bookshelf to floorstanding-real upgrade?


I have 3 month old NHT sb3's that replaced Paradigm Titans. Much better sound, especially bass. Also, have great metal stands which make a big difference. I can still trade my Titans on floorstanding Paradigms-monitor 5's. I wonder if this is really the an upgrade & whether the Paradigms will be much better. I won't be able to bring my NHT's when I listen to the 5's & I can't bring the 5's back (200 miles). I thought the Titans were great until I bought the sb'3s...I have a small apartment and maybe I should just relegate the Titans to a backup system..any advice?
dla405j

Showing 1 response by loose

Let me tell you...and please listen...

first and foremost, I suspect that the Paradigms won't do it for you. NHT, in general, makes much more realistic sounding speakers than Paradigm (paradigm fans, don't crucify me).

Now, back to your actual question...as was mentioned already, bigger is not always better. I had a pair of nht 1.3a's and a pair of nht 2.5i's. I recently purchased a Unico integrated to run the 2.5i's. My room is about 14.5x11 or so...

When i connected the unico to the 2.5i's, it sounded great (although i have always felt that they were too much for the room). The other day, i put my 1.3a's up for sale and when the guy came to see them, i hooked them up to the unico (same room). Wouldn't you know it? They sounded AMAZING in my room with that int. amp. They simply complimented the room much, MUCH better than my much larger and more expensive 2.5i's. So, again, matching is of utmost importance (matching components/ matching speakers to room)

This was proof enough to me that bigger is not always better. (this is something i keep trying to tell my girlfriend too!! hahah).

I'm seriously thinking about getting into some higher quality monitors at this point. I think that my setup/ room could really benefit from them. (I sort of got locked into selling my NHT's ....and yes, i regret it now)