Straight up, which would you buy to match with a NAD L53 Stereo Receiver/CD/DVD?

Mostly Classic Rock & Blues, occasional 2CH HT.

Man thats a real good comparison,I own the other 2 that you listed and the 8.1,but I've heard the 9.1 on several occations and I own the 9.5s.The Beta is a more foward brighter sound,than the other 2 all have impressive detail and soundstage width,your just gonna have to compare them,I dont think you can go wrong with any of the 3,just listen to all 3 and pick the 1 you like the most,all 3 of them are my favorite speakers in this pricerange you wont be dissapointed in any of them,if it was me and I had to choose I would probably lean towards the X-LS,but I really love the other 2 as well thats real tough choice,have fun listening.

T, have you listened to the HTD Level THREE? What ever happened to the Level FOUR?

T, have you listened to the HTD Level THREE? What ever happened to the Level FOUR?No not yet,but I plan to listen to them some time soon,I never knew they had a Level 4. :confused:

They did, this is all I can find of them, http://totu.pl/en/electronics/home-theater-direct/hidden-items/itemhtdlevfourma.html

This too, http://www99.shopping.com/xPF-Home-Theater-Direct-A44-A46

I have to agree that its a hard, if not impossible task, to tell you which one to get. I have no experienced with the Beta nor Diamond but have heard the x-ls and HTDs. If you are not considering the Level 3 towers then between the x-ls and HTD is a matter of preference. The x-ls has a more upfront soundstage while the HTD has a wider and deeper soundstage and laidback sound. I will agree that testing for yourself is the best way to select.

I know there are shipping expenses (although htd will pay for shipping back) but since you will keep the speakers for a long time then its worth the money to make sure you buy the one you really like.
Also, Mark (x-ls) is getting ready some awesome stuff.
Regards

They did, this is all I can find of them, http://totu.pl/en/electronics/home-theater-direct/hidden-items/itemhtdlevfourma.html

This too, http://www99.shopping.com/xPF-Home-Theater-Direct-A44-A46Wow! they are sexy,the drivers look kind of familiar to, the midbass driver looks like a Moral unit and the tweeter looks like the same one out of the Quad L series,I wonder why they stopped making those,they are impressive looking,but the big question is how do they sound????

The only review I ever found on the HTD Level FOUR said the needed plenty of clean power to drive, not much info there.

I'm interested in what Mark is doing @ AV123, but I'll have to wait until some pics & reviews begin to surface.

I'm eager to get something, but I don't want to be rash. I''ll just have to wait a bit longer.

The only review I ever found on the HTD Level FOUR said the needed plenty of clean power to drive, not much info there.

I'm interested in what Mark is doing @ AV123, but I'll have to wait until some pics & reviews begin to surface.

I'm eager to get something, but I don't want to be rash. I''ll just have to wait a bit longer.How much do you plan on spending?

I actually heard them when I lived in Dallas and compared them to the old Level 3. If I remember correctly with my not so refined ears at that time, the Level 3 bookshelves and Level 4 were not that far from each other performance wise. The Level 4 was brighter and more detailed (perhaps the brightness fooled me into thinking detail) but I was actually thinking the Level 3s were a better deal but the issue I found was the Level 4 center sounding much better than the Level 3 center. The ones that I saw were a glossy piano finish that looked terrific.
They even had the Level one at that time.

Regards

I posted this inquiry a while back @ ecoustics with a nice BIG pic ofthe Level FOUR http://forum.ecoustics.com/bbs/messages/1/173287.html

I actually heard them when I lived in Dallas and compared them to the old Level 3. If I remember correctly with my not so refined ears at that time, the Level 3 bookshelves and Level 4 were not that far from each other performance wise. The Level 4 was brighter and more detailed (perhaps the brightness fooled me into thinking detail) but I was actually thinking the Level 3s were a better deal but the issue I found was the Level 4 center sounding much better than the Level 3 center. The ones that I saw were a glossy piano finish that looked terrific.
They even had the Level one at that time.

RegardsHumm.....interresting,I wonder if its possible to still be able to find a pair?

