NHT SB-3 Early impressions

[number1sixerfan]

I am simply amazed. I was thinking that I would be dissappointed because until now there hasn't been an affordable speaker that can compete with headphones in the detail department. These don't dissappoint keeping up with my k1000s. They reveal the detail, provide the punch, and are lush while maintaining a a transparent nature. The presentation is slightly recessed but I have grown to like it already. The soundstage and headstage of these speakers are very impressive. Very airy and 3d. More impressions to come.

 

[ampgalore]

I had a pair for a while. They are nice bookshelf speakers for the money. But when you play loud, you'll notice the sound get strained. And in terms of details, the earlier model, NHT 1.5 had more detail (but not as much bass).

 

[number1sixerfan]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ampgalore I had a pair for a while. They are nice bookshelf speakers for the money. But when you play loud, you'll notice the sound get strained. And in terms of details, the earlier model, NHT 1.5 had more detail (but not as much bass).

I've been playing loud for a while and no sign of strain. I'm using a jolida 1501 RC rated for 100w per channel. What amp were you using?

edit- thank god these have the bass they do, they are saving me money on a subwoofer. Although I have been eying a hsu for a while.

 

[tennisets]

Quote:

Originally Posted by number1sixerfan \The soundstage and headstage of these speakers are very impressive.

Your speakers have a headstage? I don't want to hear those!

Sorry, just kidding. Enjoy your speakers.

 

[number1sixerfan]

Quote:

Originally Posted by tennisets Your speakers have a headstage?

I'm not sure if speakers have headstage, but I do have them raised on the speakers stands a bit too high.

 

[tennisets]

Quote:

Originally Posted by number1sixerfan I'm not sure if speakers have headstage, but I do have them raised on the speakers stands a bit too high.

Speakers have a soundstage, which refers to the musical space the speakers create. Headstage refers to the effect you get when using headphones: the soundstage that would be in front of you with speakers is instead inside your head, hence, headstage. That was why I was saying I didn't want to hear your speakers if they had a headstage. All in good fun, of course.

 

[number1sixerfan]

Quote:

Originally Posted by tennisets Speakers have a soundstage, which refers to the musical space the speakers create. Headstage refers to the effect you get when using headphones: the soundstage that would be in front of you with speakers is instead inside your head, hence, headstage. That was why I was saying I didn't want to hear your speakers if they had a headstage. All in good fun, of course.

I knew what headstage was and that's what I mean. Although the speakers are postioned 3 feet from me on both sides I can clearly hear a musical space in front off me that reminds me of the headstage of a grado. I wasn't sure if headstage was the right word though.

 

[ampgalore]

Try to play some bass heavy music at loud volumes. You'll hear the strain when the sound becomes not as natural (when the speaker cone cannot keep up with the music demand). But this is a problem with all bookshelf speakers.

I used a Yamaha class A amp rated at 200 wpc.

Have you heard the earlier model, NHT 1.5? I had both for a while, it was interesting to see how NHT has changed its design philosophy (for HT) over the years.




Quote:

Originally Posted by number1sixerfan I've been playing loud for a while and no sign of strain. I'm using a jolida 1501 RC rated for 100w per channel. What amp were you using? edit- thank god these have the bass they do, they are saving me money on a subwoofer. Although I have been eying a hsu for a while.

 

[number1sixerfan]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ampgalore Try to play some bass heavy music at loud volumes. You'll hear the strain when the sound becomes not as natural (when the speaker cone cannot keep up with the music demand). But this is a problem with all bookshelf speakers. I used a Yamaha class A amp rated at 200 wpc. Have you heard the earlier model, NHT 1.5? I had both for a while, it was interesting to see how NHT has changed its design philosophy (for HT) over the years.

All I have is bass heavy music, lol. I listen to mainly rap. And I'm a teenager so I only listen loudly.

But I'll look out for it. Haven't heard any other NHT products.

I wish the bass had more detail but they do have the best bass I have heard from a pair of bookshelves. And I did only pay $400 so I can only expect so much.

 

[ampgalore]

To enjoy rap's earth shattering bass, you definitely need a sub. There is just no substitute to a nice big sub to make your guts churn inside out (tried that a few times, it was so cool).

I used the SB3 mainly for vocals, and they did a fine job with that genre.

Have you thought about the NHT ST4? Those two 8 inch woofers would definitely add bass impact. A couple of months ago I saw a used pair the asking price was about $650 or so.

 

[Aman]

Quote:

Originally Posted by number1sixerfan I knew what headstage was and that's what I mean. Although the speakers are postioned 3 feet from me on both sides I can clearly hear a musical space in front off me that reminds me of the headstage of a grado. I wasn't sure if headstage was the right word though.

3 feet?? Those speakers deserve a real setup! Get them on stands and at least 6-7 feet away from you, 8-10 feet apart, PRONTO!

There's nothing worse than seeing somebody blowing all that money on speakers just to see them place them in the absolute worst spot possible.

 

[ooheadsoo]

I don't think yamaha makes any class A amps and certainly not class A@200w. I will submit to you that it may be possible that your amp was at fault since small sealed cabinets do take quite a lot more power to drive than other alignments.

Nearfield listening does have its benefits. If you're sitting more than about 30 feet from a stage, chances are the virtual width of the stage is only a handful of feet wide. This is besides the usual acoustical benefits of nearfield listening - but it does help if the highs of the speaker weren't designed to impress you from 10 feet away.

 

[CRESCENDOPOWER]

Quote:

I don't think yamaha makes any class A amps and certainly not class A@200w.

Not presently.

 

[ampgalore]

Edit.

 

[ampgalore]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ooheadsoo I don't think yamaha makes any class A amps and certainly not class A@200w. I will submit to you that it may be possible that your amp was at fault since small sealed cabinets do take quite a lot more power to drive than other alignments.

Really? Then I am both illiterate and deaf.