AudioCircle
Industry Circles => Spatial Audio => Topic started by: Spatial Audio on 2 Oct 2017, 05:23 pm
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Spatial will unveil a major new design at RMAF. Details will be posted during the show.
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=169232)
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Neh, neh, NEH! :thumb:
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I must say that you have very good looking and interesting designs.
charles
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:o
I like the look of those! :thumb:
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Neat. So, can you get another bass driver on top or? I guess some questions will be answered shortly.
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Will the X1 also be at the show?
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Nice looking speakers...can't wait to see more details.
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ya I like the look of those.
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Will the X1 also be at the show?
We will have the new X2 and the M3 Triode Master the Denver show.
Clayton
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We will have the new X2 and the M3 Triode Master the Denver show.
Clayton
Looking forward to hearing them! See you on Sunday!
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Would like to hear them with Audio Hungary Qualiton A20i integrated. Or Linear Tube Audio.
charles
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Hi Clayton. The X2s look great. Will they have internal or external crossovers?
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Anyone at RMAF that has taken any pictures of the new X2s? Super curious about them and would be interesting to compare against PAP Trios.
Thanks!
-dave
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An audio buddy just heard them at Clayton's room He was mighty impressed to the point of giving serious consideration to these. This is coming from a guy that owns Merlin VSM ($13,000? I think)
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The few scattered reports seem very positive. Looks like Clayton has another winner.
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Any pricing for the X2 yet? Thanks
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Spatial/Vinnie Rossie got best in show from me. And as you can from my show comments I'm a pretty jaded, hard to please bastard :D
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=153128.
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Speaker details? Pricing?
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Speaker details? Pricing?
I think my friend mentioned that Clay told hin $9,600.00? but dom't take my word for it
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The room looked and sounded great
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=169669)
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Enjoyed my time listening to them with familiar tracks.
If I remember they were about $9600 as well as previously stated.
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Can't wait to get more details on these.
Any other RMAF impressions folks can share too?
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Can't wait to get more details on these.
Any other RMAF impressions folks can share too?
Clayton is driving his van back to Salt Lake City, and probably needs a few days to catch up and recoup from the show. But this
is what was on the room equipment list for the X2:
Spatial Audio X2 Modular Loudspeakers (www.spatialaudio.us)
The Spatial X2 extend the boundaries of open baffle design by using a time-coherent, horn loaded Air Motion (AMT) driver that reproduces the entire audio spectrum starting at 800Hz. A state-of-the-art, 15-inch Acoustic Elegance woofer with 40 lb Lambda Motor assembly provides precise and impactful low frequency detail down to a subsonic 18Hz. The X2 employs a passive crossover and both drivers are mounted to a very stable, low resonance baffle system ensuring that driver motion is converted directly into sound waves rather than chassis vibration.
Made in the USA. $9,620 per pair (black, white, or red)
Vinnie
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Clayton is driving his van back to Salt Lake City, and probably needs a few days to catch up and recoup from the show. But this
is what was on the room equipment list for the X2:
The Spatial X2 extend the boundaries of open baffle design by using a time-coherent, horn loaded Air Motion (AMT) driver that reproduces the entire audio spectrum starting at 800Hz. A state-of-the-art, 15-inch Acoustic Elegance woofer with 40 lb Lambda Motor assembly provides precise and impactful low frequency detail down to a subsonic 18Hz. The X2 employs a passive crossover and both drivers are mounted to a very stable, low resonance baffle system ensuring that driver motion is converted directly into sound waves rather than chassis vibration.
Made in the USA. $9,620 per pair (black, white, or red)
Vinnie
As a DIY guy and a pretty hardcore long term audiophile, I've heard just about every tweeter out there. The AMT, when implemented correctly, is easily the best tweeter out there. Although "tweeter" is maybe a misnomer because it plays down so far into the midrange. Maybe "mid-high" driver is a better term. Anyway, it's a difficult driver to work with, which is why you might not have heard what it's capable of in other designs.
In the X2, Clayton just nailed it. The whole speaker is lively, super dynamic, ultimate see-through transparency, HUGE soundstage, percussive bass, no room boom at all, just clean precise driving bass. And smooooooottthhhhhh. Could have listened to that system all day. That statement is only true of maybe 3 or 4 systems at all of RMAF. And none of the other systems had the dynamics, transparency or open-ness of the Rossi/Spatial room. My only small nit is that they are short. I like to look up at the performers, so some stands to raise them up a bit would have been cool. But given the overwhelming awesomeness in every other category, that's just nit-picking.
As a side note, I wanted to point out a certain parallel I've seen between Vinnie and Clayton. We heard Vinnie's room for several years back when it was Red Wine Audio. The rooms were always good, but not great. We liked, rather than loved his stuff. But then he created Vinnie Rossi Audio and came out with the LIO, which was a massive step up in sound quality and truly a game-changer.
IMO, Clayton has been on a similar path - when he started out with Spatial we heard his room every year and it was good, but not great. We liked his stuff rather than loved it. This year he comes out with the X2 and it's such a massive step up that it's crushing and putting to shame all the other "giant" speaker companies out there. Here's how good it is. A friend of mine hates OB speakers and would never, ever buy a pair because he just prefers the way box speakers sound. This show he grudgingly admitted that the X2's "sounded pretty good". Trust me, if the X2 can start to bring around this curmudgeonly OB hater, it shows that they are performing at a level higher than any other OB out there (and I include Linkwitz OBs in that statement as I have heard every iteration and they are none of them at this level).
