Spatial M3 Sapphires: Pairings and Comparisons!
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 18 ก.ย. 2024
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First of all let me start off by giving Ron all the credit for my speaker decisions. Ron was kind enough to spend some time with me four months ago. Everything he covers in this video is absolutely true. After speaking with Ron, I bought both the M3 Sapphires and the NX studios. For me, it was a lifestyle choice. My room is 25x20 ft. I knew that I would have to pull the speakers into the middle of the room and away from the walls in order to get them to disappear. There was no way I could leave the speakers out there when I was not listening to music. I made the decision to go with the Sapphires because it was easier to bring out rather than dealing with the NX Oticas and servo subs. I still wanted to enjoy the NX studios in my office so I purchased those as well. I know there were some comments that the Sapphires did not disappear while listening to them by certain people. I can tell you if you bring them out away from the wall 5-6 foot and have them 8 ft apart they will sound unbelievable. I have them teamed up with the new NAD M33. Ron was right on target with the NX studios upper end. I do hear a little bit more shimmer in them as well. The NX studios are superb monitors and I highly recommend them also. The sapphires are just unbelievable with the bass, They hit hard. I have a SVS PB 4000 subwoofer and I have no desire to turn it on while listening to the Sapphires. I was so happy with Ron helping me out I decided to sign up on his patreon account. Ron's the real deal.
Ron is a standup guy.
Mr flimflam fremdippity danyet
Mike “(OCD variety)” isn’t just trying simply to sell products. His passion for HiFi runs very deep, but he’s also a very kind and helpful person. Maybe if you just tried talking to him, you’d see that he’s not some kinda pushy salesman. He’s got stuff for sale, but is also very forthcoming about that, and I’m glad to call him a friend. I’ll leave it at that.
I just wish i could afford both sets..
I cant even afford one of the two sets here...
It's just a question of fantastic sound, or devorce!
It's a great shame with a retired bloke like me on a mega pension, will miss out
on what I yearn for...
Enjoy your system, you dirty rotten LUCKY bastard...
Frank... UK...
Mr flimflam fremdippity danyet
I see you deleted what you said regarding the so-called “OCD variety” to erase your tracks. If you disagree, why don’t you stand by and back up your words?
All of these guys like Ron, Sean, Jay, Steve G., Thomas, Mike, etc., etc. that are putting up vids and reviews for the HiFi community are obviously very passionate about what they do, and you can learn from each and everyone of them. This entire situation is very unlike me, because I don’t like arguing with anyone. This is a community, and we need to stick together and help and support one another regardless of where they are on their HiFi journey. That includes being honest and respectful of one another.
@@NickP333 I actually thought about it afterwards and realized Ron probably wouldn't appreciate bickering on his posting about audio so that's that. I know people who have had not so great experience dealing with the prementioned person. The guy does sell products and pushes them on his page. God Bless him!. That's as far as I'm going. Ron is a different breed and I appreciate his integrity.
Sapphires might be the speakers from the future but man, you right there are the one of the biggest audio reviewers/coaches of the future!! You make sense man and I respect your sensibilities. Kudos from India!! Cheers.
What a kind thing to say! Thanks!
from the future? they are clearly from the past 1980, what are you talking dude?
Ron, I am late to this one. I missed it when it was first released. I was just sorting through some oldies and found this one. IT IS YOUR BEST! fantastic analysis. You did a great job explaining the pros and cons and reading the comments, you got people talking. Well done sir.
Thanks Scott! Really appreciate it!
I'm not an audiophile, and probably won't buy this type of gear anytime soon, but I really appreciate the sincerity and expert commentary you deliver in the review.. Very well done Sir!
i hope you eventually change your opening phrase...
Man, you’re the most ethically true and direct reviewer on TH-cam. Phenomenal review! Respect
I own an original pair of the M3’s that Clayton produced a few years ago. Heard them at the RMAF show and for the money could not find another speaker that could compete. I met Clayton at the time he was showing them off and was so impressed with him as a designer and a genuinely nice individual I decided to buy the speakers. I do intend to eventually upgrade because mine lack high end, which Clayton has corrected with these new M fives. That said, an audiophile friend of mine was over for dinner and was absolutely blown away by the sound of the M3’s. There is no question the open baffle design produces a fantastically musical effect. I think you’re spot on with regard to how you describe the sound of Clayton’s speakers. They lean in the direction of making music more pleasant to listen to. That’s not a bad thing.
