[mmmanich@comcast.net]

This is my first post. Just found this site. I'm intrested in a comparison between these two speakers if anyone has heard them both. I've listened to the x-static and really liked how they performed. The open baffle sound is unique and I've really enjoyed it. Thought hard about buying these. The new speaker that they have in development the x-optima has also intrigued me.  Any thoughts between these three speakers would be appreciated. For a 5.1 system is there a center and a set of souround speakers that matches these?
 
http://av123.com/component/page,shop.product_details/flypage,shop.flypage/product_id,235/category_id,40/manufacturer_id,0/option,com_virtuemart/Itemid,37/

Building a speaker should not be a problem except for the crossover. do the cross overs come with a build diagram? Could a computer tech put it together? I work at a casino and have some friends who put slot machines back together. would they be able to build these? The wood working skills should not be a problem, I've built my own wooden boat. The thought of building my own speakers sounds fun.

thanks

Marty

[pbrstreetgang]

They are both designs by the same guy- Danny Ritchie. They use similar woofers/mids made to spec by the same company but of different sizes. The OB series is more of a no holds bared audiophile effort with no corners cut and the best components. The OB series also use a awesome tweeter in the neo 3. Not to say the domes are bad but there is a unique flavor and tons of surface area with the Neos. Crossovers are easy to put together and come with directions. I can even provide pics of the assembled crossovers.

Honestly if it were me and its for a HT system I would do the AV123 X statics F&R and the X Voice, and use the cash saved to do the new servo subs. If it were for serious 2 channel I would do the OB7- Well thats exactly what Im doing.

[S Clark]

I have heard both of these at Danny's house.  Since he is the designer, they share a similar sonic signature.  The OB-7 has a more dynamic tweeter and better X-over components.  Putting the crossover together is very easy, and Danny will guide you through it if you run into a snag. 

Both of these are excellent speakers. Sonic memory is a bit tricky, but I would say that the OB-7's are more detailed, but the X-Static is no slouch.

[Bill Baker]

 I have not heard the X-Static but have the OB-7. As other have mentioned, they are both the brainchild of Danny and share similar principles.

 While both should prove to be exceptional options, the OB-7 can and does use better x-over components and can be tweaked further.

As pbrstreetgang mentioned, I would evaluate the application and base your decision on this. I also agree that if you are looking for more of a dedicated 2-channel setup, the OB-7 may prove to be the best choice. This would also allow you to custom build the cabinet to your preference. I use a custom built pair in our reference system (shown below) an haven't looked back. In fact, I am building another pair of the OB-7 as well as a pair of the OB-5 for our other systems.

 As far as the crossover goes, it does come with a schematic/diagram but I would talk to whomever you plan on building it for you to see if it's something they are capable of doing. There is a lot of threads here on Audio Circle to help guide you on any questions, concerns you may have. Some of them are also build threads. Many of us have built these speakers. Also, don't skimp on parts. If a few extra bucks won't kill you, I highly recommend the SoniCap Platinum bypass capacitors for both the midrange and tweeter sections.

 Either way, let us know what you decide and keep this thread going with your impressions.

[Daygloworange]

Marty,

The speaker kits come with all the parts and a schematic for the crossover.

If you need help at the crossover stage, I have photos of assembled crossovers (for inside the speaker as opposed to external) I can email you.

Look around the GR circle, and you'll see many people who were novice woodworkers assemble their kits quite nicely.

Cheers

[mmmanich@comcast.net]

Thanks for the replies. I've been looking at all the build threads.

Carlos, his curved sides and the slant from front to back makes a very nice looking lower unit.
Dayglow, really like the slanted look you have to the unit. the 3degree set back changes the look a lot. I really like the look. is their any noticeable change sonically now that the mtm section is changed? Your pictures on a center unit looks like you took the 4" off the bottom laid it on it's side and added the back brace.

Any reason why the braces are not widen 1/2" and the sides not rabbited for them?Seem you would have more glue space and a stronger box? 

Just looking at the options now, but thanks again to  all


Marty

[KS]

I highly recommend the SoniCap Platinum bypass capacitors for both the midrange and tweeter sections.

The lower cost Sonicap Gen-2 bypass capacitors work very well if the superior Platinum caps don't fit the budget.

