Best Sounding Audiophile Loudspeakers... YOU WILL NEVER HEAR. 

Beautiful clarity. The acoustic guitar sounds like it's in my room.

Speaking for myself, your recent efforts are absolutely necessary, and I love it all. That goes for Danny and his program too. Thank you all! Very much lusting after all of Danny's gear. All of it. Soon! Very well done!!

I can tell by what those sound like over my system that those Open Baffles sound fantastic. Thank You.

DIY is king! I used to mock it too. Then I tried it, and never looked back. It is the best way to save a ton of money, learn new skills, and have an awesome sound system, too. I have only ever heard box speakers, but have been toying with the idea of open baffle for a while. Other designs like Linkwitz Lab seem great, but require multiple amps and DSP which is something I haven't a clue about, and being totally analogue might not be my thing. The design you have presented here has really wet my appetite.

Superb! I just listened to a bunch of demo videos from a European high end audiophile show, and most couldn't hold a candle to these. Those that could were astronomically priced. Amazing demo tracks here too, and well re-recorded... ear-floss!

I just want to thank you for making a video on diy audio hifi equipment. I’m currently building a first watt f6 and these might go with it.

I've been listening to you for quite a while and always learned something of value. THIS video has really piqued my interest. Your sound recording is just excellent. I don't care what anybody says, it is possible to bring good sound to RU-vid and you just proved it. In hearing what I heard her let me say ... I GOT IT. A job very well done!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The cross-overs will probably scare me too but I just don't care. Thanks from Canada ...

Freaking awesome soundind speakers!!! I am definitely going to build myself a set. Thanks a bunch Bro!!!

Thanks, great video, I have built 3 of Danny's speakers designs, definitely you get sooo much for your money

Built Danny's N2X speakers years ago. Very easy to build and sound great!

Built an Audio note kit pre-amp. Got lost finishing the tubed power supply. The Audio Note people said to ship it to them and they would build the line stage, phono stage, and fix it up. They did an awesome job and didn't charge a nickel to build it.

I have some open baffle speakers, I made them from my own ideas... so I reckon I have a notion what the format sounds like... and I can tell here on my studio monitors on my computer that y'all have yourself a mighty nice sounding kit going on over there.

Best is a better used word than never because I’m sure you could audition them from someone who has already built them. Love you content Ron. Congrats on the family of five. Your right Danny even answered the phone on a Saturday.

Yes I love DIY, have you ever considered a DIY amplifier, Nelson Pass has released many of his designs over on the diy audio forum. Also everything else diy audio is there too.

I can hear how good these speakers are thru my iPhone just simply amazing.

I met Danny and heard the NX-Tremes with servo OB subs at Lone Star Audio Fest a few months ago and they reminded me I hadn’t become as jaded as I thought. And I remember hearing the Super V’s about seven years ago and being left totally slack jawed. And now, after hearing how you feel about the NX-Oticas, I kinda feel like your video’s title should be “GR Research...the best speaker company no one will ever hear about”. Well...save for a fortunate few.

Ron for what its worth (in response to an earlier comment), Kirby meets audio is nothing like what you would bring to the subject of DIY.. frankly its nice to get a perspective of someone who can say objectively that a DIY configuration can do better than an audiophile speaker arrangement when paired with equally high-quality components and cables.. I may be a lone wolf on this but I would be open to building a DIY speaker if I knew it would be a fun project, matched my aesthetics requirements and have a high value to price multiple significantly higher than "giant killers" like Buchardt, etc. Thats why I would have very much appreciated if you provided your perspective on these speakers compared to others we may all know about, a price comparison, etc.. because frankly, the audio samples are as useful as videos of perfumes. Much appreciation.

Hey Ron. Great review. In addition to all the help available on Danny's AudioCircle forum (and there is a ton, everybody is very helpful), if someone wants one of Danny's speakers but are not able to build it themselves, there are resources available for building and/or finishing the speakers. Someone can do as much or as little work as they are comfortable with. This puts speakers of this level within reach of a lot more people than they realize. I was listening to your NX-Oticas through my NX-Oticas (though mine are the smaller MTM monitor version (sans the lower 4 midwoofers) sitting on top of dual servo subs). Even with almost identical speakers you are correct, a lot is lost in the recording and transmission over TouTube. As good as they sounded while listening to your review, I know how much better they sound playing music directly from a high resolution source. Keep up the good work. Love your channel!

