[Rikard Ekval]

About to invest in new MTM, just for fun and as a change to my XLS Encore’s.
Also got a GR servo sealed sub.


The NX-3S vs XC-S Bravo, both in MTM configuration.


Musically, what do you say?


The dome tweeter in the Encore’s is so nice. Not fatiguing at all.
Listening to pop, rock, techno, r&b,
Not so much in Jazz, folklore, classical
Not som much Vienna Tang and other female vocalists.


Musically, will the NX-3S be an upgrade, to my 2-channel system??

[mkrawcz]

To me the neo3 tweeter offers much more detail and air which translates to more of a “being there” experience. Vocalists sound more like they’re in the room with you.

[Tyson]

Agreed.  Neo3 is just as smooth but much more detailed.

[Evdiyguy]

I'm also interested in the Neo3 Tweeter vs. the T26 dome tweeter. The thing I appreciate about the T26's is their imaging and spatial presentation, especially when listening to live recordings. Is it safe to say that the Neo3's offer the same or better levels of those qualities while offering more detailed levels of clarity and resolution? .....or do I give up some the "spatial acoustic reflections and resonance" of those live recordings that come with the T26 tweeter for greater clarity and resolution with the Neo3?

[mkrawcz]

The Neo3 is much better across the board.

[Evdiyguy]

Thank you.

[goggle1824]

The one primary “limiting” difference as I understand it, anyone please correct me if this is inaccurate or incorrect, is that the Neo just won’t do the same volume the T26 can do, so if that’s a primary factor, something to be aware of.

[mlundy57]

A little over 10 years ago, I built both the X-LS Encore and the old N1X, which used the Neo3 tweeter and M130 woofer. I built both speakers as close as possible to each other for the main purpose of comparing the different tweeters in a similar design. Bot speakers were ported but used different types of ports. The X-LS Encore used the same single flared port it has today but the N1X used a double flared port with larger flares so I used that same port in the X-LS Encore. I used the same quality level parts in both crossovers.

Both speakers had the same sensitivity, at least the X-LS Encore and NX-Bravo do. Both speakers could play more than loud enough to make you reach for earplugs so, no difference there.

Results - both tweeters are excellent. The choice between which one was better came down squarely on personal preference. If you prefer a smother more lush but still snappy and not overly warm, the T26SG is the winner. If you prefer a more detailed quick and crisp but not bright presentation, the Neo is the winner.

For me, with music like jazz and blues, I preferred the T26SG by a little while with rock and classical I preferred the Neo. So which one I liked better came down to what type of music was I in the mood to listen to. Overall, the music I listen to most tends to be highly detailed with a lot of nuance and a wide dynamic range so the Neo is the best tweeter for me.

Rather than asking which tweeter is best, start by asking yourself what type of music do you listen to most. Then ask what are the characteristics of that type of music. Then look at the characteristics of the two tweeters and see which one matches best with the characteristics of the music you listen to most. That will be your answer, for you.

[Rikard Ekval]

Rather than asking which tweeter is best, start by asking yourself what type of music do you listen to most. Then ask what are the characteristics of that type of music. Then look at the characteristics of the two tweeters and see which one matches best with the characteristics of the music you listen to most. That will be your answer, for you.

Thanks Lundy.
You have given us all good advice and let’s go from there.
Buy both and enjoy the music.
I can’t hear anything musical above 15k and have a severe tinnitus that keeps my ears sharp 24/7. So I can still enjoy nuances in the music. Only need to find that stage, everyone is talking about 

[Evdiyguy]

The one primary “limiting” difference as I understand it, anyone please correct me if this is inaccurate or incorrect, is that the Neo just won’t do the same volume the T26 can do, so if that’s a primary factor, something to be aware of.

Thanks!

[Hobbsmeerkat]

The one primary “limiting” difference as I understand it, anyone please correct me if this is inaccurate or incorrect, is that the Neo just won’t do the same volume the T26 can do, so if that’s a primary factor, something to be aware of.

Depends on the application. For the NX-Bravo, it is somewhat limited due to how low it's crossing to the woofer, but for a model like the NX-Treme, it's far less of an issue and can easily play quite loud without any strain.