Ron, you’re an excellent reviewer … this is a great explanation of differences that leave for us to consider our preferences. I have Nola Champ S3’s, as my entry point to open baffle, but I’m interested in trying GR, Spatial, Linkwitz, etc. open baffle implementations.
Hey thanks!
Thanks for posting this Ron. It's interesting that you find the bass on the Sapphires quicker than the GR subs. I wonder how the powered subs of the X series would compare. Talk Clayton into lending you a set for review!
Ok, quite a few are asking about the X series. We can probably make that happen.
@@Newrecordday2013 you have to do it!!
Danny called them budget kings. Roughly $500... I woold like to know how they compare to $1500 elacs, kef R3, Magnepan 1.7i, etc... do they actually compete with higher priced gear? Also... do the upgrades make much of a difference? As in is it a little bit, night and day, or non. Does it need a sub to get a good full range?
Agreed would like to see the X series comparison
@@Newrecordday2013 I'd also be very interested in an X/M comparison.
Thanks for all the recent info on open baffle designs. Being in Europe I'm now really interested in how the Pure Audio Trio15 Classics might compare to the M3 Sapphires.
The woofers look identical, but otherwise the only other similarity seems to be an open wide baffle design.
Thank you, that review is exactly what I am looking for - as my wife told, we do not need "hyper realism" /how they open lips, saliva in mouth/. Just music.
I could never have either of these in my living room/media room. Great for people who can afford a dedicated listening room.
You totally need to compare them with the Pure Audio Project speakers now, especially the Voxativ drivers
I would love to hear that comparison. I heard the Voxativ Ampeggio speaker and it was the best sounding speaker I heard at Axpona about 7 years ago.
Ok M3/X5/PAP Comparison video
Thanks for such an honest review. Another winner. Glad we have you doing what you do best.
I've mentioned this before; but Schiit explicitly say that the Aegir isn't recommended for 4 ohm loads. To quote from my email with them:
> We don't recommend running Aegirs at 4ohms. The vidar really is a better choice here.
Thanks for sharing this. Was this a response when asking specifically with the sapphires?
Ron, as much as I love my Volti Audio Aluras, you have convinced me to purchase a pair of Sapphires. I have enjoyed your reviews since you started your channel, but the level you are achieving in the last year is darned cool. I have wanted to purchase an OB speaker, and I have, won't say whose product because they don't 'do it' whatsoever. It seems Spatial may be the real game changer in the OB category. Thanks for your truth. :)
Keep me posted Dale! You will love them!
Ron, I just wanted to make some constructive criticism if I may, I know most/all comments are positive, not to step on toes, but my own honest evaluation of the evaluator....
1) I did not care for the cutting on the Spatial review (not this one). It has a non stop, almost stream of consciousness flow that at some point becomes TMI. I know you have a lot of information to share, but I'd rather see it in segments and in a more relaxed way with some actual pauses in between. 2) A lot of what you talk about is technical, which is fine and I understand most of what you talk about (and I own the M3Turbos) and I'm in the minority of wanting simplicity. You did a good job of describing the differences of the two speakers, but as more of a layperson, I could care less about graphs and how flat a speaker is. For me, mention cost, if they are giant killers, what giants are you referring to? 3) Perhaps a simpler (if possible) explanation of how OB speakers differ from other speakers. 4) Perhaps a chart, similar to what Enjoy the Music does, such as sub-bass, bass, mids, highs, imaging, dynamics, etc., like a side by side chart with the other speakesr when doing comparisons.
I guess overall, what I'm asking for is simplicity, or even two reviews, one overview, and one for technical specifics--there was another YT video where they were comparing speaker cables and it was long, and to me, boring. I just wanted them to say here are the scores given from our panel, and it was just too long! I ended up fast forwarding to the end.
Anyway, I love your energy and honest, straightforward reviews, just my two cents on the content. Thanks for listening!
Ron
I asked this on the previous video but thought I would jump it to here.
Any chance you would do a M3 Sapphire vs. X5 comparison? I think you are the guy to do it.
The X5 is 8ohm 97db vs Sapphire 4ohm 92db.
Thanks
FWS
Great videos! A little creative criticism, I much prefer this authentic, direct approach to some of your more scripted (although entertaining) videos.
