ADS HT 300 5.25" 2 Way AudioPhile Bookshelf
By: ADS Average Rating: 4.0 Total Reviews: 1
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 On: 2007-10-26
FIRST: SEE MY CUSTOMER IMAGES TO SEE THE REAL HT300S. THE SPEAKERS SHOWN ARE FOR THE CENTER CHANNEL.
Auditioning these speakers in my 2.1 system - (yes Im a minimalist no 5.1 here less is better to me) - Auditioning was made all the more difficult because I only received 1 speaker from the shipper. No problem. So, after receiving both speakers (happily) and breaking them in listening to the Japanese Release of Stings Sacred Love CD I must say I am torn between giving these speakers 3 or 4 stars.
I say that because it is a personal prefrence as to what is most important to you, the listener. If you are looking for a speaker that will blend into your small to medium sized room and you dont mind slightly thin but tight, quick and responsive bass then these speakers are for you. (perfect if you live in an apartment) And, if you are into laser flat frequency response then these speakers are for you too.
As I listen to these speakers, I am awed by the clarity of the vocals. Sting is a good middle ground to test for male and female vocals, since he sings in falsetto. These speakers give a guitar life and realism!
The ADS HT300s have a unique feature in the faceplate next to the tweeter. There is a switch, which the manufacturer claims boosts the trebble about 3db. Again, 3 or 4 stars? Well, definately 4 stars here. Those of us who like crisp highs that are not too overpowering and those of us who like highs that are crisp and slightly accentuated by 3db will both be happy here too. The Highs are natural and not strained.
Then I turn towards the fact that the HTs have a fairly low power rating. Now, if you are planning to add a subwoofer and cross these speakers over at 60-100 hz, this probably with power wont be a problem.
As a stand alone speaker system, the speakers tend to make a slapping noise when not crossed over. This means they have reached their physical limit.
So, how does one partially eliminate this effect? Easily. If you have your computer or system with an equalizer, try reducing the lowest octave. On Windows Media Player that means the 31hz slider. Reducing the lowest octaves reduces the strain on the amplifier and speakers. This renders a taught clean, and I mean CLEAN bass. A fairly easy fix. Most small speakers exibit these same power handling characteristics. So, if you are concerned about this, go for the $800/pr NHT Classic 3s.
The woofers are made of a copolymer. In my experience, speakers made with poly materials exibit terrific response in the low to upper midrange. No exception here. The HTs blend seamlessly with the 1 inch dome tweeters, which by the way, radiate excellently no matter where you sit. There is no missing information musically here.
Now on to the encloisures. Estruded Aluminum. Definately 4 stars here. The HTs are deffinately well damped inside. Aluminum exibits no resoonance in the critical, low mid and upper bass. The resonant frequency of aluminum is much higher than that of wood. The HTs had no coloration in the bass or mids found normally in speakers constructed of wood. Tap the sides of these units and you can feel the solidity. And, the sheer weight of these speakers is surprising to say the least.
Then, there are metal grills that protect the precious drivers in the cabinet. This is great if you have small children. These can be removed with a tool supplied in the box or with a bent paperclip carefully inserted into one of the tiny holes in the metal grill. Personally, I think they sound better when they are off.
To sum it all up. if you are looking for a great natural sounding speaker for you r 2.1, 5.1 or 10.1 surround system. (Yes manufacturers have 10.1 systems out there now PHEW!) I dont think you can go wrong here. Especially with the price. But, dont forget the subwoofer unless you have neighbors!
The HT300s well deserve 4 STARS!
I had much trouble finding these speakers anywhere on the web. As of this writing Oct 2007 these speakers were discontinued by ADS. Grab them up quick! They might be totally gone soon.
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