new speakers for stereo: ascend, psb or nht?

[genefid]

I am looking for bookshelf speakers for a dedicated stereo music room. setup is mostly for classical music at low to moderate volumes.

room is fairly small: 11 feet x 9 feet with 10 feet ceiling. listening positiion would be about 6-7 feet from speakers (is this considered near-field?).

receiver is an old yamaha rx-v2500 fed digitally from my pc.

looking to spend about $800 (less with be best). current considerations include:

ascend sierra-1
psb gb-1
nht classic 3

ascend would be the most expensive, nht would be the least (price difference about $200). I will not be able to audition any of these prior to purchase so any advice would be really really appreciated!

 

[lukejr]

What are you looking for in the sound? You might describe the sound you are after as well as the preference. I.e. you might enjoy a very articulate and detailed sound, lots of soundstage, warm or neutral, forward or laid back, etc.

 

[rnatalli]

Out of that list, I'd probably go with the Sierra's. Have you heard any of these speakers? Only your ears will know what you prefer.

 

[emorphien]

I went through a lot of auditions and trying different speakers before settling on the Sierra 1s myself. NHT was one of the brands I had trouble finding though, would still like to hear more of those!

 

[jamie2112]

I have only heard the Sierras and I would buy them in a nanosecond....

 

[MUDSHARK]

The Sierra also have the advantage of a 30 day trial. Give them 30 hours of work to break-in. The bass those little speakers produce will blow you away.

 

[genefid]

sounds like sierra-1 may be the way to go.

any thoughts on PSB Stratus GB1 Bookshelf? they list for $1099 but I may be able to get them new (from online authorized dealer) for a significant discount (few hundred bucks cheaper than sierra-1).

thanks for all the input!

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

I've owned a NHT SuperZero/SW2P system for 10 yrs. I thought they were great sounding speakers. I would think the Classic 3s would sound even better. Adam owns some NHT speakers.

 

[jostenmeat]

sounds like sierra-1 may be the way to go.

any thoughts on PSB Stratus GB1 Bookshelf? they list for $1099 but I may be able to get them new (from online authorized dealer) for a significant discount (few hundred bucks cheaper than sierra-1).

thanks for all the input!

Hi. Nice little list.

The GB series are basically souped-up Images (which I do own). If interested in fine bookshelves from PSB at such budget, I'd personally listen to the Synchrony and Platinum lines. Unfortunately, these lines are significantly more money.

DMC electronics is selling "blemished" Platinum M2 monitors for $1,195. While that's $395 over your budget, you are getting top-of-the-line, of perhaps 6 lines, within PSB. I personally can't tell they are blemished to save my life, and you can speak with David there to personally ask how it looks.

That all being said as a PSB owner, I would love to have me some Sierras as well.

 

[dronezero]

Are you going to be running them with a sub?

 

[genefid]

Are you going to be running them with a sub?

no sub planned.

 

[dronezero]

Without a sub I think the PSB would be a little thin on bass. PSB lists the -6db point at 55Hz, so I would guess the -3db point is around 60Hz. Both the NHT and the Ascend have -3db in the mid 40's. I personally would want at least 50Hz at -3db for music without a sub.

 

[zumbo]

NHT. Take the money saved, and get a sub.

NHT's with a sub would trump the others without one.

 

[zumbo]

Example.

Sierra 1 (shielded piano black) pair shipped: $964

NHT Classic 3 (shielded piano black) pair + NHT 10" powered sub shipped: $1200

Cost difference. $236

Actual difference. Priceless.

 

[3db]

NHT. Take the money saved, and get a sub.

NHT's with a sub would trump the others without one.

says who?? PSB with sub would trounce all

 

[zumbo]

says who?? PSB with sub would trounce all

MB Quart with a sub = Full House.

 

[MUDSHARK]

http://www.zzounds.com/item--MACHR624MKII

It was pointed out to me that I neglected to suggest my favorite bookshelf monitor, the Mackie 624. The neutraility of these gems will blow away even my Sierra. They would be absolutely perfect for a small room. If you can, audition some at a local music store. You will be glad you did. A little over your budget but how much is $200 over many years of enjoyment.

 

[mazersteven]

http://www.zzounds.com/item--MACHR624MKII

It was pointed out to me that I neglected to suggest my favorite bookshelf monitor, the Mackie 624.

Get it right. LOL

Mackie HR 824
http://www.mackie.com/products/HR824/specs.html

You can find these pre-owned for under your budget. Craigslist, E-Bay, Audiogon. IMO these speakers out perform all other listed. and would be an excellent choice for the OP giving his requirements and room.

 

[genefid]

It was pointed out to me that I neglected to suggest my favorite bookshelf monitor, the Mackie 624. The neutraility of these gems will blow away even my Sierra. They would be absolutely perfect for a small room. If you can, audition some at a local music store. You will be glad you did. A little over your budget but how much is $200 over many years of enjoyment.

thanks for the suggestion!

powered speakers? the thought didn't even cross my mind.

why are these "better?"

I can't find a good review of mackie speakers on the web for stereo listening. can you provide more specifics?

 

[MUDSHARK]

Your helpful correction is appreciated:

Bryan Adams

Song: Get off my back

Well you think that you can take me on
You must be crazy
There ain't a single thing you've done
That's gonna phase me
Oh, but if you want to have a go
I just want to let you know
Get off my back and into my game
Get out of my way and out of my brain
Get outta my face or give it you best shot
I think it's time you better face the fact
Get off my back

You know it's all just a game that I'm playing
Don't think that you can't find a way in
That's what I'm saying
Oh if you want to have a go
I just want to let you know...