Mini Review on NHT SB3 speakers

[F1nut]

Since I spend alot of time in the shop I needed to get some better gear. I had a Sony ES 5 spinner in storage and just bought a used minty Sony STR-GX6ESII receiver rated at 100 wpc @ 8 ohms, so now I needed new speakers. I finally pinned it down to the NHT SB3's and seeing as how they are for the shop I didn't want to buy anything new, so the hunt for used was on. In the meantime I had a chance to pick up a pair of Polk RTi28's for a good price from Hoosier. They got here yesterday and while they sounded better than what I had, I wasn't sold on the sound. A few days ago a used pair of NHT SB3's showed up on Audiogon and I picked them up a couple hours ago. Wow, what a difference. The mid range is lush, the highs are very smooth and the bass is surprising good for a bookshelf speaker, actually quite punchy. They are finished in high gloss black lacquer with gold plated binding posts and the 6.5" driver is above the 1" tweeter, (Sid would like these) which is perfect for the shelf they sit on. Overall, they are beautiful speakers with a great sound that I would call refined, highly recommended. While this set up doesn't compare to my big rig I will be very happy listening to music in the shop now.

I've included a link with the specs and a picture for those interested,
http://www.nhthifi.com/2004/products/product_detail.asp?ProductLineID=2&ProductID=13

F1

[dorokusai]

I should hope that they sound better, they cost 3x as much. Can't wait to see them covered in shop dust and smell like thinner ;) They are very nice.

Here is a picture of them, for Mr. Computer challenged:

Specifications:

System Type 2-way Acoustic Suspension
Drivers 1” Fluid cooled neodymium magnet structure tweeter with NHT’s proprietary aluminum heat sink. Woofer 6.5" polypropylene, high excursion woofer.
Magnetically Shielded Yes
Frequency Response 39Hz- 22kHz +/- 3dB
Crossover Frequency 2.4kHz
Impedance 8 ohms nominal
Inputs 5-way binding posts
Recommended Amplifier Power Minimum 15 watts/ch Maximum 175 watts/ch
Dimensions 13"H x 8"Wx 10"D
Weight 16 lbs. each
Finish Black high gloss piano lacquer

[F1nut]

Nah, just lazy and I knew I could get you to post a pic. ;)

They actually are only twice the price.

[spyderman]

The SB3 is a spectacular speaker! Are you mixing them with other speakers?

With all that piano black lacquer, you must have a very fancy shop...

Enjoy!

[dorokusai]

2X.....used....excellent price you worked out :)

[RuSsMaN]

39Hz 3db down for a 6.5 in a sealed box?

That's awesome.

Cheers,
Russ

[HBombToo]

Originally posted by RuSsMaN
39Hz 3db down for a 6.5 in a sealed box?

That's awesome.

Cheers,
Russ

My thoughts exactly. I can't believe it.

HBomb

[Zero]

Congrats Jesse.

[smglbrth]

Nice speaker Jesse, it surely is attractive.

[shack]

I've been interested in that speaker for some time now but I haven't been able to find a pair to demo. Your experience matches the reviews others have made. It makes me want to find a pair to listen to even more. Very few AS speakers made anymore.

[Tour2ma]

Sealed or not it's the dimensions and weight of the box that got my attention...

Just this evening I was doing a little reading on the SuperOne XU. A lot of good impressions of them out there as well.

Nice nab, Jesse. Let them out of the basement every once in a while to play upstairs...