Favorite Speakers

[Ratamahatta 437]

1 hour ago, PhilDent said:

I was drawn to the Carver world because of its power to dollar ratio. I am drawn to speakers that exhibit that same ratio. Of course one could buy 100k+ speakers that are mind blowing. But I can also buy $600 that knock my socks off. At the moment I'm absolutely loving my NHT 2.9 speakers. Value for the dollar I can't imagine that I could get much better.

That's one reason I enjoy this hobby is finding bargains. I could not enjoy it as much knowing I probably paid too much. I had a set of NHT 3.3's and loved them. Unfortunately they did not work in my new house and I sold them.  Before I sold them I made some of the foam anti diffraction foam strips for them. Then I sold a bunch of sets, just about enough to pay for the 3.3's 

[PhilDent 1,962]

1 hour ago, Ratamahatta said:

  Before I sold them I made some of the foam anti diffraction foam strips for them.

Tell me more about these foam anti diffraction strips. What do they look like? Where are they placed, etc.

[Ratamahatta 437]

9 hours ago, PhilDent said:

Tell me more about these foam anti diffraction strips. What do they look like? Where are they placed, etc.

NHT put these on most of their speakers to reduce diffraction on the front baffle. Mine were shot as most are, the foam deteriorates over time. Nobody makes them so I set out to make some that did not look homemade,  After I made these I got tons of requests for them. I started to make and sell them on e-bay. Even the parts guy ar NHT was sending people my way but eventually it died down and I just quit selling them.  I did notice a difference without them on at all, subtle but just a bit harsh on the top end. The 2.9 were the same on the front speakers as the 3,3's.  I went looking for photos and actually found the listing for my old speakers.   https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649321123-nht-33-hard-to-find-audiophile-home-speakers/images/1406617/   

 

Edited April 17, 2020 by Ratamahatta

[PhilDent 1,962]

The 2.9s that I picked up for @Daddyjt had these foam strips on them. They definitely look aftermarket - maybe your handiwork?

Edited April 17, 2020 by PhilDent

[Ratamahatta 437]

They could be, that is the same foam I used. 

[PrISM 148]

Kinda disappointed in this thread. There needs to be more pictures!

[Daddyjt 9,612]

9 minutes ago, PrISM said:

Kinda disappointed in this thread. There needs to be more pictures!

 

 

 

 

 

 

[AndrewJohn 10,451]

@Daddyjt Now that's real bragging rights..., and the proof to back it up!

[PhilDent 1,962]

I have had the pleasure to audition most of those speakers in @Daddyjt's exceptional setup, and I also have the pleasure to enable him to add this specimen to his already impressive collection.

[Daddyjt 9,612]

Can’t wait brother - can’t wait....

 

As soon as this virus crap is over, don’t be shocked when you hear a knock on the door...:-)

[johnrotten 1,092]

The U-351 on the left has been with me the longest and as such tops the AT-15 as my fave.

[PhilDent 1,962]

1 hour ago, Daddyjt said:

don’t be shocked when you hear a knock on the door...:-)

Never shocked...but always prepared. I will just need to double check that the unanticipated knock on my door is not the result of an unconstitutional federal/state power grab. 😉.

 

BTW, your speakers sound awesome!

[PrISM 148]

[Ratamahatta 437]

My fav bookshelf, Zaph audio SR 71 in custom cabinets I built with piano black finish and minimal baffle, current main listening room set up.  The Sony ES SS M7's and NHT 3.3's. GR research Encores were my 1st attempt at the SR 71 cabinets. The SR 71 and some Solstice speakers I put together did the veneer built the cross overs and piano black front baffle. And last but not least the Quad Z-4 in my main HT rig. All these are my favs and I still have all except the NHT 3.3's  

Edited April 18, 2020 by Ratamahatta

[4krow 6,590]

Good lord, another speaker builder! I have to straighten up my according to the photos you've shown. Spectacular looking results must be followed by great sound, no? Got any photos of the builds? Ever built folded horn designs?

[Ratamahatta 437]

10 hours ago, 4krow said:

Good lord, another speaker builder! I have to straighten up my according to the photos you've shown. Spectacular looking results must be followed by great sound, no? Got any photos of the builds? Ever built folded horn designs?

I've got a ton of photos,  Been building since I was 12? Did a bunch of car audio subwoofers and custom installs BITD but completely out of that. I built some home subwoofers and these,  DIY is about the best value in audio these days. They all sound magnificent for the price paid and work done, the Solstice especially.  

Edit: I never have built a folded horn but am curious. 

Edited April 18, 2020 by Ratamahatta