AudioCircle
Industry Circles => Spatial Audio => Topic started by: Spatial Audio on 10 Mar 2019, 02:06 am
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Everyone is asking, so here is a link to the X3 and X5 announcement.
Both models should be ready to show at Axpona 2019. Let me know if you have any questions.
https://clayton-shaw.squarespace.com/new-page
Clayton
Spatial Audio Lab
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Thanks for the sneak peak. I'm glad you are making something to bridge the price gap between the M3TM and the X2.
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Thanks Birdbrain,
Yeah, it has taken a long time to develop the killer solution for this price range. They are super enjoyable to listen to.
Clayton
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Here is the X40 custom midrange driver designed for dipole operation, for use in both the X3 and X5.
Clayton
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=191845)
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Can not wait to here these! Will you be at the CAS this year?
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Hello Clayton
Slightly OT, but I think I read the discontinued X1 model is having a makeover as well.
Could you give any further information about the changes to the X1?
Thanks
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Can not wait to here these! Will you be at the CAS this year?
We may exhibit at CAS. Depends on how busy I am after the Munich show.
Clayton
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ETA to pictures, more info and availability? :popcorn:
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ETA to pictures, more info and availability? :popcorn:
Hey Windchaser,
Getting ready in time for Axpona is tight and therefore getting decent photography done may not happen until afterwards. So, I will probably shoot some iPhone pics if that ends up being the case.
We will be shipping in April because we now have in-house CNC router and cabinet shop, so we don't have to wait for baffles as we did in the past. Here is a pic along with a pic of what will be our main listening room, which is a bit bigger than the room we have been using.
Clayton
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=191865)
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=191862)
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Hello Clayton
Slightly OT, but I think I read the discontinued X1 model is having a makeover as well.
Could you give any further information about the changes to the X1?
Thanks
The X1 Uniwave is going into the Mk2 level. Focus is on making it more compact and integrating a 500W Hypex Fusion amp into it, so that they are plug and play like these new X3 & X5 designs. Above 400Hz will be passive analog. It will also incorporate a mind-bending mid/treble driver from Germany. The new HE version of this driver is insanely good, but it takes time to learn how to use it properly:
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=191867)
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=191868)
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Clayton,
Are you still using the Beyma AMT or is this the ESS AMT or something else? Your using the word "Heil" gets me thinking its maybe not the Beyma. Just curious. My friend was using the Beyma AMT in dipole as his super tweeter and now prefers the ESS in the same application.
These new speakers have me drooling! 97db, powered woofer and 12 inch midrange and amt! Oh my God is this gonna rock!
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BMS indeed makes tremendous drivers. I use the kissing cousin of the 18n862 which is the 15n850v3 as a midbass. Fantastically dynamic and detailed but pricey ($500 each!).
Have fun Clayton, nice work btw.
Best,
Anand.
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Getting ready in time for Axpona is tight and therefore getting decent photography done may not happen until afterwards. So, I will probably shoot some iPhone pics if that ends up being the case.
Can't wait for the show report. Wish I could attend.
Will there be an option for a servo amp on the bass?
What about the crossover, where does the AMT meet the 12?
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=191893)
That's one clean shop. I need to hire your custodian. :lol:
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Yeah, but if all that stuff was hanging from the ceiling then he'd have even more floor space!!! :green:
Gene
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X-1 ✔️
X-2 ✔️
X-3 ✔️
X-4 ??
X-5 ✔️
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Clayton, I'd really like to hear the X3, if not at Axpona then in your new listening room in Salt Lake.
The product announcement says substantial improvements in midrange resolution and imaging, and major advances in bass attack and impact. Are those improvements over the X2? Based on the next generation X platform description, it kind of does sound like the X3 should surpass the X2, but I must be missing something.
Jeff
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I had the same question as Clifford.
I am quite interested in the new X1 as well.
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Clayton, I'd really like to hear the X3, if not at Axpona then in your new listening room in Salt Lake.
The product announcement says substantial improvements in midrange resolution and imaging, and major advances in bass attack and impact. Are those improvements over the X2? Based on the next generation X platform description, it kind of does sounds like the X3 should surpass the X2, but I must be missing something.
Jeff
Hi Jeff,
In the X3/X5 announcement, I was thinking more about improvements over the M3 Series and prototypes I have worked on in the under $10K price category. These are way better. Although, we don't use servo control in this series, the bass performance is pretty shocking compared to the passive bass approach. To answer your question, the new models are an improvement over the X2 for the same reasons in some areas - powered OB woofer and dedicated 12 mid unit. Once you go to powered OB bass, there's no going back. Bruno Putzeys new N-Core DSP bass amp makes it possible to open up a whole new vista for Open Baffle. To implement it along with great drivers and solid construction is a real treat in this price category. I could not be happier with the way these models turned out.
Clayton
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In the X3/X5 announcement, I was thinking more about improvements over the M3 Series and prototypes I have worked on in the under $10K price category. These are way better.
That's good news. I'm sure the new X class models are way better than everything in the X class, but when it comes to controlled directivity, will that exclusive to the X-1 in the X class?
And speaking of the new forthcoming version of the X-1, any idea as to how much it will cost or is it too early to say?
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That's good news. I'm sure the new X class models are way better than everything in the X class, but when it comes to controlled directivity, will that exclusive to the X-1 in the X class?
And speaking of the new forthcoming version of the X-1, any idea as to how much it will cost or is it too early to say?
Maybe I don't understand your question - but all the X series products use controlled directivity as a design principle. The X1 being the most extreme way to maximize it.
It is too early to speculate, but I am trying to reduce the price some. I will have to see when all the costing comes in. It would be cool if I could have it ready for the CAS this summer. The prototype sounds crazy good. But a lot of mechanical design work still to be done. Our new R&D area and larger listening room is helping to speed up development of new designs so summer might be possible.
BTW - I added pre-order buttons for X3 and X5 on our webstore. This worked great when the X2 was going into production. That way, a fair system for everyone in line is organized chronologically. The deposit to get in line is $1000 and is refundable.
Clayton
www.spatialaudio.us
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Clayton....presumably then, passive mid/treble means that the customer's amplifier drives the mid/treble while the ncore handles the bottom end?
Also, where would the ncore be located, mounted to the speaker, on the ground behind the speaker or along side you customer's amp and then running to sets of speaker wires to each speaker?
Also, can you shed some light on what 2d baffle means?
thanks!
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In the link Clayton provided in the first post above, the last bullet says
Plug and Play Installation - Single Speaker Wire Hookup
I think this indicates the N Core amp is located either in or near the speaker, and you only run one set of speaker cables from your amp to each speaker.
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Hi Jeff,
In the X3/X5 announcement, I was thinking more about improvements over the M3 Series and prototypes I have worked on in the under $10K price category. These are way better. Although, we don't use servo control in this series, the bass performance is pretty shocking compared to the passive bass approach. To answer your question, the new models are an improvement over the X2 for the same reasons in some areas - powered OB woofer and dedicated 12 mid unit. Once you go to powered OB bass, there's no going back. Bruno Putzeys new N-Core DSP bass amp makes it possible to open up a whole new vista for Open Baffle. To implement it along with great drivers and solid construction is a real treat in this price category. I could not be happier with the way these models turned out.
