Help me choose N2 or N3?

django11 · « **on:** 2 Oct 2010, 07:39 pm »

I'm driving myself nuts trying to make up my mind: near field or regular placement; n2s, n3s or n3?

I really enjoy the experience of listening to music in my van even though it's a stock stereo. At home I have some Ninja upgraded av123 x-ls encores driven off a 15 watt amp. I am almost never in the sweet spot as I'm usually seated at the computer which is about ten or twelve feet directly in front of the left speaker. For a pleasant listening experience I have to turn the volume up to possibly annoying levels for the spouse.

Something tells me I would be better off with a nearfield set up. I am very tempted by the N3 but I kind of worry that the size of them, even in the sealed version, and even though I can partially recess them into the wall, will be a bit overpowering on my desk. The N2, while much better suited to my desk, is less effecient and doesn't go as low (I might not be using a subwoofer) as the N3.

And what if the N3 was perfect for me in it's floor standing version because of it's greater sensitivity and uber tweeter?

I am usually not so indecisive, I kind of wish someone would decide for me...

Ron · « **Reply #1 on:** 2 Oct 2010, 08:16 pm »

The N2X, N3S, and N3's are excellent sounding speakers. The N2X and N3S sound very similar,but I like the N3S better because it has higher sensitivity and a wider dynamic range. The N3 sounds identical to the N3S, but has deeper bass response as a result of it's transmission line loading. Also, I recommend the Sonicap capacitors and Mills resistors with Sonicap platinum bypass capacitor and No-Rez sound damping treatment.

hmen · « **Reply #2 on:** 2 Oct 2010, 08:18 pm »

If you go with the N2 you'll it like but if you're anything like most people on this site you'll immediately start thinking about upgrading. So save yourself the trouble and buy the N3.

Zracer · « **Reply #3 on:** 2 Oct 2010, 08:45 pm »

The n2 and n3 both use the neo 3 tweeter. Im also curious why 5 db of sensitivity matter in a near field setup. Fwiw, I own n2x currenty used as mains in a 2200 cubic foot room.

Sparky14 · « **Reply #4 on:** 3 Oct 2010, 02:33 am »

Quote from: hmen on 2 Oct 2010, 08:18 pm

If you go with the N2 you'll it like but if you're anything like most people on this site you'll immediately start thinking about upgrading. So save yourself the trouble and buy the N3.

As an N2 owner, I completely agree with this statement.

Tyson · « **Reply #5 on:** 3 Oct 2010, 03:05 am »

Quote from: Zracer on 2 Oct 2010, 08:45 pm

The n2 and n3 both use the neo 3 tweeter. Im also curious why 5 db of sensitivity matter in a near field setup. Fwiw, I own n2x currenty used as mains in a 2200 cubic foot room.

All other things being equal, higher sensitivity is always better. Dynamics and control take a leap upward in higher sensitivity speakers.

eclein · « **Reply #6 on:** 3 Oct 2010, 03:32 am »

Danny called me the other day to let me know the N2X's on tour were headed my way...I listen nearfield in my setup so I'll let you know what I find django11!!! I'm pumped to hear the NEO....

cujobob · « **Reply #7 on:** 3 Oct 2010, 05:12 am »

I had, and loved, the N2Xs...sold for reasons out of my control and while I totally understand where everyone is coming from about doing yourself a favor and just getting the better speaker now...

I say, get the N2Xs. They don't disappoint as main speakers unless you need high output, they're small enough to be used anywhere you like, and despite their low sensitivity, I had no trouble powering them with a 25 WPC Class A F5 clone. If space weren't an issue and you had an ideal room, the N3 would likely be the better option. It's really not going to be an issue where you sit down and feel like you're missing out... the N2Xs are fabulous.

If you need high output, want a more sensitive speaker, and feel like you're not too restricted on placement, then go for the N3s. If you're concerned about placement, size, cost, or any of those types of things....get the N2X. Either will satisfy you and you really can't go wrong.

