NHT 2.9 or B&W CDM9NT

I would have to agree with jimmyrod also. I have upgraded all electronics but have kept my 2.9's. i currently own classe source components (preamp, cd player), new Odyssey Stratos monoblocks, with Transparent biwire speaker cables and straight wire balanced interconnects. The Classe and Odyssey equipment works great with these speakers. I do not have the treble bite anymore. Because of the power requirements, i went with the monoblocks. I had a new Mcintosh 6500 160 watt integrated amp before and they sounded great but the speakers needed more power. The monoblocks just opened up the sound even at low volumes. I have a 13'x13'x9' dedicated room for 2 channel listening. Placement is critical. I don't use NHT's method of placement. I actully fan the speakers out a little so the sound meets behind my head, not right at it. This positioning also points the woofers out into the room instead of them pointing right at the other speaker. Stereophile rated these as class 'B' a couple of years ago if that means anything.

Hey,

It is easier to go with NHT since they are much easier to match with amps and other components. NHT are more efficent and has less "garbage in garbage out" syndrome. Many people who have NHT floor standing speakers merely use AV receivers with great results. When my non audiophile friends, actually none of my friends are, ask me to recommend speakers, I always tell them to audition NHT.

In a more perfect scenario, using a high quality high current amp and a high resolution source component, I'd go with CDM series. Then again, if I got the dollars to afford this "perfect scenario", I'd go with KEF Reference, Vandersteens, Von Schweikerts, Theils, Dunlavy, or.... I don't know, Tannoy?

I had 2.9's for a year. They will play vary loud and have great bass. 2.9's are an extremely revealing speaker, and I found they make poor recordings hard to listen to. They sound great from the sweet spot with good quality recordings. From the next room they sound like a boom box on top of a subwoofer. They need alot of power. I used Classe electronics (ca200), and Harmonic-Tech cables. I have Proac 3.8's now and can listen to my poorly recorded classic rock again and still enjoy it. At three times the price it is not a fair comparison. I still miss the 2.9's when I pump up the volume.

I too compared the 2.9 to the B&W. Yes both are great, I was leaning toard the 2.9. But then I found Maggies and they are the best for accoustical music! Get the Maggies and when you save up a few hundred, get a fast tight 8 inch sub.

Your going to kick your self for not getting he Maggie's. I've heard the others (owned the NHT 2.5's)and there not in the same league as the 1.6's IMO. You can add a good sub later and you could also spend less on the amp and have money for a sub. A good sub need not be expensive. I'm using a SVS 20-39Pi and it blends very well so long as you keep the crossover below 60Hz, and I've seen post from others who have used even cheaper subs with good results.