I posted this inquiry a while back @ ecoustics with a nice BIG pic ofthe Level FOUR http://forum.ecoustics.com/bbs/messages/1/173287.htmlChrisitoper,i didnt know that was you,whats up man?

I think that will be hard and probably not worth the effort. At that time my only previous reference were Acoustic Research 318PS so it was easier to impress me :-)

I think that will be hard and probably not worth the effort. At that time my only previous reference were Acoustic Research 318PS so it was easier to impress me :-)I see what you mean,maybe a call to HTD might yield some results though.

Up until a few months ago, there was a pair in their B-Stock.

T, What do you make of the Mini Stratas?

Same old Sh!t, T.

I came looking for you, you aren't too hard to find.

Same old Sh!t, T.

I came looking for you, you aren't too hard to find.Ha..HA..no im not,its just not enough traffic at ecoustics anymore,this place is highly entertaining,with many many characters,you ought to round the crew up and send them over here Chris,im glad you finnally came over here I was wondering when you Nuck,and Art would show up,Eddie's been here for a while,but he hasnt posted since i joined,I wonder where he is.

Up until a few months ago, there was a pair in their B-Stock.

T, What do you make of the Mini Stratas?I hear great things about them,Mark sent me the Rocket 450s to review them,they are awsome Danny Richie had his hand in these from the start of their development,hopefully I will be able to get a pair of Minis for a evaluation pretty soon,you should stick around here. :)

Eddie's been AWOL. Usually all you ever need to do to find him is to do a Google search for the Panny XR57, and BINGO there he is.

I don't know what's up over @ ecoustics, it's REALLY been dead. Maybe it's just the holidays.

When Nuck & Jan jump ship, you'll know it's really over. I haven't seen much of Tim either. I hope he's doing well, he answered a lot of newbie questions when I fist chimed in.

Only a few hours left before the Mini Stratas jump-up in price.

Eddie's been AWOL. Usually all you ever need to do to find him is to do a Google search for the Panny XR57, and BINGO there he is.

I don't know what's up over @ ecoustics, it's REALLY been dead. Maybe it's just the holidays.

When Nuck & Jan jump ship, you'll know it's really over. I haven't seen much of Tim either. I hope he's doing well, he answered a lot of newbie questions when I fist chimed in.Lol.Yep Eddie and the Panny,I miss talking with Eddie though,I doubt Jan will ever leave ecoustics,maybe Art and Nuck would without all of us ecoustics is a dead forum,it seems when i left for a while and then Eddie stop posting it really dropped off.I dont think its because of the holidays,thats still home to me,I will always make a few appearances there. :confused:

Only a few hours left before the Mini Stratas jump-up in price.A full $400 bucks,I think they will still be a bargain though.

Me too.

Tim does come here from time to time.

Chris,do you still have the Missions?

Yep, the Missions are not going anywhere soon. they're too good. They have a nice coloration that lends itself to what I listen to.

I've stockpiled up a boat-load of Mid-Fi equipment, the NAD L53 being the latest (bought it for $245, I can't turn down a bargain).

I said this over at eCoustics, I think I'm going to use the L53 to de-cluter my living room & sell off the Marantz (which is going to be hard, but I'm through with 5.1) and a pair of MA R90 & the R180 center. I need an attractive pair of speakers in the living room to keep the wife happy. The R90 & R360 combo will hold its own for now, but I want some mains with some more PUNCH.

Yep, the Missions are not going anywhere soon. they're too good. They have a nice coloration that lends itself to what I listen to.

I've stockpiled up a boat-load of Mid-Fi equipment, the NAD L53 being the latest (bought it for $245, I can't turn down a bargain).

I said this over at eCoustics, I think I'm going to use the L53 to de-cluter my living room & sell off the Marantz (which is going to be hard, but I'm through with 5.1) and a pair of MA R90 & the R180 center. I need an attractive pair of speakers in the living room to keep the wife happy. The R90 & R360 combo will hold its own for now, but I want some mains with some more PUNCH.I hear you there,you know my stance with home theater,that Nad unit is pretty decent,it will certainly hold you over until you get ready to make your big change.

I don't think I'll ever leave the realm of Mid-Fi with companies like AV123 & Alegria doing what they're doing with what I'll describe as Mid-Fi, I can't see the need for it, I just don't have that golden ear...yet.

