Now Hear This


I've been lookiing for low priced floorstanders for quite a while now. Thank you to everyone who has given advice in the past.
A local guy has a pair of NHT 2.5i that are actually in my price range. I've read all the info on the web and now need your help again. I'm thinking I can get a pretty good pair of speakers and stay within my budget. They are lightly used in great condition, $400.
Are these worth checking out? I can audition them but they aren't just across town, so I don't want to waste my time.
Can someone tell me about the sound. I know these are gorgeous, light maple colored sycamore with cream grills, and that isn't even considering their inherent cool shape.
Should I be turned off by that side firing sub? I never liked that but I really don't know why.
I have an Onkyo 805 receiver 130wts. I also have a def tech sub.
Quick opinions appreciated as they will probably sell fast.
Thanks
griffinconst
I can't comment on the PSB's BUT I do know that if you like the B&W sound you will NOT be happy with the NHT's.The NHT's are fairly nuetral from the midbass DOWN,but the critical midrange has a pronouced bump,the highs are VERY sharp & they need a lot of power to sing.If you buy them be carefull with system matching.Mid- fi receivers,cheap cables,etc..should be avoided at all costs.Think NAD or the latest Marantz offerings with Audioquest cables.A better path at your budget would be a gently used set of B&W DM 602s or Quad 11L's from Agon or search the net for a good deal on a new pair of Wharfedale EVO2-10's(about $400.00 delivered).As a matter of fact there's a pair of last seasons EVO 20 floorstanders for sale here that are a great buy(under $400.00 delivered,warm & detailed with decent bass)).Hope this helps.
I would say that PSB speakers are generaly warmer than NHT.

I'd agree with Rbstehno, who found the Totem sound less fatiguing than NHT. I find PSB somewhat warmer than Totem.
I'm a fan of NHT speakers from that era. I think Ken Kantor was around during that time. I still use the SuperZeros and SuperOnes I bought in 1995, and I've always wanted a pair of 2.5s even though I don't have an application for them.

Give 'em a try. You can always sell them on A'goN if they don't float your boat.
I too am a fan of the Ken Kantor era NHT speakers. I always found them a pleasure to hear. They were not kind to less than outstanding associated gear.

Wendell