Great introduction to the NX review. An interesting comparison would be with hi res symphonic music. There the lower foundation of the servo subs and the planar dipole tweeter on strings may take it home. Or at least that's what I'd like to understand at this point of my hifi journey, I currently own the old M3 turbo S, best speaker I had by far, incredible with jazz and well recorder rock - but classical music still seems to be missing something.
I really wish one of these performed well close to a back wall, because the way you describe them makes me want to buy them.
It may be that the perceived quicker bass you hear on the Sapphires is because they simply don't play as low as the NX's, so you're simply hearing notes on the NX's that aren't being reproduced on the Sapphires. I'd put good money on it, actually.
Great Video as always Ron! I would really love an in depth review of the NX Studios. I know you touched on them a little bit in another video but a dedicated video with comparisons with „real world“ bookshelfs would be a dream! Cheers
Great video Ron, thanks! I totally agree, open baffle rules! After getting a pair of Maggies I cannot go back to box speakers.
Hey Ron, I know you are a tube guy and I understand where you are coming from, but I think the question needs to be asked and tested, do we really NEED tubes in the power stage to get that holographic sound stage, midrange and top end sparkle from say the Sapphires? My theory, and what I am actually doing with my system is that a really great tube pre-amp paired with a completely clean, neutral and transparent Class D power amp is the best of both worlds. I think you can have your cake and eat it too with that combo. For example say a PrimaLuna pre-amp paired with a NAD C298 power amp you will get 99% of the tube sound without any of the loss of bass punch and clarity that you sometimes get with tube power amps. You are currently testing the NAD M33 and while this is the ideal one and done solution and the Eigentakt modules are completely transparent - as in you won’t even hear them in the signal chain - all you will hear are your other components and speakers. You should try pairing the M33 with a tube preamp and an external DAC/streamer and see what you get with that and compare that with a full tube pre/power stack. My bet is that the tube preamp with the class D power amp will give you everything you want in the tube sound without any of the lack of power or punch that tube power amps sometimes lack. (That’s my theory. Prove me wrong.)
Thanks! Great video.
* So you have a 50 hz peak with your speakers in your room (everybodys room has "issues" so it that is a normal)
* The real and foremost benefit of the amplifier were DIRAC = fixing the room 50 hz peek in your room
So the conclusion is that ANY other amplifiers will not do that even if you like Ron has a dedicated room with treatment setup with LOTS and and so on still will has normal room issues.
To take the listening experience a giant leap forward is to fix your room with or without DIRAC. No way to get around it we could switch amplifiers your hole life long and put them in the same poor room (if you have not measured your room you do not know you only THINK your room "sounds fine") you will NEVER elevate your listening experience.
Wow thanks for the bass state!
Thanks Optimize, appreciate your response!
Goodpoint ron. We have been using hiend processors and even with ones that dont affect phase shift still sound compressed. Everytime you use time alignment ot affects openess of sound
Great Job Ron, in my room that's 11.5ftx13.5 ft, what do you recommend the little brother M5 or the M3. What's the difference between both models w/ regards to room sizing and sound. And FYI I use a single aegir right now. Great review Ron. Spot On
Great vid as usual. I wonder if the quickness in the sapphire’s base vs Otica’s/sub combo is because they don’t go as deep...so it’s perceived quickness.
Ron, after Danny responded to your bass comparison between the sapphires and oticas, did you adjust the setting on your gr subs? Did this change your opinion?
PureAudioProject in-depth comparison pleeeaassee
I can't help but wonder why Danny doesn't just hire some people to assemble and ship speakers. The overhead of this would be easily more than covered by the increased revenue that this would bring. There is a vast number of people who would be inclined to buy his speakers fully assembled who don't want to fiddle with a non-trivial DIY project. I just don't get his business model.
Just a heads up and recomendation but 30 min of just YOU, it's a bit much? Maybe some edits showing how clean the quality of workmanship is on each speaker? Showing them in a room, showing just anything other than you talking for 30 min straight.
No words to say..just 👍👍👍👍👍❤
Awesome reviews and comparisons! Thanks
GR price comparison to Spacial Audio and a good choice for Hard rock music Rush , Zeppelin ect and which is more forgiving say closer to sides and rear walls
I heard these at the Capital Audio Fest, and I really love your review, but now I have to ask should I now be looking at the X3 or the X5, and also do have any plans too review either of those? Also, have you heard the Pure Audio Project? Thanks for all you do, and Keep Up the Great work. Also, when is the review for the NAD M33 coming?