Clayton
Agreed!!! Powered OB bass is truly a game-changer.
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Clayton....presumably then, passive mid/treble means that the customer's amplifier drives the mid/treble while the ncore handles the bottom end?
Also, where would the ncore be located, mounted to the speaker, on the ground behind the speaker or along side you customer's amp and then running to sets of speaker wires to each speaker?
Also, can you shed some light on what 2d baffle means?
thanks!
Yes - the N Core amp drives only the bass driver, so the range above 100Hz is passive analog, driven by your amp operating at 8 Ohms and 97dB sensitivity. The amp mounts to the machined aluminum base plate with a 2 inch thick spacer.
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=191980)
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=191981)
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Maybe I don't understand your question - but all the X series products use controlled directivity as a design principle. The X1 being the most extreme way to maximize it.
Sorry for the confusion, what I meant to say was... I'm sure the new X class models are way better than everything in the M class, but when it comes to the M class application of 80 degrees of controlled directivity with a point source, will that be exclusive to the X-1 in the X class?
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I cannot edit the previous post, but it does clarify my original question to which Clayton moreless answered in his response.
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I can hardly wait until AXPONA to hear your new X-3 speakers Clayton. Work fast and give the demo pair a real break-in so they are at their best in Chicago. You have probably hit it out of the park by adding powered OB bass with DSP for room matching, and having 100Hz up at 97 dB so any low power finesse amp (or high power) will drive them with ease while still enjoying sensational bass impact. What room are you in at AXPONA?
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A quick check of the AXPONA site shows room 510: Spatial Audio, Modwright, Pure Fidelity and AntiCables
http://www.axpona.com/exhibitors.asp?list=company&s=510
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We have two rooms at Axpona 2019:
510 with Modwright driving the X3 and the X5.
696 with Linear Tube Audio driving the X3.
Clayton
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One thing that's a little disconcerting about having an OB speaker that's 97db and has a fully active bass section. You throw a little 10 watt amp on it and even with 10 watts you still get this huge, massive sound with insane, crushing bass. The first time I did it, there were more than a few moments of cognitive dissonance.
Personally I can't wait to hear these at RMAF, I think they are absolutely brilliant designs.
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As the proud owner of the M3 Turbo S, I'm having a hard time not reaching for my wallet to splash for those X3s. I have active LF drivers in my budget priced office system, and they take the heavy lifting off my ancient Dynaco. Really looking forward to photos (regardless of quality) and listener reports. :popcorn:
The X5 and X3 address what I feel is an main issue with the PAP designs, AMT or other HF drivers at knee height.
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Clayton....presumably then, passive mid/treble means that the customer's amplifier drives the mid/treble while the ncore handles the bottom end?
Also, where would the ncore be located, mounted to the speaker, on the ground behind the speaker or along side you customer's amp and then running to sets of speaker wires to each speaker?
Also, can you shed some light on what 2d baffle means?
thanks!
2D baffle = 2" deep.
I was ready to pull the trigger on a pair of M3 Turbos, when an unexpected hospital stay left me paying $6500 out of pocket. :(
Maybe it was for the best, I would have been p.o.ed if these came out right after I bought M3s.
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Hey Clayton - These X series speakers are really enticing - I may make RMAF 2019 to do a bit of shopping. Currently love my M3TM's and a pair of GR Research's dual servo OB subs - I like to think of it as a poor man's Lumina (but then, I like to think that I look like George Clooney and not a 72 yr old bald fat couch potato). I have a couple of questions. First, in a 3K cubic ft room, which speaker? Do you think the pair of OB subs will add anything to either of these?
Thanks,
Glynn
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Hey Clayton - These X series speakers are really enticing - I may make RMAF 2019 to do a bit of shopping. Currently love my M3TM's and a pair of GR Research's dual servo OB subs - I like to think of it as a poor man's Lumina (but then, I like to think that I look like George Clooney and not a 72 yr old bald fat couch potato). I have a couple of questions. First, in a 3K cubic ft room, which speaker? Do you think the pair of OB subs will add anything to either of these?
Thanks,
Glynn
Hello Glynn,
I am assuming your room is something like 15x25 with 8ft ceiling. Its hard to say if the servo subs would improve the system-probably is the answer, but at the expense of being more complex. Simplicity is important to me and to most customers I talk to. If you did continue with the GR, I would crossover them over fairly low in frequency. It should work great.
Clayton
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Clayton
If you already have the M3TM's in place with dual subs and dialed in wouldn't just moving to the X2 be the simpler upgrade? There is a nine month old pair in black for sale in Seattle.
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Thanks for the reply, Clayton. Room is 20 x20 x 8.25 with a closet sticking out on one wall. So should be about 3000 cu ft. Is larger X3 woofer required in this size room? Appeal of X3/5 is related to their 97 dB efficiency vs 91 for the X2. I have a 2A3 amp I often use and a pair of 45 monos on order, so higher efficiency is more gooder.
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Glynn:
I also run my M4TM's with stereo OB subwoofers, which are diy Ripoles using one 12" dia. Peerless driver in each channel. I have ben trying different setup configurations: 1. M4's full range and the subwoofers crossed at 50 hz from the main amp. outputs 2. crossover at 100 hz with hp and lp 12db filters using the Pass Labs lx mini configured for that and the same using the minidsp 2x4hd digital xover. I can play here with different parameters but it has been evident that 2nd order at 80-100 hz works best. Not having my main amp. reproducing the entire frequency range makes the systen sound efortlessness and more fluid.
Other philosophies maintain that leaving the main speakers full range is better, but I have not been able to ascertain this. So my question is, how do you have your setup with the M3's?
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I use the M3TMs full range with the subs coming in at 80 hz. I have always felt that the high-pass crossover in most subs was probably not made to same standards as the crossover in the speakers.
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Just to be clear regarding the hook up of the X3 and X5 with self-powered bass:
There are one set of WBT speaker terminals on the input panel (spade or banana). Plug in your speaker leads as with a normal speaker. Plug in the included power cords for the Hypex amps to the your wall outlet. The Hypex amp gets its music signal from leads coming out the input panel which feed the high level input on the amp.
So, no interconnects are needed - just plug and go.
Clayton
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Hi Clayton, these new X series designs look real enticing. I've been waiting for an OB powered sub with an AMT driver, the X3 especially cause of its size, checks off all the boxes. Just want to know:
- Will the DSP powered section be user controllable to allow for optimum room placement?
- How does the X3/5 AMT compare to the X2 driver?
Looking forward to the reviews at the show, good luck to you, I wish I could get there in person.
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Hi Clayton, these new X series designs look real enticing. I've been waiting for an OB powered sub with an AMT driver, the X3 especially cause of its size, checks off all the boxes. Just want to know:
- Will the DSP powered section be user controllable to allow for optimum room placement?
- How does the X3/5 AMT compare to the X2 driver?
Looking forward to the reviews at the show, good luck to you, I wish I could get there in person.
Hi Davek,
Yes, powering the OB woofer is quicker and more powerful for sure. Hard to go back to passive bass. There are 3 file presets on the amp that I can use to give some flexibility in different sized rooms. Besides volume adjustment it's not really user adjustable unless you are proficient in such things and download the Hypex control software.
