So, I'm wading into the Salk waters by going the used route. My choices are HT3's or HT2-TL with HTC. My gut says go with the 3 way box but I do have sub(s) on hand, so what say ye?
I can not hear/see the HT3's, but am going to listen to the HT2-L's in the a.m. I'm sure I'll be impressed.
Music is classic/current pop, rock, contemporay, blues.
Front end is very modest Integra 886 into a reworked Sunfire Cinema Grand. Room is 18x20. Can only get the speakers about 3' from the wall behind them and 3-4' from the side walls.
If it were me, everything else being equal, I would pick the HT2-TLs. Advantages are footprint, cost, sensitivity. HT3s go lower, but you are running subs. HT3s are nicer looking design, IMO aside from size considerations. You do give up the three way though. I was debating between them and ended up going for SS8's.
Three way, sensitivity closer to the HT2-TL, reasonable footprint, goes low, no port but, more money of course.
Here's my obsession thread:
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=105564.0. Everyone was very helpful.
Three feet from the walls is acceptable for either IMO. Many have less room behind.
Pay attention to which drivers each of the models have. The tweeters have changed along the way, I'm not sure about the mid in the 3 or any of the woofers. I wouldn't pass by the one you want if it doesn't have the newest RAAL tweeter, but might be a factor in comparing them to each other.
You can also check the audition sticky thread and/or email Jim for possibilities of owners near you that are willing to audition. This is a family after all (as Nuance likes to say
).
..........Peter