So hopefully this gives people a little better idea of the level of achievement here.
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Trust me, if the X2 can start to bring around this curmudgeonly OB hater, it shows that they are performing at a level higher than any other OB out there (and I include Linkwitz OBs in that statement as I have heard every iteration and they are none of them at this level).
Not sure if this is an apples to apples comparison.
The latest Linkwitz (LX?) design seems to be a full ranged dipolar.
Tough to judge from the pics here, but the planar appears to have felt or some sort of covering on rear, perhaps the back cup removed?
That would make these more monopole, maybe a touch or cardioid at lower end of planar, with dipolar bass. Unless of course I'm blind and that's a full dipole planar pictured.
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Not sure if this is an apples to apples comparison.
The latest Linkwitz (LX?) design seems to be a full ranged dipolar.
Tough to judge from the pics here, but the planar appears to have felt or some sort of covering on rear, perhaps the back cup removed?
That would make these more monopole, maybe a touch or cardioid at lower end of planar, with dipolar bass. Unless of course I'm blind and that's a full dipole planar pictured.
I believe you are right. In fact I only bring up Linkwitz because it's such a well recognized name. In truth I never found his speakers to be all that good, without regard to design type. And I say that as someone that loves OB and runs full OB at home (Serenity Acoustic Super 7s).
Ultimately, at the end of the day, I don't actually care about design details. I care about what it sounds like. So I'll reiterate - the X2s sound amazing. Throw it up against a box speaker, a full OB speaker or some type of hybrid, and I'd still pick the X2 over everything I heard at the last couple of RMAFs.
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Looking at the AMT driver, the ones with material on the back have been dipoles. Usually they have metal backs when sealed. I have a few here like that, without the horn.
Pretty sure Clayton said they were dipoles.
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The felt covering on the back of the AMT is to provide an degree of loading. Sound still comes through it clearly. Technically, it would be considered Cardiod, since the front is horn loaded and the back is not.
Clayton
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There is something magical about open baffle speakers that are highly directional. You end up with clear, precise images combined with a huge soundstage. Which is exactly what the X2's did at RMAF.
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And the "modular" part of the X2? Can we get details on that?
As a DEQX owner I'd love an active option. Though I guess that might just be disconnecting the passive crossover and adjusting the crossover and EQ with the DEQX.
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There is something magical about open baffle speakers that are highly directional. You end up with clear, precise images combined with a huge soundstage.
The wave guide works wonders with a point source, plus it really marginalizes room interaction. Set up is critical though. My speakers are elevated and spread wide apart, the result is a most life like soundstage with spectacular imaging; which is about to get even better with my new ancillaries. :thumb:
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And the "modular" part of the X2? Can we get details on that?
As a DEQX owner I'd love an active option. Though I guess that might just be disconnecting the passive crossover and adjusting the crossover and EQ with the DEQX.
If you want to go active, you can just undo the driver leads and leave the passive crossover intact. Very easy.
Clayton
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The wave guide works wonders with a point source, plus it really marginalizes room interaction. Set up is critical though. My speakers are elevated and spread wide apart, the result is a most life like soundstage with spectacular imaging; which is about to get even better with my new ancillaries. :thumb:
Big wave guide fan here too. I've got some SP Techs, with transmission line for the bass. Love that low crossover point that the waveguide can enable. And if this design is able to reach low and provide some real oomph and impact, that is very exciting!
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If you want to go active, you can just undo the driver leads and leave the passive crossover intact. Very easy.
Clayton
My, that is easy! Very exciting speaker.
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Big wave guide fan here too. I've got some SP Techs, with transmission line for the bass. Love that low crossover point that the waveguide can enable. And if this design is able to reach low and provide some real oomph and impact, that is very exciting!
Yes, the X2 goes low. The -3dB point is 18Hz
Clayton
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=169751)
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Hi Clayton, do you have photos showing the X2 in white? With and wo grills. Thanks
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Yes, the X2 goes low. The -3dB point is 18Hz
Clayton
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=169751)
That must be one helluva woofer!
And congrats on all the great feedback you're getting!
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Hi Clayton, do you have photos showing the X2 in white? With and wo grills. Thanks
Yes, I will have pics of the X2 in white to post next week. They look super cool in white.
Clayton
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If anyone has heard both the X1 and X2, how does they compare to each other? What were the design objectives for each one?
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Hello Clayton,
Will you have X2's with Vinnie's amp at Capital Audio Fest in November by any chance?
NB
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If anyone has heard both the X1 and X2, how does they compare to each other? What were the design objectives for each one?
The X2 sounds much like the X1, but is designed for regular sized rooms and is passive, without the need for EQ. The X1 has a longer throw horn for greater listening distances. The design goals are otherwise the same in both cases.
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Hello Clayton,
Will you have X2's with Vinnie's amp at Capital Audio Fest in November by any chance?
NB
+1
CAF 2017 will be my first audio show. Looking forward to seeing all the setups.
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The X2 sounds much like the X1, but is designed for regular sized rooms and is passive, without the need for EQ. The X1 has a longer throw horn for greater listening distances. The design goals are otherwise the same in both cases.
Hi Clayton. If you listen at mid-field distances, how much do you give up, if anything, with the X2 being passive versus the X1 being active?
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Hi Clayton. If you listen at mid-field distances, how much do you give up, if anything, with the X2 being passive versus the X1 being active?
Honestly, I can't tell that the X2 is passive. Its sounds so dynamic and transparent that one might assume it is active.
Clayton
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Honestly, I can't tell that the X2 is passive. Its sounds so dynamic and transparent that one might assume it is active.
Clayton
... which, of course, only makes me wonder what it might sound like active :)
Just for clarification, what do you consider a "regular sized room", and is the X2 able to perform in closer proximity to boundary walls than the X1?
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... which, of course, only makes me wonder what it might sound like active :)
Just for clarification, what do you consider a "regular sized room", and is the X2 able to perform in closer proximity to boundary walls than the X1?
Based on Clayton's post, with the appropriate DSP tool it should be easy enough to find out about the active sound. Mmmmmm.
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Based on Clayton's post, with the appropriate DSP tool it should be easy enough to find out about the active sound. Mmmmmm.
As a LIO owner, I can't help but wonder about the possibility of tweaks to Vinnie's X1 solution.
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... which, of course, only makes me wonder what it might sound like active :)
Just for clarification, what do you consider a "regular sized room", and is the X2 able to perform in closer proximity to boundary walls than the X1?
12 x 15 to 17 x 25 in rough numbers. Both models would need to be 3ft from the front wall and 1ft from the side wall at least. The X1 prefers to be out about 4 ft from the front wall
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Hey Clayton,
Check your mail box; you got a PM!
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I have the M3TM and love them.
Curious to hear the X2 and hear what the difference is?
Especially with the tweeter.
Also, had Goldenear Triton ones before and does the X2 use a similiar teeeter?
(folded ribbon)
Peaked my interest for sure !!
TH
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12 x 15 to 17 x 25 in rough numbers. Both models would need to be 3ft from the front wall and 1ft from the side wall at least. The X1 prefers to be out about 4 ft from the front wall
How far, approximately, does the Lumina need to be away from the front wall?
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1. When will these be available?
2. What is the projected lead time?
3. When do you expect to have the detailed information page on your website?
4. Will there be introductory pricing?
5. Are these currently being reviewed?
Sorry for all the questions, but as much as I admire the X1, this is something I
can do now, and is likely the better fit for my room.
Thanks,
Slush
The X2 is available now with about a 4 week lead time.
We will be building out the X2 web page next week with specs and images
The $9600 price is our factory direct price, so there won't be any introductory price.
Yes, Steven Stone has them now. Others, such as Scot Hull of Part Time Audiophile have requested review samples.
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=170153)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=170152)
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X2 looks fantastic!
Congratulations to Clayton of the next incredible product for us!
I and my client are still impressed by X1. But I'm already planning to install X2 8)
Please check your mail box. I sent you a business mail. Thank you!
Best,
Aleksandr.
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The X2 is available now with about a 4 week lead time.
We will be building out the X2 web page next week with specs and images
The $9600 price is our factory direct price, so there won't be any introductory price.
Yes, Steven Stone has them now. Others, such as Scot Hull of Part Time Audiophile have requested review samples.
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=170153)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=170152)
Hi, Clayton,
Just curious if you can provide the sensitivity spec?
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Hi Rebbi,
Sensitivity is 94 dB
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Hi Rebbi,
Sensitivity is 94 dB
Excellent. By the way, the M3 turbo S review is almost there, I swear. Two more weeks, maybe? I will let everyone here know when it’s live.
:wink:
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WHITE ! VERY NICE ! :thumb:
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Excellent. By the way, the M3 turbo S review is almost there, I swear. Two more weeks, maybe? I will let everyone here know when it’s live.
It's been my intention to update my comments as well, but it will probably take another month or so as I'm still sorting out a few things up stream.
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How far, approximately, does the Lumina need to be away from the front wall?
The Lumina needs 3 to 4 ft from the front wall
Clayton Shaw
Spatial Audio
www.spatialaudio.us
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Hey Guys,
The X2 product page is up.
www.spatialaudio.us
Clayton
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Hey Guys,
The X2 product page is up.
www.spatialaudio.us
Clayton
Man, Clayton, those are beautiful.
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Hey Guys,
The X2 product page is up.
www.spatialaudio.us
Clayton
The spec does not show the x-over frequency between AMT tweeter and the woofer? Is the xover passive or active or either one?
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From the product description on the website.
" The X2 is an all passive design with the circuitry built into the chassis. The best electrical components are used, such as Clarity Caps, Duelund wiring and WBT Nextgen terminals. "
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Hey Guys,
The X2 product page is up.
www.spatialaudio.us
Clayton
Could you explain the reasoning behind using a modular system for the X2? Is the idea to eventually provide different tweeter options at different price points?
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What is the crossover point of the X2?
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Could you explain the reasoning behind using a modular system for the X2? Is the idea to eventually provide different tweeter options at different price points?
The modular approach would indeed allow us to offer a different mid/tweeter design at a later date, but that is unlikely due to how good the AMT is.
However, it does allow us to offer multi-woofer arrays, such as additional woofer on top.
The reasons for modular design are primarily:
1) Vibration isolation
2) Ease of shipment and unpacking/setup
3) Allows us to sell the bottom section as a stand alone dipole subwoofer
Clayton
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What is the crossover point of the X2?
800Hz
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The modular approach would indeed allow us to offer a different mid/tweeter design at a later date, but that is unlikely due to how good the AMT is.
However, it does allow us to offer multi-woofer arrays, such as additional woofer on top.
The reasons for modular design are primarily:
1) Vibration isolation
2) Ease of shipment and unpacking/setup
3) Allows us to sell the bottom section as a stand alone dipole subwoofer
Clayton
Very interesting, thanks!
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Hi Clayton,
Could you post a detailed picture of how the top module connects to the bottom? Are you supplying the jumper? Finally, do you recommend spades or bananas on these binding posts? Looking to place an order by early November and am trying to figure out what else I need to buy.
Thanks,
Dave Fiano
Hi Dave,
This pic that you have probably already seen is the best. The cones rest in the Stainless Steel Allen socket head very precisely, so alignment is perfect and they can't slide off. So the top module is resting on the bottom. The top module weighs about 50 pounds, so it won't move. The two modules are very stable and weight centered.
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=170351)
I prefer bananas if they are the hollow Z banana or WBT or similar quality. If not, a good spade would be preferred. The WBT terminals on the X2 will accept either just fine. A jumper cable made from the Duelund 12G wire comes with the speaker.
I look forward to working with you and appreciate your interest.
Clayton
www.spatialaudio.us
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The X1 may be the better sounding speaker, but in its final version it wound up pretty plain looking. I can see people buying the X2 just for the looks alone. That is a very cool looking speaker! And with the great reviews so far it's a win-win.
The backwards leaning aspect - is that industrial design or acoustic? Is there a reason why some speakers lean back? I think I remember from another post somewhere it was for timing but wouldn't there have to be a set distance from the speaker to listener for that to be the case?
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The X1 may be the better sounding speaker, but in its final version it wound up pretty plain looking. I can see people buying the X2 just for the looks alone. That is a very cool looking speaker! And with the great reviews so far it's a win-win.
The backwards leaning aspect - is that industrial design or acoustic? Is there a reason why some speakers lean back? I think I remember from another post somewhere it was for timing but wouldn't there have to be a set distance from the speaker to listener for that to be the case?
The tilt back is all for acoustic reasons. That fact that it looks cool is an extra benefit.
Clayton
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The tilt back is all for acoustic reasons. That fact that it looks cool is an extra benefit.
Clayton
I can totally see that. It both aligns HF output with the listener's ears and offers boundary reinforcement for bass. The Quad ESL, Wharfedale SFB/3, and JE Labs Open Baffle all share similar positioning arrangements.
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I see in the specs that it is 94db with the word "Woofer" next to that.
Does that mean those are only the woofer's specs? What are the specs of the AMT driver or does 94db include the total of both drivers? What is the minimum wattage amp you would recommend and would you suggest bi-amping the AMT and Woofers?
Thanks
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I see in the specs that it is 94db with the word "Woofer" next to that.
Does that mean those are only the woofer's specs? What are the specs of the AMT driver or does 94db include the total of both drivers? What is the minimum wattage amp you would recommend and would you suggest bi-amping the AMT and Woofers?
Thanks
The overall sensitivity as a complete passive speaker is 94dB. The raw sensitivity of the AMT is 101dB. It was designed to be passive, so I do not have any recommendations for bi-amping.
Clayton
www.spatialaudio.us
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I am confused about the recent Spatial announcements: X2: Have they changed their mind about the compression driver with the intro of the AMT and what is the impact of losing one of the two 15" drivers in the M3 and how is the smoothness of the crossover affected?
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Dave
From looking at the show photos it looks like the main speaker cables to the bottom module were bananas and the jumpers on that end were spades.
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Saw that. Looks like the jumper in the show photo is banana on top so I guess you could just swap it either way or just buy matching jumpers with the cables then your choice. With that particular binding post I find bananas to be a better choice. I just don't feel confident in the grip when tightening spades like with the Topline posts Klaus uses. Just my opinion though and he chose those for a reason.
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Spoke to Clayton today at length about the X2's. He is very pleasant and professional to deal with. I placed the order and anxiously await their arrival. I have never tried OB speakers, so this will be a whole new world for me. Stay tuned....
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Spoke to Clayton today at length about the X2's. He is very pleasant and professional to deal with. I placed the order and anxiously await their arrival. I have never tried OB speakers, so this will be a whole new world for me. Stay tuned....
Welcome to the order queue :green: Hopefully my M3TurboS's ship this week! :thumb:
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I'll be checking out spatial and the X2 at Capfest tomorrow.
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I'll be checking out spatial and the X2 at Capfest tomorrow.
Sorry guys - We don't attend the Capfest due to the distance from Utah. Maybe next year.
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Congratulations SlushPuppy!
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Congratulations Slush Puppy!! It will be a long 4 weeks, I am sure, but if the X2 sounds like the X1, you are really in for a treat.
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Congrats to you too! What color did you get? I bought mine in black. I was leaning towards white with the grey grills, but my wife liked the way the black ones blended with the room. She said yes to the purchase, and after that I thought arguing about color was a stupid idea 8)
And now I get to stare at this picture for the next 4 weeks until they arrive...
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=169232)
This will be the longest four weeks of our lives.... :lol:
I also got mine in black. i wasn't sure about the other colors and also down the road resale value incase i want to upgrade to the X1.
