Good Inexpensive Pair of Speakers
scottwilkinson -- Sat, 02/25/2006 - 02:59
I have a friend who would like to find a pair of good bookshelf speakers in the $400 - $600 range. He did some research and listened to NHT SB3s and ST4s in a store. He went in with the idea that he wanted the bookshelf speakers, but after listening to the difference between the bookshelf SB3s and the (tower?) ST4s, he thought he might go with them for around $750.
Then he learned that NHT is just coming out with a new line of bookshelf speakers, the Classic 3 for about $800/pair. He hasn't heard them, but he's thinking maybe he should wait a month until they come out and give them a listen.
I've had a generally good impression of NHT speakers in the past, but I'm not familiar with their current or upcoming offerings. Any opinions about these NHTs or others to recommend in a similar price range (<$1000/pair)? Thanks...
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In this price range, I would listen to one or more of the Definitive Technology speakers (PM 500, BP 8 or BP 10). They sound different than the NHTs, but that gives you a perspective on what you really want. Also you might check out TAS and TPV recommended speakers on this site (under AVguide recommends).
Thank youfor your helpful input !
Russ DeJulio
NHT, PSB, and Paradigm all make great, high-value products in that price range. You should also check out the Era Design 4, which I'm reviewing in in an upcoming issue of The Absolute Sound.
Robert Harley
Editor-in-Chief
The Absolute Sound
The Perfect Vision
Thank you for taking the time to respond.
Your input was very helpful !
Russ DeJulio
I have not heard them in a while, but I have a soft spot for Phase Tech speakers (the PC-80s were the second speakers I ever bought, after the old EPI TE-100's). Their PC series offers a few models in this price range...
Sonic Spirits Inc.
http//www.sonicspirits.com
Thank you for your input !
Regards,
Russ DeJulio
Scott,
I reviewed the NHT ST4 for TAS in issue 141 and thought that it offered good value for money. However, NHT's new Classic models appear to have raised the performance bar higher still.
NHT's Classic-series replacement for the original 2-way SB3 is a 3-way bookshelf speaker called the "Three" ($800/pair, MSRP) while the replacement for the 3-way ST4 tower is a 4-way floorstander called the "Four" ($1800/mirror-imaged pair, MSRP).
The Classic Three and Four both share the same three core drivers: a 6.5" woofer, a 2" aluminum dome midrange driver, and a 3/4" aluminum dome tweeter. Relative to the earlier NHTs, this new driver array is said to improve dynamic range, dispersion, transient speed, midrange articulacy and high frequency extension. The Four also adds a 10", side-firing aluminum subwoofer in an internally isolated enclosure.
The Classic models also leverage technologies from NHT's flagship Xd speaker. As a result, the baffles of the Classics have smoothly radiused, low diffraction shapes similar to those on the Xds, and feature "ultra-rigid driver frames" made of light, stiff BMC (Bulk Molding Compound), as do the Xds.
The bottom line: Based on a brief listen at CES, I think NHT's Classic Three and Four offer a worthwhile step up in performance relative to the original SB3 and ST4.
Chris Martens
Audio Editor, The Perfect Vision
Senior Writer, The Absolute Sound
Chris Martens
Editor, Avguide.com/Playback/The Perfect Vision
Chris
Thank you for taking the time to respond
Your input has been very helpful !
Russ DeJulio
Listen carefully and for an exteneded period of time when audtioning any speaker-But espcially so for a smaller bookshelf with a lighter tonal balance and aluminum tweeters. Some (not all, by any means) have a fatigue factor that won't wear well over the long run. Make sure you bring a CD that you're very familiar with.
Happy listening, Neil
Neil Gader Associate Editor The Absolute Sound
Neil
Thanks for your input !
Russ DeJulio
Neil
I have researched this some more-
Many reviews seem to point to the Monitor Audio RS6 speakers as one of the best choices in the $1000/pr- range.
When you have time can I ask your thoughts-
My system is made up of a Cambridge integrated amp 640v2 with 75 watts and a NAD cd player 525 BEE- current speakers are a pair of Dahlquists DQ M905 2 way monitors purchased in 1992.
THANK YOU !
Russ DeJulio
russm535il [at] aol [dot] com
You should consider the new PSB Imagine reviewed by Neil Gader in Issue 189.
How 'bout the Paradigm Mini Monitors? I got mine for about 450, they're the big brothers to the atoms. I love mine.
The Paradigm Mini is an excellent choice, as is the B&W 685.