[corndog71]

I have that same Denon receiver in my living room and I think it sounds pretty good and worked just fine with my X-Statiks.  It depends on what you're using it for.  For movies, TV, and music I think it's pretty solid.  If you want a real high end stereo for music only then yeah, there's better out there. 

[Danny Richie]

2. Why exactly is the X Statik that much of an upgrade over the X-MTM Encore? I am not trying to justify costs, because I understand it has 2 extra woofers, different crossovers, so costs MUST add up. Sure. But I am trying to understand and justify this design for my need. As it's a sealed design, doesn't play as low as the X-MTM, it's almost the same sensitivity, they both use the same exact drivers. I am not able to see the benefits of this design over the X-MTM Encore. Everyone is saying that if I had the space X Statik should be considered. I am just asking why. Now please, do remember. All I play is ROCK/EDM/HipHop.

The X-Statik's need space. That's a given, and the three feet rule is a minimum. Out in the room is where they really shine.

And the difference is a deep layered sound stage that is more three dimensional. They are more transparent and open. Vocals float out of those things in a clean breathy nature and not forced from a box. It is very different and if you are into that kind of music reproduction then these really can deliver.

And they were really designed to be used with subs. So the emphases is on bass control rather than extension.

3. Why can't I port the bottom of the X-Statik if I was to go that route? As far as I know, sealed or ported has no affect on the crossover/speaker design. No? I could tune it/port it based on the tuning of X-MTM Encore. That's what I was thinking?

You can, but the box gets twice as big.

If you need bottom end and you can't pull them out into the room then the X-MTM will be great.

[jkaldor]

That's great!

Has anyone experienced a comparison vs a similar commercial alternative?

This maybe a little late but may help if you haven’t build the MTM yet.
I built the tower MTM and the XCS for the center channel with LS encores for my surroundsound replaced B&W CM4Towers,CM2For surround and the CMC center from BMW and I will tell you there is no comparison!!! Little older BMW's but still the technology is pretty much the same.  The GR Research set up blows the BMW's away.  No more harsh highs and Mids from BMW the MTM's role off nice, mids are absolutely astounding, not to mention the crystal clear highs and the towers are putting out great base with the sub.  Total cost around 2700.00. And that’s with all the speakers having the highest upgrades! Absolute bargain compare to what’s in the market.  Good luck hope this helps.

[EdwardT]

I've built both the X-LS and the X-SLS and I can tell you the SLS tower plays lower and provides room filling sound in my 17X14 living room. Driven with a Schiit Freya+ preamp and a single Vidar amp they are totally capable of an immersive experience. I do enhance the bottom with a sub but I keep the input low because the SLS is so damn good.

[planet10]

1. I have a friend who says DIY speakers CAN'T compete. I mean that guy rocks a B&W CM9 S1. Powered with a 200 watt Stereo Amp. I have heard his setup. Super good. But also expensive side of things.

He is inexperienced.

With diy loudspeakers there are some of the very best, and many that ar enot so good.

Someone who knows what they are doing, or is just executing an already done design, can easily make a loudspeaker that is sonically competitive with those on the shops that cost many, many times more money.

Also keep in mind that all loudspeakers have a huge set of compromises. The choice of those is the art in loudspeaker design. With different people, different rooms, different amps & front-ends, there is considerable room to need those kinds of compromises best fit your needs and budgets.

Just looking at Danny’s rich set of offerings is selling the niche short. They may satisfy your particualr needs, but you should scoot over to diyAudio.com where you can find out a whole lot more on loudspeakers you build for yourself. From 1-way to many more ways. Cheap to expensive. And a good selection of helpful, knowledgeable prople who can helpyou sort thru the zillions of potential options.

dave

[RonP]

I've built both the X-LS and the X-SLS and I can tell you the SLS tower plays lower and provides room filling sound in my 17X14 living room. Driven with a Schiit Freya+ preamp and a single Vidar amp they are totally capable of an immersive experience. I do enhance the bottom with a sub but I keep the input low because the SLS is so damn good.

X-SLS have good bass response like you say. Adding a sub is a noticeable improvement though.