Bet these speakers sound awesome looks like a lot of hard work and passion went into this design that's what it's all about having fun and therapy for the soul !

I love hearing your daughter in the background! Sounds like my life. And I really appreciate your attitude and patience towards her interrupting your video. You have gained my respect.

I'm here all day for this content.. thanks

My DIY experience - over a decade ago, searching for replacements to my Time Windows, I stumbled across the DIY community. The reviews of different kits and providers were as glowing as those of well recognized hi end companies. Since I DO NOT come from or with a 'hands on, DIY' mentality I was as apprehensive as the next guy. But I learned there are several levels of DIY, so I took the plunge, buying what I would calla a Level 1 kit. That means everything arrives ready for installation into ready built cabinets, and you pretty much connect the dots.. This kit was seriously way less complicated than 99% of Ikea's products, or a 7 year olds $3 LEGO toy. My kit was a Madison Dynaudio 2-way floor stander, and while I have never had my kit side by side with a Dynaudio retail product, I did the best I could with a comparison, and the kit sounds as good if not better. Unfortunately, Dynaudio stoped selling drivers for kits soon after...but the big names in kit drivers back then are unchanged...ScanSpeak, Seas, Morel, Fostek are some I remember and recognize. The cost / value equation Ron references is about the same as I experienced years ago. My kit, with fully built - but fairly pedestrian cabinets, all-in...about 35% - 40% of retail offerings. YOUR decision to DIY will probably come down to two separate 'leap's-of-faith' 1) do you trust yourself with whatever level of DIY kit you choose? and 2) do you trust online DIY reviews as much as you trust print and online media reviews of traditional retail products? Either way....enjoy the music!

Dear 'DIY Ron' ( after all, you have built a power amp too....) this is exactly what the community needs - a down to earth DIY review from a serious high-end reviewer. I have built my own speakers, and even if it's just my pride saying they punch above their dollars (well pounds...) i've learnt so much. With the huge cost of storage and transport of commercial speakers wiped though, out it's kind of hard to go that far wrong - as long as you use a tried and tested design of course. DIY is also great for upgrade paths - e.g. up-specing caps, and tweaking to taste - the obvious simple tweak being adjusting the tweeter attenuation. Anyway - I am sure you have given much confidence to a lot of folks.

Very, very, very nice! And also, quite beautiful as well.. You are doing a great job of inspiring audio enthusiasts to make the jump into trying to create their own custom built loudspeakers. It is Really not that difficult, providing you can follow basic common sense procedures, and have an average level of patience.. It Will Be Worth It!! Great video my friend! Lary

Your review and audio tests were amazing. I own a pair of Focal Electras and now interested in getting the X-Statiks. How would they compare since I’ve never heard them? Thank you in advance.

If my large iPad can reproduce your sound and it sounds great, the speakers themselves must be amazing.

Hey Ron, hope all is well . I keep coming back to this video and been loving Danny and Tech Talk Tuesday. I don't need a push I'm with ya. My only issue is gonna have to cut out daily expenses lol. Did enjoy review on Tektons . I really love my DIY... Just gonna have to make this happen. ✌️

NICE SYSTEM THANKS FOR YOUR WORK AND INDIGENTS

AHHHHHHGGGGGG.......I cant believe that I stubled upon this review....I was so happy.......just thinking about buying a pair of Ryans sittin back with a big "cocktail" and listening to some great jazz. BUT noooooo...... now I have the bug and I want to try building something that I have no idea how to do. On another note Ron I want to thank you so much for all the work you do reviewing and your integrity. And I am so happy for you and your new digs. I love your interaction with your daughter. It brings a smile to my heart because it reminds me so much of my interaction with my daughter when she was young. Only thing I will say in regards to your daughter is that obvious that she is very bright and beautiful; and it looks like she has her own personality. Boy are you going to pay big time in about 12 years!!!! On another note, having no mind of my own, I am going to call/write Danny and order kit...Ron thank you so much for all you do for the audiophile community. Best wishes to you and your family!

Up close they sound very phase-coherent and linear. The room sound becomes very spacious thanks to the open baffles, maintains the uncompressed near-field dynamics, and adds the stop-on-a-dime deep bass. The Rode either produces or captures a brighter upper midrange than the Earthworks. I find the room sound less sweet but more accurate.