In was just talking to Clayton about that. You guys want to see an X series review?
@@Newrecordday2013 DUH!!! YES PLEASE!! I mean seriously, we waited 4 months for this review...lol! So yes bring on the X series, and the Pure Audio Project, and let's have an Open Baffle love fest, and thank you again!!
New Record Day Yes!
@@Newrecordday2013 Yes Yes Yes !!! (Daniel Bryan Style) .... The X5 are relatively close to the Sapphire M3 in terms of pricing, a comparison between them would be great. Thank you so much for these reviews :) :)
@@Newrecordday2013 would love to see this. It would also be very helpful as this is likely my decision point
Thanks Ron E Day ! 😃
Open baffle speakers have been around for quite some time. apogee and magnpan just to name a few.
Did someone claim open baffle is new?
The Maggies are planar, so really a different technology than a dynamic driver.
What baffles me is that we don't have many more open baffle speakers to choose from in the sub $1000 range.
Yes, they're almost always "me too" box speakers when they're under $1,000.
Have you ever heard these with a Lyngdorf amplifier with Roomperfect? RP is very much designed to work with the Lyngdorf $400,000 Model D DiPole/Open Baffle speakers, as well as their more "budget" speakers Model B and O systems that go down to $40,000.
However, something like the Sapphires + Lyngdorf TDAI1120 gives you superb Dipole speakers and the same Roomperfect correction for
How does the size of the “sweet spot” compare between the two speakers? Danny uses phase plugs on the midband drivers while Clayton uses a small dome in the midband. A comparison and analysis of these varying approaches would be interesting.
Hi Ron,
After watching this video and since I am considering the M3 Saphire's with dual mono Schiit Aegir's I decided to contact Schiit to inquire about their stability dual mono into 4ohms and this is their short and sweet response:
Daniel Katz (Schiit Audio)
Oct 3, 2020, 20:47 PDT
Hi Frank,
We don't publish 4 ohms because we don't recommend running the Aegir's dual mono at 4 ohms. They might work just fine but they might also go into protection mode. They run stable at 8 ohms and may or may not do so at 4 ohms.
Best,
Daniel
I guess that's that - they dont know(or dont want to say).
FWS
Thanks for checking with them!
What about the Emotiva XPA HC-1 monoblock?
@@RamonBrackett Those would work and same money. A bit over kill for music - Be careful though - 600watts!
@@5FWS5 thats what i would worry about melting $3000 speakers! but should be more stable than the Aegir i would think
@@RamonBrackett These are pretty efficient speakers and I assume you are a normal human and wouldnt get anywhere near the "noise" on those things before your ears blew out but they have enough juice to broil a tweeter no doubt. Again WAY over kill but for the money I guess they are in play if you just want an excuse to own a pair(I would). Plenty of choices - LTA, Modwright - maybe a nice set of Dan's sweet and sexy Ambrose A30 tube mono blocks??? Ohh I just thought - I'm sure he would do a pair in matching wood too.....or the KWH 225I Hybrid Integrated? 400wpc SS power into 4ohms with tube preamp circuit - lots of options.
Since you're comparing the M3 Sapphires to other speakers: how do they compare to the Magnepan 1.7i's? I have a feeling the bass is more full with the Sapphires, but, are the detail and soundstage better with the Sapphires?
I can tell you the Oticas are. I have 1.7i and heard the Oticas in Texas at Danny's place. Its significant. Danny is putting together a kit to help clean up the Maggie's for me. They dont measure well.
@@ufarkingicehole I hope this comment finds you. I too have Maggie 1.7i and am thinking about maybe getting the Oticas. Looking back on your time hearing them verses your upgraded Maggies, would you say the Oticas outclass the Maggies by quite a bit? Thanks!
@@flashhog01 hello! So I misspoke. I heard the extremes and they did outclass the Maggie's. The Otica is supposed to be voiced the same as the extreme. The Maggie's image really well when set up correctly and with the right equipment to drive them. I had Danny design me a crossover for them and they sound worse. This could be user error.... what equipment do you have driving them?
