Hello everyone,
I just passed two years of ownership! I own three X3s up front plus two SVS Ultra bookshelves for rear surround (ITU format) and two SVS SB13 Ultra subwoofers to handle frequencies below 40 Hz. Core i9 Music Server with JRiver Media Center connected via USB to my ExaSound S88 DAC. I play almost exclusively Classical surround music. I am still impressed every day with sound reproduction in my listening space. Music provides me with a broad and deep soundstage. It all takes place behind my speakers (pulled five feet out) and spread all along my front wall. Individual instruments are distinct, easily located, and well blended with all other instruments. Technology changes and at 72 years old, I've done my share of upgrades. The new X4 Ultras offer an outboard crossover network. I wish I had that option for possible easy upgrades. But, I just don't feel the need for any upgrades or improvements. So, the X3s are my "end game" speakers.
In the classical world, we are blessed with robust and finely tuned recording/mastering techniques.
-- One of my favorite studios is
TRPTK. Brendon announced an improvement to his technique last year.
"Lower Resolution, Better Sound Quality?" https://trptk.com/lower-resolution-better-sound-quality/. Essentially, he records in DSD 256 and masters in DXD (352.8/64). I just downloaded two new albums in DXD 352.8/32 (WAV Format) employing this new technique.
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" Eclipse, Vol. 2: Hans Henkemans" https://trptk.com/shop/downloads/eclipse-vol-2-hans-henkemans/. Mostly solo piano. The piano is faithfully reproduced. It certainly sounds to me as if it is in my Livingroom.
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"Into Eternity" https://trptk.com/shop/downloads/into-eternity/. This is an ensemble recording. The first three tracks are incredibly sad. There is a video on YouTube of the recording:
"The Letter of Vilma Grunwald (Into Eternity)" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YvbZBLl_Lyg. My system reproduces the music to tremendous emotional impact. Track four changes direction and the rest of the album is more a jazz/chamber fusion album.
-- Another favorite studio is
The Spirit of the Turtle featuring recording/mastering engineer Bert van der Wolf. He invented microphones to faithfully capture ambient sound without competing with the front three speakers. I own numerous recordings produced by him. My most recent purchases are solo piano.
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"Shostakovich: 24 Preludes & Fugues, Op. 87 (2 DISCS Download)" https://spiritofturtle.com/collections/latest-releases/products/hannes-minnaar-24-preludes-fugues-op-87-2-discs-download. My copy is DXD 352.8/24 (FLAC format) surround. Again, the piano is spectacular.
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Reference Recordings using the Soundmirror team for recording/mastering does a fantastic job, especially with symphonies.
---- "Bruckner: Symphony No. 9"
https://www.nativedsd.com/product/fr733-bruckner-symphony-no-9/. This symphony gets a lot of play time on my system. It is huge and dynamic. This was Bruckner's conception of music revealing a soul's journey into the afterlife. Every part of your system is pushed to the max. It is truly overwhelming emotionally.
I play music every day (yes, I'm happily retired). I play these albums, and many more, repeatedly and I'm never disappointed. My X3s reproduce every instrument (including vocals) beautifully. My system is good. The X3s are given a "bit perfect" signal and they reply with incredible realism. I cannot ask for more.
Marcus