Very impressive, Ron. I watched Danny putting together one of his crossovers and that looks like exacting work. I'm getting psyched up for the project. Noticed on Audiocircle that owners were offering auditions. I didn't see anyone in the NY metro area. Any DIY'ers on Long Island? Come on!!

Do the NX-Oticas you have the Sonicap mid circuit, Copper caps for the tweets, and foil inductors for the midrange?

There is so much clarity and resolution to the speaker. The bass is fast. For future demo clips, can you also add song with voice? Thanks

Thanks for the video! I'm going to check these out. I've been looking for efficient speakers options for my 11w SE EL34 with Electra-Print transformers that I recently built.

I’ve owned many of Danny’s speakers (and still own a few). I regret selling my N2X...s (both pair). I have the OB7 and a few AV123 speakers still, though. Oh, my point. Danny Richie makes amazing speakers. He’s not some random guy selling DIY kits, he’s built super high end speakers for a couple of major companies, top selling superb budget speakers with AV123, and his own line of DIY products are high end all-the-way, I have no doubt these are incredible.

Great video man! I give you another thumbs UP for the other video. Maybe there could be an NRD line of speakers! You, and your family have a Fantastic Frequency Friday!

New Record Day I remember how much you loved your Spatial speakers, you even bought the demo set! How do the two open baffles compare? If you still have the spatials that is.... thanks again for what you do!

Hey Ron, what is the 2nd best speaker you've heard that isn't the NX-Otica's, I'm just curious. I think this and another video of yours sold me on these. Just waiting on Danny to get the next shipment. I've never built speakers before but I can't wait to get deep! Thanks maing

They need to ship worldwide. And glad to find you again!

Nice video! I was wondering if you were ever going to talk about the subs since you built them a while ago. I recently built Danny’s Super 7 monitor kit to go along with the same subs and they are amazing! I haven’t heard the NXoticas but I’m sure they’re right up there. For those who have doubts about the value of these speakers you have to consider the margins and extra costs built into a retail speaker. The parts cost are a small fraction of the whole. The value of Danny’s kits go way beyond their price. You could do what I did and build the subs first. You can then add any speaker to cover the mids and treble. Save some money and go back to Danny for the rest. They’re absolutely worth it!

Are these "visceral" speakers or "analytical" speakers? Do they sound more like good horn speakers or good planar speakers? Can they do the artist-in-the-room impression well?

I just bought a pair today.He told me they are 6 weeks out supply stuff . Looking to do mine Gross black and cream. Keeping things easy on the budget what would I use to push then I also want run every though my TV. Thanks in advance Jeff

I will say this for Danny . . . I had ordered two speaker drivers, and the first one I ordered immediately sounded bad . . . turns out that it was a voice coil problem, which Danny said most likely was due to the weather and the handling. He refunded my money -- no problem. So, I would say that the man backs up his goods and services and will not leave you hanging.

Wow, amazing stuff!!! Congratulations!!! I think you have a fantastic set of speakers!!! Do you have ribbon tweeters? Have you always preferred ribbon tweeters? ☮️🖖🏽

DIY? Now you're speaking my language brother. The Anthology kit, amazing! The ER18's, wow! The X and AV series are great but NX-Otica is the best I've heard! Danny does some amazing work.

beautiful.

What is the sensitivity rating on the NX? GR Research doesn't have much information on specs for their products.

Great video🤗 keep it up

Yea, I went here again. For like the 10th time... Reference material , studying new gear and just following up again... I could probably quote word for word . Just need to hear the interpretation another time to solidify my possible choice in upstream components...

Thanks Ron. Good stuff and remember, haters are always gonna hate. F*#k them!

Loving the fact that your daughter/family are in the background as you cast. I would attempt something like this if we had them in the UK. Keep on keeping on with the great casts.

is that a planar ribon tweeter? and are those real phase plugs on mid drivers

Also, I will never be able to listen to them with your ears, in your room, and with your components. But, given the extreme limitations inherent in listening to a speaker through another speaker in a less than ideal format, they sounded pretty good. The BEST I've heard...today...so far.

