Spatial Audio X3 Open Baffle Loudspeaker

[@lanx0003]

Very nice sounding speakers. One of my dream speakers now.

[@markwinechairman]

Just found your Channel....I'm hooked....appreciate your Insight! Thank you!

[@audiotalk6155]

Mark Winechairman appreciate your nice comments.

[@FirstLightAdv]

Amazing that even from youtube you can feel how open and natural the speakers sound compared to box ones!

[@audiotalk6155]

FirstLight Adv agreed! My high end Sony recorder did a great job with recording! Incredibly open speakers!

[@thunderpooch]

True, you're not hearing how they sound per se, but you are hearing many audible cues, or clues if you prefer, to how they would sound relative to other speakers. KZbin clips of speakers are very informative, if you're able to understand what they can and cannot convey.

[@thunderpooch]

@@audiotalk6155 Ugh, Phil Collins is so depressing, and not in a funny tongue in cheek way like Morrissey. I hear most Phil Collins' songs and I feel like a kid who just had their pet die. Please don't ever play that sad sap jive again. :)

[@eva2k0]

That's very nice of your wife to let you have all of that in what appears to be your living room! Been wanting to build some open baffle speakers myself. I like the idea of the driver moving without an air spring behind it and overcoming issues with filtering and interference with treatments.

[@audiotalk6155]

eva2k0 my wife is amazing and loves to have listening sessions with me. Once you listen to open baffle there is no going back. Thank you for watching and for your comment! My wife loved it as well.

[@gme10955]

The Spatial Auido speakers I heard at one of the RMAF shows produced some of the best sound I've ever heard. I see a pair of Spatial Auido speakers in my future. Thanks for the review.

[@pairadeau]

Musical taste cannot be taught. Thank you for displaying such exquisite taste. Namaste.

[@bujoun76]

Pairadeau Music is subjective. One persons perfection is another persons trash.

[@neilaltschuler6064]

Nice music selection. Love the sound. Thanks

[@audiotalk6155]

Thank you Neil!

[@dailyfrenchie9047]

Really good, detailed review. You obviously put some time and thought into this. I would love to see your component chain into the Spatials and a little more info on what you're doing with your room as you have a lot going on there. Thanks for posting this. I think the X5's are at the top of my list for my next speaker purchase at this point.

[@audiotalk6155]

DailyFrenchie added my component list in the comments. More reviews coming on my equipment and room!

[@snowpuppy77]

Really good review. Those are incredibly attractive speakers. I have a pair of Spatial M3 Sapphires on order in Sepele finish. While they certainly are not the level of the X3 they should be a significant improvement in my system. They also have a secondary baffle and same woofers but passive. They have a less expensive mid/tweeter but Clayton says he loves the way it sounds. Can't wait to hear them. By the want thank you for introducing me to Janis Ian.

[@audiotalk6155]

snowpuppy77 Appreciate the comments. The M3 Sapphires should be exciting to listen to. Congrats on the purchase! Janis Ian is a treasure!

[@mariodrv]

They ar not "worse", just different, smoother. And their tweeter just produces highs that sound more right - a metric not very often used when it comes to tweeters but shuld be absolutely. The do not resolve AS much but are still extremely detailed - nothing is missing. It is more a question of use case and preference than better or worse. On all sound demos I have heard I just liked the sound of the Sapphires more. Even tho as an audiophile I can apreciate the brutal realism the AMT provides it i just to much for me and it simply does not click for me like with the Sapphires which I absolutely adore.

[@gme10955]

Excellent review. Clayton put me in touch with someone locally, so I'll be auditioning a pair of X3's next week. Based on my room size, I'll probably go with pair of X5's.

[@neilaltschuler6064]

I'm listening through a pair of $10.00 Panasonic buds... Sound is outstanding. I cannot imagine sitting in front of these. Impressive

[@audiotalk6155]

Truly an amazing speaker! I Enjoy it everyday!

[@C-man553]

Room acoustics killing it.

[@hocheye]

They sound good even on my tablet, glad the moved away from the compression drivers which are to forward and listener fatigue sets in quite fast.the new air motion driver sounds very nice.I love ob speakers I had to sell my ob speakers because of the compression drivers.Well done! Great review.

[@audiotalk6155]

hocheye appreciate that. I used a high quality recorder with high quality condenser mics to capture the awesome sound.

