Speakers sound better without grilles?


I've noticed that my NHT SuperOnes subjectively sound better when i remove the grilles. Specifically, the off axis sound from the tweeter seems better. This is most noticeble if i'm sitting in between the speakers very close to the speaker wall (since the speaker drivers aren't pointing directly at me) The highs just sound clearer and brighter. Is this normal? Also, are speakers supposed to have the grilles on or is just for looks?
eighthcircuit

Showing 1 response by cytocycle

My NHT 3.3 sounded way better with the grills off. The older Wilson's were spec'd for listening with the grills off, and the newer Wilsons are voiced with the grills on.

Grills just minimize children from seeing the driver and poking it in! But then again I have had to run off adults for trying to do the same thing.