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JTR Noesis 228HT - The best speaker you never heard of for ~ $1200 pricepoint.

post #1 of 448
2/17/13 at 7:47am
Thread Starter 
These Noesis 228HT speakers are worthy of their own thread (as are the Noesis 212HT). They are a new standout product offering from JTR Speakers!!!



There is currently an intro pre-order price through March 15 of $999, $1099 through April 15, and $1199 thereafter.

Specs
http://jtrspeakers.com/home-audio/noesis-228ht/


To give some credibility to why I think these speakers are a great offering. Their big brothers, the JTR Noesis 212HT were staged in a blind test against the very well renowed Salk HT2-TL. Both speakers were similarly advocated for music (6 of 11 blind voters chose JTR). But the JTR ran away with the contest for movie use with 7 of 9 blind voters choosing JTR.

Here was my writeup on that blind test.
http://www.avsforum.com/t/871474/ia-meet/3460_20#post_22789496

Yes that was the big brother - the 212HT. Why do you care about that comparison? Well frankly the Salk HT2-TL are excellent speakers, and come highly recommended by many on this forum.

SOOO? Why bring up the 212HT when you are talking about the little brother 228HT?

Okay - four of us reviewed the Noesis 228HT in Kansas City yesterday. We compared them directly to Jeff's flagship home theater speaker offering the blind test winning Noesis 212HT. What we all confirmed was that both are amazing speakers! The Noesis 228HT were phenomenal for movie use, and excellent for music as well.

Here are links to our reviews.

carp (owner of JTR 212HT)
http://www.avsforum.com/t/1165099/official-jtr-speaker-thread/7260_20#post_22973839

stitch1 (owns SVS speakers)
http://www.avsforum.com/t/1165099/official-jtr-speaker-thread/7280_20#post_22974079

Archaea (owner of JTR 228HT)
http://www.avsforum.com/t/1165099/official-jtr-speaker-thread/7280_20#post_22974582

MrSmithers (owns SEOS Tempest speakers)
http://www.avsforum.com/t/1165099/official-jtr-speaker-thread/7280_20#post_22975010

Pic of the 228HT speakers (left) next to the 212HT speakers (right) at carp's house for the mini shootout



Pic of the speakers in my theater room sitting atop my pair of JTR Captivators (haven't yet got my 228HT center channel)

Edited by Archaea - 3/16/13 at 9:42am
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post #2 of 448
2/17/13 at 8:22am
I was shocked when I saw that these will be sold for 1199 each. I was thinking they would be much closer to 1500. With the pre order price of 999 it is just ridiculous. Anyone on the fence with buying JTR speakers should jump on this! IMO you get a speaker that sounds better than the 888 for 200 less per speaker!

I'm considering them myself as my left and right side surround speakers. I may have to wait a while and miss out on the pre-order price, but honestly 1199 per is still a great price.
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post #3 of 448
2/17/13 at 8:29am
Hey, Gents. I posted this in the other thread, but I'll do it here too with a new question:

"I'm at a total loss when it comes to room acoustics. I have a (soon to be) finished basement with drywall/insulation/concrete walls and either a concrete or tile floor with an area rug. The room is about 425-450 sq feet and will be untreated. Am I correct in thinking that the 228Ht would be better for my space that my current t8-LP's? I'm wondering if it's worth the trip up to Wisconsin to hear them. Thanks for the help!"

What do you think about a L/R 228ht combo with a T8-LP center? Thanks.
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post #4 of 448
2/17/13 at 8:35am
Quote:
Originally Posted by hogues View Post

Hey, Gents. I posted this in the other thread, but I'll do it here too with a new question:

"I'm at a total loss when it comes to room acoustics. I have a (soon to be) finished basement with drywall/insulation/concrete walls and either a concrete or tile floor with an area rug. The room is about 425-450 sq feet and will be untreated. Am I correct in thinking that the 228Ht would be better for my space that my current t8-LP's? I'm wondering if it's worth the trip up to Wisconsin to hear them. Thanks for the help!"

What do you think about a L/R 228ht combo with a T8-LP center? Thanks.

If you are entertaining the idea to go up to Wisconsin I would do it. You could then always know that you bought what you liked the best and have no regrets or what if's thoughts.
Also, you could hear the big Noesis 212 - be careful with that though, if you listen to music on them you could get into trouble real fast and end up spending way more than you thought you would. smile.gif

What is your movie/music ratio?
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post #5 of 448
2/17/13 at 9:04am
Quote:
Originally Posted by carp View Post

If you are entertaining the idea to go up to Wisconsin I would do it. You could then always know that you bought what you liked the best and have no regrets or what if's thoughts.
Also, you could hear the big Noesis 212 - be careful with that though, if you listen to music on them you could get into trouble real fast and end up spending way more than you thought you would. smile.gif

What is your movie/music ratio?