[@steelydan5501]

Open baffle! Very nice! I had a pair of open baffle speakers with a sub of course, these sound amazing through my headphones. Very nice, some ob speakers use compression drivers which leads to listener fatigue which is what the ones I had used my room was fairly hard which I could not change had to sell them but they were nice.

[@Newrecordday2013]

Good job! Sub'ed!

[@audiotalk6155]

New Record Day - Thank you !

[@superdougie10]

Beautiful sculptured piece.

[@FisherB54]

Great review, very well done!

[@audiotalk6155]

Appreciate your comment!

[@jbc1042]

Awesome review!!!

[@audiotalk6155]

Thank you JC!

[@bigjay1970]

Very detailed review! Also a very well done review😬🤗

[@audiotalk6155]

Big Jay thanks for your kind comments!

[@TheKb117]

Love how you provided sound clips in spite of some audiophile purists who think KZbin compression won't convey any difference to the viewer. I use an iem to listen to vids and songs, and I can still find the differences in the quality of the gears reviewed, though I think it would depend on the micing technique of how the audio is recorded during playback. Which brings me to ask how you miced during recording your auditions/reviews? Regarding this Spatial Audio speakers, I found it so life-like, detailed, and fast. The same qualities I heard in New Record Days' Ron review of the Spatial Audio Sapphire M3. Btw, just found your channel today and liked your review format, esp the sound clips. Subbed!!! ps/edit the comment was typed while watching/listening to the video... thus the edits hehehe the last portion of the video answered my query re: micing technique/gear... Sony PCM D100 also on the slides it says the AMT goes down to 1kHz, does it mean one of the 15in drivers, acting as a woofer, goes up to 1kHz, or both the 15in drivers do? Hoping for a reply even though this is an old video. Thanks and more subs!!!

[@audiotalk6155]

The KB117 thank you for your comments and glad to have helped out. Yes, the Sony PCM D100 recorder is very special. I placed it in the listening position. No direct mixing techniques. I wanted to capture the listeners perspective. The X-3: In addition to the AMT driver, the midrange driver is 12” and the powered sub woofer is 15”. Midrange covers 1k down to 90hz. Sub is 90hz down to 25hz. Cheers!

[@TombstoneTube]

This is a very good review. Thanks

[@audiotalk6155]

Thank you for your feedback!

[@gertjanvanderkooij9242]

awesome sound,best system ever heard

[@audiotalk6155]

Thank you for your feedback sir.

[@yttean98]

Very good review to the point and no ranting(bulls__t). Must be your engineering background. Thks.

[@travis4619]

Wonder what Eminence woofers are used in the Spatial's

[@juliasawtell4565]

Such a good review

[@audiotalk6155]

Thank you Julia Diane!

[@r1verrat1977]

Thank you for the audition today!!

[@audiotalk6155]

r1ver_rat 1977 it was a pleasure to spend time with you and your dad!

[@shiblisadik5076]

I love open baffle sound than closed box sound..by the by ..during this video after 5 minutes & 30 seconds which artist's song is played ,please ?

[@audiotalk6155]

Glad you like the video: artist is Phill Collins with David Crosby

[@Gekhoedje]

Very nice review. I was wondering if you had the opportunity to play around with different sources / amplifiers and cabling to hear the effect on the X3?

[@audiotalk6155]

Oh yes, Quint. I have had 4 amps and may have a fifth soon. I will have a review on all equipment I’ve had with my X-3s. The video will be called the X3s revisited. Stay tuned. Cheers.

[@lizichell2]

Nice song at the beginning

[@adhanda2017]

The AMT's rock!

[@keeferdog5617]

My only question is, “how in the world did you get your wife, to go along with a pair of open baffles in the living room”? Mine, would NEVER go for it....super job, wifey!

[@audiotalk6155]

She is amazing. She thinks they look great!

[@MurchyMurch]

@@audiotalk6155 Happy Mother's Day to Mrs Audio Talk. Great music selection...these are beautiful speakers. Clayton Shaw is a genius

[@Josh-sd8fd]

It's simple. He makes the money. 😂

[@rickscheck5330]

Janice Ian from “Breaking Silence” LP. 8:43

[@audiotalk6155]

Amazing album

[@neilaltschuler6064]

Where has this been? History?