BYOB · « **Reply #8 on:** 3 Oct 2010, 11:38 am »

I recently assembled the N3S with PE boxes and found them to be a huge improvement. The sealed is still rather small and require a stand. MTM seems to be a popular design and from what I can tell they simpley sound amazing.
They were easy to put together and fun to build but I paid someone to cut the holes.

so if you are still indecisive...get the N3s if you want small or N3 if you want floor standing.

tesseract · « **Reply #9 on:** 3 Oct 2010, 12:38 pm »

I am curious, wouldn't the MTM configuration create a null in output above and below the cabinet? If so, this could beneficial if sitting them on a desk.
Either way you go, Django11, won't you still need to find a proficient woodworker to help you with the cabinets?

django11 · « **Reply #10 on:** 3 Oct 2010, 12:51 pm »

Quote from: tesseract on 3 Oct 2010, 12:38 pm

I am curious, wouldn't the MTM configuration create a null in output above and below the cabinet? If so, this could beneficial if sitting them on a desk.
Either way you go, Django11, won't you still need to find a proficient woodworker to help you with the cabinets?

I've gotten to the point that if someone even mentions varnish I get hives... I'm going to have to take a class on finishing. I was tempted to have them built by a cabinetmaker I sometimes recommend to clients, but money is a little tight so I"ll rough it and make them myself...

tesseract · « **Reply #11 on:** 4 Oct 2010, 08:10 pm »

Ah, I was just joking... I know you can make them yourself. You have a nice woodworking shop. Maybe you could paint them, there are some cool N2X's painted in a "hammered copper" that look really boss. I'll check around AC for them after I get off of work (at 2am

) and post them for you.

saisunil · « **Reply #12 on:** 4 Oct 2010, 08:20 pm »

In a nearfield situation - I'd certainly go for N2. For farfield - I would go for N2 with subs or N3s with or without a sub ...

Cheers

django11 · « **Reply #13 on:** 5 Oct 2010, 12:16 am »

Quote from: tesseract on 4 Oct 2010, 08:10 pm

Ah, I was just joking... I know you can make them yourself. You have a nice woodworking shop. Maybe you could paint them, there are some cool N2X's painted in a "hammered copper" that look really boss. I'll check around AC for them after I get off of work (at 2am ) and post them for you.

I did catch, and enjoy, the joke.

trianglezerius · « **Reply #14 on:** 5 Oct 2010, 12:54 am »

What size PE cabinet for N3 and N3S?

tesseract · « **Reply #15 on:** 5 Oct 2010, 10:06 am »

Here you go. http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=80511.0

If I were going to build a GR kit, my choice would be N3 sealed, because I am using a sub. It is also much easier to build than the tranny. Otherwise, I would go with the transmission line N3.

The N2X sounds like a great speaker, but the N3 seems to kick it up a few notches. For starters, the sensitivity is much higher.

While the higher sensitivity may seem like a moot point in the near field, I think that in a close listening situation such as that it would actually be MORE beneficial. Less excursion means less distortion, just like with headphones.

django11 · « **Reply #16 on:** 5 Oct 2010, 11:21 am »

Very interesting finish. Thanks!

Zerogravity · « **Reply #17 on:** 11 Oct 2010, 09:07 pm »

I like the N3s as well and as said above the extra woofer helps keep distortion low! I think the transmission line has the mid-woofer run in parallel, but im not sure if the MTM is the same? I am also curious how non linear distortion compares with the MTM. Another thing to consider is how the MTM compare with the others in soundstage, imaging and all the other attributes that people like with a great performing bookshelf. If the N3s does all these things just as well and you already have a sub or subs, then you cant go wrong!

django11 · « **Reply #18 on:** 11 Oct 2010, 09:15 pm »

I decided on the N3 sealed. A forum member had me off investigating something else but in the end I think this is the one for me. Thanks for the replies. I'll certainly post my impressions (sometime before Christmas

) Now it's just a question of getting some cash to Danny...

Ron · « **Reply #19 on:** 18 Oct 2010, 10:38 pm »

I think you made a good decision to go with the N3S. They are wonderful sounding speakers with excellent detail, clarity, dynamic range, and efficiency.You might want to consider going with the Sonicap capacitors with the platinum bypass caps, Mills resistors,and No-Rez performance upgrade options. Cost a little more but definitely worth it. I plan to build another pair of N3S speakers to sell next month Looking forward to reading your impressions after you finish them.