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I also have the DEQX PreMate and wonder what positive attributes it would bring to the table for an OB speaker. It has done wonders for my Eggleston Andra III speakers but just wondering if anyone here is using Spatial OB speakers and DEQX.
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I run my Spatial Hologram M2's with an all TacT digital rig (predecessor to Lyngdorf) with very good results. YMMV. Cordially,
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Scot Hull at Part Time Audiophile just posted his RMAF show report on our X2 room:
https://parttimeaudiophile.com/2017/11/12/rmaf-2017-spatial-audio-and-vinnie-rossi/
The X2 is passive and was beautifully driven by the amazing Vinnie Rossi LIO.
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=171237)
Clayton Shaw
www.spatialaudio.us
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Hi Clayton,
When you say, “3 feet from the front wall,” is that measured from the front or back of the speakers? Thanks.
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Scot Hull at Part Time Audiophile just posted his RMAF show report on our X2 room:
https://parttimeaudiophile.com/2017/11/12/rmaf-2017-spatial-audio-and-vinnie-rossi/
The X2 is passive and was beautifully driven by the amazing Vinnie Rossi LIO.
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=171237)
Clayton Shaw
www.spatialaudio.us
That's a great write-up...Congrats to Clayton and Vinnie! :thumb:
I really can't wait to hear the X2's.
George
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Hi Clayton,
When you say, “3 feet from the front wall,” is that measured from the front or back of the speakers? Thanks.
3ft from the front edge of the baffle.
Clayton
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Sorry if this already should have been asked but are the X2 ready to go as they are? No need for DSPs? Just connect them to the amps like you do with the M3s?
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Sorry if this already should have been asked but are the X2 ready to go as they are? No need for DSPs? Just connect them to the amps like you do with the M3s?
Yes, the X2 is completely passive - no outboard processing or bi-amping needed. Plug and Play :)
Clayton
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Single-wired? bi-wired? connections. Are the upper and lower units connected externally? If so, is that cable supplied?
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Single-wired? bi-wired? connections. Are the upper and lower units connected externally? If so, is that cable supplied?
We supply a jumper for single wire hook up. Or, you can bi-wire if you have a bi-wire cable set.
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Thank you very much Clayton.
Please allow me to tell you that this is the nicest looking loudpeaker that I saw in years. It simply looks splendid. And it seems to be rock solid, too.
And due to it‘s ease of use it definitely is a speaker to check out.
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No notification yet. I am over my 4 week mark by 5 days now, but who's counting :lol:
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Hey guys,
Don't fret, the first 10 pair of X2s start shipping next week, so the wait is over my friends.
Clayton Shaw
www.spatialaudio.us
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=172527)
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Hey guys,
Don't fret, the first 10 pair of X2s start shipping next week, so the wait is over my friends.
Clayton Shaw
www.spatialaudio.us
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=172527)
Awesome news! Any idea when we might start to see industry reviews to help out those of us who haven't had the opportunity to hear them at a show?
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If any of you guys who are on the X2 List are selling or will soon sell your Spatial M3/4's with TM or without, please shoot me a PM....I'm home recovering from a prolonged illness and need some music to feed my soul :D.
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Yes, the X2 goes low. The -3dB point is 18hz.
How is that possible?
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How is that possible?
Why would it NOT be possible?
-Jim
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Why would it NOT be possible?
-Jim
OB is not something you associate with bass that low.
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On FedEx vehicle for delivery
This is going to be a long day....
"Out for delivery" is always a blast to see. Looks like your'e going to have a "spatial" day. :D :thumb: Congratulations and have fun.
Cheers,
Scott
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OB is not something you associate with bass that low.
Actually, OB bass can and does go deep.
Like everything, it all goes back to the implementation.
George
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Actually, OB bass can and does go deep.
Like everything, it all goes back to the implementation.
George
Yes. I should have been clearer that it has a reputation for not going low. However as you note, that is hardly the case for all OB and depends on implementation
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Up and running and already sounding great :thumb:
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=173815&size=xlarge)
Love the color!
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Nice! Is that a custom color?
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Great to see some X2s in action!! Do you mind sharing what speakers you replaced?
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Very nice. If you can, take a picture of them from your listening position. I'd love to see how they look in a room. They don't look as big as I imagined. How's the low end and imaging? Can't wait for a detailed report.
Chris
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Beautiful, I am also looking forward to a little review.
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Hi Received my X2 last week . impecably packaged, a breeze to assemble .
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=173874)
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They really look great. How do they sound? Would love some detailed information, thanks.
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juszat - you have a PM
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Hi Received my X2 last week . impecably packaged, a breeze to assemble .
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=173874)
Let us know how the low end and imaging is out of the box. Break-in will certainly improve them.
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...and ditch the coffee table. Those things are guaranteed acoustical nightmares.
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To sfsoa ....... Just where the hell are we supposed place our beers ??
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I know, I know, the convenience is vital but oh the reflection (distortion) :nono:
Priorities, priorities... :thumb:
Great speakers!! Their little brothers are on my list...
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Put a heavy tablecloth on the table and problem solved.
