AliG -
Jim, how does this sound compare to the HT3??? I would like to know what the "trade-off's" are. aa aa
Well, that is a hard one to pin down as they are both rather unique. While the HT3's have a 10" woofer and the new speaker has a 12", the HT3's do play lower and are perhaps a little more detailed in the mid-bass area. This is due both to the paper cone and the higher sensitivity of the driver used in the new design. In the midrange area, it is pretty much a draw. The W18's in the HT3's are perhaps slightly more detailed, but the PHL's are one of the nicest high-efficiency midranges available today. On the top end, the HT3's will have a little more transparency due to the ribbon tweeter. The Morel tweeter, on the other hand, is one of the finest dome tweeters available, so the top end is very smooth.
But the drivers only tell half the story. An open baffle design, by its very nature offers a more diffuse, spacious soundfield. Some people will prefer the pinpoint imaging of the HT3's. Others will enjoy the more open and spacious sound of this new design.
The other issue that separates the designs is sensitivity. This new design will mate very well with a moderately-powered tube amp - one which could not drive the HT3's successfully.
Both designs are very solid (IMO). For music, either would do a great job depending on your room, sonic tastes and the type of music you prefer to listen to. For HT or mixed music/HT, you would probably be better off with the HT3's.
The market for a speaker like this is much more limited than say, the market for HT3's. But there are some individuals who will find this new design better suited to their particular situation. Some people simply prefer open baffle designs. Some people prefer lower powered tube amps. These were the people we had in mind for this speaker and we think they will love them.
I hope that helps.
- Jim
