2. amps-preamps
  3. 1050798009

what's my problem?

here's my scoop:

I have a pair of NHT 2.5i's
rotel rcd 971 transport
MSB link DACIII
Unison Research Unico

I'm not getting the clarity or the air i was hoping for. I picked up the integrated last week, and i figured I'd give it warm up time and some break-in. Not sure what's going on. It HAS started sounding better...smoother...but it just isn't giving me the extension that i want, nor is it giving me the midrange clarity that i expected...

What do you guys think my weak spot is? I'm starting to think it might be the speakers. Perhaps i've simply outgrown the NHT sound. Further, my speakers are a little large for my room which translates to a fairly boomy sound. (The setup sounded better with the smaller NHT 1.3a's that i owned up until recently)

I have heard nothing but good things concerning the Unico, so i'm fairly certain it is not the problem. My front end is decent too (I've heard it in various setups and always sounded good).

Speaker cable is Audioquest type 4 (crap) and interconnects are Monster interlink 400 (also crap). The monster could be one of the causes of the problem.

Also, i have the stock tubes in the unit. Would a change of tubes reap an astonishing change?

HEELLLLPP!!! i'm going crazy!!!

thanks guys,

Steve
loose
mtbrider
150 posts
 
I definitely don't think the Unico is your problem. You admit that the speakers overpower the room with bass energy. The Unico actually is rated to deliver 120w into 4 ohms, so it has plenty of "juice" for the NHT's. You provide your own answer, in part, when you say the 1.3's sounded better. I agree that cable changes are in order, as well as an upgraded power cord. But, those changes may not be able to ameliorate what seems to be a basic room/speaker mismatch. Stick with the Unico...I use it with Meadowlark Swift's and find that the combination is wonderful!Gerry
marakanetz's avatar
marakanetz
5,473 posts
 
NHT is crap but not type 4.
triangle celius is the best match for unico as was demoed in many ces and dealer demo rooms.
rbrowne
175 posts
 
First, you should allow 200 hours of break-in time with the Unico. You can also bypass the protection circuitry by moving the jumpers to their alternate positions which will result in a slightly more transparent and dynamic presentation. Choice of 12AU7 tubes makes a big difference with the Unico. The stock tubes (Philips 5814a) are a bit soft sounding. You want ones with an open and detailed midband. I've found that in the context of the rest of my system, Telefunkens work the best for me. Many people like the Mullard CV4003. Contact Kevin Deal at Upscale Audio as he is both a well regarded NOS tube dealer and Unico dealer. I'm sure he can give you tube recommendations and other tips on how to tailor the sound to your taste.
jdlepera's avatar
jdlepera
234 posts
 
Do you have cones/points under your speakers?
garfish
1,840 posts
 
I've not owned NHT speakers but did research them at one time, and the 3.3 and 2.9 models were designed to be placed against the wall (don't specifically know about the 2.5is). Also, as noted by Blkdr above, these speakers need a good stout amp to properly drive them. If you put them against the wall and it cleans up the bass, that may produce improved mid-range clarity and more "airy" treble. Good Luck. Craig
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