HT1-TL VS. HT2-TL

music lover · « **on:** 3 Jan 2010, 12:54 am »

For those who have heard both of these speakers, please comment on the differences in imaging, soundstage depth and width etc.

I understand that the HT1-TL is less sensitive and has one less driver, but I would like input on the differences in what I mentioned

above. Your feedback would be most appreciated. Thanks.

TJHUB · « **Reply #1 on:** 3 Jan 2010, 05:40 am »

I don't know all that much about speakers, but it would seem to me that the designs are so close and the drivers are the same (minus one woofer) that the main difference would be output capability. I doubt things like imaging, soundstage depth, and width would differ at all.

jsalk · « **Reply #2 on:** 3 Jan 2010, 04:17 pm »

Quote from: TJHUB on 3 Jan 2010, 05:40 am

I don't know all that much about speakers, but it would seem to me that the designs are so close and the drivers are the same (minus one woofer) that the main difference would be output capability. I doubt things like imaging, soundstage depth, and width would differ at all.

This is correct. The HT2-TL's are more sensitive and require less power to achieve a given SPL. They can handle higher output without compression or distortion since two woofers share the load. And they have more displacement to move more air down low more efficiently. But in terms of sound stage, imaging, accuracy, detail, etc., there is no practical difference - same drivers, same baffle size, etc.

- Jim

music lover · « **Reply #3 on:** 3 Jan 2010, 11:26 pm »

Thanks for the replies, I was having a difficult time choosing between the two.

Now I have a better understanding to make a decision. Thanks again.

TJHUB · « **Reply #4 on:** 3 Jan 2010, 11:39 pm »

Quote from: music lover on 3 Jan 2010, 11:26 pm

Thanks for the replies, I was having a difficult time choosing between the two.

Now I have a better understanding to make a decision. Thanks again.

I understand how tough your decision is between the two. For me it would come down to room size. If you have a smaller room, the HT1s would most likely be fine. If you have a medium to large room, I'd spring for the HT2 with the thought that they would need to play louder. Even if you use a subwoofer, the extra woofer in the HT2-TLs can make a BIG difference with upper, midbass. I wanted SongTowers after hearing them, but my large room made me want the HT2-TLs for more upper, midbass. I have no regrets whatsoever.

Also, please know that either choice will be FANTASTIC!

WGH · « **Reply #5 on:** 4 Jan 2010, 12:22 am »

Quote from: TJHUB on 3 Jan 2010, 11:39 pm

I understand how tough your decision is between the two. For me it would come down to room size. If you have a smaller room, the HT1s would most likely be fine. If you have a medium to large room, I'd spring for the HT2 with the thought that they would need to play louder. Even if you use a subwoofer, the extra woofer in the HT2-TLs can make a BIG difference with upper, midbass.

I heard the HT2-TL's at the last RMAF and they were fantastic but I just bought an AVA amp, pre-amp, and DAC last year so I have to wait a year or two before I can spend again. Now I have another choice with the release of the HT1-TL. I figured room size would be a determining factor and when I am ready to buy I am hoping there will be more HT1-TL reviews.

My room is 11'-5" x 15' x 9' high with carpet, acoustic tile ceiling, and overstuffed furniture so I am guessing I could go either way. I also use my speakers for a home theater setup and only use a sub for movies.

I was wondering if anyone put a pair of HT2-TL's in a smaller room and had too much bass? And what would be the definition of a small room where the HT1-TL's would be the logical choice?

Wayne

music lover · « **Reply #6 on:** 4 Jan 2010, 12:39 am »

TJHUB, my room size is 15' x 12' with an 8ft ceiling height. I am leaning towards the HT1-TL due to the smaller footprint and

slightly shorter height. I know the HT2-TL might be a little better overall though, however the HT1 might fit my room better.

Gentlemen, thanks for all your replies. it has been most helpful.

TJHUB · « **Reply #7 on:** 4 Jan 2010, 01:56 am »

I would think either of you could get away with HT1-TLs. My room is basically 18' x 25' with a 15' high cathedral ceiling. I'm the one who most likely *needs* the extra capabilities of the HT2-TLs.

I can't comment on the HT2-TLs being too much for a small room.

Don't forget that there are other factors like listening volume, room acoustics, and listening distance that have to be factored in as well when picking a speaker.

WGH · « **Reply #8 on:** 4 Jan 2010, 05:24 am »

One reason I asked about room size is that eighteen years ago I bought a pair of Klipsch Quartet speakers for my shop and just for fun I first set them up at home. The Quartet's had a 10" woofer with a 10" passive radiator and they definitely had way too much bass for the room, a learning experience that you can overpower a room with the wrong speaker.

On the other hand my current speakers go down to 25 Hz with dual 6.5" woofers and use a modified transmission line design and the bass is darn near perfect.