I'm curious about what circumstances would make an NX-Otica a better choice over an X-Statik. Would it be a circumstance where you had a larger listening room or more powerful amplification (or both). Or would the higher-end model sound better than an X-Statik no matter what? I want to build one of these and I have the money to go with the NX-Otica, but I don't want to spend it if the X-Statik sounds as good in a small-ish listening room with modest amplification.

my Living room is 13.5' x 19' x 8' Tray Ceiling 2Ft from all sides then it extends up to 9Ft. Does anyone know what the Frequency Response is on these? are they 70Hz - 20KHz?

Hi, I am strictly a DIY guy but still enjoy your videos. Really glad to see you do another DIY video. I am curious how you came to select the NX-Oticas? I ask because I am looking for my next project and am having trouble deciding. I have heard so many good things about these speakers but have not heard them live. Did you look at any other DIY kits or offerings? What about the kits from Siegfried Linkwitz, Music and Design, or any of Troels Gravesen's designs..... to name a few?

I am not a DIYer but I am surrounded by many. I just bought my first stereo from them. Speakers: Frugal horns with alpair 7p drivers, Power amp: Jean Hiraga Le Monstre 8watt class A amp. Yet to build the preamp, having a Pass b1 assembled buffer from the person who sold me the power amp. This video pumped me up with the DIY spirit as I have no knowledge about it... Hoping to build a speaker someday too :) If you know any DIYer who owns a Soekris dam 1021 DAC please give it an ear...it well competes with Yggdrasil.. I know someone who sold Yggy for it :)

Am I the only one who loved your one ever DIY video?! More DIY! There's really a more or less empty space for quality DIY audio on RU-vid. Are we really a marginalized communitie?! I'm I a dying kind?!

Ron - how do they sound with vocals?

Ron I will give you six thumbs👍👍👍👍👍👍!!! The speakers sound very good, and again congratulations 🎊🎉🍾🎈 to you and Sarah!!! If you get the chance let’s talk about what’s in your rack and how it has changed since the move, if at all. Man you should have done a video slow mo of you putting these together, these look pretty much pre fab, but I could be wrong.

Spirit is the best :-) Nice video, thank you

I am so close to buying them (: I have the Tekton Double Impact but would really like to try something different. Does the throw a big soundstage? That what I love about my DI. One last thing. How do you connect the subs? do you need to have stereo sub out on your pre-amp?

If you happen to see this, what is the box attached to the sub?

That open baffle is the shit

Sweet sound and your DIYs look great! I’d be proud too if I could build my own. But not something I’d ever tackle.

Thanks for posting! DIY is a great way to save money and increase satisfaction, but almost impossible to audition in advance, so this helps. How do these do with less the stellar recordings?

Yup! There is a lot to get used to but once you get enough, you can build your own speakers. I built an open baffle tower prototype with rather shocking results. A planar tweeter and four 8in woofers for under $200 bucks. I couldn't be happier. And I will never buy another company's products again...!

The question is ... if you had to have one speaker (including the GR Research subwoofers) from the ones you have reviewed so far, would these be the ones you choose?

Wow… they sound good. Who built the cabinets? 👏🏼

Why so serious! Love your work!

It looks like they have a full side and a partial side. Have you experimented with which side goes in which goes out?

This has absolutely made me intrigued by DIY. As an also not-very-handy person, I have always been wary of it. Not that I have the space for these but if GR make a pair of bookshelves with included materials for cabinetry I'd be way interested, though I don't think I see that as an option on their site.

What microphone and interface set up are you using it sounds really clean??

super demo , sounds great , it seems a very interesting approach on sound reproduction the efficiency of dynamic speakers and the openness and transparency of panels and a dynamic electrostatic bass sound , paper cones , imho the best and unboxed , and seems realy well filtered , if i could master that , but all the key is there , congratz for the DIY engeneer to reach high end to democratic possibilities , we don't have this in europ yet !!! miss it

Where are the electronics for that OB subwoofer? I want to build one but I can't find any info on this.

I love that you're wearing your Grado cans, while listening to the best speakers I'll never hear. LOL!

Very impressive, Ron, thanks for putting that up. I was directed here by a good friend who also likes Danny's speaker designs. What were the mics you used for the recording and did you record to a Zoom H5 or H6 recorder?

I’m going for the same sub setup!

How big are they? Can't find any mention of dimensions anywhere.

How do you critically evaluate speakers wearing headphones?

Thanks for the video and focus on some cool DIY. You mentioned that they sound better than anything under $15,000. Would you include the Tekton Ulfberhts in that assessment?

