AV123 X-Static Open-Baffle

Toolfan66
Toolfan66 Posts: 17,333
edited February 2012 in Speakers
I have a chance picking up a set of these has anyone had their ears on them? Pros/Cons? I did some looking around and it seems there are mixed reviews on them, they look pretty nice with an open baffle and all.


Thanks!!
Polk Audio SDA 2.3tl Fully Hot Rodded. 😎

SVS SB16 X2

Cary SLP-05/Ultimate Upgrade.
Cary SA-500.1 ES Amps
Cary DMS 800PV Network
OPPO UDP 205/ModWright Modification
VPI Scout TT / Dynavector 20x2
Jolida JD9 Fully Modified

VPI MW-1 Cyclone RCM

MIT Shotgun 3 cables throughout / Except TT, and PC’s
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Comments

  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited January 2012
    They may have a more diffuse, but open soundfield than you're used to. Danny Richie designed them, so I don't imagine them sounding bad. They will probably sound their best pulled away from the rear wall a little bit.
    "He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche
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  • zingo
    zingo Posts: 11,258
    edited January 2012
    GR Research sells a very similar speaker, and I imagine that the the X-Static sounds pretty good. What price are they listed as?
    Jake
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  • Toolfan66
    Toolfan66 Posts: 17,333
    edited January 2012
    $475 for the set. I called and should be able to look at them tomorrow..
    Polk Audio SDA 2.3tl Fully Hot Rodded. 😎

    SVS SB16 X2

    Cary SLP-05/Ultimate Upgrade.
    Cary SA-500.1 ES Amps
    Cary DMS 800PV Network
    OPPO UDP 205/ModWright Modification
    VPI Scout TT / Dynavector 20x2
    Jolida JD9 Fully Modified

    VPI MW-1 Cyclone RCM

    MIT Shotgun 3 cables throughout / Except TT, and PC’s
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  • zingo
    zingo Posts: 11,258
    edited January 2012
    Nice price.
    Jake
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  • iskandam
    iskandam Posts: 704
    edited January 2012
    I had a pair with the matching X-Voce center channel when they first came out. I ran them with Pioneer Elite SC-05. They're very efficient (91 dB efficiency IIRC) and easy to drive. Others have reported perfect synergy with tube amps. I picked up a tube amp after selling them and have since regretted not trying that combo.

    Being an open baffle design, they produce a massive, open soundstage IF you have a good 3-4 feet behind them. I didn't, but they still sounded good anyway. But what you gain in cavernous soundstage you lose some in imaging. That's just how it is with open baffle designs. That's not to say that their imaging sucks, it's just more diffuse and not as pin point as conventional box design. I liked them enough to keep them around for a while, although personally I prefer the LSi15's that they replaced in terms of imaging. But for $475 you have very little to lose.
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  • iskandam
    iskandam Posts: 704
    edited January 2012
    Forgot to mention that with four 6.5" woofers each speaker (2 for mid and 2 for bass), they're also very dynamic and have excellent bass.
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  • HeadphoneAddict
    HeadphoneAddict Posts: 17
    edited February 2012
    I picked up a pair of these that were owned by Mark Schifter and used at the RMAF show. The grills were lost, and I'm looking for some, but they sound wonderful. My bet friend was moving away and couldn't take them, so I traded a couple of jail broken iPhones for speakers. I find the imaging isn't bad at all, but yes it's slightly diffuse vs my Polk SDA CRS, but overall the sound is a little better. Maybe it's less of an issue because of the large size of my room.

    Did you buy them, and how do you like them?

    If anyone knows we're I can buy a set of grills and grill mounts let me know!
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  • iskandam
    iskandam Posts: 704
    edited February 2012
    You could contact Danny Richie directly at http://gr-research.com/. He's the guy who designed these speakers and he stocks all the parts.
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  • jephdood
    jephdood Posts: 1,671
    edited February 2012
    I had a pair once. Pretty to look at, but didn't like the sound at all really.
    "I did not slap you. I high-fived your face."
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