The AMT used in the X3 and X5 is the same as in the X2.
Clayton
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Slush, I believe Clayton has realized this and there will be a revised/updated X-2 in the future.
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What would be cool is if the X-2 was modified to be able to use a servo OB bass section. That would definitely take it a step up.
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I would imagine the baffle in the X-2 is considerably more expensive to build than the ones in the new models. If it was changed to an M-T-M configuration like the PAP speakers you could put the powered OB bass section on the bottom and move the current bottom section to the top.
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I'm curious to know what deficiencies you feel the $10k X2 has that (let's say) a $15k X2-Plus would correct. All reports I've read on the X2 is that it offers fantastic performance in that price category.
There's always the risk of buyer's remorse for early adopters. One the one hand you get be "the first" to experience the gadget, on the other hand, progress happens and depreciation is not going away (in any price category) anytime soon.
Two new models. Same AMT as the X2, more powerful bass than the X2, and less expensive than the X2..... So what's the point of purchasing an X2? Why does it even exist in your product line? Am I missing something? Will it be replaced by a new version? Is there an upgrade path for current X2 owners who feel some remorse about the (improved and less expensive) new X models? Feeling a bit confused right now....
Slush
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The X2 will remain in the line. Many users like the stylish chassis design, low profile and all passive configuration. The upcoming X3 and X5 are simpler designs in the vein of the M3 chassis, and therefore less expensive to build. I always try to design and build the best product possible in a given range, while keeping in mind that customer needs vary.
Clayton
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Shots of the new X5 model, being prepared for Axpona. It's a beautiful product - Clean and modern with explosive performance.
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=192697)
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=192696)
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=192699)
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Nice design!
What colors will it come in Clayton?
Thank you.
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Very nice, I like it a lot! I think the flush mounted grills contribute greatly to the clean look.
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I would have thought the x-3 would go lower than the x-5 with
the larger woofer, but I noticed they are both measured at 25 hz.
Can you explain a bit on why that is?
Thank you.
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Clayton, earlier you said the amp mounts to the machined aluminum base plate with a 2 inch thick spacer. Is that still the case and it just has not yet been installed in the picture above?
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We will offer Black, White and Red paint surfaces, along with a number of standard wood veneer finishes. The wood veneer wrapped around the radius edges looks amazing. Veneers will increase the price slightly. We now have in-house veneering equipment along with CNC milling, thats how we can keep the price reasonable.
Clifford Brown- Yes, the amp is not yet mounted to the machined base plate in the X5 Black photos. The X3 photo below show the amp mounted. You can also see the machined aluminum dipolar rear lens for the Heil unit.
Sumoking - The two models have the same bandwidth because of on-board DSP bass software, but the larger X3 model provides more displacement and its larger baffle provides greater impact - great for larger rooms.
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=192730)
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=192731)
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Hi,
Would the recommended amp power be lower on the X5 than the M3 turbo s?
I am building system from scratch and my current thinking is either mono block with M3 or stereo AMP < 200W with X5?
Is this correct thinking?
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These photos are hazardous to my bank account. Very beautiful speakers. The white version looks amazing.
boisty
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Hi,
Would the recommended amp power be lower on the X5 than the M3 turbo s?
I am building system from scratch and my current thinking is either mono block with M3 or stereo AMP < 200W with X5?
Is this correct thinking?
Yes, the X5 passive section (and X3) works from 100Hz and up, at 8 Ohms, so a small amp will actually drive it loud. SET amps are welcome in this case. But, the max power is 200W RMS, so large amps are fine as well. Almost blow out proof. This allows you the freedom to use your favorite amp and not worry about compatibility issues.
Clayton
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These photos are hazardous to my bank account. Very beautiful speakers. The white version looks amazing.
boisty
Thanks Boisty - They look even better in person.
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Thank you Clayton.
Not only do I like the white version, but more importantly my wife
loves the look!! However, a veneer version sounds very interesting, so I would
consider that as well.
My room is 18’x21’ with one side open to a nook.
My M3 Turnos S does a really nice job and I have a powered sub
for the last octive. Which model do you recommend?
Thank you for all your answers to my questions.
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Thank you Clayton.
Not only do I like the white version, but more importantly my wife
loves the look!! However, a veneer version sounds very interesting, so I would
consider that as well.
My room is 18’x21’ with one side open to a nook.
My M3 Turnos S does a really nice job and I have a powered sub
for the last octive. Which model do you recommend?
Thank you for all your answers to my questions.
An 18'x21' room would qualify as a larger room, so my first choice would be the X3, assuming funds permit.
Clayton
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Would agree I could lose the sub?
That could free up some funds by selling it.
That’s the last question! Thank you.
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Would agree I could lose the sub?
That could free up some funds by selling it.
That’s the last question! Thank you.
For sure - you could lose the sub, and get much faster bass in the process.
Clayton
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Dual 15's in a powered OB setup. Yeah that's gonna crush any sub out there for speed, detail, punch, and overall realistic sound.
If you're doing action movies at reference levels, you might need a sub for the 20hz stuff. In every other area the OB setup will be superior. IME.
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Thanks Clayton.. yes, that will work!
Will help pay for speakers as well.
Looking forward to seeing the veneer version
in order to make a decision.
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Spatial Audio X5
Is it possible to ship to Korea, Republic of (Zip Code 21397)?
If possible, I'd like to know how to buy it and how to deliver it.
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Spatial Audio X5
Is it possible to ship to Korea, Republic of (Zip Code 21397)?
If possible, I'd like to know how to buy it and how to deliver it.
Hello kimmki - Yes we ship worldwide. Please email me directly at spatialaudio.us@gmail.com with your complete address and I can obtain a freight quote for you.
Clayton Shaw
www.spatialaudio.us
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Great info on X3 and X5. Will the X5 be adequate for a 20 X 15 X 9 room or should I be looking at the X3?
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Great info on X3 and X5. Will the X5 be adequate for a 20 X 15 X 9 room or should I be looking at the X3?
Thanks - yeah, I think the smaller X5 should work in that room, which is a medium sized room, so you should be good to go.
Clayton
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Here is the production X3. The baffle is a solid wood composite system that is rock solid:
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=193938)
Video Interview with Dan Wright about our Axpona Room 510:
https://youtu.be/8kyGGzFc9io
Clayton
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Very nice! What do they look like on the back side, and are the amps integrated on the chassis or do they stand alone?
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Very nice! What do they look like on the back side, and are the amps integrated on the chassis or do they stand alone?
Thanks - I will post a rear pic as soon as I get it. The amp mounts horizontally at the bottom. The cast frame drivers are very nice cosmetically.
Clayton
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The wood laminate baffle looks great Clayton, and the legs are cool looking, sweet choices.
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The wood laminate baffle looks great Clayton, and the legs are cool looking, sweet choices.
Thanks - but it is a true solid wood baffle of 2.3 inch thickness, not a laminate surface over some material. So sonic performance is excellent.
Clayton
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Clayton,
Looks incredible. Have you decided what veneer choices you’ll offer?
