Testing: My First Impressions
Please note: this will be done in a rush - I have to run to dinner in 5 minutes, but will return.
After weeks of waiting my brother and I finally made the trip to Audio Buys Inc. to test-out some of the gear I've been reading about for months now. The salesperson was extremely helpful, and quickly showed me to the NHT SB3's. When he turned on the audio, my brother and I looked at each other in amazement. The sound was full and dynamic, and overall, very impressive. About 10 seconds later the salesperson said, "Oops, that's the wrong one." On came the SB3's, this time for real. My first impression was not a good one (my brother also was not impressed)- these speakers were much softer than the others that had been playing. When we turned them up, the treble was noticeably quieter, thus taking much of the focus off of the hi-hats and onto the rest of the music. It sounded like there was much less reverb, as well. Essentially they sounded dull - but raising the volume definitely helped reduce that effect. When switching between them and the original speakers, however, we found it hard to tell which ones actually sounded better. I later found out that the speakers we were comparing the SB3's to were Paradigms selling for about 400 a pair. (the speaker located just to the right of the right SB3) Upon further examination, the Paradigms had much stronger lows and highs. I initially thought this to be a great advantage - they just sounded great - however after a few minutes I realized it is clear the music is coming from a speaker - when switching back to the SB3's, it was not. Thus, I concluded the SB3's were much more natural sounding and had a much flatter response. However, I cannot say honestly which speaker sounded better - my brother preferred the more powerful bass response from the Paradigms, however I felt that the highs and lows were slightly too strong, and although this created a nice effect, altered the way the music was supposed to sound and could perhaps easily cause fatigue. I will have to return with some other family members next week to make a final decision.
Here's a picture of the showroom (the store extends far beyond this room, though).
After weeks of waiting my brother and I finally made the trip to Audio Buys Inc. to test-out some of the gear I've been reading about for months now. The salesperson was extremely helpful, and quickly showed me to the NHT SB3's. When he turned on the audio, my brother and I looked at each other in amazement. The sound was full and dynamic, and overall, very impressive. About 10 seconds later the salesperson said, "Oops, that's the wrong one." On came the SB3's, this time for real. My first impression was not a good one (my brother also was not impressed)- these speakers were much softer than the others that had been playing. When we turned them up, the treble was noticeably quieter, thus taking much of the focus off of the hi-hats and onto the rest of the music. It sounded like there was much less reverb, as well. Essentially they sounded dull - but raising the volume definitely helped reduce that effect. When switching between them and the original speakers, however, we found it hard to tell which ones actually sounded better. I later found out that the speakers we were comparing the SB3's to were Paradigms selling for about 400 a pair. (the speaker located just to the right of the right SB3) Upon further examination, the Paradigms had much stronger lows and highs. I initially thought this to be a great advantage - they just sounded great - however after a few minutes I realized it is clear the music is coming from a speaker - when switching back to the SB3's, it was not. Thus, I concluded the SB3's were much more natural sounding and had a much flatter response. However, I cannot say honestly which speaker sounded better - my brother preferred the more powerful bass response from the Paradigms, however I felt that the highs and lows were slightly too strong, and although this created a nice effect, altered the way the music was supposed to sound and could perhaps easily cause fatigue. I will have to return with some other family members next week to make a final decision.
Here's a picture of the showroom (the store extends far beyond this room, though).
Post edited by User Name on
Comments
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It's hard to tell in the showroom because the speakers aren't very often optimally placed. Also the speakers may not be broken in yet. Just something to consider
2 channel - Willsenton R8 tube integrated, Holo Audio Spring 3 KTE DAC, audio optimized NUC7i5, Windows 10 Pro/JRiver MC29/Fidelizer Plus 8.7 w/LPS and external SSD drive, PS Audio PerfectWave P3 regenerator, KEF R3 speakers, Rythmik F12SE subwoofer, Audioquest Diamond USB cable, Gabriel Gold IC's, Morrow Audio SP5 speaker cables. Computer - Windows 10/JRiver, Schiit Magni 3+/Modi 3+, Fostex PMO.4n monitors, Sennheiser HD600 headphones -
Overall, however, I was impressed with the sound I heard from most of the speakers here, except for the SB-1 and 2's, which lacked the bass response I needed. Whichever speakers I end up buying I am sure I'll be happy with them.