[Nick77]

Just another echo of Pbrstreet's and Bill's response to determine your primary goal. I built the OB/7's to replace my Av123 Mini's which are no slouch at 2 channel but would consider the OB/7's a step up from them. Both the Mini's and the OB/7's do double duty as HT also. So if HT is your primary goal then get the X's with some serious woofage will be killer but if you are looking for the ability to have some killer 2 channel the OB/7's rock! Mine have the Platinums in the tweet circut.



And they dont look half bad either. Hehe                 

Thanks Danny

[mmmanich@comcast.net]

Nick and KS thanks for the response.

I'm going to be using these mostly for 2 channel, over 80%.
What is the price difference between the caps, sonic and platinum? I looked and could not find them on the price list. Probably not lookin in the right place, I really don't have a clue about crossovers.

Nick could you give me an estimate on what you have invested? nice veneer work, what method did you use to apply the veneer?

thanks
Marty

[Nick77]

Marty
To upgrade the caps is extra $60 per circut, I just did the tweeter circut but might do the midrange later. So extra $120 on whole project.
I would guess I have about $1400 into these with kit, mdf and paint and veneer. I have the upgraded woofers also.
The veneer was my first and I found it quite a challenge but turned out ok. I used iron on process with common wood glue.
I also was clueless about xo's and had a local AC member lend me a hand. Danny is also great about returning emails and answering build questions.
Keep us posted and happy to share what tips and challenge's I incurred.

[KS]

Sonicap Gen II 0.1 μf capacitor is $2.70.
"The Sonicap will yield or exceed the performance found in the most prestigious of boutique caps, yet with a price conducive to that of "entry level... larger values of Gen I bypassed with smaller values of Gen II yield a very favorable result."

Sonicap Platinum 0.1 μf capacitor is $29.00.
" the Platinum posses the best combination of sonic characteristics available in a capacitor today.  It is very fast, but full and rich.  The presentation is ultra smooth without loss of detail, focus, or dynamics."

Use either on the tweeter capacitors.  The performance/cost decision is yours.  Use the Gen 2 on the woofer cap.

[Nick77]

Does the Gen 11 bypass cap get used for stock kit?

Sonicap Gen II 0.1 μf capacitor is $2.70.
"The Sonicap will yield or exceed the performance found in the most prestigious of boutique caps, yet with a price conducive to that of "entry level... larger values of Gen I bypassed with smaller values of Gen II yield a very favorable result."

Sonicap Platinum 0.1 μf capacitor is $29.00.
" the Platinum posses the best combination of sonic characteristics available in a capacitor today.  It is very fast, but full and rich.  The presentation is ultra smooth without loss of detail, focus, or dynamics."

Use either on the tweeter capacitors.  The performance/cost decision is yours.  Use the Gen 2 on the woofer cap.

[Bill Baker]

Hi Marty.
 Here are a few more picture for you of the OB-7 Deluxe and teh system currently driving them. The box on the floor next to the speak is teh outboard crossover.
 The amp is 60 watts and has no problem with these speakers in our large room.

[TomS]

Very nice blue Bella.  Makes my sparkly black one seem tame 

[KS]

Does the Gen 11 bypass cap get used for stock kit?

Telephone Danny Richie, 940-592-3400.  He best can answer all your questions and explain exactly what's in the kits and what will work best for you, and he will take into consideration any performance/cost concerns.  If you learn anything that might be of interest to us, please post that.

[Nick77]

Does the Gen 11 bypass cap get used for stock kit?

Telephone Danny Richie, 940-592-3400.  He best can answer all your questions and explain exactly what's in the kits and what will work best for you, and he will take into consideration any performance/cost concerns.  If you learn anything that might be of interest to us, please post that.

Well I did learn a thing or two after an email with Danny. Several Gen 2 bypass caps are included with the kit for the mid and woof circuit. You can benifit further by bypassing the tweeter circuit and another 10uf sonicap in the mids. So you might consider ordering several extra gen 2 bypass caps when ordering kit. Of course Platinums are also a consideration.
I decided to get an extra pair of Gen 2's for the mid circuit since I have a platinum cap in tweeter already, not expecting huge results but I will keep you posted.

[mmmanich@comcast.net]

thanks for the replys on the caps. I'll probably give Danny a call next week

marty