[@audiotalk6155]

Hello Neil... thanks for the questions! You mean the speaker?

[@neilaltschuler6064]

@@audiotalk6155 do these come close or surpass Martin Logan's sound stage?

[@audiotalk6155]

We tend to think of Maggie’s or Martin Logan’s when we want to listen to jazz, vocals, acoustic music, etc And then say, well I’m going to need a box speaker for dynamic music when you want to feel the bass! Well, this speaker does it all!! The soundstage is as wide and deep as you can ask for and the lower midrange and bass is so seamless with this speaker it simply amazes listeners with its one piece sound. And you don’t need another two subwoofers in your set up. Floor print is small and very workable in virtually any room. I have the speakers wider apart than I have them away from the listening position as noted. Soundstage is wide and deep!! I’ve attached an interview with the designer and put another hi Rez clip at the end of this video with a little more punch. Plug in some headphones to your laptop and enjoy! kzbin.info/www/bejne/gZjPoX9rq9h3l7s

[@ogsan1296]

Just curious can you tell me more about your preamp. I love your amps.....thanks... looking for a new one. Switching back to SS.

[@audiotalk6155]

Hello Greg J I have a Dual Mono Passive Preamp. Pots are DACT Stepped Attenuators. My DAC and Amps are made by Digital Amplification Company. This system was designed with synergy in mind. More on this later in upcoming reviews. Thank you for your question.

[@twochaudiomg2578]

nice Do they expect you to turn bass amp off every time you stop listening for the night thanx m

[@audiotalk6155]

No I leave them on... I they click back on when the signal is present. I had to turn the switch off and on one or two times in a year. Just not an issue.

[@tejkarangehlot4741]

Excellent sir.... Plz let us know all drivers brand ( which drivers u used sir)

[@audiotalk6155]

Beyma AMT (the finest ATM available), the mid and sub are custom drivers made to meet Clayton's design requirements by Eminence.

[@tejkarangehlot4741]

@@audiotalk6155 I have same driver sir.. tph 150h & rest of all beyma 8inch mid & 18inch (woofer) subwoofer..

[@issadad]

How does X3 compare to X4 and X5? Only the X4, it seems, is still available.

[@audiotalk6155]

It’s a very similar speaker in that the drivers are the same, but the X3 has a powered sub woofer and the X4 doesn’t. However, the X4 has a better crossover and better feet than the X3s. I prefer the power sub, but would also like the better crossover which I think I could eventually upgrade too.

[@issadad]

@@audiotalk6155 Thanks. I'm interested in Spatial Audio Labs. New Record Day, the only KZbin hifi channel to make a serious effort at HQ demos, introduced me to the M3 Sapphires, which I love and might look for used. Both the X3 and X5 have the powered woofer with 97 dB sensitivity, while X4, as you say, does not and efficiency drops to 88 dB -- but the X4 crossover and base are upgrades. Of special note for me is the height of these models: X3 the tallest at 52", X4 and X5 at 45". In my huge space (26 x 22 x 15 ft high), one of my priorities is soundstage height, getting the image up above the speaker tops. (I was all set to go with Maggie 1.7i's or 3.7i's until Maggie lovers warned me that my space is TOO big for them.) So I'm hoping that Clayton Shaw's open baffle jobs will be better suited to my room? Do you have any sense of which Spatial Audio model might deliver the highest soundstage? Thanks.

[@GerenM63]

The recording quality is outstanding. I'm curious about how you're recording the speakers, particularly the mic(s) and placement/positioning. Cheers!

[@audiotalk6155]

Thank you. I used the Sony D-100 which has high quality condenser Mic’s and converters. I kept the mics at the listening position to pick up what I hear when sit and listen. Recorded in 24/192. Cheers!

[@blessonjacob3809]

Hi. Great review! I noticed that the tweeter on the X series rolls off at around 20khz versus much higher on the M series. What audible difference does this make to your ears?

[@audiotalk6155]

Blesson Jacob the X3 provide the listener with unparalleled transparency in the high end and with a 8” corrugated diaphragm it has a huge mechanical advantage over the M3. You pay more for it if course, but the subtleties of the presentation sets it apart and gives you a speaker that is unmatched. Hope this helps!

[@anandshah71]

Would like to know the crossovers crossed where in your 3 way.