Biggest thing Maggie's lack is dynamics
@@ufarkingicehole Thanks for your reply! I am sorry to hear your Maggies did not improve. Currently I'm using a McIntosh MC275 tube amp which sounds great but doesn't have to power to really drive the 1.7i. I am trying to decide which way to go, keep the amp and get easier to drive speakers or keep the Maggies and get a more beefy amp. My most important concern is the imaging and texture, the lack of deep bass with the Maggies doesn't bother me.
Also, you stated that you visited Danny, did he seem pretty open to having people drop by and getting a demo? Thanks!
@@flashhog01 Mr Danny is a really nice guy. I would give him a call and im sure you can sample his speakers. When I bought the Maggie's I heard them with a Rouge Audio Magnus 3 amp. Sound was pretty impressive!!
It might be that the sapphires bass sound quicker is due to that the GR subs are going lower in frequencies
That’s a good question and it’s hard to say for sure! One thing Danny reminded me is that the plate amps do have controls for changing the damping which can make them quicker or slower... I’ll need to mess with mine and see for sure.
@@Newrecordday2013 What setting adjusted the damping on the plate amp? The manual doesn’t do a great job of explaining the settings.
I wish I had the luxury of space, to take full advantage, I may go the DIY route just to give it a shot and see what the fuss is about. Have you heard the W frame design of the direct servo subs, I was considering building those, but I have heard very little about them, everyone tends to go for the H frame.
I had the same question before building them. Many seem to prefer the H frame with all the subs facing the same way. There are various threads on the GR Research circle in AudioCircle that cover this. I went with two triple OB cabs with all of the subs facing forward.
That was great Ron . A true heart to heart. Rock On ! ✌️
Can you comment on the differences between NX-Otica and NX-Treme.
Hey New Record Day, big fan here, love what you do. Could you please do a video on the Tekton Ulfberht?? There is a lot of buzz right now about them and I want a professional, unbiased opinion. I'm currently druling over this company because of what I've heard but I would love it if you solidified that. Consider this an audiofile SOS
Ron, Do you think the Kinki Studio Integrated would pair well with the Sapphires? Looking at the M4 since my room is not huge. Thank you
What youre hearing is the directivity of the larger woofer on the saphires
Speakers so awesome (M3) they've been discontinued already. Were they over-sold and under delivered?
Yup, and now their most "affordable" speaker is almost $8K.
I'm out.
my take away from this is the NXOticas are more transparent, from what I remember from the sound clips... also your right that the Sapphires are faster and tighter in the bass region. IMHO
Thanks, pairings are good.
Good review and how do you compare them to Wilson Audio speakers?
Just a thought: The Otica's with O.B. subwoofers go down to 18'hz (wasn't it?) & the Sapphire's woofers go down to around 30'ish, or was it 35'hz (or near)
Could it be that the deeper frequencies... (or maybe more likely, it's the lower level & much lower in frequency "secondary harmonics' from the O.B. woofer's fundamental bass note) ...are energising your room with much longer wavelengths of frequency than the Saphires are capable of reproducing, but the O.B. woofers are, & that lower hz resonating of the "air-spring" that is your whole room's air mass, diffused or not, would take a slightly longer time to audibly die off, milliseconds perhaps but it could be enough togive an illusion that the bass is slower than the Saphires bass. As all sounds have harmonics at in both up & down directions & it may have a play on whole mass of your living room's air-spring resonstion to die off at that lower level longer wavelength harmonics from higher bass notes, (i say "harmonics of" in bass, as i can only think of Wutttenberg Cadhedral's tallest organ pipes of (64 &/or 128'ft who's major note dips to 16/18'hz at zero db dowm. Pure theory but feasable i reckon.
P.S. I don't listen to Kate Perry but the name easily springs to mind when thinking about any music being less than perfect, on any level
Are you saying you would pick the Sapphires over the Sabrinas?....if so, I may have to pick up a set
Yes, I would.
I listened to the X4s at Axpona and I was a little disappointed. I think it was the room, I'd really love a second shot at them in a decent room. Also, it's okay to talk about Katy Perry, she's amazing.
What did you find disappointing?
@@Newrecordday2013 Big soundstage, great imaging. Bass was anemic, which very well could have been the room. Diana Krall's voice (the Book of Love) sounded unnatural to me. Perhaps it was beaming, but like she was singing through a bullhorn (exaggeration, but you get the gist).
