HTM1D or HTM2D with 802Ds

[Aussie Geoff]

Hi,

I was asked the following by EAmin in a PM and thought my answer worth sharing so that others could contribute their opinions...

Hey Aussie! I finally made the move and am upgrading to 802Ds. I have a down payment on them, but need to wait until I pay Uncle Sam first (i.e., taxes). I read one of your posts on the comparison you did on the HTM2D and the HTM1D --- it was some time last year. I'm curious if you think going to the HTM1D is going to be a good move. Never heard it. Mind you, I'm coming from the worst series - 700 series as far as Center channels go with the HTM7. So I want to take this center channel decision very seriously. New, the HTM2D is $4K, but if I wait for a used one to come on the market, I may be able to get for six. Not much more. I'd be driving my 802ds with 1090 and the center with one channel on my 1095 for now until I can get a second 1090 or another set of amps up front.

This is a tough one as it is your money... Let me give you some impressions from memory

The HTM1Ds are imposing and ugly. you really notice the Marlin head...

The HTM2Ds sound the same as the 802D for treble, but more like the 803D for midrange (not a surprise given the FST is in a wooden enclosure not the marlin head. What's different is the boxyness of the 803S is there (major to me not so bad to many ears - as some love the 803D)

The HTM1Ds have near idential midrange and treble to the 802Ds and similar imaging... The bass is good (surprisingly so) but not as startlingly subwoofer like as the 802Ds - I'd guess it is good down to 40 Hz though...

I could live easily with the HTM2D for a centre - it is one of the best out there. However once you have heard the HTM1D and the extra clarity of the midrange - if you can fit it in and afford it there is no doubts that it is a better match for the 802Ds...

To decide without hearing them - I suggest you carefully compare the 802D and 803Ds sound. If (like many) you find the difference minor - save your money and get the HTM2D... If, like me and a number of people I know, you find the 802D a major step up from the 803D - then I'm afraid you need the HTM1D. I wish I had one!

Hope this helps

Geoff

[Djas_Puhr]

Thanks for the info Geoff,

I've noticed that not many people go for the idea of having three 802D's across the front channels. Is this because the 802D is too tall and would be a limiting factor for screen height/size? Is the lack of magnetic shielding a concern?

It seems to me that, sonically speaking, having the three fronts be made up of the same speakers would be ideal. Plus, it just looks fantastic!

Mj

[Kal Rubinson]

Thanks for the info Geoff,

I've noticed that not many people go for the idea of having three 802D's across the front channels. Is this because the 802D is too tall and would be a limiting factor for screen height/size? Is the lack of magnetic shielding a concern?

That's what I have but......... I have no screen. They're just for music. :T

Kal

[Indytown]

Kal, what do you think of the Mac 501's driving 802D or 800's. Ever heard the combo. -Indy

[wkhanna]

Hey Kal!

I just want to say how great it is to have someone of your stature, (as in professional audio journalism) as an active member here. You are a very brave man! But this is THE site, IMHO.

Anyway, I am more than intrigued with your concept of a L, C, R configuration for music listening. This was something I remember that became very popular years ago (say about15) when I spent some time dabbling in car audio.

Do you use this setup for what would normally be a 2-ch stereo arrangement?

This is a configuration, three identical front speakers, for music listening (my personal priority over the 5.1 system I am patiently assembling) that I have been curious about. Until now nobody has brought the subject up. As I am currently preparing to upgrade my ‘front end’, and it was an option I was considering, I would greatly appreciate any thoughts, experience or advise you may be willing to offer.

TIA

[Kal Rubinson]

Kal, what do you think of the Mac 501's driving 802D or 800's. Ever heard the combo. -Indy

Never heard the combo.

Kal

[Kal Rubinson]

Anyway, I am more than intrigued with your concept of a L, C, R configuration for music listening. This was something I remember that became very popular years ago (say about15) when I spent some time dabbling in car audio.

Do you use this setup for what would normally be a 2-ch stereo arrangement?

Yes. Most of the time, with stereo source material, I just use the L/R. The C and surrounds are used for multichannel sources. I've dabbled with a derived center but, while it does nice things in my other system, if doesn't seem worth it here.

Kal

[jericho]

I'm driving a pair of 800D with Mac's 1201's and the HTM-1D with a Mcintosh 501.The processor is an MX-135 from Mac.I'm like the sound and compared with Krell and Classé.It's a question of taste you like!!!

[caleb]

Just to reinforce Geoff's comment - I heard the HTM1 along with 802ds at the launch in Cape Town.

In the second hearing there was the HTM2 with 802Ds.

Both systems had the same "front end" so the difference was only the centre.

In truth, the difference is noticeable, but: -

a) at a huge price difference
b) at a huge SIZE difference.

IMHO the HTM1 would best best suited to the 800Ds in a very large room.

Dont get me wrong though - the HTM2 was a very good speaker indeed.

[misterdoggy]

I'm driving a pair of 800D with Mac's 1201's and the HTM-1D with a Mcintosh 501.The processor is an MX-135 from Mac.I'm like the sound and compared with Krell and Classé.It's a question of taste you like!!!

Jericho,

I've got a good swiss friend who has the same amps and speakers as you with a krell hts7.1 and revel 15a sub (eq correction).

How do you like the Mac 1201's. My friend switched from krell fpb400cx to the 1201's and said he didn't notice a difference, only the Mac's were sexier looking.

I've got his fpb400cx with a pair od 802d's and htm2d. The 802d's didn't sing for me until I got a devoted preamp for stereo music (pass labs x-1)

It really makes sense that the htm1d would fit in better with the 800d, 801d and 802d because they have the same top setup.

However, I ONLY use the center with HT and so matching is of little consequence. In fact, I would be just as happy with 804S' all around for HT and keep stereophonics apart in another realm.

2 systems in the perfect world. I mean even the top end Processor's can't beat a devoted preamp. Maybe the New Krell Evo 707 or something, but thats a lot of wood.

I've got a lexicon 12bv5 and even for a $10k processor it couldn't compare witht he pass labs x-1 preamp for stereophonic sounds.