• The move to the new server is done. There are some software and database maintenance updates in process. This has us passing the hat around to help out. We appreciate any donations. Seriously, even a dollar helps. The payment page may be found here - https://www.audiokarma.org/support.html

NHT 2.5i opinions?

dsd-7

dsd-7

AK Subscriber
Subscriber
Good day everyone, I have a chance to buy a pair of NHT 2.5i speakers for $400 locally. They are in excellent condition. I was wondering if any of you are familiar with this particular speaker and could give me your opinions. I am unsure of NHT 2.1i quality and sound signature. These particular speakers do not seem to be a very common and I'm not sure if this is a deal worth considering. I will be using a McIntosh 2105 amp to power them (105 watts per channel). Thanks in advance for your help.
 
Register to hide this ad
The 2.5i's descended from the SuperTwo's which I have in my main system. To over simplify where the SuperTwo's have a down firing woofer, the 2.5i's have a side firing woofer. The 2.5i's are 3-ways and the front faces are canted inward. The bass is better as it goes down to 29 hZ. My speakers adhere the NHT rep of being a lot of bang for the buck and need to be opened up a little bit to sound good. They aren't very impressive at low volume. I can't say if the price is right, but I recently saw a pair of 2.5i's in a for-profit thrift store for $385 and they were cosmetically only G-VG.
 
Thanks for the info elcoholic. I am trying to find info online, but they seem to be somewhat scarce. Anyone else have these and care to share their opinions/advice?
 
I liked them well enough to own a pair twice. Nice full range sound, with good bottom end. You'll want them out from the wall a bit. Great imaging and w-i-d-e soundstage.
Quite neutral sounding...if a bit dry. Tubes or a warm SS amp make for a very good match. At that price, they will be IMO hard to beat.
Hibuck...
 
Had a pair of 2.5i's a while back, bought from a friend who had bought them new. Nice sounding, but I found them to be excessively lean in the midbass (in two different rooms and different placements), which was why I ended up selling them.
-Mark
 
MarkNC said:
Had a pair of 2.5i's a while back, bought from a friend who had bought them new. Nice sounding, but I found them to be excessively lean in the midbass (in two different rooms and different placements), which was why I ended up selling them.
-Mark
Click to expand...

Thats the first I have heard about the midbass being lacking. Do you remember how much wattage you were powering them with? I have heard they are quite "power hungry". I will be using a McIntosh 2105 and am somewhat concerned that the 105 watts-per-channel may not open them up to their potential.
 
Specs

8" side-firing woofer, 6 1/2" poly midrange, and 1" ferrofluid-cooled aluminum-dome tweeter. Power handing 200 watts max. Fr 29Hz-25kHz +/- 3db; sens 86db; imp 6 ohms. 7x38x15 1/2 inches; Wt. 53lbs. retail $1300 pr. Had a pair back in the 90's. Good bass, very neutral midrange and treble response. Nice speakers. $400 a pair is high IMO
 
I love my 2.5i's. I am running 200 watts per channel to them and they sound nice and clear. They have very nice bass, and the midbass can be lean, but I personally don't like bloated midbass that overpowers the deep bass. I paid just over $1k for mine new in 2000. I would grab them for $400. It probably wouldn't hurt to haggle, but I wouldn't hesitate to pop on $400. I hope this helps.
 
My preferences mirror drewman73's in that lowbass is much more desireable than midbass, which tends to overpower on a lot of speakers. Still awaiting contact back from the seller. I will keep you guys posted. I really appreciate all the info/advice from everyone thusfar.
 
Dont think you can't go wrong with anything NHT, or any other top brand Canada speaker, as had nice facilities availible for development. Many higher end NHT's were always at the top of many audio critic's list.
 
Last edited:
Was using at least 200W per side (forget exactly which amp). Certainly not a bad speaker in any way at all, quite good in many ways; I just didn't care for the leanness.My current Harbeth SHL5's are much different in that respect.
-Mark
 
Renzor213 said:
Dont think you can't go wrong with anything NHT, or any other top brand Canada speaker, as had nice facilities availible for development. Many higher end NHT's were always at the top of many audio critic's list.
Click to expand...

Thanks, Renzor213, that's really nice of you to say! Though I also generally agree with you about the quality of Canadian loudspeakers, NHT has always been a California brand.

-k
 
ken kantor said:
Thanks, Renzor213, that's really nice of you to say! Though I also generally agree with you about the quality of Canadian loudspeakers, NHT has always been a California brand.

-k
Click to expand...
I'll be darned, thanks for the correction. Anyway, you design some really fine speakers Ken. As you already know, many critics agree.
 
I'm not a critic by any stretch, but I really like my SuperTwo's and SubOne for 2 channel listening and likewise in 5.1 with the SuperOnes for rears and the VS 2.4 center.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom