Monitor with sub or Full Range Speakers

Bob,

IMHO, the XD is a terrific system. However, the DEQX processor included
with that set-up doesn't do digital room correction ("DRC") like a
full blown DEQX or the SMS-1 or any of the Audyssey powered alternatives.
It effects crossovers in the digital domain and corrects for some system
misbehaviors, but not for room specific anomalies. If your room happens to
be very good to outstanding, the difference may not be all that great. If it's a
more typical environment, you'll hear the difference.

If you search these forums for "NHT XD" , you'll find discussion of
a vendor selling the subs and sats at very steep discounts. You could add a
full blown DEQX unit (and 4 channels of amplification) and get
the benefits of DRC, albeit for a fair bit more than the current asking price for
a new XD. This "hybridized" XD based system would then provide full range
room correction and execute all x-overs digitally. By contrast, the SMS-1
that I use only treats the bass region, where most of the serious room
problems are found.

Some people will protest that the XD subjects the entire signal to A/D/A
processing, which is true. I've done A/B comparison to test whether this is
audible in my system. I tried my system with my SMS effecting both high
pass for the mains and low pass for the subs - which converts the entire
signal from analog to digital and back again, just like the XD. Then I tried
using an NHT analog high pass filter for the mains with the SMS on-line for
the subs, but completely out of the main signal path. I believe that I heard a
difference, so I stuck with the NHT for high pass. To be clear: any audible
difference was TO MY EAR very slight and one that's certainly pretty benign.
Nonetheless, I got queasy with it. That's why I don't use the high pass in the
SMS-1. I will note that anyone less audio-diseased than me might well
dismiss this objection as "silly". I wouldn't necessarily argue with
that. Some people object to full range A/D/A, others don't - so it's your call.

Marty

Marty,

Thanks for the detailed reply! My room is pretty
forgiving @ 20x20x12 leading into a partially walled
dining/kitchen area.

Have only read about the XD system, and waiting to hear
back from one dealer on shipping, and been in touch
direct with NHT about a set.
Also thinking about (also never heard) a pair of
the Mirage OMD 28's Being sold at over half off
their retail of $7200.

It's a tough decision! But, I cannot help to think that the
NHT as a specifically integrated system cannot be less
than awesome!?

Thanks,
Bob

Rich,

Thanks for the suggestion about full range speakers which I have always owned and for $3,000 I know I could probally find a really good full-range speaker. I was thinking about trying something different as my full range Legacys have been in my system for 10 years.

I recently upgraded my cd player (Cary 306/200) and integrated amp (LSA Signature) and wanted to try a different type of speaker approach. Those two purchase were absolutely great.

Now the speakers, this is a very hard decision because I have lived with a certain sound all of these years and I am taking a chance that I will actually like these.

Pulling the trigger on this or any purchase is difficult because I don't want to do this again for the next 5 years.

How do you just buy and sell and then sell again, it can make you go a little crazy.

Bob & Revrob,

I don't know the Mirage OMD 28, but A'gon'r Johnnyb53 recommends it highly. You might want to e-mail him since that pricing is certainly aggressive. With the discount it fits both your budgets, as well.

I've heard the XD in 3 different rooms (2 NHT dealers and a furniture?! store) and it sounded good all 3 times. The XD is a very fine system and, given the current pricing, a good value (and I suspect that Mirage is probably, as well). Both systems, however, will be limited by the room.

Marty

PS If NHT stays out of business, you might want to make sure that you're comfortable buying a a complex, idiosyncratic system like the XD. Not suggesting you shouldn't be comfortable, just food for thought.

Martykl,

I read one of the review for the Mirage and the review stated that when he inserted the DK Integrated amp in place of the Simaudio I-7 the bass sounded boomy and he would not recommend the speakers with this amp.

Seeing that I own the next version of the amp, LSA Signature, it may not be a good fit. Also I am only looking for 2 channel stereo, this set-up will not be a part of home theater.

Thanks for the info. If I was looking at HT I would gives these some consideration.