Howard
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Howard, As I saw in Chicago the solid wood baffle Clayton chose seems to be 1/8th" slices of wood bonded together to form a 2.3" thick solid wood piece. I'm not sure it is a viable substrate for veneer, but the sample I saw looked awesome just as is.
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The X5s look excellent, I can't wait to hear them!
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I am using my M3 triode master in a finished basement. 40 feet long, where the speakers are located it is 18 feet wide and 7 feet high. I know it
sounds like it is a huge room. Any serious listening is done in the near field, 9 feet or closer. Can I get by with the X5? I have no problem with my
M3 Triode masters, the sound is awesome. One more question. The Triode Masters were created to overcome some phase problems when using
tubed equipment. I have some tubed equipment. Is this new design compatible with both tube and solid state Amps?
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The X3 looks so amazing in wood and polished stands. Will the X5 feature the same build type, or will it look more like the mechanical drawings shared earlier and in a paint-only finish?
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I am using my M3 triode master in a finished basement. 40 feet long, where the speakers are located it is 18 feet wide and 7 feet high. I know it
sounds like it is a huge room. Any serious listening is done in the near field, 9 feet or closer. Can I get by with the X5? I have no problem with my
M3 Triode masters, the sound is awesome. One more question. The Triode Masters were created to overcome some phase problems when using
tubed equipment. I have some tubed equipment. Is this new design compatible with both tube and solid state Amps?
I would recommend the X3 rather than the X5 in such a large room - that is a lot of cubic volume to pressurize.
Yes, the new models are compatible with tube amps which normally have much higher output impedance than solid state amps.
Clayton
Spatial Audio Lab
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The X3 looks so amazing in wood and polished stands. Will the X5 feature the same build type, or will it look more like the mechanical drawings shared earlier and in a paint-only finish?
Yes, the X5 will look just like the X3 - same quality and materials, but with a 12 inch woofer.
I will post a picture tomorrow.
Clayton
Spatial Audio Lab
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The X-3s in the solid wood look awesome!
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Yes, the X5 will look just like the X3 - same quality and materials, but with a 12 inch woofer.
I will post a picture tomorrow.
Clayton
Spatial Audio Lab
These look amazing. Very happy you went with a wood baffle. I'm more of a wood guy than the standard black/white/red finish. Wondering if the X5 would work in my listening space. I listen in what used to be the dining room nook. The space is about 11x12 and totally open on the right side to about 1200 sq ft of living space while the left side is a wall with a big window. Not ideal, but not horrible either. One good thing is that the back wall is only a half wall with about 6' behind it before a full wall, so I'm not absolutely sitting backed up to the wall. I'm just wondering with the 12" drivers, will the sound get boomy in my space, especially with one speaker in the corner and the other more open?
I'd also love to see a picture of the back and how the amp is integrated into the design. Thanks!
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X-1 ✔️
X-2 ✔️
X-3 ✔️
X-4 ??
X-5 ✔️
Looks like Spatial intends to sell the x1-x5 with NO X-4 model to the China market!
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Looks like Spatial intends to sell the x1-x5 with NO X-4 model to the China market!
Can you share your grounding for your understanding
that the X-4 will be developed? On paper their doesn’t seem
to be much difference between the x-3 and x-5. They even measure the same.
One just has a bit more impact due to the larger baffle.
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Can you share your grounding for your understanding
that the X-4 will be developed? On paper their doesn’t seem
to be much difference between the x-3 and x-5. They even measure the same.
One just has a bit more impact due to the larger baffle.
My guess is he’s referring to this...
“The number 4 (四, pinyin: sì; Cantonese Yale: sei) is considered an unlucky number in Chinese because it is nearly homophonous to the word "death" (死 pinyin: sǐ; Cantonese Yale: séi). Thus, some buildings in East Asia omit floors and room numbers containing 4, similar to the Western practice of some buildings not having a 13th floor because 13 is considered unlucky.”
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Thank you!
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Slush, I believe Clayton has realized this and there will be a revised/updated X-2 in the future.
Say dear Clayton- Congrats for both new X3 and X5. Any plans for owners of your X2’s with a revised update in the near future. If the answer is no then we will all have to seriously start thinking of selling them to acquire the X3’s . It only makes sense. Please advise.
Thanks,
Manny
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Say dear Clayton- Congrats for both new X3 and X5. Any plans for owners of your X2’s with a revised update in the near future. If the answer is no then we will all have to seriously start thinking of selling them to acquire the X3’s . It only makes sense. Please advise.
Thanks,
Manny
No offense intended mwalker2, but your statement actually makes no sense to me. I had asked another x2 owner what deficiencies the X2 had that owners would expect to see corrected by a theoretical x2 (v2) and didn't get a response.
Why would (all...your word) x2 owners need to consider selling them just due to the fact a new design is released?
I've never read a bad word on the x2, but current owners apparently aren't as enthralled with the x2 as they state.
Just how bad is this $10k speaker?
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Say dear Clayton- Congrats for both new X3 and X5. Any plans for owners of your X2’s with a revised update in the near future. If the answer is no then we will all have to seriously start thinking of selling them to acquire the X3’s . It only makes sense. Please advise.
Thanks,
Manny
Hello Manny,
Thank you - The X2 is stable, with no updates planned.
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No offense intended mwalker2, but your statement actually makes no sense to me. I had asked another x2 owner what deficiencies the X2 had that owners would expect to see corrected by a theoretical x2 (v2) and didn't get a response.
Why would (all...your word) x2 owners need to consider selling them just due to the fact a new design is released?
I've never read a bad word on the x2, but current owners apparently aren't as enthralled with the x2 as they state.
Just how bad is this $10k speaker?
At the risk of pointing out what is likely obvious at this point, I don't think X2 owners see a glaring deficiency in their speakers with the release of a new model, but see performance benefits and improvements in the new model(s) that don't seem a massive stretch to think could be implemented (trickled up, or down?) to the X2 platform, considering the X2 uses a similar configuration of AMT and 12" driver (setting aside different choices in exact driver models of course) that the top section of the X3/5 employ and also considering the X2 was at least at a glance designed as a modular system. I can't speak to how many customers bought the X2 as a lifetime set it and forget it pair of speakers or bought it under the impression that it is/would be a modular system the manufacturer would support with future modular updates and upgrades providing an upgrade path to those who want one without having to sell and then buy all new speakers, but I think I'm safe in saying some of the questions stem from the impression that X2 was intended as an evolving ecosystem rather than a static model, and so far some X2 owners feel a little left out in the cold.
Based on Spatial Audio's responses thus far, it seem X2 is not a platform at all but an unchanging and singular model. Considering the response from at least a few customers who bought the product, and their clear willingness to invest with their dollars in what is positioned relative to the X3/5 as a premium product, it is hard to argue that providing an upgrade path would not be something worth considering. A triple stack X2 with low end duties offloaded from the clearly high-end mid/woofer driver with a powered bass section looks on paper to be a formidable combination while still allowing for the existing option within the X2 for customers that want or need to go with an entirely passive model.
If upgrading the X2 really isn't in the cards, and X3/5 are truly higher performing speakers at a considerably lower price, much like the M3 and M4 seem to have undercut and ultimately replaced the M1 and M2, the X3/5 (and maybe an all-passive variant based on the parts used in the X3/5) are poised to at some point do the same to the X2 as new customers guide the product assortment with their dollars.