[@audiotalk6155]

AMT down to 1k and mid down to 90hz,

[@anandshah71]

@@audiotalk6155 thanks for the reply. Can you share the Hypex dsp config file. I have Hypex plate amp and want to make a diy OB.

[@audiotalk6155]

@@anandshah71 Recommend talking with Spatial Audio.

[@histubeness]

Do you know how much power (watts) the X-3 amps draw? And is there less power used by the amps when in idle...not driven by music? --Thanks

[@digitalampco7640]

Nice review !! Tell us about those amps and the DAC (:

[@vicg5323]

I am in the market for open baffle speaker. Looking to build the Martin King design to compare to my Elacs. Is this speaker made in Europe? What does the class D amp power? Do you use an amp or just a preamp with that class D? Thanks for sharing. Love the sound they make.

[@audiotalk6155]

I’m pretty sure Clayton has an European contact on his distributor page on his website and of course you can call him with questions. The class D amp with volume control powers the 15” woofer. All you do is plug in your normal amps speaker leads into the connectors plug on the back of the X3s and you are good to go.

[@audiotalk6155]

Check out my set up video. It may help kzbin.info/www/bejne/qaHMoJ2Qd9Blobs

[@vicg5323]

Very cool. Thank you.

[@Diatonic5th]

Great review! I'm considering a pair of M5 Sapphire's for my 11'X15' listening room. Any suggestions for room treatments? I have a large area rug and shelves of records, but very little on my walls. Do OB speakers benefit from having dispersion panels on the wall behind them? I'll be pulling the speakers out about 3' from the rear wall and 3' from the side walls as well.

[@huythan1349]

Hi. What do you use for bass traps? Could I have the brand names? I am looking for bass traps in my system. Thank you.

[@fafan111]

what does the DSP do and what do you think about Hypex controlled woofer/subwoofer?

[@audiotalk6155]

fafan111 great question! The digital signal processor helps support different rooms, but it’s set at the factory and I have not had to touch it! From my understanding the customers that bought the X3s have not had to play with it. The woofer/amp combination is outstanding. The bass pounds your chest while being true to the timbre of the bass. Plenty of power, you can see the volume position is at noon with plenty of gain available. I had it too loud and had to dial it it back. My main amps for the midrange and AMT are 400w a channel.

[@fafan111]

@@audiotalk6155 thanks for the response, what do you mean support different rooms? Also can you comment on vertical and horizontal dispersion? I've heard AMTs have a very narrow vertical dispersion but just wanted your perspective. Thanks in advance :)

[@audiotalk6155]

@fafan111 Auto room correction. Although Spatial Audio indicated that i probably won't need to use the DSP. When I set up my speakers I found them to be very balanced and didn't feel the need to tweak anything. I think the recording shows the quality of sound in my room. Here is the link to the nCORE amp: www.hypex.nl/product/fusionamp-fa251/155 In terms of a narrow vertical dispersion, I don't buy that on the AMTs in these speakers. The image and depth of sound staging is extremely pleasing to listen to. Deep and wide. Much more expansive than the M3S Turbo which was excellent. All good with dispersion :). It’s a strength of the speakers. Thanks again for you question.

[@anandshah71]

Audio Talk fa251 is a 1 channel 1 way so how are you powering the midrange and tweeter and dsp

[@neilaltschuler6064]

With tubes?

[@audiotalk6155]

Good question... check out this review and I reveal an amp with better midrange than tunes... mated with my X-3s. kzbin.info/www/bejne/i2W3oXmcapmNsLs

[@davidlambert3892]

Can they be placed close to corners and walls? I'm in an apartment and don't have room to put them out into the room.

[@audiotalk6155]

Its recommended that they be placed 4' from the wall behind the speaker and 4' from the side wall... That said this is true for most speakers. OB speakers in general are less finicky that boxed speakers. Hope this helps.

[@ogsan1296]

I was inquiring about your thoughts now on the X3 now. A year later. I am very interested in them. I have been holding off because I feel as I purchase these he will come out with something newer. (lol) I will pair them with tube amplification. What are your thoughts? Also how much sound reinforcement do they need? Please let me know. I am very interested in your thoughts. Thanks.

[@audiotalk6155]

I will be shooting a follow up to my initial review soon. Please email me at [e-mail] with questions.

