Quote:
Originally Posted by
head_unit
No, it is 70%. Oh...wait...that was how often Chairman Mao was right. Never mind!
I find it odd to consider Q Acoustics if you've returned two sets. Most manufacturers keep a kind of "house sound" and if you don't like a couple of their speakers you probably won't like another. But then again speakers are all so inaccurate it depends. What didn't you like about the previous two pairs?
And as an NHT fan, how about finding the one you liked used?
Used Celestion 100s...or 300s (slim transmission line mini-towers), if you can find them. Very flat and neutral.
I will say with Q Acoustics I had a weak moment, I was hoping this time that there might actually be some real difference -- but in reality based on my past experiences, a $30 to $50 price difference does not give you a head and shoulders upgrade. Plus I did like the fact about free cable, but since I really did not like the speaker, I never did use the cable .... As far as the other previous two sets, the 2020i was too forward and bright and grainy, with the 3020 it was not as forward and less bright, but the bass seemed to choke and was not extending, they were also lacking some in definition -- the 3020 did do better on the door-knock test over the 3020i -- but the 3020i bigger box was better for bass extension (fullness) within its limits, the bass now sounded right. But the 3020i now having a little more detail and a little bit better definition is also a little bit more forward. The biggest gripe I have is the 3020i has a honky and boxy sound with certain dynamic peaks.
Yes most speakers do have a sort of house sound, as that is their niche to make money in the market, and marketing likes to play on the mentality of human nature. And a lot of reviewers do a good job of inviting Mr Placebo in when people buy the speakers that they review. Setting the honk and boxiness aside, I understand why a lot of people would like the 3020i and they will sell a lot of speakers, and their customer service seems to have gotten better.
As far as NHT -- the SuperOne 2.1 seems to have improved on their woofer and the bass from the SuperOne 2.1 is better and tighter compared to the Model 1.1 and the Classic Two that I use to own. But the overall frequency is bumpy and they are not as smooth as I desire and some definition is lacking. I hope they upgrade the tweeter in the future
And I have been looking at the used market, and some older NHT, but the SB2 has a big happy bump built into the mids. And I still eye Celestion from time to time. I waited too long to push the button on some Acoustic Energy speakers, but Phil Jones likes to add some brightness to his speakers, but he did OK with his Platinum Audio speakers that I use to own. In reality if Dennis was healthy and still did the AA+ speakers, I would have most likely gone with them as I have experience with his work. I am still thinking about Canton, as they are one of my favorite brands. My goal is to save for the Vento speakers.