[Beerbellydad]

Hello audio travelers,

I plan to build some GR speakers in Q2 of this year and have three in mind: X-Static, X-MTM, or NX studio but am leaning toward the X-Static. This is for a dual-use space: home theater and dual-channel audio. I really like the idea of open-baffle speakers and expanded soundstage but I have some concerns with my shallow, asymmetric room. I can get the speakers 3ft into the room but the left channel "floats" in the room while the other channel has a wall behind it. Unfortunately, there is no way to remedy the speaker placement because of of the TV and the way we use the room. Will this significantly affect the performance of the X-Statics, so much so that it might be better to look at box speakers like the MTM? Would the NX Studios be a better choice? I just want to make sure I'm not stepping into a hornets nest of frustration or missed open-baffle expectations because my space is goofy. (picture below is close to scale)

[Tyson]

That exact type L shaped space is why I went from box speakers to OB speakers in the first place.  I can tell you from experience that OB speakers are the ONLY really good fit for a space like that.  I know because I tried every box type solution in my old space and none of them worked well, particularly in the bass. 

I'd recommend using a pair of NX-Ottica MTM modules on top of a pair of servo OB subs.  That gets you 100% OB sound in a footprint not much bigger than an X-Static. 

[sarora9]

I also have an asymmetric space as part of an open floor plan. I have spatial audio X3s. GIK acoustics set me up with floorstanding alpha panels that stand ~15inch behind the X3s, and which help even out the sound and improve soundstaging.

[jn316]

Any chance you can put the TV/speakers at the end of the room? That would allow you to pull them way out into the room. Plus, OB speakers can be up close to a side wall due to the null they produce there. Length and width of that room would be good to know.

[jn316]

Sorry. Just read where you can't move away from the current location. 

[Beerbellydad]

That exact type L shaped space is why I went from box speakers to OB speakers in the first place.  I can tell you from experience that OB speakers are the ONLY really good fit for a space like that.  I know because I tried every box type solution in my old space and none of them worked well, particularly in the bass. 

I appreciate this comment and feel more assured that open-baffle goodness isn't a fool's errand for me.

I also have an asymmetric space as part of an open floor plan. I have spatial audio X3s. GIK acoustics set me up with floorstanding alpha panels that stand ~15inch behind the X3s, and which help even out the sound and improve soundstaging.

Room treatment is always the part of the equation that many people (including myself) overlook. Thanks for the reminder.    I once had a studio recording professor say (paraphrased) 'If you want a good recording, start with a good instrument, choose the right mic, and put it in the right place.' I guess the same can be said for playback, with the addition of 'and make sure the problems of the room acoustics are minimized".