Open Baffle Speakers

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soultone

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Open Baffle Speakers
« on: 5 Oct 2024, 07:54 pm »
This is my first post on Audio Circle. I heard about this site while scrolling through another site. I have recently become aware of open baffle speakers and want to learn more. I have seen recent videos on You Tube regarding the new Caladan speakers and am intrigued by these speakers specifically but also the whole open baffle concept. My current system is as follows:

Prima Luna Dialogue Premium HP Integrated
Dynaudio Contour 3.4 LE speakers
Twin REL T9i subs
Manley Chinook Phono Pre
Dr. Feikert Volare turntable
Kuzma 4 point 9 tonearm
Soundsmith Paua Mk II cartridge
Innuos Zenith Server
Lumin T2 streamer

I mostly listen to vinyl. All types of music from rock, country rock, singer songwriter, R&B.  Listening room is pretty small.  I am sensitive to too much treble and prefer a smoother presentation.  I have no particular reason to change anything and more than anything I’m just trying to learn and explore. The concept of open baffle speakers intrigues me and I am curious whether I would have to make a lot of other changes if I introduced them into my system.  I haven’t seen much information on what amps work best and whether you can/should complement them with subs.


Thanks for reading. I look forward to exploring this site.


@soultone



opnly bafld

Re: Open Baffle Speakers
« Reply #1 on: 6 Oct 2024, 01:40 am »
How small is a pretty small room?

soultone

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Re: Open Baffle Speakers
« Reply #2 on: 6 Oct 2024, 03:14 am »
13 feet wide/20ft long

Early B.

Re: Open Baffle Speakers
« Reply #3 on: 6 Oct 2024, 12:46 pm »
If you have enough space in your "pretty small room" to set up your Dynaudio speakers properly (i.e., at least 2-3 feet/meters from the back and side walls), then grab a pair of Caladans.   

ric

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Re: Open Baffle Speakers
« Reply #4 on: 6 Oct 2024, 01:32 pm »
you might want to post where you live and possibly listen to others open baffle speakers. I have a pair of spatial audio OB's, and in another room a pair of Tekton speakers. Both cost about the same. i prefer the Spatials but could live with either. Prima Luna integrated, Innuos mini. If you stay with a high sensitivity speaker then most amps should work--I prefer tubes, so you shouldn't have any problem with your setup. I also am using two subs, which does help with room bass problems. Good luck!

FullRangeMan

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ArthurDent

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Re: Open Baffle Speakers
« Reply #6 on: 7 Oct 2024, 12:36 am »
Greetings & Welcome to AC   :thumb:

soultone

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Re: Open Baffle Speakers
« Reply #7 on: 7 Oct 2024, 02:51 am »
you might want to post where you live and possibly listen to others open baffle speakers. I have a pair of spatial audio OB's, and in another room a pair of Tekton speakers. Both cost about the same. i prefer the Spatials but could live with either. Prima Luna integrated, Innuos mini. If you stay with a high sensitivity speaker then most amps should work--I prefer tubes, so you shouldn't have any problem with your setup. I also am using two subs, which does help with room bass problems. Good luck!

Thanks for this response and all of the others. Can you shed more light on why you like the Spatials more? Did you find them difficult to set up?

soultone

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Re: Open Baffle Speakers
« Reply #8 on: 7 Oct 2024, 02:58 am »

ric

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Re: Open Baffle Speakers
« Reply #9 on: 7 Oct 2024, 01:34 pm »
the spatial audio (Clayton Shaw) speakers I have are the older M3TS model. OB speakers seem to work opposite of box speakers in that the closer they are to the corners the LESS bass there is, so just like with any speaker, finding the "sweet spot" that balances bass/midrange fullness with imaging and tonal balance is key. I think mine are about 3' from the front wall and 3.5' from the side walls. Once dialed in (if room allows) you should be able to hear a full expansive soundstage with great imaging. To my ears, because of no back on the speakers, electric guitars sound live. Cello, and other instruments also can sound great, but I think a lot depends on the set up, and quality of the amplifier and source components, and of course, the recording. Full orchestras sound amazing, and I am still having a hard time listening to streaming compared with vinyl, which to my ears is still king.
    The Tekton Electrons sound very clear in the treble region and the bass is tight and sounds great--but, they just don't have quite the fullness and you are there presence of the Spatials. Hope this helps!

opnly bafld

Re: Open Baffle Speakers
« Reply #10 on: 8 Oct 2024, 12:46 am »
From what I'm seeing anyone looking to buy Caladans is going to be waiting for a while to get them.

soultone

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Re: Open Baffle Speakers
« Reply #11 on: 8 Oct 2024, 04:01 am »
Thanks ric. Really helpful and much appreciated.

soultone

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Re: Open Baffle Speakers
« Reply #12 on: 8 Oct 2024, 04:02 am »
From what I'm seeing anyone looking to buy Caladans is going to be waiting for a while to get them.

I’m hearing the same thing.