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NHT 3.3 or Mirage M1Si?

Hi. I want to upgrade my speakers (and eventually all my other components..) and I'm considering these 2 (yeah I know, they are very different) models. I'm looking on the used market and I want a killer deal for around $1500 to $2000 US used (erm, around $4000 to $6000 at retail price I guess). I want a full range speaker that can offer detailed highs, liquid mids and abysmal bass. That can be enjoyed at low levels but also at high (ground shaking?) levels. I know that at this price range I can't find a perfect speaker but I want to do a major step up from my Polk RTA11TL speakers (around $1000 early 90s). I listen to all sort of music (from Bach to Metal) and might consider to build a home theater from there...later.

I will power them accordingly (200w-300w) after having choosen my main speakers. And should move to a bigger place in the next years so these factors are of less importance for now. As for my other upstream components since I intend to swap them for better at some point.

I would like advises from peoples who have heard these two speakers, and what pros and cons you have noticed between these two. If you want to suggest me another model that you think is even better (for the same budget) fell free to do so.

Thanx for all inputs.

note: I have already read all the reviews I could find on the net about these 2 models and have a lot of infos on the NHT 3.3, but I dont have as much infos on the Mirage M1Si and no idea if there is one that is really better than the other...

Jolan
jolan
spsweet1960
1 posts
 
HI, I had a pair of NHT 3.3 speakers and they sounded awesome with a pair of PS Audio mono blocks, as they did it all from highend to bass response. They where very detailed, but I had problems with them as the tweeter in the right speaker kept going out. I sent them back to NHT three times as they put in a new tweeter twice and a crossover once but they were never the same. Don't get me wrong they were awesome and maybe I just got a bad pair. I hope this may have hepled you. I would try to listen to both and go from there.
sogood51
2,157 posts
 
Loose is right on the money about both of these speaker systems sound, I may have used different words to describe each speakers over-all sound...but my meaning would pretty much be the same so I agree with him...EXCEPT, different strokes for different folks, I like the darker sounding Mirage over the NHT's.

Dave
mystang
74 posts
 
I have owned a pair of 3.3 for 8 years never had a problem at all with them. Every time I upgrade front end componets these speakers sound better Loose covered there sound and you have read the reviews. I have been considering replacement speakers but ever time I audition other speakers I find it hard to change I still have my NHT 3.3 The one thing I wish they did is present ihe sound stage a little higher.Even tiping them backwards with the spikes does not get them to present the stage above the top of the speakers.At used prices you get a lot of speaker and one that is easy to place.I now have a BAT VK 200 amp 100watt and they have a great synegry with these speakers. Good Listening
onhwy61's avatar
onhwy61
5,235 posts
 
From your description of what type of sound you want the NHT 3.3 is the better choice. Though there is a caveat, they won't sound real "liquid". As stated by others above, the NHTs require plenty of high quality watts and a lot of attention to placement. They're not perfect, but I think the NHTs are one of the great bargains in high end audio.
ender's avatar
ender
20 posts
 
I've owned 3.3s for 4 years. They still bring a joy to my face everytime I sit down, turn down the lights, and listen to my favorite tunes. The 3.3s do benefit as the electronics get better. Just get a good 200+ wpc amp like the Aragon 8008BB (~1200 used on audiogon/ebay) to drive them well and control the bass. You can vary how much liquidity your system has by changing the preamp and source. A tube preamp will add all the liquidity you need (ie, Rogue Magnum 66).
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