You must be really proud the quality of finish looks amazing

Hey Ron, I liked your take on the "haters" and how you explained them away, that was funny, but also fitting. If I start a channel, that is the one thing I fear, too many haters. I may not even activate comments if possible. True constructive critic is always welcome, trolling and hating, never. Sadly, there are those out there who live to hate and troll, I think they may be produced in forums, not sure. Ok, we all know there is no such thing as "the best" or "perfect" in audio (or much less anything else for that matter), it is all a matter of personal preference and not objective. That being said, those speakers are some of the most beautiful I have ever seen! At risk of sounding like a contradiction, I'd say those are the best speakers ever (to you) because you built them. There is a Russian saying that translates loosely to: "Anything one makes themselves with their hands is the best" and you should be proud! I have never seen these speakers before nor heard them. I still have not heard them because YT makes all speakers sound the same. That is partly why I don't look for sound clips. That said, I can imagine that they probably do sound phenomenal, not just for the money, but overall. Hey, if they sound anything like they look, then they are phenomenal. I mean, just think, it is not often that something that looks great also sounds great with any consistency. I've heard fantastic looking speakers priced in the 5 figures and up that sound like someone threw a bunch of loose screws into the cabinet (I'm not naming names). As for DIY, folks should not be scared of that! I can't build an electronic circuit (I'm not even good at soldering anymore, I think), but if I was in the market and had the facilities (DIY such as that doesn't work well for apartment dwellers), I would take on this kit to build it. I like building furniture from places like Ikea (I wish it was better made) and from scratch, I can do it all day. It is almost therapeutic to me (connect part A to part B, connect side A to Top C with #10 screws, etc.) I even built my own CD cabinets from real wood and assembled my own lift-desk and racing office chair. (I don't recommend doing either of those by yourself like I did). Anyway, DIY doesn't scare me, although I admit that I would have had large pause at a certain point like the crossovers for example as you did. What scares me about that is that you only get one shot. Ron, you did a great job!

I’m incredibly interested. Could these run with a 25 watt tube amp?

The combination of white and the natural wood looks awesome! How are they from a soundstage and imaging perspective?

Dafuque am I listening to: Earthworks QTC 40s, Rode NT4, RU-vid-compressed-to-death sound or to my JBL L90s? I'm confused...😂😂

would like to audition these speakers!

Does this statement still hold up after hearing the Line Force?

Grados as your chosen headphones? Am I looking at something else? Given how you explain your speaker preferences, I'm surprised to see them on your head.

Damn veneer peeling up in last shot!! Get the glue! Lol!

For me I look at cost in parts being 1/5 of retail value with most Audio equipment. So are the NX oticas worth 11,000.00? And if so it’s a no brainer.i Love the “new”new record day.

Can I buy these speakers pre-assembled ? “DIY BY ANOTHER GUY “ ?

I'm defiantly considering them. Looks like a very fun project. What's holding me back is that, DIY audio gear is still really expensive. I think this kit is 3 grand? I'm sure the value is there, it's just that it's a lot of money to potentially risk, if you can't complete the project correctly. I'm going to get there. I'm just going to need to start with some cheaper projects. Or talk my brother into making and finishing the cabinets. It's the woodworking skills I'm lacking. I've got experience assembling electronic components. I used to do console and controller hacks, so I'm sure my soldering skills are up to it. I think I even have my trusty old Weller in a box somewhere.

Could you review the Buchardt S400!

It is hard to tell what they sound like in its real environment, but they do sound very good from what I can hear on You Tube. I’ll bet they sound almost as good as my mains. But that’s not something that can be heard unless we put them in the same room.but to be honest, my curiosity is peaked!

Very effective recordings, could make 200usd Polk speakers from Target sound great....I wish you could play some "normal" well known music that we all know... as these could be some super polished DSDx3152 😁 and are sounding great on many other speakers...Danny would need a dealer showroom where I could hear it myself... maybe upcoming audio show in Tampa?

Love to hear them vs my GR LS6

Do they sound better than Sabrina’s... What about vocals... ?? Vocals?

What would you consider your labor cost was in building them. I still would prefer legacy speakers. Yours do look nice and sound good. I have a pair of legacy signature se speakers.

Hahahahahaha. Thumbs down comment was hilarious .. You are great Ron!