NHT Classics

[KrisJ]

Has anyone got the chance to listen to the new classics yet? I currently have a Monitor Audio RS setup which is collecting dust still in the boxes new because the finish my wife chose, ended up not matching our new furniture, and living room configuration


Im looking for something smaller but with high WAF. I first looked/listened at slim, stylish speakers from B&W, Canton, Focal, Definitive, Mirage, and others but couldn't get past the thin compressed sound in comparison to a traditional designed speaker. I always loved the Monitor Gold series. I could go with some of the discontinued GR-10 bookshelves and matching center. Another option is new NHT Classic 3's. I love the MA GR's and have heard them before, The NHT's are great looking, cheaper and can be wall mounted. I can't audition or purchase either locally.

For the time being they would be driven by a Denon 3806. Anyone have any suggestions?

 

[KrisJ]

Anyone?

The only review I could dig up was this:
http://www.hometheatersound.com/equipment/nht_classic_four_threec_three.htm

which claims they compare favorably to the Energy Veritas which has always been a favorite of mine, but out of my price range.

 

[KinPoon]

same boat as you, i have a pair of M6, and would love to see how the Classic 3 compares to it

 

[KrisJ]

Im just going to say f' it and order a set. It is really sad, I have several dealers for several brands of gear that I wish to audition local to me. One is even in the same "business park" that I am in. None of them do retail sales, and all told me to piss off unless I was interested in doing a dedicated theater room or a whole house automation solution with a total project cost of 60k or more. There is a decent high end store in town, and they provide one of the greatest customer service experiences I have ever encounterd bar none. But they just don't really have anything that fits my needs or budget.

 

[silversurfer]

Anyone?

The only review I could dig up was this:
http://www.hometheatersound.com/equipment/nht_classic_four_threec_three.htm

which claims they compare favorably to the Energy Veritas which has always been a favorite of mine, but out of my price range.

I just recently heard the Classic Three...it is a nice speaker, but did not "wow" me. It is interesting that the author compared it to the Von Schweikert VR-1 and said the VR-1 was more dynamic....when I heard it a while back I thought the VR-1 was not very dynamic...but it was being run on a tube setup.

 

[Nick250]

I listened to Deff Tech Mythos speakers a few months back and they sounded great to my ears. Good WAF potential.

Nick

http://www.hometheatermag.com/floorloudspeakers/1004deftech/

 

[KrisJ]

I listened to Deff Tech Mythos speakers a few months back and they sounded great to my ears. Good WAF potential.

Nick

http://www.hometheatermag.com/floorloudspeakers/1004deftech/

I listened to them and didnt care for them, or any other speakers from def tech

 

[mziegler]

WAF factor is a tough one.

I own Ascend 340SEs, which are black box and on the ugly side.

I did do a lot of listening.

I have a pair of Classic Threes in the trunk of my car which I am going to try in about an hour. I heard them in a shop and thought they were very good.

In the general price range, here is what I liked: Paradigm 20s, NHT, Usher 520 (400/pair--great value. Look for the V-601. I heard V-602 towers--very good as well), KEF iQ5.

Here's what I didn't like: B & W 602, Vienna Acoustics Haydin, Tannoy, jeez, I can't even remember anymore.

Just a thought: if WAF is really at play, then the wife should have to go with you and help. If she doesn't want to help, then her opinion does not count. Just don't let her near any Bose.

Another thought: the Vandersteen entry level speakers is great, and since it is sealed it can be put in a cabinet.

 

[KrisJ]

Ordered a pair of Focal Chorus 806v, 807v, and a set of NHT Threes. Hopefully this weekend the fun should start.

 

[oldgoalie33]

Kris,
I've got a pair of Classic Three's. I upgraded to the Threes from Classic Two's. I would characterize the sound as smooth and very detailed with very good treble extension and pretty decent bass response. Soundstage and imaging are very good. The Classic Two's were very accurate but seemed to have a bit of a recessed midrange for my taste, and after reading about what the midrange driver adds to the overall sound, I decided to upgrade to the Threes. I've owned Paradigm 20's and Epos ES-11's in the past and would say that the Threes are a much better sounding speaker than both of them. If you're looking for a more forward midrange however, you might not like the Classics. By the way, I the Two's I had were black lacquer and the Three's are Special Dark....my wife seems to like the Special Dark better. They are nice looking speakers. Just my $.02.

 

[KrisJ]

Ordered a pair of Focal Chorus 806v, 807v, and a set of NHT Threes. Hopefully this weekend the fun should start.

I think I am going to keep the Focal's. The RS6's & RS LCR, and the NHT 3's & 3C will all be going on the classifieds

 

[papostol]

Looks like a fun afternoon. I have Classics 3s all around with a 3C in the center. Love 'em. I traded Studio 60s for them and am really enjoying the NHTs.

Good luck with your choice.

Pete

 

[oldgoalie33]

Papostol,
Glad you like your NHT setup. I'm hoping to pick up a 3C shortly to go with my 3's. What kind of amplifier are you using with your setup?

 

[papostol]

I'm using a Cary Cinema 6 as my pre and a Rotel 1095 for power. I'm also using the Evolution U1 system for the sub and that is also wonderful

 

[KrisJ]

Im debating on keeping the 3's and using in the bedroom.

 

[emorphien]

What was your general opinion of the 806V vs the 807V and the NHT Classic 3? I've auditioned the 806V and am very interested in picking up a pair for my stereo music system (small room). How did they compare to the 807s? I expect less bass depth but how is the impact and in particular how did the NHT compare? Since the 806V and NHT C3 are in the same price ballpark.