I have a feeling the HT2-TL's will perform like the latter, that way I can still have a good foundation to the music even at moderate listening levels. I will have to see what others say as more HT1-TL's get delivered.

Wayne

Rocket · « **Reply #9 on:** 4 Jan 2010, 12:29 pm »

Hi Music Lover,

What amplifier do you use in your system? You would need to have sufficient power to drive the ht1 tl's.

Regards

Rod

music lover · « **Reply #10 on:** 4 Jan 2010, 08:08 pm »

Rocket, currently I have a Michael Yee Audio 100 watt amp, which I know is just marginal with the HT1-TLs. My thoughts were that

if I needed to buy a higher powered amp, wouldn't it be a better idea to get the HT2-TL with the money that would have to be

spent on a new amp instead? That is providing the HT2s are efficient enough with the amp I have now. Otherwise, If my amp is still

too underpowered for either speaker and I need a higher powered amp anyway, I might as well go with the HT1-TLs. Does that

make sense?

Sonix · « **Reply #11 on:** 5 Jan 2010, 02:42 pm »

Is anyone using the HT2-TL's in a room approx 13' x 19'?
I want to listen to 2ch direct, 5.1 hi-rez, as well as HT
and hope they wouldn't over power the room.

Thanks,
Ken

Sonix · « **Reply #12 on:** 5 Jan 2010, 02:45 pm »

Hi Again Rocket,

After seeing your great pics of your HT2's, I was wondering
what room size you have?

Thanks,
Ken

mathgeek97 · « **Reply #13 on:** 5 Jan 2010, 02:52 pm »

Quote from: Sonix on 5 Jan 2010, 02:42 pm

Is anyone using the HT2-TL's in a room approx 13' x 19'?
I want to listen to 2ch direct, 5.1 hi-rez, as well as HT
and hope they wouldn't over power the room.

Thanks,
Ken

I'm not at home to measure, but my room is something like 14.5' x 21' x 8' and the HT2-TLs fill the room quite nicely, but I'm only doing 2ch.

Sonix · « **Reply #14 on:** 5 Jan 2010, 02:59 pm »

Thanks mathgeek,

That's is really great to know, because the HT2-TLs seem for me to be the sweet spot of the Salk
lineup, and they would help the budget by not being as power hungry as the HT3!

Nuance · « **Reply #15 on:** 5 Jan 2010, 05:12 pm »

Ken,

Tall to oneinthepipe; he has HT2 TL's in a smallish room.

For a room your size I will say you will certainly need room treatments.

Rocket · « **Reply #16 on:** 6 Jan 2010, 12:20 pm »

Hi,

My room measures 13 x 24 feet.

I have successfully used an 80 watt amplifier with my ht2's and I currently use a 120 watt amplifier. I'm not sure whether the sensitivity has changed with the tl design.

100 watts should have plenty of power for the speakers.

Regards

Rod

oneinthepipe · « **Reply #17 on:** 6 Jan 2010, 05:13 pm »

Quote from: Sonix on 5 Jan 2010, 02:42 pm

Is anyone using the HT2-TL's in a room approx 13' x 19'?
I want to listen to 2ch direct, 5.1 hi-rez, as well as HT
and hope they wouldn't over power the room.

Thanks,
Ken

Bass management is an issue in any small room. Bass traps will help, and speaker and seating placement are critical. I think that you will be pretty good with the 19' room length because you can sit between 6' to 8' from the back wall to avoid any big bass bumps. You will need to experiment with speaker and seating placements, moving your listening position back and forth and measuring, either with your ear or with a microphone.

Nuance · « **Reply #18 on:** 6 Jan 2010, 07:36 pm »

Quote from: Sonix on 5 Jan 2010, 02:42 pm

Is anyone using the HT2-TL's in a room approx 13' x 19'?
I want to listen to 2ch direct, 5.1 hi-rez, as well as HT
and hope they wouldn't over power the room.

Thanks,
Ken

Will your gear be on the long or short wall?

If on the short wall figuring placing the speakers 2 feet from the side walls, the speakers could be about 9 feet apart maximum. If on the long wall, figuring keep the speakers 2 feet from the back wall, and placing the listening position at least a foot or two from the back wall (2 is better IMO), you'll be able to sit 9 feet away.

The sound will be different depending on which wall you place everything on. And in either scenario you'll need to treat the room. Many people have had good luck with long wall positioning, but you gotta do what you gotta do.

Finally, taking measurements will help tremendously, even in figuring out where to place the room treatments.

Best of luck to you.

oneinthepipe · « **Reply #19 on:** 6 Jan 2010, 10:13 pm »

Quote from: Nuance on 5 Jan 2010, 05:12 pm

Talk to oneinthepipe; he has HT2 TL's in a smallish room.

"Smallish" is an understatement. My room is 205 sq. feet. I am grateful to have my own room, especially since I live in a small house with my wife and three children, but what I wouldn't do for another 8' or 9' in length.