Thanks for the update. I have access to M3 and X4 to listen to . I am contemplating X4 or X5 and at this point could not contact them for questions.
I being a previous magnepan owner (T1d,MG2) went to audition 3.7i and was shocked that they did not (at least in that environment) come close to the Spatials fom bottom end up to extremely high mid.
I currently have electrostats that are excellent but need biamp and electronic crossover. I am absolutely worn out endlessly adjusting the crossover for that nirvana that never comes and long for a crossover I can not tinker with.
The speaker quest reminds me of younger days when I rode tempermental two cycle motocross bikes and at some point got 4 cycle and enjoyed the ride instead of fiddling with equipment. I percieve the Spatial as the same situation, when I listened they seemed to draw me in much better than others.
I think I am leaning X5 but fear the adjustment possibility of the bass.
Kind of depends on what you want. If you want to be able to use low watt tube amps, the X5 (which I have) is a great option, for the obvious reason of the active sub. Granted, the sub is mildly tinkerable, as it has that volume knob, but, unless you’re cripplingly compulsive, I doubt you’ll find yourself ducking behind your speaker to adjust the bass perfectly to every song. Of course, I could be wrong. You know you. I am moderately compulsive myself and rarely have found the need to adjust the bass. On occasion, when playing something especially whomping, I have turned it up a bit (too much just overloads my room), but those rare times feel like a perk rather than a burden. But, if you like the X sound and want to ensure your urge to tinker is completely obviated, go with the X4 and live with what bass it provides. The trade-off with the X4 is it is 4 ohm and somewhat less sensitive than the X5, so, in theory, more difficult to drive and so limits your amplification options. That said, I did hear the slightly older version of the X4 (last winter’s) with a Don Sachs 30 wpc Valhalla (a tube integrated) and, in the Spatial shop, it sounded fantastic and set me on the path of buying my Spatials and a Valhalla. I ended up going with the X5s so I could have unlimited amp choices, but, unless you want to go with a seriously flea-watted amp, my guess (for what it’s worth) is the X4 will be exemplary with most any amp you choose. Then, unless you’re so determined to tinker, you break out the tools and start dismantling, you’ll have great sound and the urge to tinker rendered harmless. One other small consideration with the X5 is the plate amp: the more parts you have in anything, the more opportunity there is for something to go wrong. That said, anything that can break can be repaired, so it probably doesn’t warrant too much consideration. And there you have it. I probably haven’t said a thing you haven’t already considered, but sometimes it’s helpful get confirmation of one’s thoughts and suspicions. Good luck.