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Two items: Any additional comments comparing the X-2 with your previous speakers and what footings have you selected vis-a-vis your type of flooring. I am two weeks away from receiving my Spatial's X-2. Hooray
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When can we have a review by a new owner??????????????????/
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Cheers Slush, thanks. I have granite floors, upstream are PS Audio (now installing Red Cloud on Directstream DAC), PS Audio Directstrem Memory player NuClear NC1000 amp Audio Fire Preamp with a Rhytmik F2 12" Servo sub. Are you bi-wired? I will consider your suggested footing however, what I am mostly interested (when you are finished) is in your room treatment. BTW, pictures would do wonders. Thank you!
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Well slush, it is always good when you learn of a fellow audiophile who has reached (or is about to reach) audio Nirvana where he or she can say: This is it! Is anyone familiar with Stein Music h2 Harmonizer. If so, I would welcome an opinion. They operate on a similar purpose as the Lyngdorf.
Slush, since I am a neophyte with regards to room treatment, based on your final results, I may mimic you so please keep us posted. Cheers
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So major improvements were made today. I spent a few hours moving my large area rug, played with toe-in, and pulled my speakers out further into the room. The inner side of the baffles are now 39" from the back wall and pulling them further into the room made little improvement. My listening position is [almost] an equilateral triangle now. I ditched J River on my music server because it wasn't playing well with the Lyngdorf USB driver (numerous pops - even with a maxed-out buffer). Now running Roon and am stunned at the results. I was only hoping to get rid of the pops and wasn't expecting such an improvement in sound quality. After all of that I ran RoomPerfect on the Lyngdorf for the first time and that made the biggest difference of all. I still need room treatments, but this feature is flat-out amazing! You press start on the menu, move the supplied microphone around to 6 or 7 random locations, then you're done. Takes about 25 minutes. How much of an improvement? Disabling it made the music almost unlistenable (in comparison). I've never heard anything that made such an improvement in sound quality. You almost have to hear it to believe it. So, I'm nearly there and am really glad the X2's were announced at the exact time I was looking to upgrade my system :-)Cheers!
Slush
Congratulations on the X2s! They seem like the perfect speaker for me - I'll have to start saving my pennies. I'm impressed that Clayton managed to get down to 18Hz bass with such a simple OB design. Looking forward to hearing more of your impressions and reading some professional reviews as well.
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Slush, it certainly appears you've reached the place where you can just sit, relax and enjoy. Two questions: a) My ICE based amp is 8 ohms and so is my Rhytmik F-12 sub BUT Spatial X2 is only 4 ohms. Any issues with this? ...and b) How is your room treatment coming along
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Slush, it certainly appears you've reached the place where you can just sit, relax and enjoy. Two questions: a) My ICE based amp is 8 ohms and so is my Rhytmik F-12 sub BUT Spatial X2 is only 4 ohms. Any issues with this? ...and b) How is your room treatment coming along
Mwalker,
Your Nuclear amp is based on the ICE module (1000ASP). The specs are here:
http://newclearaudio.com/?page_id=99
I would say you have nothing to worry about if you are concerned with compatibilities with 4 ohm impedances.
Your Rythmik sub is it’s own entity with its own sub amp/dsp/crossover, etc...the impedance is not relevant here, so I would not worry.
Best,
Anand.
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Thanks Anand for a quick and enlightening response however the name to my pain lies in my Audio Fire Preamp designed by Henry Ho 9 years ago as it gets super hot (it is its innate quality to get hot, but not sure if all these apperant mismatches could be an added factor). I am now less tha 2 weeks away from getting the Spatial's X2, which will replace Tyler D1. Thanks for your contribution
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The x2s are on my upgrade short list (to replace Aerial Model 9s). I would be interested in some information about how this speaker compares to other speakers with which you (any x2 owner) are familiar. I am also interested in how they sound off-axis and how wide is the sweet spot. And, of course, any overall review would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
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I've never heard a loudspeaker sound so good at low volume settings. The volume on my Lyngdorf integrated amp is currently -25.5 and the music is completely filling my listening room. Imaging and bass are incredible! "Henry" and "Who am I" by Peace Orchestra sound amazing.
Great to hear. Please keep up the comments. For those deciding to order the X2's, your impressions are exciting. It is especially nice to hear that they are impressive when listening at low volume levels.
Chris
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After treating your room, plus having bought one of the best speakers on the planet, life on AC is gonna suck for you. Your postings will generally be limited to "My system sounds so AWESOME!!!" Haha, and it'll be true :) :thumb:
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Hello Tyson: I am anticipating arrival of my X-2's in 12-14 days to replace my Tyson D-1's what should I expect soundwise. My gear is basically PS Audio Directstream with Red Cloud OS DAC, Directstream player, Audio Fire preamp, NewClear1000L Ice based amp and Stein H2 room correction cubes.
SlushPuppy, please don't forget to post pictures and report your impressions once you implement your room treatment before you post the inevitable: "My system sounds so AWESOME".
