I’ve built one XCS so far and it sounds great. Planning to build a 2nd using the flatpack option.
Question… XLS is ported, XCS is not. Anything to be gained by looking into adding a port to the XCS?
I’m guessing no port works better on a center channel, but for L&R stereo pair on stands, pulled out from the wall…maybe they help?
2nd topic: grills. Can GRResearch come out with magnetic grill kits for their spkrs? Needed for appearance and to protect against kids, cats, bumps, handling…. I would buy this.
Thx
You can't just add a port to the X-CS. With a ported box, the cabinet needs to be much larger than a sealed box. The ported design of the X-CS Encore is the floor standing X-MTM Encore. Same kit as the X-CS just in a larger ported cabinet. If you do not want a sub, this is the speaker to go with. The X-MTM version does not take up any more floor space then an X-CS on a stand so if you want low end extension, way more than the X-LS delivers, and better midrange performance, go with the X-MTM.
Overall, between X-CS and X-LS as mains, I prefer the sound of 2 X-CS Encores. The CS has more body, fullness, weight, and clarity in the midrange compared to the X-CS. What the CS gives up to the LS is bass extension. While the X-LS Encore can get away without a sub, both speakers benefit greatly from a sealed servo sub. With the X-CS you will want a sub. With the X-LS, after you hear it with a sub you won't want it without the sub. Since both benefit from a sub, go with a pair of X-CS mains and sub.
Or have your cake and eat it too with a pair of X-MTMs as mains crossed over to a sealed servo sub at 40Hz. This is the type of set-up I have in my living room.
Mike