I have to say, however, that given the SB3 reviews I've read, the high pricetag (and the fact that I'm able to get them considerably cheaper), and that great black glossy finish (okay, they do look really nice afterall), I am biased towards the NHT's. Had they had those great highs and lows, maybe I would have jumped on them and ordered them today - however I'm unsure whether I truly want accuracy over punch.
By the way - the sales person, who knew A LOT about high-end audio, told me that the NAD was decent for the money while the Cambridge is just too cheap and not nearly dynamic enough for what I'm looking for. He agreed the NHT's had a flatter response, but also felt that the extension of the Paradigms might fit other individuals better, including himself, since his hearing has gotten a little muffled due to age.
As far as cables go, he advertised something for 1-2 bucks a foot. The actual wire looked very thick and pretty high quality - and he explained the many benifits it had - though I don't remember anything he said now. He, as any audiophile should - told me to stay away from Monster Cables because they are very poorly designed, however I forget exactly what he said about them also. He obviously wasn't trying to sell me anything I didn't need - which I respect - so I trust his judgment. -
You have to remember something when you talk to a salesman.
If he dosn't sell it - it's not good.- Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit. -
Well, he had tons of high-end cables...a whole wall of them! They actually had a great selection of everything - the place was gigantic! But he steered me away from the pricey stuff to the cheap and affordable, and also pointed out that it is not worth spending 600 dollars on something if you're happy with something that only costs 200. The NAD, which he thought might be my best bet, he didn't even sell (they specialized in higher-end stuff)- he told me to go online to find one. I was impressed, but that's me. Unfortunately I'll probably order all of my stuff online- mean but I just can't afford to pay 50 percent more for a pair of speakers!
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Originally posted by ATCVenom
I have come to discover, any speaker with a "wow" effect will typically get very old.. very fast.
Yes, this is what I'm afraid of. I think it would be safer to go with the SB3's based on their reviews, even though everybody says to trust their ears. I just don't trust my own - I might regret the decision later. -
ATCVenom - the way I justify it is that I'm not sure if I'm going to buy from him or not. If I go with the NHT's, I just can't because I can't afford them from him. However, I could very well go with the Paradigms - which I would surely buy from their store. I really don't know - too soon to tell. I do know I'd buy speaker cable from him - its just easier - and I haven't ruled out a better amplifier - which would also come from them. That's another thing- I got my mom (let's hope my dad doesn't take an interest) to more or less agree to spending somewhere in the 700 dollar range, maybe even a little more. I mentioned how much everybody else has spent - and she took my case and defended me against my brother - who still wants me to buy a small Bose mini computer system - total crap if you ask me. His argument remains that these speakers are too large, they don't sound good at low volumes so I won't be able to use them a lot of the time, and that they're really expensive. Yes, most of that's true, but that's what it takes for great sound. He did have to admit that his Sony system is crap today - didn't want him to feel too bad, but it was very obvious after today's demo.
If I were to choose now, I'd buy the NHT's and NAD, however if I had made a decision earlier, it would have been the Paradigms and a better amplifier. For this reason, I will wait...and wait...and wait...ait...ait...it...it....t.......t............t.........
And yeah, he had a lot to say about Monster Cables, and Bose as well. But he was also reasonable - so no 100 dollar interconnects or 50 dollar power cords for me! Saving that for one of those brand new Apple displays - brushed metal, wall mountable - awesome! Go take a look! -
What amp might match better- or do you not know of one?
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Originally posted by dragon1952
It's hard to tell in the showroom because the speakers aren't very often optimally placed. Also the speakers may not be broken in yet. Just something to consider
Yes, placement was an issue - very odd imaging from the NHT's, especially. Some have suggested toeing inwards slightly.
I think the real test will come next week - I'll bring some of my cd's and perhaps a DVD, as well. Then I'll sit down in their comfy chair and listen to each system for at least 30 minutes - if they agree. I also might try to bargain the NHT's down to 500. Then I could just shell out a little more to buy them here - incase I decide after 30 days I'd prefer something else. -
Blingy? What's this?
Where do I find the cheaper Musical Fidelity models - or are there none? I only see stuff in the 1,500 dollar range. -
Have the guy pull the ones you're considering out onto stands or something so you can set them at a better distance and angle.