Ha, if I got the 212's, I wouldn't have room for a couch. I'd say 80-85% movies/sports/tv.
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post #6 of 448
2/17/13 at 9:06am
What difference would I hear vs 888 LPs, recent version??
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post #7 of 448
2/17/13 at 10:11am
Also curious as to how the 228HT would sound vs the new 2TX (less of a price disparity than the 212HT or 3TX)
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post #8 of 448
2/17/13 at 3:13pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by mookie b View Post

What difference would I hear vs 888 LPs, recent version??

I've heard the ported 888's, I believe they were 2012 version. I liked them a lot, but wasn't blown away for how they sounded with music. IMO the 228's sound smoother and would be a clear step up for music, probably movies too. With the 888's I felt like I do with a lot of speakers, I wanted to turn up the higher treble frequencies and turn down the lower treble frequencies. I didn't feel that way with the 228's. I would describe the 228's as livelier with more sizzle to them but at the same time less harsh all the while sounding more life like - more like the singer is in the room.

Also I felt the soundstage was better, sounds were more distinct and it was easier to pick out instruments with the 228's. Just a few clips yesterday made my ears wince a bit with the 228's at high volumes yesterday, I'm betting a lot more of the clips would have done the same thing with the 888's. None of the clips did that at any time with the 212's.

I'm terrible at describing what I am hearing, but that's the best I can do.
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post #9 of 448
2/17/13 at 5:44pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by carp View Post

I've heard the ported 888's, I believe they were 2012 version. I liked them a lot, but wasn't blown away for how they sounded with music. IMO the 228's sound smoother and would be a clear step up for music, probably movies too. With the 888's I felt like I do with a lot of speakers, I wanted to turn up the higher treble frequencies and turn down the lower treble frequencies. I didn't feel that way with the 228's. I would describe the 228's as livelier with more sizzle to them but at the same time less harsh all the while sounding more life like - more like the singer is in the room.

Also I felt the soundstage was better, sounds were more distinct and it was easier to pick out instruments with the 228's. Just a few clips yesterday made my ears wince a bit with the 228's at high volumes yesterday, I'm betting a lot more of the clips would have done the same thing with the 888's. None of the clips did that at any time with the 212's.

I'm terrible at describing what I am hearing, but that's the best I can do.

Thanks!
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post #10 of 448
2/17/13 at 6:04pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by carp View Post

I'm terrible at describing what I am hearing, but that's the best I can do.

Me too. Thanks for the impressions.
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post #11 of 448
2/17/13 at 6:07pm
Thread Starter 
carp,

bluesprings1's triple eights were for sure 2012 model? I don't recall. I do believe that the 228HT have less treble bias than the Triple eights we heard during our 2012 blind meet at your place, but it would be great to hear them side by side sometime.
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post #12 of 448
2/17/13 at 7:18pm
Once I get mine, I can do a side by side with my T8's behind the screen. However, my T8's are the 2010 model before there even was a seperate HT version, so it will not really be a fair comparison.

I am still waiting for a response from Jeff with an invoice to pay, but I imagine he has a sea of email to wade through after the announcement of his presale.
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post #13 of 448
2/17/13 at 8:21pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Archaea View Post

carp,

bluesprings1's triple eights were for sure 2012 model? I don't recall. I do believe that the 228HT have less treble bias than the Triple eights we heard during our 2012 blind meet at your place, but it would be great to hear them side by side sometime.

Not sure, but he bought them in May (or around then) of 2012 if I remember right soon after he bought my Caps.

Another way I would describe the difference between the 2, the 228's have a "lush" sound to them that the 888's don't. Lush? Is that what I mean to say? Looks stupid now that I've typed it but it made sense in my head. tongue.gifsmile.gif
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post #14 of 448
2/17/13 at 8:23pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jedirun View Post

Once I get mine, I can do a side by side with my T8's behind the screen. However, my T8's are the 2010 model before there even was a seperate HT version, so it will not really be a fair comparison.

I am still waiting for a response from Jeff with an invoice to pay, but I imagine he has a sea of email to wade through after the announcement of his presale.