[@ogsan1296]

@@audiotalk6155 good morning. That email is not working. thanks

[@audiotalk6155]

@@ogsan1296 look above... @gmail.com

[@jungtarcph]

Is it a DYI kit?

[@audiotalk6155]

No. www.spatialaudiolab.com/

[@stevedougherty3720]

Hi, So what finish are your X3's? Did u get a chance to see other finishes before you chose?

[@audiotalk6155]

Steve Dougherty it’s the Natural finish. I did see some stain options but preferred the one I choose.

[@stevedougherty3720]

@@audiotalk6155 Thanks, very nice, good choice!

[@chuckblackwelder6597]

I have the M3 Turbo S model and am happy with them. Would the difference in the X3 be worth while?

[@audiotalk6155]

Chuck Blackwelder I had the M3 Turbo S and yes this speaker is a game changer.

[@fido0825]

Oh, but BTW, the Spatial Audio X3 does sound very good in a real life listening environment. I have heard them at RMAF a few years ago so I don't mean to disparage that speaker! I also have Tekton Design OB Sigmas, a mostly open baffle design and Apogee Duetta planar speakers I listened to for 15+ years, albeit both speaker brands with Hsu Research subs. Don't let them fool you...planar or open baffles in the very low end cancel far to much to get proper bass with out whacky equalization as low frequencies "wrap around" and cancel themselves.

[@lizichell2]

I also like the Phil Collins song

[@vicg5323]

How much

[@jworthe]

Surely the crossover points aren't 90 and 25Hz???

[@johnwhite2576]

Actually they are- the compression tweeter goes way down into mid range , and that makes for a very coherent speaker

[@jworthe]

@@johnwhite2576 Not trying to be argumentative, but a compression driver has a screen over the diaphragm not for protection, but for compression loading. These are AMTs, two different animals.

[@robertbernard3828]

Thanks for the great review of these gorgeous speakers. I am an electrostat owner (ML Vistas) with a less than perfect listening area. I love the clear, delicate, and immersive sound they produce however my vise-like listening position is challenging especially mostly with the low mid and lower frequencies. Given your experience in audio can you share with me if these may solve these issues with respect to the electrostats? Thanks in advance, Rob

[@audiotalk6155]

Robert Bernard Thanks for your kind comments. The biggest difference with these speakers is that they seamlessly go down to 25hz! The are very dynamic while having the ultra transparency of an electrostatic. These are not very finicky in terms of placement as long as you 3-4’ from the back wall and 4’ from the side wall. Can’t imagine that these would not do the trick and give you a less than amazing listening experience that you would be thrilled with. Cheers!

[@jajessee]

Why did you sell them?

[@audiotalk6155]

Sell what?

[@jajessee]

@@audiotalk6155 X3's?

[@audiotalk6155]

Not sure where you heard that. No, I have them and listening to them as I write this. Cheers.

[@jajessee]

@@audiotalk6155 Sorry. I just bought a pair. Have the M3 Shappires and want the AMT on the X3 s. It will be intresting to see how they compare.

[@audiotalk6155]

JJESSEE Curious. Did the video assist you in your decision?

[@frankjames4573]

Hi... I'd love a pair of these, but can't afford them... I'm retired now, on a fairly mega pension... I am however going to design and build my own speakers, in fact yesterday I ordered some of the timber I will be needing... My speakers will be a hybrid of open baffle and vented box... which sounds strange I know... But I'm trying to get the best of both platforms in one box, so to speak... If you still have those speakers, give "Follow me Home" by Dire Straits a listen... I'd love to hear that track through those speakers... I use this track as a test track, especially for bass response... Frank... UK...

[@audiotalk6155]

Thanks Frank! Love Dire Straits and will give the track a go on my system. Good luck on your build! Cheers.

[@frankjames4573]

@@audiotalk6155 Hi, thanks for the reply... Give me some feedback on what you think of that track.... I'm so jealous... lol Frank...

[@frankjames4573]

@@audiotalk6155 Hi, when you have done that track, I have been selecting other tracks that you may enjoy... Some from way back, others are more up to date, well within the last few years! Some artists I hope are new to you... I love swapping artists, I'm always on the hunt for new tracks to listen too! As for the design and build of my own speakers, it's quite a complex thing to go into... Cone size, cross over units, not mention the cabinet/vented box, not ported! Will keep you updated from time to time... Track 2, I'd like to introduce you to a chap called Aiden Grimshaw... The track, "Hold On" ... From the Misty eye CD... It's powerful, deep base... Hope you like it, take a few listens... Frank...