Now time for the rest who own the X-2's and by now had them broken in, is SlushPuppy the only one taking the time to post reports on "The best speakers on the planet!"? We are eagerly waiting :duh:
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So major improvements were made today. I spent a few hours moving my large area rug, played with toe-in, and pulled my speakers out further into the room. The inner side of the baffles are now 39" from the back wall and pulling them further into the room made little improvement. My listening position is [almost] an equilateral triangle now. I ditched J River on my music server because it wasn't playing well with the Lyngdorf USB driver (numerous pops - even with a maxed-out buffer). Now running Roon and am stunned at the results. I was only hoping to get rid of the pops and wasn't expecting such an improvement in sound quality. After all of that I ran RoomPerfect on the Lyngdorf for the first time and that made the biggest difference of all. I still need room treatments, but this feature is flat-out amazing! You press start on the menu, move the supplied microphone around to 6 or 7 random locations, then you're done. Takes about 25 minutes. How much of an improvement? Disabling it made the music almost unlistenable (in comparison). I've never heard anything that made such an improvement in sound quality. You almost have to hear it to believe it. So, I'm nearly there and am really glad the X2's were announced at the exact time I was looking to upgrade my system :-)
Cheers!
Slush
Congrats on the good sounds. What a feeling :). Have you thought about starting a thread detailing your experience and details about the Lyngdorf unit and its DSP capabilities? I for one don't know much about it, but I have to imagine it's a powerful thing if it's giving you "night and day" results with minimal hassles...
Just a thought.
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Well, good things happen to those who wait. My X-2’s just arrived 4 hours ago and they are up and running. Now comes the long, winding and uphill battle of breaking them in. I am somewhat fortunate as I requested Clayton to kindly give them some break in before shipping to which he obliged. Added to this I started immediately putting them through the XLO Test and Burn in CD which contains a good portion of ‘white noise’ toppled with lots of patience. I have attached some pictures to give an idea of my set up. It is a small dedicated room with no room treatment, only relying on my 4 trusted STEIN h2 room equalizers plus an Acoustic Revive unit. Fingers crossed as the x2’s will be replacing my excellent Tyler D-1 which will go on sale on short notice. We’ll keep you posted gang.
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=176242)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=176243)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=176244)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=176245)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=176246)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=176247)
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Ha, the X2's just look like pieces of art. Way nicer looking in your space than the old monkey coffins.
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That is one sweet room and system, SlushPuppy. :thumb: I hope to add a few panels to the walls someday myself, just to quiet things down a little.
Yours look well thought out, tastefully done and not overboard. Well done. :thumb:
Cheers,
Scott
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Congrats D - It is back to the drawing board for me. I will consider incorporating some of your room treatment ideas, in the meantime I can only paraphrase ‘The Honeymooners: “One day, one day, POW”
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Very nice and congrats on the well thought out room. If you get a chance, post the distances in the setup - distance from the front wall, apart and to the listening position.
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And yes Tyson, My system sounds so AWESOME!!! :lol:
Told ya :thumb:
The X2's are really the only speakers I've heard that I'd want to own if I didn't have the Super 7's. They both have that incredible open window on the recording type of presentation that is intoxicating. And they sound BIG!! So many speakers present medium sized soundstages, I love that these don't, they sound huge!
Congrats on getting them dialed in, now comes the fun part - relistening to all your favorite recordings. If you're anything like me, it'll do one other very interesting thing: allow you to understand and appreciate artists that were closed off before. I'm thinking of people like Bob Dylan and Janis Joplin. I respected what they did, but their music didn't really resonate with me. Part of that was the recordings are very challenging to reproduce well. But with speakers like the X2s (and Super 7s), the recording itself stops being a barrier. That's pretty damn cool.
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Great looking room, congrats on getting it dialed in. I'm also interested in distances, especially center to center between the speakers and from each speaker to the sweet spot. I have X2s on the way.
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Slushpuppy, what a great setup there! Looks extremely inviting, comfortable and with the system dialed in, some place that looks like you'd spend hours upon hours enjoying the fruits of your investment and labor to get right.
Enjoy!
-dave
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yes add me to the envious list. My treatments not nearly so tidy and only M3 Turbo S here but love them - X2's looking forward to hearing them one day.
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Slushpuppy it's interesting how my M3 Triode Masters are set up very similarly. Tweeter to tweeter = 92". Tweeters to sitting position = 106". Except I have 38" to side walls and 64" to wall behind the speakers.
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Hi Slushpuppy--thanks for posting your room setup. Love the X2's...I can't even imagine how great Pat Metheny's 'Secret Story' sounds on those (would also love to hear the 'Falcon and the Snowman' soundtrack on them, as well :o)
Congrats on getting things sorted!! Maybe one day...you never know...but damn the M3TS ain't no slouch, either :D
limits
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=177171)
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They do sound huge!
You can make them sounder even huger by spreading them further apart and sitting closer to them. Don't know what you're using for amps, but some amps sound huger than other amps. :wink:
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I've had my X2s for just under two months with 250 to 300 hours on them. They sound incredibly good, and I haven't even tweaked the position much yet. The detail is incredible, as well as vocals. I listen mostly to acoustic music, mainly jazz, and percussion has such a life like quality. Cymbals for instance, the way they sound and the decay is amazing. And the dynamics of the entire drum kit plus everything else is the best I've ever heard. The soundstage depth and imaging is excellent. Bass is very defined and clean sounding. Still hoping to get a little more bass impact. Yesterday Clayton suggested moving the speakers back a foot in case they were in a null area of the room. I did that and have listened for about an hour in the new position, evaluating but I think it did help, not a night and day difference. The picture below is before that change. Clayton also said they routinely set them up wider with more toe in and I'll try that next. In summary, very happy with the X2s.
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=183143)
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=183144)
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=183145)
The room is 15' wide at the widest end where the speakers are, and 19' long. The right speaker is 5.5' and the left 6.5' from the wall behind, due to the irregular shape. Each are 3' from side walls. 7.5' between speakers, and 9.5 feet from chair.
