what's my problem?

Maybe around 1000USD or so...give or take...willing to look at used speakers...

lists of monitors anyone? (i think monitors would be better for me than floor standers)

well, the speakers have been pulled out into the room as much as they can be. No room to pull them out any farther. I have another pair of cables that i could try...the MIT Tmax one wire (i think that's its name)...not sure if they're any better. Any suggestions on reasonably priced interconnects that might fit the bill?

Speaker stands are irrelevant (floor standing speakers)

As far as the amp is concerned, I'm not sure what to say. From what i've read, it's capable of running even fairly difficult loads (dealer mentioned this also). Further, it has had such high praise by people in the audio world that I cannot see it being at fault (although i could be gravely mistaken).

Further, despite the ratings of the NHT's, I have been told (by the dealer) that they are an easy drive. At one point, he tried to sell me an Alchemist Nexus integrated (i think it's rated at 35w/ch). He claimed that this would drive them properly. I would hate to have to ditch the amp as it's brand new (and was tough to find in my area)

At one point, i had a Roksan Kandy mkIII rated at 120w/ch driving them... didn't do as good a job as the Unico. Would the Simaudio I 5 fare any better? Should I go with separates? (ie higher power amp/ separate preamp)

should i keep the amp and find some smaller speakers that might match up more synergistically with the Unico?

After so many years of playing with audio equipment, I seem to have lost my way...(and my mind)

i'm in audio hell.

well, i'm no fan of triangle speakers (there is just something that is not 'uniform' about their sound)...

NHT 2.5i's are not meant to be against the wall b/c unlike their bigger brothers, they are ported.

If you guys think the Unico is worth keeping, what do you consider to be a good match to them? I was thinking about Epos M12's.

Any suggestions?

thanks again...

steve

Rsbeck,

thanks for your advice regarding cables etc. I, too, believe that the cable issue (while not completely irrelevant and without merit) is somewhat overrated.
don't get me wrong...i believe cables are important...but I really don't think they can change the fundamentals of my system.

I will try different tubes, though...that's for sure. I understand that they can make a REAL difference in the sound by opening up the midrange, adding clarity, more extended highs and tighter bass...I'm just not sure if it's as minor a change as , say, cables are.

Now , regarding NHT's...I've been a fan of NHT since they first came out. I believe they can sound fantastic in the proper setup. I'm not convinced that the 2.5i's are the greatest of NHT's acheivements, though. And i'm not convinced that the Unico is the best of matches for them (not discrediting the unico in any way)

So, where does that leave me? I believe it leaves me looking for new speakers...

you know, i would really hate the audio game if i didn't love it so much...

steve