Progress marches on and so does envy.
As a happy X5 owner, I’ve been watching the X4 introduction and discussions closely. I infer that it’s likely the X4 sounds very similar to the X5s but also likely a bit better. The X4 is, after all, the speaker Spatial is taking to shows these days to spread awareness and demonstrate the superiority of open baffle designs.
If the X4s indeed sound better, it must be due to:
• Different drivers
• Rounded baffle edges
• Simplicity by eliminating the built-in bass amplifier
• Refined crossover design and components
That’s okay: Spatial should be progressing, pushing improvements and refining ideas—it’s how we got all these great products to begin with: experimenting, refining, trying new things, hearing what works, and delivering products with added benefits.
But there’s always that FOMO, the desire to have the best, an impulse running up against the wallet and the neurosis and inconvenience of upgrading.
Can X3 and X5 owners get some of the benefits of the X4 without another round of out-with-the-old-in-with-the-new?
Well, rounding the baffle edges seems excessive and impractical (but in I’m very curious about the impact on sound), as does changing drivers when the ones used were selected for each respective application/configuration. And bypassing the n-core amp would be dumb; it’s what makes the X5/X3 the X5/X3.
That leaves one more option: a newly developed and refined outboard crossover with superior parts and sound. This could be something Spatial develops and sells, or perhaps some talented and entrepreneurial soul takes it on. I believe the wires to bypass the current internal crossover and connect the new one are easily acccessible.
Discuss. Good idea? Financially viable? What refinements would you suggest? What problems or considerations have I missed?