Nad D 3020 speak match

[flynnd]

I'm a long time lurker, looking for advice. I'm hoping someone can help me match speakers to the Nad D 3020. In particular, even after much reading, the impedence/ohm issue has me confused.

The amp will be used only for music. It will be at a cottage with no TV (or internet!) The speakers will have to be in wall, but I can add a sub. I can't go with floor standing - on one side it would have to be right beside a woodstove (bad), or right in the doorway (also bad.)

I have listened to Totem Mask in-walls - the 6.5" model has ok highs, but little bass ($700.) The 8" model sounds a lot better but is very spendy (over $1000.)

I don't want to break the bank in a cottage, so I was looking at the Monoprice 6816 - 8" 3 way ($200, or less.) People who have reviewed them on Monoprice like them. These speakers are rated at 8ohm, and the amp is 4ohm. I think that ohms aren't the only thing to consider, but also sensitivity, but that gets really beyond me.

My questions:
-will the Monoprice speakers work with the Nad D 3020
-any other ideas for in-walls for music under $500 a pair?
-should I keep away from in wall subs?

 

[markw]

I would really suggest you do all you can to go with small bookshelves instead of in walls. Your placement options will allow you a bit more flexibility in getting the best sound where you want to do most of your listening.

 

[zieglj01]

I would aim for bookshelf speakers

However, if you can not do that - then look at NHT onwall speakers
Sold each
Absolute Wall Speaker | Home Theater | High End Audio

If I had to do inwalls - then I would aim for the Boston VSi series
A real good price - sold each
BOSTON ACOUSTICS VSi 575 2-Way 6.5in In-Wall Speaker Each | Accessories4less

 

[macddmac]

Welcome to the forum!
Sensitivity, room size, listening distance, your typical loudness settings, and more things to consider.
The 3020 will drive 8ohm speakers with no issues as long as you don't need very high volume levels ( 30watt amp)
That said, it's a powerful 30watt amp with great feature set.
I have a 3020 driving 4 ohm low- (85) sensitivity speakers and an active sub in my small office and love it!
The 3020's sub out is fixed at 100hz and should be about right for wall speakers.
In- wall speakers can sound ok with a sub and if no other options, go with them.
How about on wall speakers like the Definitive Mythos series ?
Most in-wall subs are passive, requiring an outboard amp, and can be very expensive. Add to that, you may not get an optimal placement with in-wall sub.
you can try a compact sub like the SVS SB-1000 (500.00) under a table, in a corner, or where convenient and see how it sounds to you.
There are also a few subs out there that can fit under a sofa- my wife has one under a futon in her office and it sounds pretty good.
These-
8 Inches Kevlar 3-Way High Power In-Wall Speaker (Pair) - 100W Nominal, 200W Max - Monoprice.com
And this-
SVS SB-1000 - 300 Watt DSP Controlled, 12" Ultra Compact Sealed Subwoofer
could be the ticket for about 700.00 assuming the room isn't too large.
Cheers, Mac

 

[flynnd]

Thank you all for your comments!

The on-wall speaker option is interesting. The NHT on-walls look great. If it wasn't for the wood stove, I think I would purchase those. I feel having the extra heat protection provided by a cement board wall using in-wall speakers would be safer for the speakers.

The SVS subwoofer would work - and it comes in white. Reviews suggest it would do very well in a 2.1 system for music, so I think I am settled. I didn't know of SV Sound, but that one looks interesting. I particularly liked the service promises on the website. I am in Canada, and it is common that U.S. sites only cater to U.S. customers. SV Sound has a "Canadian Bill of Rights" much as they have for the U.S.

Assuming the SVS sub is part of the system, I think I might go with the Boston Acoustics VSi 575. They are $200 each here, and I feel I can trust BA. I suspect both the BA and the Monoprice could work.