[Glady86]

A bonus to me, of the NXOticas anyway, is how satisfying the sound is at lower volume levels. Plus they can play louder than I ever actually listen at without a problem. There are speakers with higher usable output with lower distortion and compression but to me it’s overkill and not ever needed in a normal sized room and unless you plan on damaging your hearing is just a “bragging right” or something objectivist can point out and say how great the speakers are, of course within even hearing them.

[Evdiyguy]

A little over 10 years ago, I built both the X-LS Encore and the old N1X, which used the Neo3 tweeter and M130 woofer. I built both speakers as close as possible to each other for the main purpose of comparing the different tweeters in a similar design. Bot speakers were ported but used different types of ports. The X-LS Encore used the same single flared port it has today but the N1X used a double flared port with larger flares so I used that same port in the X-LS Encore. I used the same quality level parts in both crossovers.

Both speakers had the same sensitivity, at least the X-LS Encore and NX-Bravo do. Both speakers could play more than loud enough to make you reach for earplugs so, no difference there.

Results - both tweeters are excellent. The choice between which one was better came down squarely on personal preference. If you prefer a smother more lush but still snappy and not overly warm, the T26SG is the winner. If you prefer a more detailed quick and crisp but not bright presentation, the Neo is the winner.

For me, with music like jazz and blues, I preferred the T26SG by a little while with rock and classical I preferred the Neo. So which one I liked better came down to what type of music was I in the mood to listen to. Overall, the music I listen to most tends to be highly detailed with a lot of nuance and a wide dynamic range so the Neo is the best tweeter for me.

Rather than asking which tweeter is best, start by asking yourself what type of music do you listen to most. Then ask what are the characteristics of that type of music. Then look at the characteristics of the two tweeters and see which one matches best with the characteristics of the music you listen to most. That will be your answer, for you.

Lundy - Thanks for sharing your observations! I also enjoy highly detailed, nuanced and dynamic music that is well recorded, especially live concerts. When performed if front of a live audience, the recordings just seem to offer a more authentic expression of the musicians abilities. FWIW, you might enjoy this YouTube clip (5:15 mins.) from the Polish contemporary jazz Trio  Mozdzer, Danielsson & Fresco that possesses all of those aforementioned qualities; https://youtu.be/5puiytZfjv4?si=CpFczuYnhuKivc_1
Thanks again.

[Danny Richie]

We just got the NX Bravo towers up and playing. They definitely have higher detail levels. The really low crossover point has speed advantages too. Then there is the transmission line added bass.... Man, these things sound super good. They would also match really well with tube amps.

[mkrawcz]

We just got the NX Bravo towers up and playing. They definitely have higher detail levels. The really low crossover point has speed advantages too. Then there is the transmission line added bass.... Man, these things sound super good. They would also match really well with tube amps.

Got a few hours on my Bravo towers and oh boy are these things good. I can hear where these are going once they break in. These are delivering clarity and imaging that seems like it might actually be a bit better than the NX Oticas and Studios.

[Tomy2Tone]

These are delivering clarity and imaging that seems like it might actually be a bit better than the NX Oticas and Studios.

Whoa there buddy, easy now. 😄 Love to hear more feedback when you get more time. I like the higher sensitivity on the Bravo towers vs my Studios.

[mkrawcz]

I’m running them on 10watt Diyaudio Zenductor 2 amps and they work well on that power in a medium size room.

[mkrawcz]

Whoa there buddy, easy now. 😄 Love to hear more feedback when you get more time. I like the higher sensitivity on the Bravo towers vs my Studios.

Yea, I totally stand by my statement. These are the highest resolving speakers Danny currently has in his line up. It makes sense being that the tweeter is crossing below 1khz. There are no capacitors in the signal path of the woofer circuit unlike the NX Oticas. The spatial cues being thrown around my room I only get from the Superminis. The thing the NX Oticas do better being open baffle is the deeper soundstage effect. But the Bravo Towers are still pretty good at that.

[goggle1824]

Will be interesting to see/hear where Addie and Maddie fit into the resolving “tiers”

[Tomy2Tone]

Yea, I totally stand by my statement. These are the highest resolving speakers Danny currently has in his line up. It makes sense being that the tweeter is crossing below 1khz. There are no capacitors in the signal path of the woofer circuit unlike the NX Oticas. The spatial cues being thrown around my room I only get from the Superminis. The thing the NX Oticas do better being open baffle is the deeper soundstage effect. But the Bravo Towers are still pretty good at that.

That’s awesome. Are you using subs with the towers ?