[Koetsu13]

Hi everyone-
I acquired a pair of Spatial M3 Turbo S’s a couple of years ago. After a lot of work, I like the tone and presentation.  I am now interested in upgrading in the line.  My main amp is a FirstWatt SIT-3. To get it to sound it’s best, i added zero boxes that took the M3TS’s ohms from 4 to 8.  My previous speakers were Von Schweikert VR-4SR mkiii’s which have a rear firing tweeter.  I’m interested in knowing what the perceived differences between the M3 triode masters and the m3 sapphires.  I am also interested in the X series, but have never been able to (successfully) integrate subs with my VSA’s or earlier Maggies. Since I haven’t been successful integrating subs, I’m concerned that I won’t be happy integrating my SIT-3 with the X series sub amps. Realistic concern or overblown?

[Mr. Big]

The X series is highly efficient, the speakers have their own power amp for your bottom end, all you be doing with your current amp would be the mids on up, you should have no problem, plus you can always call Clayton and Spatial Audio and he will give you honest feedback. The X-series or Sapphire will have more to do with your room size, how far you sit away from the speaker etc. Both have superb sound quality once fully broken in.

[Desertpilot]

As Mr. Big said, the X series includes an amplifier for the subwoofer.  Clayton has already included DSP in the amplifier so it is completely self contained.  Your amplifier will drive only the mid and AMT drivers, 8 Ohms and 97 dB sensitivity.  Calling Clayton is the best advice as he will assess your room size and needs so he can recommend the proper speaker.  Also, take  look at the Spatial Audio Lab website.  All the specs are there.

Marcus

[abomwell]

If the X series plate amp were to fail is it removable or would the entire speaker need to be sent back to Spatial Audio?

Al

[morganc]

The amp is removable I believe and either of the new series is light years ahead of the old M3TM IMO.

[abomwell]

Many thanks and good to know.

Al

[bbybaudio]

I have replaced one and it is easy to do.

[geerock]

Those class D plate amps are notorious for reliability.  But they are removable if they give you a problem.  As for integrating your SET, there is nothing to integrate with.  Your tube amp, which BTW, the X series loves, will be handling the mids and highs, and the included plate amp will handle the low end through a DSP.  I have the X5's and run them with tube DAC, tube Don Sachs pre, and the LTA REF 40 and I'm currently listening to the finest system I've ever owned.  And one of the finest systems I've heard....period.  And I'm not a young man.  I've had a lot of equipment in front of me over the years. The combo is just crazy good.

[doggie]

Since I haven’t been successful integrating subs, I’m concerned that I won’t be happy integrating my SIT-3 with the X series sub amps. Realistic concern or overblown?

I recently received the X5's and use them with a Linear Tube Audio Z10 Integrated which has ~12 watts. The combo already sounds great and has plenty of dynamics. My room is about 14' x 20' and I cannot really listen with the volume control much above 20 out of 100.

I have owned a SIT3 with a different pair of 97db speakers. As stated above the Hypex class D sub amps will do the heavy lifting. I think that you will be in good shape.