Monitor with sub or Full Range Speakers

Blindjim,

At the risk of dating myself, I last swam in the sub/sat pool in the 1970's -Kef Corellis w/ an M&K sub- and climbed out due to dangerous surf conditions. I just never got it to sound right.

I spent the next 25 years in the full range pool, using very high quality examples from Merlin, Verity, Maggie, and SF, among others. I only waded back into the sub/sat waters last year - and even then I had no intention of taking this approach for my main 2 channel system.

I have now discovered how effective the current digital PEq units are. They not only "fix" the room, but allow a much better shot at seamless integration between subs and sats. In the last few years, the game has fundamentally changed for sub/sat users. True, there are digitally controlled full range units out there, but none (that I know of) at the OPs stated budget.

Just wanted to clarify that the debate also continues from some who dipped much more than a toe in both pools.

Marty

I guess I should add that all that is just MHO.

Marty

Marty,

I'm looking at the NHT XD system with two subs. What
do you think??

Thanks,
Bob

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