Florida Audio Expo: Spatial Audio, LTA, LampizatOr and Anticables

Clayton Shaw, the owner of Spatial Audio, is on a mission to educate or expose as many people as possible to the virtues of open-baffle speakers. He is also pushing for these speakers to get the respect and attention they deserve in the mainstream media. 

Clayton’s speakers are highly efficient and room-friendly, both acoustically and aesthetically. Additionally, open-baffle speakers represent an excellent value due to, among other things, the absence of the cost of a cabinet. 

I visited this room a number of times over the three days of the show, and each time I wanted to sit down and stay awhile. I also noticed that many of the people that came into the room were enamored by the sound and aesthetics of the system, and they couldn’t believe the price of the setup for what they were hearing. 

Putting the System Together

Spatial Audio showed their M3 Sapphire Speakers ($4,200.00). I noticed this particular version of the M3 Sapphire speakers sported an outboard crossover and Duelund wiring.

The 12-watt Linear Tube Audio Z10 Integrated Amplifier ($4,900.00) was driving the system with the LampizatOr Amber 3 DAC ($2,750.00) as the source.

Paul Speltz’s AntiCables (they start at $130.00) tied everything together.

Ticking the Boxes

Spatial Audio has teamed up with LTA and AntiCables at previous shows but I must say, this room was one of my favorite from the times that I have heard them. Walking through the door, I could immediately tell that the speakers were “playing the room.” 

There was a sense of ease but yet the power to the sound, even at low levels. Microdynamics were very well rendered. There was also very good sound from a number of positions in the room. When I sat in “the money seat” the system had superb sound staging and imaging.

No doubt the LTA Z10 12 watt integrated amp, which Jack reviewed a few months ago, was a contributor to the sound quality. The understated yet elegant Fern & Roby casing that enclosed the ZOTL amp seems to gives just the right amount of tube flavor but yet retain all of the speed and control you want to have.

I have to say this room ticked all the boxes…sound, aesthetics, pricing and a lack of complexity. Well Done!

Note: Our complete coverage for this show is available here.