...but I do want to own a McIntosh someday.

I can have one now, but it's in rough shape.

I don't think I'll ever leave the realm of Mid-Fi with companies like AV123 & Alegria doing what they're doing with what I'll describe as Mid-Fi, I can't see the need for it, I just don't have that golden ear...yet.Actually some just are priced at mid-fi,most of the av123 stuff performs well above thier price as well as few others like ACI,that golden ear will hit you sooner than you think,you'll be fine.

I'm trying to get over to Ohm Speakers to audition the Mirco Walsh.

I'm trying to get over to Ohm Speakers to audition the Mirco Walsh.When are you planning on doing that?That will be very interresting,its a totally different sound than your used to hearing,the soundstage size will stun you!

Next week I hope. Are mbl www.mbl-hifi.com speakers based on a similar design as the Ohms?

Next week I hope. Are mbl www.mbl-hifi.com speakers based on a similar design as the Ohms?No,but it is a dipole design but different materials and different concept but the same result,thats the 1 thing that they share along with the Ohms and Magnapans and some other panel speakers they are all dipoles.

Making any headway with the business plans T?

Making any headway with the business plans T?Soon Chris,soon,I will be moving back to California in a month or so im waiting to relocate 1st plus their are some other avenues I want to go in audio as well along with owning my own store,reviewing being one of them.

Didn't know you lived in California. Where about? I might be visiting San Diego next year.

Didn't know you lived in California. Where about? I might be visiting San Diego next year.The Bay area,my wife is in the army,we lived in Oakland about 4 years ago,San Diego is nice to,but blazing hot!

Nice, I imagine San Fransisco has some good stereo shops, maybe even more so than Dayton. Should be interesting. Good Luck.

Who do you hope to review for? Is cnet based out of SF? They can REALLY use some help with their consumer reviews.

Nice, I imagine San Fransisco has some good stereo shops, maybe even more so than Dayton. Should be interesting. Good Luck.

Who do you hope to review for? Is cnet based out of SF? They can REALLY use some help with their consumer reviews.I heard that cnet was out of SF,they could really use some help,maybe my own reviewing venue,yes the Bay area probably has the most shops in the States.I wanna tell the truth,I want to review for the consumer not the other way around like Stereophile and just pimp speakers for manufactures,the consumer is getting ripped off big time in audio if it wasnt for forums people would have no idea how bad they are losing this is where ID brands are much better,and their customer service is beyond reproach,them and the companies that dont get attention they deserve will be my targets.

It would seem that it's long overdue.

It would seem that it's long overdue.I comend affordable audio,even the online mags are starting to sell out,although not in the way the big box mags are,but im starting to see some similar trends.Its amazing that people havent been pushing this for years,its almost like the US is turning into capitalism,now we are even getting our products chosen for us,if that isnt capitalism I dont know what is. :(

I keep reading about the new and improved offerings from AV123, but can't find any solid info even over at their site. What's on their agenda besides the X-series towers? I'm curious to see if they're gonna release new bookshelves.

I keep reading about the new and improved offerings from AV123, but can't find any solid info even over at their site. What's on their agenda besides the X-series towers? I'm curious to see if they're gonna release new bookshelves.Have you been on their forums?

Have you been on their forums?
I'm there all the time, but haven't seen anything aside from the buzz about the X towers.

I comend affordable audio,even the online mags are starting to sell out,although not in the way the big box mags are,but im starting to see some similar trends.Its amazing that people havent been pushing this for years,its almost like the US is turning into capitalism,now we are even getting our products chosen for us,if that isnt capitalism I dont know what is. :(

I'm sure you mean communism, not capitalism.

Competition in the marketplace leads to greater competition for your business, and that is ALWAYS good for the consumer.

I'm sure you mean communism, not capitalism.

Competition in the marketplace leads to greater competition for your business, and that is ALWAYS good for the consumer.Thanks,yeah communism,I guess I just didnt wanna use that word,The magazines are trying pretty hard to eliminate the competition,of course they are whores for the big manufactures.