[@lizichell2]

10:27 avoid all of this with electrostats

[@capwkidd]

May I suggest using a wireless lapel mic... Or just the Rode Wireless go (lapel mic optional as it has a built in mic in the transmitter) to improve the audio... Since sound is the most important thing!

[@audiotalk6155]

It's a god call out. I changed up my approach with my latest review. Check out the audio quality and of course the content in my latest review on the Cherry Amp.

[@RonLykins]

I recommend using a lavalier mic on your body rather than using the mic on the camera which delivers hollow sound. You are talking about good audio so why have poor sound on your vids? An off camera mi.c will make a huge difference- Check out Rode mics, they have many options in all price ranges, There are several other good mic manufacturers. Likewise playing music for your viewers could be improved with quality dual (stereo) mics. See what Ron at New Record Day KZbin channel uses for his sound clips.

[@gregmcable]

Suggest you buy a decent wireless lavaliere mic for a couple hundred dollars. Watchability of your videos will go way up. Good luck!

[@porkchopspapi5757]

Very detailed except no mention of the crossover. Makes me wonder why you would be so inclusive on all other equipment but omit this one vital detail.

[@audiotalk6155]

Porkchop's Papi good call out. Sensible and relevant. The sound is so seamless between the three drivers it doesn’t draw attention to it. Yes, Clayton is using clarity caps, but the fact that the AMT driver is crossed down at 1k is key to the one piece sound he achieves. Also, having the cross over network mounted on the sub baffle improves the transparency. Check out my interview with him. He goes into some detail in this area. Let me know if you have any specific questions after you listen to the interview. Cheers!

[@milemilic4859]

YES

[@DesignVisStudios]

I think the mid is crossed at 900 not 90 hz :) or neither of those

[@audiotalk6155]

Tracks the signal down to 90hz... good catch!!

[@bentleygt3716]

if you look at the Bavarian made SPATIAL Speakers. they look much nicer than the ones that are made in the U.S.A . this is weird !. why would a company make 2 different quality speakers???.

[@neilaltschuler6064]

Janis wow

[@audiotalk6155]

Amazing artist!

[@commane21]

I don't really understand why reviewers post sound examples with poor recording. It makes no sense because the sound of the presented equipment pretty crappy. These speakers sound thin and flat, but likely only because the recording equipment isn't even remotely professional.

[@DJMikeron]

waste of money with a stone floor .great speaker

[@mediascapes2011]

I think the reviewer like that music, great, but for a review it's totally unsuited and tells me less than nothing about the speaker

[@audiotalk6155]

Custom drivers…

[@TheCalvinmiranda]

When you review it's very ineffective and boring playing music.

[@ufarkingicehole]

GG allen and the Aids brigade would be soo much better

[@59seank]

I enjoyed the music and the review.

[@unitymixer]

You need a microphone.

[@rudyanto8300]

The sound likes BW

[@carlosoliveira-rc2xt]

America is definitely not my cup of tea.

[@audiotalk6155]

carlos oliveira God Bless America :)

[@fredsanke4070]

Not a fan of open baffle speakers.. they look quirky to me...

[@randallbrown8495]

Sounds okay out of my computer speakers.

[@fido0825]

When are people going to quit fooling themselves into believing they can accurately provide samples of the "sound" of their speakers by recording the speaker over God-only-knows-what microphone and playing it over a KZbin video for you to "experience" their speaker?! Imaging is, of course, non-existent, timbre accuracy non-existent, virtually every element of the sound of said speakers are non-existent as everyone is listening through different headphones and different speakers! Hello! This is like trying to convey the subtleties of an oil painting by shooting a picture on your cell phone & someone else viewing it on their cell phone. Please.

[@audiotalk6155]

I would say this about that - you can’t please them all, but I try. I do my best as many people request sound clips. I appreciate your perspective and I get both sides. I’m grateful for the view and if you sub’d thank you. I’m putting them at the end of new reviews so those that want to listen can and those that don’t can bypass the clips. Thanks for your comments and happy listening.