As far as the Paradigms, I've only heard the Studio 40's and they are awesome as far as I'm concerned. I'm not sure how they match with NAD but I guess I'm about to find out. They sure sound nice with my Pioneer Elite and my vintage Phase Linear gear though. The company that sells the Paradigms in my area also sells NAD, Musical Fidelity, Anthem and B&K exclusively and they like the way they match up with all of those. There seem to be an awfully lot of people out there with the NAD/Paradigm combo....maybe cause most places that sell Paradigm also sells NAD??? I don't know.
'Blingy' must be one of those East Coast words.....like 'hinky'
2 channel - Willsenton R8 tube integrated, Holo Audio Spring 3 KTE DAC, audio optimized NUC7i5, Windows 10 Pro/JRiver MC29/Fidelizer Plus 8.7 w/LPS and external SSD drive, PS Audio PerfectWave P3 regenerator, KEF R3 speakers, Rythmik F12SE subwoofer, Audioquest Diamond USB cable, Gabriel Gold IC's, Morrow Audio SP5 speaker cables. Computer - Windows 10/JRiver, Schiit Magni 3+/Modi 3+, Fostex PMO.4n monitors, Sennheiser HD600 headphones -
Actually Paradigm and Anthem are both owned by Paradigm. So try out that combo. Here's a review of Anthem gear.
Hey Dragon1952 sounds like Sound Company in San Diego. They were the first Polk dealer in San Diego. I remember listening to Magnepans, Dahlquist, Hales, ADS, Genesis (not the Arnie Nudell company) and the Polk SDAs there while in college. -
Audio Buys is still in business, eh? Cool, I bought gear from them when they had a store in Rockville many years ago.
The only thing I would caution you about the P'dimes is that to me the tweeter seems a bit harsh, but I may be a bit overly sensitive to bright sounding speakers. The other thing to remember is that because of the difference in efficiency ratings you will have to turn up the volume when playing the NHT's or like speakers to get the same SPL of the P'dimes.
Blingy is a ghetto term for flashy/faux expensive. It is NOT a term I would use when talking about Musical Fidelity gear.Political Correctness'.........defined
"A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."
President of Club Polk -
One thing about the NHT SB series, they are of acoustic suspension design, which means they are less efficient than Paradigm, or most any speakers out there. This is not a statement against Paradigm, just stating the facts. When doing a A/B audition, the more efficient speaker will come off as louder, clearer, or perhaps more energetic. Don't equate "louder" or "clearer" as better.
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Hey Dragon1952 sounds like Sound Company in San Diego.
You got it, homes!
I bought Polk LS50's , a CS350 center and a Velodyne sub from the one in San Marcos in around '94 but it isn't there anymore. I've had one of my Studio 40's repaired at the one on Sports Arena recently although I didn't buy them there. I just can't see buying new anymore when you can get decent gear for half price used. There's also one in Carlsbad.2 channel - Willsenton R8 tube integrated, Holo Audio Spring 3 KTE DAC, audio optimized NUC7i5, Windows 10 Pro/JRiver MC29/Fidelizer Plus 8.7 w/LPS and external SSD drive, PS Audio PerfectWave P3 regenerator, KEF R3 speakers, Rythmik F12SE subwoofer, Audioquest Diamond USB cable, Gabriel Gold IC's, Morrow Audio SP5 speaker cables. Computer - Windows 10/JRiver, Schiit Magni 3+/Modi 3+, Fostex PMO.4n monitors, Sennheiser HD600 headphones -
I know what you mean. I get my used stuff from Jeff's Sound Values in National City. I remember when Sound Company had 3 stores ( El Cajon Blvd near SDSU, San Marcos and Sports Arena). Bob the manager is still there from my college days (late 70's).
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Originally posted by Danny Tse
One thing about the NHT SB series, they are of acoustic suspension design, which means they are less efficient than Paradigm, or most any speakers out there. This is not a statement against Paradigm, just stating the facts. When doing a A/B audition, the more efficient speaker will come off as louder, clearer, or perhaps more energetic. Don't equate "louder" or "clearer" as better.
True - thanks for the advice. I did try to compensate by raising the volume when switching, but it was hard to do.
