NHT SB3 or other acoustic suspension?

[Harold Walters]

Have any of you heard the NHT SB3 speakers? I'm interested in them for music only and must drive 216 mi (round trip) to hear them. Are there any other fine acoustic suspension bookshelf speakers? I thank you in advance for any info or advice you can give me. Regards, HW

 

[jaxvon]

Triad also makes some nice acoustic suspension models.

http://triadspeakers.com/

 

[furrycute]

I have owned the SB3's. However, in terms of detail, I think the SB3 design sacrifices some detail for the extended bass these speakers are capable of.

If I were you, I would get a pair of small floorstanders in place of a pair of bookshelves. Unless of course you really want bookshelves.

Like I said, I used to own a pair of SB3's, but have since replaced them with a pair of floorstanders.

 

[j_garcia]

How about SB2s? Why do they need to be sealed? There are plenty of great speakers out there that are not a sealed design.

I agree with Furrycute about the SB3's bass, which is impressive, but seems to cause the midrange to sound a bit reserved.

What's the price range?

 

[Harold Walters]

I used ADS acoustic suspension speakers for about 20 yrs and was very happy with them. I now have Klipsch RF-7s (about a yr; played less than 15 hours); impressive but too much for my small house with miserable acoustics.
I would like to find "bookshelf" speakers that I can put on stands. Acoustic suspension only because I can't afford to treat the room. I'm afraid to try any more rear-ported speakers after my experience with the RF-7s. I don't want to spend more than about $800. I play music at moderate volumes, mainly classical, but want a strong midrange if possible. Thanks for your responses.

 

[j_garcia]

In your price range, these are pretty much the best I've heard at $750 fully assembled. Midrange performance is exceptional, which is why I bought a pair, though they have since been replaced with their bigger brother, the A/V-2. I wouldn't limit myself to sealed as the response issue may not have been a result of the room, but the speakers and/or their interaction with the room (which may be a placement issue). I wouldn't worry about these being ported, as their response is quite flat at +/-1.2dB across their measured range. Shoot them an e-mail, GR has some pairs that travel the country for in-home demos - your cost is the return shipping or the shipping to the next auditioner, and IMO, it is well worth it to listen to them.

I haven't heard any of the Triangles, but I've read many excellent reviews of them as well.

A/D/S makes great speakers as well. My uncle has a pair that I always loved for their midrange clarity.

 

[furrycute]

NHT makes the m5 and m6. These are newer models. Though I haven't personally heard them, I have read great reviews about them. Afterwards when you have more funds, you can opt to purchase those NHT subs that are designed to complement the M5 and M6.

J&R online has hte M5 on sale. If you call them, you may get a better deal.

I_Garcia pointed out the deficiencies of the SB3's. That confirms my own gripes about this particular model as well. I suspect the 6.5inch woofer is simply not designed to play that kind of bass.

 

[j_garcia]

The M5 adn M6 are definitely a better speakers than the SB3, particularly in the midrange, though they will likely be a bit above your price range (MSRP). When I auditioned them, the M5s were $1K/pr and the M6s were $1200 compared to the SB3 which are $600/pr MSRP. I was impressed enough that I was considering buying them, but after hearing the A/V-2s, my decision was easy

I like the SB3, but I felt the SB2's midrange was clearer, maybe that's because it wasn't trying to be as much of an overachiever in the bass category.

NHT's newest models are the Classic line. I'm looking for a place to audition the THREE