nht sb-3 vs b&w 601

They are both good speakers, but my preference would clearly be for the NHT SB3. The SB3 is a warmer, more musical sounding speaker than the 601. I attribute this to the NHT being an acoustic suspension (sealed box) design, as opposed to the tuned port design of the B&W. I have found that acoustic suspension designs make for tighter, more natural sounding bass. The NHT's go fairly low in bass region. I own a pair of the NHT SB2's that I have paired with a NAD C320 BEE amplifier (and a Music Hall MMF CD25 CD player) and the combination is stunning ... easy, effortless, and highly enjoyable sound. The NHT's also sound good when played at low volumes.

The B&W is slightly more detailed in the treble region than the NHT. Of the moderately priced B&W line, I feel that the 600 series is the best of the bunch. If you like how the "British" sound (neutral midrange, tipped up treble), you will like the B&W's. The B&W's also have a higher sensitivity than the NHT's... so they will play louder with less power.

Regards, , Rich

thanks rar1. rich, you are a font of knowledge. smooth and warm are two of my faves. nht's are the new leaders in the auditonless speaker hunt.
tim

I too prefer the SB3's and for much the same reasons Rar1 stated, so I won't bother repeating all of it. Great speaker at twice the price.

I meant to add ... I purchased both my NAD C320BEE and NHT SB2 when I was recovering from spine fusion surgery (28 screws and one rib now connect from T8 to L4). You owe yourself a gift and few gifts are more rewarding than audio gifts. Knee joint replacement is a real pain ... get well soon.

Regards, Rich