Hometheaterdirect.com Level Three Speakers. Reviews? (1 Viewer)

[Captain Spaulding]

I'm having a tough time finding any relatively current reviews on the HTD Level 3 speakers. Specifically, I'm considering the bookshelf and center channel speakers. Does anyone have any first-hand experience with these speakers?
Thanks!

 

[Wayne Ernst]

To my ears, the upper frequencies were too recessed with these speakers. I don't desire a bright speaker, but I do appreciate detail so that I can hear the music clearly. With the HTD Level 3s, the sound was a bit too muffled for my ears.

Instead, I opted for the Infinity Beta 20s and C360 center channel - only to replace them with other speakers, too.

The build quality of the HTD speakers is quite good. I just wish the frequency response was a bit more lively as I'd have no issue buying them again - and keeping them this time, if that were the case.

 

[Captain Spaulding]

Thank you, Wayne. That's just the kind of information I was hoping to receive. I think I'll eventually give the Hsu bookshelf/center channel speakers a try. They have a similar design with a horn tweeter and have received many excellent reviews.

 

[Wayne Ernst]

Horn and ribbons, when it comes to tweeters are quite different. I'm sure the ribbons in the HTD speakers wouldn't be all that bad if someone were to spend a bit of time tweaking the crossover. The HSU speakers have received some mixed reviews. However, with almost any Internet speaker vendor, you have the option of being able to return the speakers. Trying some out in your home might not be such a bad idea. The down side to is paying the shipping to return them. HTD sent me the return labels when I decided to return the speakers.

 

[Brian D H]

I'm not sure I can help much because I own the previous version of the Level III bookshelves and center (with the dome, not the ribbon tweeter).

I can tell you that they are a great company to deal with, good build quality and attractive finishes for the price (I got the cherry). The sound (which may be similar with the new tweeter) is on the warm side, but I couldn't be happier. I also think they have really good imaging. There are better speakers out there, but not for the price (IMHO). Also, the Level III bookshelves are bigger than they look in the photos - take careful measurements if space is a consideration. However, since they are front-ported you may be able to get them closer to a wall if you have to (HTD says you can hang them). My previous speaker (which I had returned) was way too bright - not surprising since Yamaha is not known for great speakers.