Here...
Post by: deadhead on 6 Dec 2019, 08:15 pm
Mine should be shipping soon. Will give you an update

That would be awesome. 
Title: Re: Listen to Spatial Audio Speakers Here...
Post by: loki7177 on 4 Mar 2020, 02:47 pm
I just ordered M3 Sapphires, should have them in a few weeks.  I am in NYC/LI if anyone needs an audition PM me. 
Title: Re: Listen to Spatial Audio Speakers Here...
Post by: dionysos on 12 Jun 2020, 10:18 pm
Dallas TX here hoping to find a Spatial Audio owner somewhere nearby who would let me listen.

I'm considering M5 Sapphires yet I would also appreciate hearing M3 Turbos or M4 Triodes.

Not a head-banger, I appreciate classical music, choral performances, small ensembles, and yes soft rock.

I'll drive any sensible distance :-)