Thank you so much for this video Ron, really informative and very honest. Best regards from Argentina,
Hey Ron , I am debating buying one of these 2 models you are comparing and the NXtremes too. One thing swaying me to gr research is them being narrower . Having owned panel speakers for the last ten years I think I'm missing all the soundstage directly behind the speakers as they are blocking the view . What do you think ?
Great work thank you. I'm wondering how the sapphires would compare to other speakers represented by others as "disruptive" speakers such as the Cube Nenuphars and Alta Alec?
I have dual REL t7x now. Do you think that they are quick enough to match these?
As for the room size issue and whether they will disappear in a smaller room? I own the white standard pair of M3's that Clayton demoed at the 2015 Newport/Irvine The Show. My room is 12x16, with the M3's coming out from the short wall, halfway out into the room. To my ear, they really disappear. As to whether the Sapphires would, is something I'm awfully tempted to find out.
SUPER review!!! Really enjoyed it!
What's wrong with Katy Perry Ron? Don't be a hater. It's just music that's not your preference. I bet Katy sounds fantastic on them.
Is this type of setup only good for listening in one specific place in the room? What if you entertain a group of people like a party, will this still be great?
Hi again Ronn. Have you done comparison with Nx-otica vs Spatial Audio X5?
Super interesting video. I want to ask which version of the Holo Audio May dac you are using. Hope it's not the KTE version (: toooo expensiv
Just ordered the KTE May 😊
Ron, might it be that the Sapphires bass sounds quicker due to the GR Research Subs going lower in frequency? For not going as low in frequency would definitely have that effect (sounding quicker given all else being equal). Although that said, you may have tested this with program material which simply remained 100% above 30 hz. Also, do the plate amps offer any Q adjustment? And if yes, might that need more fine tune adjustment? And lastly, you would have had to place the GR Research Subs to the sides of the Oticas and therefore the Subs in each setup were not placed in the very same location which may also played into their overall sound. OK, well just a few thoughts which come to mind. This was so very much the Review / Comparison that I (I'm sure many) wanted. Thank you so very much!!!
Or they just sound quicker.
@@carlosoliveira-rc2xt Yet another possible explanation, True :)
@@carlosoliveira-rc2xt Hmmm, it appears that I was in fact correct :)
@@johndaddabbo9383 Which part?
@@carlosoliveira-rc2xt The Sapphires only sounding quicker due to the GR's being asked to play much lower in frequency and having been set to the lowest Q setting. So pretty much all of it.
When it comes to open baffle.Your room is the cabinet.
not really, in any cabinet there is only one wave from the woofers, in a room there two waves except from sealed cabinets.
How does the soundstage compare between the two speakers?
Imaging and soundstage comparison? Which images better and has deeper - wider soundstage? Which is easier to place in the room given you had the ample space for the Oticcas?
Sorry I had to bring it up, great review
Looks like the soundstage junkies are wondering.
please explain to us why the M3 do not neet Wings to seperates the front way from the back Wave to make Bass it makes no sense to me
The large - custom response and characteristics - drivers are designed to compensate the volume lost by the side cancellation. There are a lot of characteristics you can tweak in a driver electro-mechanical parameters to achieve better open baffle use, also they are two 15".
@@bernardstachman3507 Yes, Jamo did the same thing.
review the yamaha ns 5000s... very few reviews out there... you could be the first american reviewer!
Ron, have you heard the latest Linn systems with EXAKT and Space optimisation?
If you are a tweaker than you can get way more performance from either speaker. What I am about to suggest will void the warrantee. Most commercial speakers are not done to the enth degree. You have price points, you have looks, WAF, etc. to deal with when you are designing a speaker. If you make your own speaker and do not care what it looks like but are after performance alone then you can take the sound to a whole nuther level.
Lets look at the Spatial. Here is what I would do if I had a pair. I would remove the entire stock xover and make my own using the best parts available. This custom xover would sit on a damped platform behind the speaker. I would hardwire my speaker wires directly to the input parts on the xover therefore eliminating the first connector. I would hardwire better wire directly from the xover parts to the drivers.....not using the internal wires. Putting wires inside a baffle slightly veils the sound. Using even better sounding wire in air will improve the sound. I would hardwire the xover wires directly to the woofer voice coil wires....eliminating any posts or tabs. You can solder the xover wires directly to the end of the voice coil wire where it meets its mounting tab. The tweeter would be run directly from the amp. Stock, there is a cap in series with the tweeter (latest version, the original ones had no cap). So, basically bi-wiring right from the amp. This way the tweeter path has two less connectors in series with it and less wiring as well. You can tune the sound of the tweeter with the tweeter wire you use. I would try removing the protective grill on the tweeter and also putting a felt ring around the tweeter and even covering the entire width of the baffle around the tweeter area. Doing all that will completely transform the sound......way faster, cleaner and purer. However, it will become less forgiving.....even more so than the GR Research.....but you could tune it to taste with the xover parts and wires. I expect no one reading this will care. He he........just sayin". Same goes for the GR Research.....most of what I suggest can be done there too. Enjoy!