I'm there all the time, but haven't seen anything aside from the buzz about the X towers.What exactly are you looking for?Which speaker?Are you talking about the X-Pro?

I keep reading about the new and improved offerings from AV123, but can't find any solid info even over at their site. What's on their agenda besides the X-series towers? I'm curious to see if they're gonna release new bookshelves.

The X-LS are not that old (maybe a year or two), and the RS-1 aren't that old either, I would not expect a new bookshelf anytime soon. However they do have some other x-series speakers on the horizon, the X-MTM Plus has me really curious.

The X-LS are not that old (maybe a year or two), and the RS-1 aren't that old either, I would not expect a new bookshelf anytime soon. However they do have some other x-series speakers on the horizon, the X-MTM Plus has me really curious.The X-pro is a bookshelf thats coming with the rest of the new X-series,Which includes the X-otica $1699,X-optima $1199,X-MTM plus $699,A new X-center $349,X-Omni $349,and the X-Pro $499.

The X-LS are not that old (maybe a year or two), and the RS-1 aren't that old either, I would not expect a new bookshelf anytime soon. However they do have some other x-series speakers on the horizon, the X-MTM Plus has me really curious.
The X-Pro has me curious, too. Mark's latest posts say the info will be available later in the day.

T, They are using the same XBL2 drivers Tim uses with the Lings & Emmas? Wow! this is going to be fun.

T, They are using the same XBL2 drivers Tim uses with the Lings & Emmas? Wow! this is going to be fun.Yep,but only the X-Otica,X-Optima,and the X-Pro will use the XBL2 drivers and only in the bass not the MTM portion,they are also using a new clear tweeter that he is trying to find a name for to because it conflicts with another company,although Mark is talking about another tweeter by Peerless thats better he's trying to get a cheaper price on them.The X-Pro is supposed to use a ribbon tweeter,but I dont think its set in stone yet, it could be one of these 2 new tweeters.

Any pics yet? What do you make of the X-OMNI? And what the heck is up with the X-electronics?

It's gonna be hard for Tim to compete with Mark once Mark gets his hands on those new drivers.

Any pics yet? What do you make of the X-OMNI? And what the heck is up with the X-electronics?The X-electronics should be dropping real real soon,their pretty much done,the X-Omni is a floorstanding dipole with the woofer firing out of the top and the tweeter in the front it can be used in a 2 channel setup,Mark says they are awsome in 2 channel,of course they are very good for a surround.I imagine they give you a huge soundstage and they probably will sound pretty similar to the Ohm Walsh Micro's,well at least in dispersion characteristics.

It's gonna be hard for Tim to compete with Mark once Mark gets his hands on those new drivers.At the rate Mark is going its gonna be hard for anyone to compete with him,especially with the correct exposure he is making the biggest attempt at world audio domination that I've ever seen,and still no reviews from The Absolute Sound,Home Theater Mag,Sound & Vision or Stereophile,thats a travesty and its rediculous.

That's good for Mark. I hope Tim has something up his sleeve to compete.

Dosen't Mirage Omni speakers use a similar design?

That's good for Mark. I hope Tim has something up his sleeve to compete.

Dosen't Mirage Omni speakers use a similar design?Mark is operating in a different realm,than Tim,he is far to big for Tim to compete with as far as producing units in numbers.Tim is fine,he is gonna have his market,but competeing with Mark wont be one of them,Tim is a very acomplished speaker designer in his own right though.Theoretically when you look at Marks lines which is growing like weeds,only the big companies can compete in numbers, if he was featured in the big Mags in the Buyers Guides it would show just how many speakers he has,quite a accomplishment for a ID brand.

That's good for Mark. I hope Tim has something up his sleeve to compete.

Dosen't Mirage Omni speakers use a similar design?Their omnipolar,somewhat like bi-polar they operate out of phase with one another.

It's almost the NEW YEAR here in NYC, so I better go turn on Dick Clark. Happy New Year Tawaun, I hope it's a happy & healthy one for you & yours.

It's almost the NEW YEAR here in NYC, so I better go turn on Dick Clark. Happy New Year Tawaun, I hope it's a happy & healthy one for you & yours.Happy New Year to you to Chris,be well!

So has anyone heard ALL of these speakers?