Cool, should be interesting.
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post #15 of 448
2/17/13 at 8:36pm
Anyone care to guess what I might experience going from my old JBL Northridge E80 towers and EC35 center channel to the 228ht for my LCR set up?
Haha I'm almost embarrassed to say that's what I've been using for quite some time, but my LCR upgrade had to take a back seat to all of the other upgrades I've done over the past two years.
Plus life just seemed to always get in the way. Now it's time for the upgrade and I'm looking forward to getting the 228HTs.
Edited by jbrown15 - 2/18/13 at 1:35am
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post #16 of 448
2/18/13 at 8:30am
I like the thread title change. People should be made aware of this company and this particular speaker, I'm amazed at how good it is for so "cheap".

However, it makes me want to start a thread called Noesis 212HT, the best speaker you never heard of for ~ $2000 price point. biggrin.gif
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post #17 of 448
2/18/13 at 8:33am
Quote:
Originally Posted by jbrown15 View Post

Anyone care to guess what I might experience going from my old JBL Northridge E80 towers and EC35 center channel to the 228ht for my LCR set up?
Haha I'm almost embarrassed to say that's what I've been using for quite some time, but my LCR upgrade had to take a back seat to all of the other upgrades I've done over the past two years.
Plus life just seemed to always get in the way. Now it's time for the upgrade and I'm looking forward to getting the 228HTs.

Hey, I was using Cerwin Vega for years (many years ago now) and thought they were great. Man, you are going to love the upgrade! If you like and are used to the JBL sound (I haven't heard your speakers) then it might take some getting used to but I'm betting not much. I'd be shocked if you weren't floored right from the get go. Congrats on your future upgrade! smile.gif
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post #18 of 448
2/18/13 at 8:34am
Thread Starter 
Do it...
actually I think the Noesis 212HT thread could be called

Noesis 212HT, the best speaker period
or
Noesis 212HT the best speaker you never heard of...


Price bracket need not apply. cool.gif

By the way - thanks for the idea on the thread title change - - cause you prompted it.
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post #19 of 448
2/18/13 at 8:50am
I personally like having a single thread, like the JTR Speaker thread, for all of the discussion about a certain company's products. It has been very easy to keep up with all the JTR Speakers by following the single thread. There is also a lot of discussion common to all speakers that owner's like to participate in such as placement, toe-in, surrounds, equipment, and who is having kids. I don't even own JTR products, but enjoy the daily updates/discussion in the thread.

With subwoofers, there are many JTR Threads: JTR Captivator, JTR Captivator 1000, JTR Captivator S (Sealed), Official JTR Orbit Shifter Subwoofer Thread, JTR Growler). Consequently, it has been much harder to follow them and there isn't as much activity or excitement generated. If I follow several of the threads, and then a new one like the JTR Captivator S (Sealed) thread is started, I won't know about it unless I actively watch the Subwoofer forum.
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post #20 of 448
2/18/13 at 9:06am
Quote:
Originally Posted by carp View Post

Cool, should be interesting.

Mookie B is local and I have another forum member coming over tomorrow to hear my T8's. Maybe I can host a mini shootout of the smaller JTR's.
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post #21 of 448
2/18/13 at 9:16am
Actually when I get them, if mookie B is interested we could compare them to his newer T8-LP's.
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post #22 of 448
2/18/13 at 9:27am
Quote:
Originally Posted by desertdome View Post

I personally like having a single thread, like the JTR Speaker thread, for all of the discussion about a certain company's products. It has been very easy to keep up with all the JTR Speakers by following the single thread. There is also a lot of discussion common to all speakers that owner's like to participate in such as placement, toe-in, surrounds, equipment, and who is having kids. I don't even own JTR products, but enjoy the daily updates/discussion in the thread.

With subwoofers, there are many JTR Threads: JTR Captivator, JTR Captivator 1000, JTR Captivator S (Sealed), Official JTR Orbit Shifter Subwoofer Thread, JTR Growler). Consequently, it has been much harder to follow them and there isn't as much activity or excitement generated. If I follow several of the threads, and then a new one like the JTR Captivator S (Sealed) thread is started, I won't know about it unless I actively watch the Subwoofer forum.

I know what you are saying, but I bet a lot of people that are in the market for a speaker this price have never heard of JTR so they would never click on the JTR Speakers thread. A search will bring up "best speakers for 1000 dollars" or whatever and that would lead them here.