Ron would be great if u can audition a Lx521 and compare with Spatial and GR research
Did you try the sapphires with the new Marantz model 30?
Yes and it’s a great combo!
I would love to hear them I have Corwin Vega sl15
Can either of them produce a great open baffle design for between $2000-$3000 for normal rooms and budgets?
Ron can you work on the algorithm or something, 9 adds is terrible. Really distracting from your content that I enjoy.
Dang, 9 ads?
New Record Day
yep
I listened to this whole pitch Its all gobbledygook. It either sounds better or it doesn't.
Ok bro.
@@Newrecordday2013th-cam.com/video/JA2j1g_1uKM/w-d-xo.htmlsi=AUz28UvpBKSGKPBi
What about soundstage?
You diden't compare the soundstage?
I am looking at XLS ENCORE . I saw you mentioned Mike Lundy who can enhance a custom pair ..... how do I contact him?
A question that I didn't see Asked or Answered... (and Sorry if I offend anyone) - Ron, which speaker can outright play louder! (from 60hz - 20khz) and therefore isn't only very dynamic, but also dynamic in that it can play at very high levels with very low distortion. Thank you... an absolute incredible Review / Comparison!!! -OR- Do both speakers have no problem with reaching Peak SPLs of 110 dB at 9 ft? (so continuous 90 dB with 20 dB dynamics)
I am playing faital pro 18 inch drivers from 300 Hz down, in my system. the trick is to have a single driver per channel at 8 ohms and a small baffle to get that superfast base. it means that the amp can keep controll over the 18 inch pancackes even when the motor is 1000 Watt. so I believe it when you choose the saphires over the servos. The Netherlands has a few servo freaks as a leftover from the servo or MFB craze that Philips triggered in the previous century . yet non of them can beat the very simple single driver open 8 ohm solution.
Well done...
Good work, Ron, but way too many ad interruptions!!
No Ron - I don't get the idea! What exactly were you trying to suggest about Katy Perry and 'Top 40 Hits?' You stated that you "don't listen to Katy Perry," but you shook your head regardless - implying you knew her recordings were problematic! Please explain?
How do they compare As you move about the room? Are either one of them "one spot wonders"?
Well both offer incredible off axis performance so I’d imagine in both situations, you are fine.
Would the Cary Audio SLI 100 be a good fit with the x5?
Ron, nice informative and inspiring review. Have you had the opportunity to listen to the Sapphires paired to the Yamaha A-S2200 ? Would it be a good match ? Thanks again.
Absolutely!
Bravo . . .
Have you used parasound amps before on your equipment
Well, I took away do you want a messy room or not
Nothing wrong with listening to Katie Perry. The music don’t have to be made when your grandma was born for it to be true audiophile.
Why do some speakers manufactures down play open baffle?
Great job. But.. Soundstage?
Now you are just messing with me!
@@Newrecordday2013 Did I miss the soundstage part, sorry. I caught the Spatial's disappearing, but not soundstage, although I did skip some sections.
Do you have any recommendations of how we can dip our toe in the water here and see if open baffle is something we like shy of $5500?
Thanks for the review. Nice to see another manufacturer get into this design. And this isn't something new. I'll add that OB is GREAT if you are a DIY person. I've been messing with OB for 20 years. Right now I don't feel I have the space for it, my listening room is a converted bedroom (with acoustical damping in walls, floor, etc). One of the things for the DIY person to consider are older paper cone efficiency drivers of decades gone by. They were designed for a big box back in the day, and often work very well in OB. You don't have to be a great cabinet maker, just have the local lumber place cut you some plywood to size, and you're done
Errr! I committed alot of time to this and the Spatial engineer vids. You sold me until I found their price. Please give prices up front or on the drop down info. It's like those restaurants with no price on menu. I do enjoy your vids tho.