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NHT 2.9 or B&W CDM9NT

Yes I know, what a strange pairing. I have listened to both, and they are very, very different. The problem is, I liked both of them very much. So what's a guy to do?

Maybe if any of you that have heard both (owned both?) were to comment on your experience, it might reinforce or clarify my own thoughts.

I like most all music, but mostly classical (both chamber and orchestral), jazz (acoustic and electronic), some pop rock, etc. No head banging for me, but I must admit I ruled out my favorites, the Maggie 1.6QR because of the lack of bass. I would like to stay in the low $2k range, and to add a good sub to the Maggies puts it out of range.

Oh yes - I am waiting to purchase amp/pre-amp until I decide on speakers, but I plan on spending around $1,500 for an amp (I prefer tubes, but with these speakers I may have to opt for ss).

Your thoughts are very welcome and appreciated.
seldenr
jimmyrod
56 posts
 
I can only provide you this opinion. I currrently own the NHT 2.9's and for what they can be had now a days it's a no brainer $1300-1500 new. Now many out there, which I somewhat agree, state that the Aluminum tweeter can tend to be a bit bright. Matching equipment with your speakers is the key. As my upgrade bug hit I went from receivers to adding amps to complete separates then high end separates and playing around with a tube set up. All along staying with the 2.9's. You may have to spend more on the electronics going with NHT. I use Cardas cables through out which tend to have a more laid back sound. Amps like Classe sound best with these speakers. Tubes sound fantastic, but due to the efficiency they make for a difficult and expensive route.

I have stayed with 2.9's for many reasons.
1.They sound great with all types of music and they have fantastic bass.
2.They do not need to be place far form the back wall.
3.The wife likes the way they look:)
4.They were relatively cheap used.

However B&W makes great speakers I can not ad anything, you may hear from others that will presuade you other wise. And I am sure you'll hear other suggestions. Do what's right for your situation.

Happy listening

Jimmy

kthomas
911 posts
 
I, too, can only comment on the NHT's. I owned a pair of the 2.9's for about 2 1/2 years and would pretty much mimic Jimmy's feedback - I was very satisfied with them for all the same reasons and at $1300/pr used, they're an excellent buy. My listening tastes are almost exactly the opposite (lots of rock, some jazz/blues, no classical), and bass is essential to me. The 2.9's have excellent integrated bass, probably as good as you'll find in that price range. The one thing I would add as a possible detraction - I listened to mine mostly in a dedicated environment. I don't know how I'd like them in a living room while I was walking around. -Kirk
kgb540
125 posts
 
Now Hear This!!! B&W sound weak compared to the NHT speakers. I did a very extensive in store demo yesterday with a set of NHT's, B&W's, Paradigms, and PSB's and the B&W's you mentioned were sad. I have never liked B&W sound and everytime I hear another pair, they just reaffirm my opinion. OVER PRICED and UNDERPERFORMING. This is all subjective to my own ears but it may help you so you don't make a big B&W mistake.
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