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Since you've got those deep recesses from the center of the wall I would move them back even another foot at least. With the unequal distance between the rear wall and each speaker you may also perceive a small difference in the bass amount with the two speakers.
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I've played them louder than I care to be in the room for a lot of days while no one was home, but nothing like Micky Hart's Planet Drum. I'll find that on Tidal and play it loud.
Good point about the recesses on the front wall, they bother me when I think about how they might affect the sound. I've even considered corner placement with the backs facing the corner by the window.
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Another option which you could mark and then move when not in use would be a pair of stand up diffusers from GIK. Then you could have equal distance from the rear of the speaker.
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Great idea :thumb:
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I've got two GIK free standing panels in the room already, one at each side of the room. 24" wide by 60" tall by 4" deep. You can see them in the second and third pictures in my post above. GIK calls them "FreeStand Bass Traps" in the 4" version and "FreeStand Absorption Panels" in the 2" version. I placed them at the first reflection points for use with my previous speakers. Might not be needed there now with OB speakers, but after removing them I noticed an echo when standing in the middle of the room while talking, so put them back.
I like the idea of using free standing panels behind the speakers to get equal distance behind each speaker. I think they should be diffusion panels. My view of GIK's diffusion products called Alpha and Impression Series is they are an absorption panel with a "thin face plate that has mathematical sequence of slots for spatial diffusion." The face plate looks to be no more than a 1/4" and it's hard to see how that can do much in the way of diffusion, but I could be wrong. The rectangle version is available with free standing supports but the panels are only 23" by 45.5" high. I'm not sure that's tall enough but GIK says custom sizes are available. If I can get them 60" tall I think it would be an option that would help to even out the wall behind the speakers.
Actually now that I'm home and measuring, the standard height of 45.5" might be fine.
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Last night I did as Clayton suggested and increased the toe-in angle. Rotated the outside leg forward 2 inches while keeping the inside leg stationary. WOW !! Vast improvement in every way, including the bass. Not sure why the bass improvement but doesn't matter, it's good. The system just has a great balance. It sounds super clean with completely non-fatiguing detail. It seems to be more engaging and has just more of everything, attack of instruments with increased definition in every way. I hear effortless dynamics, resolution, clarity, openness, sound that is nuanced and intricately detailed, provides an utterly convincing spatial rendering, localization, and tonal character of instruments. Tonight I'll move them farther apart, which Clayton also suggested after seeing room pictures.
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Envious here with my M4TMs :green:
Check out the PIAudio site(ARGH!) or Agon for their diffusers, picked up four and they are for OB speakers(one of the two profiles)
Vert Happy with them, Wifey heard instant clearing up of rear reflections,lightweight cast foam 24"x48" easy to move ,hang.Could easily make a stand for em cheap
Going to take awhile but X2s are first audio product I started a "NUT" for, in a couple years some kind soul will gut Luminas and I will give their X2s a loving home, Or I can buy lotto tix! :lol:
Enjoy those BMFs
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Thanks for the reminder on PI Audio diffusers. I've looked at them before. They might even be a good replacement for what I have on the front wall now, which I bought dirt cheap on Agon, and I'm not sure how effective they are.
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SlushPuppy I noticed you are moving to a tube integrated. If you don't mind, which one?
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Cool! I'll be interested in how it sounds with the X2's, my assumption would be very good, based on: "Delivering 70 watts per channel from EL34's, 80 watts from KT88's, 84 watts from KT120's, and 96 watts from KT150's." I really liked my 17 watt tube amp with the M3TM's. Would like to try a higher output tube amp with my X2's.
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I have a Rogue Audio Atlas Magnum headed my way as we speak to power my M4 Triode Master's. My TM's present a 12 ohm load to the amp. I vastly preferred a fine potent SS amp with my earlier version of the speakers -- the Turbo S, which also had a nominal 4 ohm load. Let us know how the Prima Luna amp sounds in your system.
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Congrats Slush on getting where you are, music bliss. It's interesting that since you have a difficult room, you are getting better results without DSP room correction that the Lyngdorf has with it's "Room Perfect." I did a lot of research on both Lyngdorf Room Perfect and DEQX, and thought wow, people are reporting such improvement with both of those, I'm so tempted to try one. But then by chance was on the phone with Clayton regarding something else, and I mentioned my interest in DEQX. After that conversation I dropped the idea because after using it for a time, Clayton didn't like it either. Was missing the emotional involvement of the music; something along those lines. So it seems you came to the same conclusion.
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Great OB speakers solve room issues in a way that box speakers (even with EQ) just can't. Welcome to the club :)
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Great OB speakers solve room issues in a way that box speakers (even with EQ) just can't. Welcome to the club :)
I might generalize that statement to state that matching the directivity (frequency dependent radiation pattern and power response) of your speakers to your room geometry limitations and speaker placement limitations and then choosing treatments appropriate to the combination will go a long way toward achieving sonic bliss.
That statement is in no way meant to minimize the benefits of OB speakers, but rather to encourage folks to understand why they can be a good option, and under what conditions, in particular. For example, Clayton doesn't recommend putting the X2s right up against a wall, so if that's a limitation you can't avoid, then other options may be more appropriate. In short, knowledge is power, and physics always wins! :)
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