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Jonathan, I don't feel you're pointing out the obvious. My question is why current x2 owners would have to "seriously start thinking of selling them off" without even having heard the new designs, while turnng their theoretical depreciation into actual depreciation.
If the x2 was indeed designed to be modular (like the PAP models) then an upgrade path seems logical. But, I don't recall the x2 being any more than a stand alone model.
That said, I don't mean to derail a thread on the new models talking about the x2, so I'll leave it at that.
The x3 and x5 look poised to offer great performance and I look forward to reading reviews once released.
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re the position of the X2 going forward, here is a reminder of this post from march 30:
"The X2 will remain in the line. Many users like the stylish chassis design, low profile and all passive configuration. The upcoming X3 and X5 are simpler designs in the vein of the M3 chassis, and therefore less expensive to build. I always try to design and build the best product possible in a given range, while keeping in mind that customer needs vary."
what i really want to see is a review comparing a speaker the M series with the comparable speaker from the X series.
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Here is the production X3. The baffle is a solid wood composite system that is rock solid:
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=193938)
Clayton
Are the dimensions on the new X3 and X5 available? Thanks.
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Does anyone know if the AMT in Spatial X class speakers is the "ESS Heil AMT 1" modified with a wave guide
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=194403)
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Does anyone know if the AMT in Spatial X class speakers is the "ESS Heil AMT 1" modified with a wave guide
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=194403)
I believe it's a Beyma TPL 200 H. Link; https://www.beyma.com/en/products/c/amt-driver/1TPL20H8/twt-tpl-200-h-8-oh/
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Everyone is asking, so here is a link to the X3 and X5 announcement.
Both models should be ready to show at Axpona 2019. Let me know if you have any questions.
https://clayton-shaw.squarespace.com/new-page
Clayton
Spatial Audio Lab
Clayton,
Would you have ETA for when X3 will start shipping and the current wait time if applicable?
Thanks
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Regarding the AMT in the X series, it could be the TPL-150/H. Based on what they cost (around $500 each retail), must be good. Sounded really good to me in the X2. And they are open in back in the Spatial speakers, which I think is a custom modification.
Here's a link to this AMT (I'm pretty sure this is the one used in these speakers):
https://beymapro.com/pleated-diaphragm-drivers-tpl-150-h-1tpl15h8.html
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Looking good Clayton. AMT a great choice.
charles
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Here is the smaller X5 with powered 12 inch woofer - $5950 per pair
Same performance as the X3 but for smaller rooms.
Clayton
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=194465)
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Clayton,
Would you have ETA for when X3 will start shipping and the current wait time if applicable?
Thanks
New orders for X3 and X5 will ship late June. We are booked until then.
Clayton
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Hello Clayton-
Do the new X series speakers come with spikes?
I don't see them in the picture. Are you not recommending them?
Thank you.
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Yes, they will come with cones and cups for wood floors.
Clayton
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Are there any pictures or write ups from the Munich show? I haven't been able to find anything yet.
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Do the X3 / X5 use sheetrock screws to hold the drivers like the M3 / M4, or machine screws into threaded inserts as in the X2?
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Yes, they will come with cones and cups for wood floors.
Clayton
Thank you for the feedback Clayton!
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Do the X3 / X5 use sheetrock screws to hold the drivers like the M3 / M4, or machine screws into threaded inserts as in the X2?
Machine screws so the drivers are nice and solidly mounted.
Clayton
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Nice, glad to hear that! I was pretty sure they would be, just checkin' :D
And BTW I had M3 Triode Masters and checked the driver screws a few times for tightness. Always good and tight, I added just an eighth turn once. So the screws in the M series speakers straight into the MDF hold the drivers very well also. No problem with that commonly used method.
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On the X3 / X5 page of the Spatial Audio website, I'm really looking forward to the words "under construction" being removed so we can see the specs.
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Yes, the X5 passive section (and X3) works from 100Hz and up, at 8 Ohms, so a small amp will actually drive it loud. SET amps are welcome in this case. But, the max power is 200W RMS, so large amps are fine as well. Almost blow out proof. This allows you the freedom to use your favorite amp and not worry about compatibility issues.
Clayton
Any consideration regarding amp gain to match the plate amp? I know Hypex has gain adjustment on the plate, but not sure how hard will it be to match the amp for the top section.
Thanks,
Gjorgji
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Any consideration regarding amp gain to match the plate amp? I know Hypex has gain adjustment on the plate, but not sure how hard will it be to match the amp for the top section.
Thanks,
Gjorgji
I have tried a number of different amps (tube and SS) with various gain specs from 20 to 32 and not had any issues. Like you say, the Hypex bass amp has adjustable gain to easily match the main amp.
Clayton
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I have tried a number of different amps (tube and SS) with various gain specs from 20 to 32 and not had any issues. Like you say, the Hypex bass amp has adjustable gain to easily match the main amp.
Clayton
Clayton do you have any plans on coming out with a open baffle sub setup with these amps and possibly the Acoustic Elegance OB drivers? I have heard nothing but great things about the Acoustic Elegance drivers and your products seem to make the best use of them that i have seen that still keep in mind they are going in a home not a cathedral like some of the other open baffle speakers i have seen. I am using a custom built sealed sub with a 300 watt plate amp that only covers under around 40 Hz which is where the M3 start to drop off but having that natural OB response all the way down to the 20 Hz range would be a dream scenario
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Any updates on these products? Have they been seen in the wild yet? Any owner reviews?
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Any updates on these products? Have they been seen in the wild yet? Any owner reviews?
X3s are now hot off the press. They will start shipping next week. It is hard to describe just how amazing the X3 looks in real life:
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=196761)
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=196762)
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The wood laminate looks great!
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X3s are now hot off the press. They will start shipping next week. It is hard to describe just how amazing the X3 looks in real life:
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=196761)
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=196762)
They look outstanding! Wow!
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X3 Rear view without support legs. You can see the dipolar wideband AMT:
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=196765)
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=196766)
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They really look great Clayton! Especially nice where the front baffle meets the AMT wave guide. I know you said earlier in this thread it is a true solid wood baffle of 2.3 inch thickness, not a laminate surface over some material, for excellent sonic performance. Can't wait to hear mine! In the picture of the back, at the bottom, is that the crossover or the bass amp?
Thanks for offering such high quality speakers,
Jeff
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They really look great Clayton! Especially nice where the front baffle meets the AMT wave guide. I know you said earlier in this thread it is a true solid wood baffle of 2.3 inch thickness, not a laminate surface over some material, for excellent sonic performance. Can't wait to hear mine! In the picture of the back, at the bottom, is that the crossover or the bass amp?
Thanks for offering such high quality speakers,
Jeff
Yes - the baffle is a solid wood material from Germany made up of many laminations (not a laminate surface). Looks great and very dense:
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=196769)
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Clayton-
Is that the Cherry finish?
They both have a nice natural finish, fit and finish looks spot on, the look is clean and elegant!
Most important is that my wife loves them which matters a lot!
Only can imagine what they sound like.
Thanks for posting.
Cheers.
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Yes - the Cherry is beautiful and feels really nice to the touch. The fit and construction quality is very good.
