[Loftprojection]

Hey, I decided to start looking for an upgrade to my speakers now that I have a good integrated and CD player.  I currently own 6 NHT speakers in a HT setup.  1.3 for main, 1.1 center/rear and Mod 1 sub.

I've shopped a bit and the type of sound I really like is Proac and Opera speakers.  Both have soft dome tweaters, just like my NHT so I think I'm a bit attracted to soft dome tweaters smooth sound.  Others I listened to and don't really like are B&W, Quad, Monitor Audio.  I'm looking at something less then $2000, the smaller the number the better and I might buy used.  

So in order to save some shopping time, I thought I'd ask you guys if you would have suggestions considering what I've just described.  

Thanks.

[Parnelli777]

I think this is a fantastic little unit that sounded much nicer in every aspect than my friend's $2500.00 Proac mini monitors.

the Nola Mini - $695.00 :

http://www.nolaspeakers.com/index.php

If full range is what you want, there's no greater value new or used, than the Magnepan 1.6.

[Loftprojection]

Interesting little speaker but it does not go down very much (55hz), at least on paper.  I'm looking more for a pair of speakers I'll be able to use without a sub for 2 channel music.  The Proac monitors (on paper) and depending on the model go down between 30 and 40hz which is more acceptable when you don't use a sub.  

Somebody in another forum was talking about Highland Audio speakers that are a killer.  I have to investigate about those.   http://www.highland-audio.com/Press/CP_Award_Jimmy_EN.pdf

Cheers.

[Kevin P]

I'm the dealer distributor so I may get my hand slapped but I'm having a hard time controlling myself.  

We have a bookshelf speaker (KIT61) that will get you in room extension into the 20s.   Anechoic response is into the 30s.   Cost?   $219 per speaker minus the enclosure.   You could VERY easily have a set of enclosures custom built and assemble the kit and have less than $750 in the pair.

As long as you have better than 40-50W of amplifier power these are a great solution for going without the sub.  

Ok...I'm ready for the hand slap.

[Loftprojection]

Kevin, I don't want you to get slapped but your suggestion is funny because I've also been tempted by DIY speakers for a while and specially when I saw a lot of talk about various "Proac clone"...  I'll visit your site.

I still have to think and research this concept but it's certainly something interesting.  

Thanks.

[Loftprojection]

Kevin, quick question, if one was to built a HT kit, does the 61 or 261 with LCR and 41 work well together as main and center/rear?

[Kevin P]

Kevin, quick question, if one was to built a HT kit, does the 61 or 261 with LCR and 41 work well together as main and center/rear?

Most people are looking for matching speakers for at least the front stage.   Some want "matching" for all speakers used including the surrounds.    I think at least having the front three having similar power response & FR is a probably a desirable trait.

The LCR was designed with that in mind.   I'd not match the LCR with the KIT61s in the front.   The LCR is a three-way design and its polar response is much different than the KIT61.   We have a MTM center channel under development that uses the Extremis & Usher tweeter and that would probably be a better match if you wanted a center.   I don't know what your set-up is like but I have people using the standard KIT61 as a center.   That works very well if you have the room/space to sit it vertical.   You cannot lay it on its side because the off-axis response vertical is different from the horizontal response.

[doug s.]

Hey, I decided to start looking for an upgrade to my speakers now that I have a good integrated and CD player.  I currently own 6 NHT speakers in a HT setup.  1.3 for main, 1.1 center/rear and Mod 1 sub.

I've shopped a bit and the type of sound I really like is Proac and Opera speakers.  Both have soft dome tweaters, just like my NHT so I think I'm a bit attracted to soft dome tweaters smooth sound.  Others I listened to and don't really like are B&W, Quad, Monitor Audio.  I'm looking at something less  ...

i have heard b&w & they are also not my cuppa; never heard the other two you mention.  why not yust get proacs?  used, you can find them for $2k or less.  i think my tablette 8 reference sigs are fantastic - even better than the proac 1sc's.  but, if yure looking for a more full-range sound, even the proac 2.5's can be found used for $2k...

i would also consider speakers using focal &/or eton drivers - i really like the old meret re's i have, which use a focal inwerted ti-dome tweet & eton midwoofer.  and, i have also liked jmlabs speakers.  another small speaker i like is the diapason adamantes...  and, worth an audition would be the psb brand.  i was in a shop a while back, & they were auditioning a small floorstanding model, which was ~$1k new - quite impressive, imo...

doug s.

[Loftprojection]

Kevin, yes three 61 is probably the ticket!  I currently use two NHT 1.3 has main and 2 regular NHT 1.1 has center sitting vertically.  I have a projector so if the monitor is not too high then I have the luxury of using it instead of a horizontal center setup.  This DIY is having me excited! haha

Doug, I saw JMLab mentionned a few times before as an interesting speaker, I might have to check them out.  I know Proac would satisfy me because I heard them often but I'd just like to try out others before purchasing to make sure, speakers are there for a loooong time!  I have a pair of PSB, nice speakers for my gym but I find their bass a bit boomy for my "audiophile" listening sessions.  I'm no audiophile, just a regular joe!! hahaha

Thanks for your suggestions guys.

[Kevin P]

I've got a cabinet maker that will make cabinets also.   He has been making speakers for 20 years so he is pretty comfortable with the requirements.     The price is certainly right at about $125/cabinet for the KIT61s.    Choice of veneer is Oak, Cherry, Walnut & Maple.   He includes a well done speaker grill in the price.