I purchased the CDM 9NT loudspeakers within the last two months as part of my first full system upgrade in 17 years (time to get rid of the old college stuff). I have been extremely pleased with the detail, imaging, and clarity of the sound. I was recently able to make an interesting near A/B comparison using live chamber music. I attended a performance by a string quartet and purchased a well recorded (incl. HDCD) CD by the same musicians at the show. Less than ten minutes later, I was at home listening closely to some of the very same compositions on the NT's. The reproduced sound was accurate and clear; I was especially impressed by the articlulation in the highs. On other well recorded CD's and LP's, I have noted very nice handling of sound across a wide dynamic range. Acoustic bass and low cello notes are distinct (e.g., Meyer, Hayden), plucked strings are crisp and decay well (e.g., Fleck-Perpetual Motion, Tales From Acoustic Planet), and violin solo is remarkably clear (e.g., Hahn's Barber and Myer concertos). Less well recorded CD's are exposed by these speakers. I noted an interesting trend in 1980's recordings by the Pat Metheney Group. Through 1984 (First Circle), the recordings are a bit bright with respect to high cymbal notes, but by the latter part of the decade, the recordings were much better balanced. I did note that the same studio was used, but the engineer was different by then.
I have found these speakers to be somewhat sensitive to placement. The user guide comments on placement effects on bass response; however, I have also noted changes in treble (and midrange to a smaller degree) with placement. Large, reflective objects between the speakers seem to limit the soundstage and imaging to some degree, and increase percieved brightness unless the speakers are placed forward. I noticed the same trend while auditioning at dealers. At one dealer, the speakers were part of a dedicated audion setup; at another, several other pairs of speakers were in a line. I found the latter less than ideal, so I advise some caution when A/B comparing speakers placed side by side.
I have not had any trouble with the finish-they look nice.
I have found these speakers to be somewhat sensitive to placement. The user guide comments on placement effects on bass response; however, I have also noted changes in treble (and midrange to a smaller degree) with placement. Large, reflective objects between the speakers seem to limit the soundstage and imaging to some degree, and increase percieved brightness unless the speakers are placed forward. I noticed the same trend while auditioning at dealers. At one dealer, the speakers were part of a dedicated audion setup; at another, several other pairs of speakers were in a line. I found the latter less than ideal, so I advise some caution when A/B comparing speakers placed side by side.
I have not had any trouble with the finish-they look nice.