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NHT 2.3A vs. NHT 3.3 original model

Just curious to hear if anyone has ever compared these two speakers. I know that the 3.3 has to have much greater bass extension and power, but I'm wondering if there are any significant differences in the midrange and treble, and how the imaging and soundstaging compares between the two models.

By "original model," I mean the 3.3 with the soft-dome tweeters, not the newer metal ones.

I've recognized the fact that I need to upgrade my amplification -- just wondering if I will need to upgrade my speakers in the near future, too, and need to take that into account when buying a new amp, or if the 2.3As will be good enough, so I just have to worry about getting an amp that makes THEM sound as good as possible.

Thanks!

Pat
tsrart
bigtee
803 posts
 
You can't even start to compare these two speakers. There is NO comparison. The 3.3 is in an entirely different class. The 2.3 was a very average speaker for the time.
A realistic comparison would be the 2.3 vs the 2.5 which it still comes out on the loosing end.
tsrart OP
79 posts
 
Bigtee --

Thanks for the input! Unfortunately "there is NO comparison" doesn't really provide any details on where the 2.3As performance is lacking re: the 3.3 (or the 2.5, for that matter).

Since you've obviously heard all three speakers, what did the 3.3 and 2.5 do better than the 2.3A (other than bass)?

Pat
bigtee
803 posts
 
Pat, the 3.3 bettered the 2.3 in every area. The 2.3 is not on the same playing field. The 3.3 is more open, has better highs, has a better midrange and MUCH better bass. The 2.5 is a better speaker than the 2.3. It betters the 2.3 in transparency, midrange definition and bass.
The reason I didn't get more specific is there is actually not a lot there to get specific with. It is a apple vs a grape comparison.
The 3.3 will play much, much louder.
You can go to an old Stereophile (look at their web sight) and read the review on the 3.3. It was a "B" rated speaker. The 2.3 was a poor "D" rated speaker at best. So, think of any audiophile term and the 3.3 betters it!
The 2.3 was one of NHT's initial products. They got a lot better with time.
Yes, I have owned all 3. I still have the 3.3's and the 2.5's in a home theater application.
The only area where the 2.3 betters the 3.3 is it doesn't require as much power to operate.
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