Clayton
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=196791)
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Is that panzerholz? I made my LX521 top baffles with it. Indeed great material, but not exactly easy to work with.
Yes - the baffle is a solid wood material from Germany made up of many laminations (not a laminate surface). Looks great and very dense:
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=196769)
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Is that panzerholz? I made my LX521 top baffles with it. Indeed great material, but not exactly easy to work with.
Nope
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The X3 looks like beauty! That wood grain is a beautiful contrast to the clean, grill fabric.
Clayton, will the X5's amp mount on the back baffle as shown on the X3, or will it be mounted on the base plate as shown in some of the prototypes?
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The X3 looks like beauty! That wood grain is a beautiful contrast to the clean, grill fabric.
Clayton, will the X5's amp mount on the back baffle as shown on the X3, or will it be mounted on the base plate as shown in some of the prototypes?
Thank you - Yes, the X5's amp will mount to the rear panel the same as in the X3.
Clayton
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(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=196865)
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Excellent! Thanks for posting photos, that looks fantastic.
I'm having a hard time deciding between the new M3 Sapphire and X5. With all the innovation in the X series, it's hard to resist.
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Ideally it would be nice to hear them both, especially in your own room... but the X-5 is no doubt the better speaker.
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I agree Wind Chaser, but the M3Ts I currently own are proof that even the more modestly priced Spatial's offer tremendous sound.
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Here is the complete X3 with legs mounted. The first shipments go out this week.
Clayton
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=196874)
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=196875)
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=196877)
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Really nice look with the legs mounted!
Are the speakers straight up and down?
Or tilted back slightly?
Cheers.
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Nice! Very nice. I like. :thumb: :thumb:
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The legs and spaced baffle design look fantastic.
Sumoking, pretty sure the X series stand vertically. The new M5 has some tilt to it.
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Those are really beautiful, you are definitely at the top of your game design wise :wink:!
I don't know if I missed it, but what are the in room specs for the passive/analog portion of this speaker? Can I use my 2 watt Decware Zen Triode amp with them (room size about 25' x 25' with 10' foot ceiling)?
Thanks!
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. Double post .
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Hey guys - here is the first X3 installation. The Tekton sub on the right is going bye-bye.
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=196951)
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The Tekton sub on the right is going bye-bye.
OB bass is so much cleaner and easier to integrate in the room... should be able to dispense with the bass trap. Also think the WAF would be higher if the speakers remained in position without the ugly blue tape on the floor. :D :D
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The speakers look as good as I imagined!
Can’t wait to get my pair!!’
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Clayton, your X3s look great in that system!
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Hey guys - here is the first X3 installation. The Tekton sub on the right is going bye-bye.
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=196951)
Love that the room gets less cluttered as a result of your design (ie, no sub & the bass trap can probably go, too). That NEVER happens with most audiophiles :P
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Looking AWESOME Clayton. Would love to hear them.
charles
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Hey guys - here is the first X3 installation. The Tekton sub on the right is going bye-bye.
Sick room, beautiful speakers. High on my list for the next pair I want to own. Looking forward to hearing more about these and your other new designs as they go out to market. Congrats.
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Awesome Clayton, can't wait for my pair to arrive.
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Those are really beautiful, you are definitely at the top of your game design wise :wink:!
I don't know if I missed it, but what are the in room specs for the passive/analog portion of this speaker? Can I use my 2 watt Decware Zen Triode amp with them (room size about 25' x 25' with 10' foot ceiling)?
Thanks!
yeah also wondering... did i miss the specs somewhere?
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Here are the X3 Specs:
Type: 3 way Dynamic Dipolar - Passive mid/treble section
Drivers: One Heil AMT Mid/ Treble, One 12 inch Paper Cone Midrange -Neo Motor
One 15 inch Powered Bass - Neo Motor 9mm Xmax
Hypex Fusion N-Core 250 W bass amplifier with DSP
Frequency Range: 25Hz - 20kHz
Sensitivity: 97dB
Impedance: 8 Ω Nominal
Dimensions: 47T x 18W x 3D baffle
Weight: 85 lbs net each, 95 lbs shipping each
US$ 7500 pr
Clayton
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Hi Clayton, thanks for the the x3 specs, can you list the specs for the x5?
I do think they were listed at the beginning of the launch but I can't find any info. TIA..
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Last week I sent Clayton an email asking for the X3 specs. I wanted to see if they will fit on the isolation stands I have when they finally get here. He sent complete specs for both X3 and X5. This is what he sent for the X5:
Type: 3 way Dynamic Dipolar - Passive mid/treble section
Drivers: One Heil AMT Mid/ Treble, One 12 inch Paper Cone Midrange -Neo Motor
One 12 inch Powered Subwoofer driver
Hypex Fusion N-Core 250 W bass amplifier with DSP
Frequency Range: 25Hz - 20kHz
Sensitivity: 97dB
Impedance: 8 Ω Nominal
Dimensions: 42T x 16W x 3D baffle
Weight: 75 lbs net each
US$ 5950 pr
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Hey Clayton - I am very interested in the new X series as a replacement for my M3TMs, but need to sell another pair of speakers first. A question on X3 vs X5. I use a pair of GR Research dual 12" servo subs and they definitely add a little to the M3TMs. I am thinking the X3s might do as well as the X5s in bass reproduction when I also use these subs. In your opinion, would I gain anything by using the X5s over the X3s as long as I use the subs?
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Never mind. Misread the post above. My apologies.
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Did we ever figure out or does anyone have experience being able to use low powered amp to only drive the top end section? I’m thinking a 45 tube. Like 1.5 watts.
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I sent Clayton a message saying that after my X3s get here I would like to try a tube amp, and was thinking of the Whammerdyne DGA-1, which I heard at the manufacturer's house, as well as the DAA3. These are 4 watt 2A3 amps. Clayton recommended them. So I know 4 watts is enough.
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I sent Clayton a message saying that after my X3s get here I would like to try a tube amp, and was thinking of the Whammerdyne DGA-1, which I heard at the manufacturer's house, as well as the DAA3. These are 4 watt 2A3 amps. Clayton recommended them. So I know 4 watts is enough.
thanks! great news
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I'm very interested in the X5 but I wonder how these would work in my room? My speakers are about 8' apart and I sit about 10' away. There is a wall on the left side (as I face my speakers) of the room, but the right side is completely open to about 800-1000 sq ft. My couch is up against the back wall, but it's actually about a half wall open to a staircase going down, then a full back wall 5-6' further back. I think my space used to be a formal, but small, dining room or living room. The big issue is that one speaker is in a corner and the other is open on the side. I also can only pull the speakers out about 2', measured from front baffle to the wall. I'm using Salk Song3's now and they image and sound great, but I always wish I had a bigger room with equal distance from walls around each speaker.
I'd also love to see the different finish options side-by-side. I think I've seen the natural and honey on line, but not the walnut or black. If the black shows some of the grain it may look pretty cool, and I usually hate black speakers.