Outside of DIY I bet it would be very tough (or more likely impossible) to find a pair of speakers that sound this good at this price.
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post #23 of 448
2/18/13 at 9:28am
Quote:
Originally Posted by desertdome View Post

I personally like having a single thread, like the JTR Speaker thread, for all of the discussion about a certain company's products. It has been very easy to keep up with all the JTR Speakers by following the single thread. There is also a lot of discussion common to all speakers that owner's like to participate in such as placement, toe-in, surrounds, equipment, and who is having kids. I don't even own JTR products, but enjoy the daily updates/discussion in the thread.

With subwoofers, there are many JTR Threads: JTR Captivator, JTR Captivator 1000, JTR Captivator S (Sealed), Official JTR Orbit Shifter Subwoofer Thread, JTR Growler). Consequently, it has been much harder to follow them and there isn't as much activity or excitement generated. If I follow several of the threads, and then a new one like the JTR Captivator S (Sealed) thread is started, I won't know about it unless I actively watch the Subwoofer forum.


Edit: Carp beat me to the punch but I will leave this redundant post anyway.smile.gif

I agree DD but in this particular case I think the intent is to get the message out on a new and significant product at an extraordinary price point. As was mentioned, new product announcements can get buried in the main JTR Speaker Thread and everyone but the most diligent forum members won't hear about them.

I think you would agree, these Noesis speakers are special and deserve a larger audience.
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post #24 of 448
2/18/13 at 1:06pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jedirun View Post

Actually when I get them, if mookie B is interested we could compare them to his newer T8-LP's.

Sounds good!
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post #25 of 448
2/18/13 at 1:36pm
I originally began looking at JTR for a sub replacement (still considering an S2 or 2 passive captivator 2400), but am now seriously considering replacing my current front soundstage of Definitive Technology BP2000 L&R and Def Tech CLR3000 center with 3 X 228s. If I did go this route I would then eventually replace the current Def Tech BPVX surrounds with T8HT-LP and the Def Tech ProCinema 1000 Heights with S8HT-LP:rolleyes:
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post #26 of 448
2/18/13 at 2:45pm
I just bit on a set of Phil 2's...you make me question my decision. What is done is done as they say though. We can always chase the next set.
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post #27 of 448
2/18/13 at 3:31pm
3 Noesis 228HT's ordered.
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post #28 of 448
2/18/13 at 3:39pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jedirun View Post

3 Noesis 228HT's ordered.

Nice!
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post #29 of 448
2/18/13 at 3:39pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Newbie01 View Post

I just bit on a set of Phil 2's...you make me question my decision. What is done is done as they say though. We can always chase the next set.

My understanding is that those are fantastic speakers, congrats on the purchase! Plus, they look cool as hell!
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post #30 of 448
2/18/13 at 4:04pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by fight4yu View Post

I am going for the 228. I am glad I waited a bit longer. My room is a living room and reflective and open up to large area, so 228 seems perfect for me. I hope to get mine in march!

Quote:
Originally Posted by HTPCat View Post

I am right there with you - 14' X 14' Living room with right side open to a Kitchen and dinning area that is almost twice as large. I think the 228s for LCR will be perfect fit and at a super price. Add a couple of T8LPs for surrounds, a pair of S8LPs for heights and an S2 and I will be set...at least until I start thinking about the 212's:eek:

Quote:
Originally Posted by jbrown15 View Post

Seeing how I use my theater room for zero music I think I'm going to jump on the pre-order pricing and get the 228ht for my LCR set up! Thanks for the great write up Archaea! I would love to go with the 212hts but in my 2100cubic/ft theater and only movie use it would most likely be over kill.

Quote:
Originally Posted by pokekevin View Post

Hot damn that seems like a good price for the 228. Trying really hard to stop myself from buying them...

Quote:
Originally Posted by Mark Lem View Post

OK read a bunch of the posts but not all, I'm ready to pick up some JTR's to replace B&W 804 based home theater. Do I email the customer service on the website to get started? Want to go from 7.1 to at least 9.1, so am thinking of slanted 8 rears, slanted 8 highs, not sure about LCR (maybe 888 or the new horn 228's, not sure about side surrounds, thought about the single 8 LT. Any thoughts appreciated, especially about LCR, my room is 14.5x21.5, dedicated HT room with acoustic treatments.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Jedirun View Post

3 Noesis 228HT's ordered.




Man, looks like Jeff is going to get slammed with orders for the 228's. Nobody wants the 212's? Come on, step it up people!! tongue.gif

Mark, aren't those 804's you are replacing really expensive? Are you a music guy or just movies? I think you might be perfect for the big 212 Noesis.
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