Comments on: Spatial Audio X3 Speaker Review

By: Cooper

Cooper — Fri, 20 May 2022 19:15:53 +0000

Fair review. I’ve heard these a couple times and found them too forward. The AMT isn’t as refined as others I’ve heard.

By: CAH

CAH — Tue, 22 Feb 2022 22:44:29 +0000

I’ve had an eye open for PAP speakers since hearing them at CAF2019 and being very impressed. Had a pair come along on the used market prior to finding the Spatial X3s I’d have gone in that direction. Point noted about baffle width. As for all drivers being suitable for their intended purpose, I think therein lies the X3’s Achilles heel.
Good look with your search. I’ve never heard anything directly from GR Research, though he’s had his hand in a couple of different crossover designs that I have heard.

By: LuisMNYC1

LuisMNYC1 — Tue, 22 Feb 2022 16:19:08 +0000

I concluded that boxless speakers, in my case open baffle is the way to go. I own Pure Audio Project speakers and felt that they are fun but ultimately lack a level of refinement I’m after so I was on a quest to buy new speakers. I listened to Clayton’s x3 offering at a show and was impressed but not enough to buy. The baffle on that speaker, just as in the case of the pure audio project speakers is simply too wide (step baffle loss) and consequently there’s a good deal of filtering necessary to get the drivers to integrate properly…. Therein lies the rub.
Was at the DC fest a few years back and heard a pair of GR Research DIY open baffle speakers. I remember thinking that these appear to have potential. Fast forward, I recently purchased a pair.
I’m also on a quest for my last pair of speakers so I’m hoping I can make something out of these.
What I think is that what’s most important with these types of speakers is LESS baffle and the PROPER implementation of the crossover.
All drivers must be SUITABLE for appropriately extending into the frequency range of their respective place within the crossover design.
Simple right?
Good luck on your journeys

By: CAH

CAH — Sat, 12 Feb 2022 19:03:07 +0000

In reply to Scott586.

I heard them at Capital Audiofest in 2019. It was hard to make an assessment in such a small and poorly optimized room, but they sounded quite good.
I did a LOT of research on various forums. I was able to demo them before purchase. The room was very different, the system of a lesser resolution, unfamiliar music, and low volume levels. The gear was a Mac integrated, they sounded smooth, not particularly dynamic, but pleasant enough.
I sold them a few weeks back.

By: Scott586

Scott586 — Sat, 12 Feb 2022 12:20:32 +0000

Can you elaborate on how you came to purchase the X3s? Did you audition them in a store? Or do what many of us do; research forums & reviews ad nauseum and then with a leap of faith make a purchase and hope for the best.

Are you keeping the X3? I can’t imagine you would given your conclusions. Thanks for the review, it’s an interesting read.