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I'm very interested in the X5 but I wonder how these would work in my room? My speakers are about 8' apart and I sit about 10' away. There is a wall on the left side (as I face my speakers) of the room, but the right side is completely open to about 800-1000 sq ft. My couch is up against the back wall, but it's actually about a half wall open to a staircase going down, then a full back wall 5-6' further back. I think my space used to be a formal, but small, dining room or living room. The big issue is that one speaker is in a corner and the other is open on the side. I also can only pull the speakers out about 2', measured from front baffle to the wall. I'm using Salk Song3's now and they image and sound great, but I always wish I had a bigger room with equal distance from walls around each speaker.
I'd also love to see the different finish options side-by-side. I think I've seen the natural and honey on line, but not the walnut or black. If the black shows some of the grain it may look pretty cool, and I usually hate black speakers.
This is exactly the type of room that OB speakers do well in, especially compared to box speakers.
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abd1, I have a similar floor layout as you. One of my M3s is about 3' from a room corner and the other fires out the back to an open room. I wouldn't be too concerned with the asymmetry, but, if you can pull them out further into the room (3') for critical listening it would be better from a bass cancelling perspective. The X5s should be easy enough to slide around if you're willing to forgo floors spikes. If the X5 is anything like the M3, you may need a decent amount of toe in. This could also help with your floor plan.
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abd1, I have a similar floor layout as you. One of my M3s is about 3' from a room corner and the other fires out the back to an open room. I wouldn't be too concerned with the asymmetry, but, if you can pull them out further into the room (3') for critical listening it would be better from a bass cancelling perspective. The X5s should be easy enough to slide around if you're willing to forgo floors spikes. If the X5 is anything like the M3, you may need a decent amount of toe in. This could also help with your floor plan.
Thanks for the input. I found that putting the speaker near the wall as close to the wall as I can and then toeing in a bit is best. I'm not scientific about it but I feel like by placing the speaker close to the wall the reflection point is close so there is less of a delay in the reflected sound. I saw a video of Klaus from Odyssey do this at some audio shows with his speakers and he was blown away with the results. I do hope to one day have a bigger, better listening space, but my space is pretty good overall. I'm glad to hear that the Spatials should work fine in this space. Now I have to work on my wife accepting the open rear.
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I share a wall with a neighbor. Will these significantly reduce the amount of bass that travels over to their side, compared to box speakers?
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I share a wall with a neighbor. Will these significantly reduce the amount of bass that travels over to their side, compared to box speakers?
I wonder if something like the m4 paired with a subwoofer placed closer to your listening position would help with that?
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I share a wall with a neighbor. Will these significantly reduce the amount of bass that travels over to their side, compared to box speakers?
It most likely will, as OB bass doesn't linger and pressurise the room like boxed bass. I am using the m4tm with a single rel t7 sub, in a dedicated room, and now I can still 'feel' the bass in other parts of the house when I leave the room while the music is still playing. Granted, it may be the lower freqs traveling further as with the help of a sub, but if I were to crank the m4tm up by themselves without a sub, when I leave the room there's hardly any music leak, despite the increased DBs.
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I share a wall with a neighbor. Will these significantly reduce the amount of bass that travels over to their side, compared to box speakers?
I can tell you that my M3TM do not shake the walls even remotely close to the way my previous full range tower speakers did. Really never notice wall shaking even after powerful orchestral bass wallups that really punch. At first one misses the walls and the couch shaking. However then you realize you are getting the same bass power without the smearing caused by shaking walls and furniture of a box speaker. I still have 3 kids in the house and my wife so that really helps.
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Received my Spatial Audio X-3 speakers.
Created an unboxing and set up video.
They sound great out of the box!
Hope you enjoy!
https://youtu.be/spiojZBk2kY
Review coming soon!
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Thanks for the video. Looking forward to the next one.
Shakey
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Received my Spatial Audio X-3 speakers.
Created an unboxing and set up video.
They sound great out of the box!
Hope you enjoy!
https://youtu.be/spiojZBk2kY
Review coming soon!
Love that new speaker smell :D
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Just found out mine will be delivered this afternoon.!
:thumb:
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Have fun. I am enjoying my TC 50's but cant wait to put them away.
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Hey Clayton - In about a week I should be ready to order a pair of the X5s. Before I do, I really need to see a picture of the black finish. If it has the lines in it I will want that, but not if solid black. So 2 questions. What does the black look like (need a picture) and when will the X5 model start shipping? Meanwhile I will continue to love my M3TMs - hard to believe the X series will sound better. My main reason for switching is the 97 dB sensitivity of the X series. My 2A3 amp drives the M3s with no issues, but I have a pair of 45 amps on order and hope they will drive the X speakers well enough.
Thanks.
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Hey Clayton - In about a week I should be ready to order a pair of the X5s. Before I do, I really need to see a picture of the black finish. If it has the lines in it I will want that, but not if solid black. So 2 questions. What does the black look like (need a picture) and when will the X5 model start shipping? Meanwhile I will continue to love my M3TMs - hard to believe the X series will sound better. My main reason for switching is the 97 dB sensitivity of the X series. My 2A3 amp drives the M3s with no issues, but I have a pair of 45 amps on order and hope they will drive the X speakers well enough.
Thanks.
Hi Glynn - great, you will love the X5. The Ebony color is a wood stain, so you can still see the wood's grain. It looks really nice. See below. The X5 orders are starting to ship. Lead time at this point is about 3 weeks or so. Order sooner than later to minimize the wait time. Your small amps should drive the X5 fine, so you should be in good shape with the 45 amp.
Clayton
www.spatialaudio.us
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=197802)
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Clayton,
I'm sure these will turn up on your web site at some point, but do you have any photos of the "nutmeg"/walnut color? I feel that will be my jam but haven't seen it yet.
Thanks!
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Clayton,
I'm sure these will turn up on your web site at some point, but do you have any photos of the "nutmeg"/walnut color? I feel that will be my jam but haven't seen it yet.
Thanks!
Nutmeg pic
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=197803)
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Since were talking finishes , any plans for a light grey stain with a clear coat? :scratch:
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Since were talking finishes , any plans for a light grey stain with a clear coat? :scratch:
Not in the plans - sorry.
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You people need to stop implying that there is, or ever will be, a better speaker than my M3 Triode Masters! :nono:
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Nutmeg pic
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=197803)
Awesome. Thanks!
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Have to agree with birdbrain. But I just gave in and ordered a pair of X5s in black. Plan to sell a pint of blood a week for next 4 years. Just looked out front and they aren't here yet - this waiting is killing me.
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Have to agree with birdbrain. But I just gave in and ordered a pair of X5s in black. Plan to sell a pint of blood a week for next 4 years. Just looked out front and they aren't here yet - this waiting is killing me.
Nice! Please post pics. I really want to see the black finish. Enjoy!
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Interested in ordering the x3, is there any pictures of all 4 different colors?
Is there a 60-day trial period like the m3's?
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Received my Spatial Audio X-3 speakers.
Created an unboxing and set up video.
They sound great out of the box!
Hope you enjoy!
https://youtu.be/spiojZBk2kY
Review coming soon!
Great video, thanks for sharing!
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Thank you Beowulf.
Appreciate the feedback!
Cheers!
