computer speaker setup question

[andychen]

My original budget is $200 for everything including the T-amp I just bought. I heard T-amp is not sufficient for NHT. Also, if I go for SB1, then there are more to choose at the same price range, like paradigm atom (new), Epos ELS3 (used), axiom m3ti (used), and diamond 9.2 (used). I don't know which one to choose. I would appreciate more suggestions. Thanks.

 

[Operandi]

A T-amp shouldn't have any problems driving the NHTs nearfeild. I take it you went with one of the Sonic Impacts?

As far as the other speaker choices go I don't think you can go wrong with any of those. I think I would go with either the NHT or Epos.

 

[andychen]

Thanks, I ordered athena LS-100 and polk rti4 from a online dealer who has good return policy. I feel like without auditing these speaker, it is really hard to make a decision. I am also considering NHT SB1, EPOS ELS 3 or Bronze 1. I just have a question for those who owned EPOS ELS 3. Can the sonic impact drive this speaker? Thanks.

 

[Operandi]

I don't think there is going to be a huge difference in how those speakers sound. They are in the same price range and seem follow a similar design philosophy, I think you'll probably be happy with both.

The nice thing about going used is you avoid playing retail prices so your money goes farther. The NHTs are also sealed, everything else you've been looking at so far is a vented cabinet. Sealed designs typically have a bit smoother bass (though there is less of it) and make for a smaller cabinet which would be nice for a desktop speaker.

In regards to the Epos I think they are a 4ohm speaker so you'll want to check to see if the Sonic Impact handles a 4ohm load (I know the higher-end T-amps do).

Let us know how Athena and Polk turn out

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