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X5 in Nutmeg finish
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=198074)
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Clayton, earlier in this thread you say "There are 3 file presets on the amp that I can use to give some flexibility in different sized rooms. Besides volume adjustment it's not really user adjustable unless you are proficient in such things and download the Hypex control software." It looks like the amp only has an adjustable gain setting. So the 3 file presets are not really user adjustable without the Hypex control software?
I got my X3s into my room last night around 6:30, and precisely positioned them with laser tools today. They sound REALLY good already with just 15 hours on them. I turned the bass gain down to the second from top setting, and was just wondering about the presets. The gain setting met my needs, and it's nice to have the flexibility to turn it back up when I want more bass slam. Turned all the way up on the gain it was a little too much in my 15' x 19' room. It's 15' where the speakers are, but 14' wide where the chair is, and 11' wide behind the chair, 8' ceiling.
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=198075)
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=198076)
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=198077)
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Nice pic. I see you have more room to spread them further apart, just wondering how you decided on that placement?
Shakey
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The door into the room is behind the left speaker and need space to walk by it. There's 32 inches between the left speaker and the side wall. I would like them wider apart, and could move them at most 2 inches on each side, probably should, might be worth the effort. They are 8 feet 3 inches apart, center to center.
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How far back is the listening position, or to be more specific, how far are your ears from the speakers?
Personally, I like having more distance between the speakers than distance to the ears because this creates a bigger/wider soundstage and increases your proximity to it. A resolving system that produces a wide soundstage combined with three dimensional holographic localization of specific images is more satisfying and surreal than live music. :thumb:
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Current chair position places ears 9 feet from the tweeters, or AMT drivers. I'm going to spread the speakers farther apart by 9 inches so there will be 9 feet between them center to center. That will put the left speaker 27.5 inches from the side wall, enough space to walk through, and since it's usually just me entering the room, shouldn't a problem. Then I'll experiment with moving the chair closer.
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Shakey - thanks for mentioning the distance between the speakers, I've now got them almost 9' apart (pretty sure this is where my previous Spatials were) and the soundstage is even more expansive with no loss to the solidity of the images in space. I meant to end up with 9' center to center, but with adjusting toe in came up a little short. So I'm going to spread them more to get 9' which is probably as wide as I can go in my room. It takes some time using my method that I picked up from Jim Smith's book Get Better Sound.
The X3s sound really really good! Wide, deep holographic soundstage, excellent midrange presence, very detailed without sounding fatiguing, and the bass is the best I've ever had.
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The X-3 may just be the best speaker to have ever landed in my room. And that list is long. VERY long. Some that most of you know include Von Schweikert, Wilson, Green Mountain Audio, Magnepan, Piega, and Montana, just to name a few.
Very holographic and 3D. And although they present details that have heretofore gone unnoticed, they do it in the most natural way I have ever heard.
Unlike many of you new X series owners, I was a Spatial virgin. Never even heard a pair. Boy am I glad I took the chance.
Shakey
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Congrats Shakey! You are a lucky dog. :thumb:
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Wow, so you have been enjoying you listening sessions. That is quite a proclamation. For my smallish room , Green Mountain was on my short list . Also a Spatial virgin I was sold on Claytons design after living with a pair of Emerald Physics CS 3's. I almost pulled the trigger on a pair of Green Mountain monitors but held off thinking I was going to get a pair of used Spatials with everyone moving on to the M's and X's. After a conversation with Clayton I decided to go with the M's. Unlike you young bucks, this is my last "new " speaker, at 65 I am starting to hear details I have never herd before, unfortunately they continue when I lift the stylus off the record !
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Not to hijack the thread, but I owned three of Roy's (RIP) speakers. The Imago, the Callisto, and the Continuum 3 HR. All were great. But none could do what I hear the X-3 pull off.
Shakey
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Hey Clayton an X Class needs to be on the East Coast to hear. NYC to be clear I have lots of Amps to demo the with. :green: :P 8)
charles
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Hey Clayton an X Class needs to be on the East Coast to hear. NYC to be clear I have lots of Amps to demo the with. :green: :P 8)
charles
Hi Charles - great idea. Let's discuss next week.
Clayton
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I'm on the east coast and happy to demo to any forum members.
Shakey
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Hi Charles - great idea. Let's discuss next week.
Clayton
Have a great show. Talk to you next week. Shakeydeal where are you located ?
charles
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I'm in Virginia. Quite a ways from you I'm afraid.
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It has been a few weeks since anyone who has recently received new X5s and X3s has commented. Does any else have pictures and/or comments on how they sound? I ask because I am about to order a pair of X5s, and would appreciate hearing further from those who have already commented or from purchasers who have not commented yet. How is the coherency, linearity, transparency, bass oomph/impact, etc.? Plus, I would love to see labeled pictures of the black and walnut colors. Thanks!
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I have between 110-115 hrs on the X5s. Dynamics are wonderful. Top to bottom coherency great. Sound stage left to right is very good. Imaging front to back of performers is spooky good on great recordings. As noted before, best bass I have heard in that I can detect the difference in upright bass notes top to bottom. The speakers sound great with the Primaluna Dialogue HP Premium Integrated running KT150s. I just hooked up a Rega Brio, older model, and it also sounds great, but with clear limitations in the bass, overall dynamics and in sound staging compared to Prumaluna. Overall best speakers I have had in my system.
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I’ve had my X3s for about five weeks now and I’m extremely pleased. They are very transparent and 3 dimensional. They aren’t quite as dynamic as horns, but very close. The bass is very room filling, accurate and deep. These speakers compare favorably to many other speakers I have owned, some retailing for a lot more $$. Here are a few pics.
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=199280)
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=199281)
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=199282)
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=199284)
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Thanks for the pictures. I have a pair of black X5s on order. Looks like you have one of Carver's new 75 watt amps. How well do you think that mates with your X3s?
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It’s a much better match than my decware Torii II was. It’s got balls for days and a very open and dynamic sound. I would still like to hear these with a good powerful SS amp sometime.
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bbybaudio and Shakeydeal: Thanks for further feedback on your speakers, and for some pictures. Much appreciated.
I ordered a pair of X5s today. Clayton says they're about four weeks out. I can't wait! 8)
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Review has been posted.
Hope you enjoy!
https://youtu.be/R9VeZOdatao
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Review has been posted.
Hope you enjoy!
https://youtu.be/R9VeZOdatao
Wow, that was a refreshing review. Thanks!
Listening on my desktop setup with Omega speakers and sub I really get the feeling of being in your room. Sounds incredible and can see why so many are now praising these speakers. Well done!
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Thank you T2T!!
It’s takes a lot of work, so it’s nice to read your comments!
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bbybaudio and Shakeydeal: Thanks for further feedback on your speakers, and for some pictures. Much appreciated.
I ordered a pair of X5s today. Clayton says they're about four weeks out. I can't wait! 8)
Congrats! What finish did you end up with. Please post thoughts and pics once you have them.
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Review has been posted.
Hope you enjoy!
https://youtu.be/R9VeZOdatao
Really good, detailed review. You obviously put some time and thought into this. I would love to see your component chain into the Spatials and a little more info on what you're doing with your room as you have a lot going on there. Thanks for posting this. I think the X5's are at the top of my list for my next speaker purchase at this point.
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Thank you and I added the equipment in the comments.
I am sure you will love the X5s!
Cheers!