NHT speakers?

[sbasaman]

I am looking setting up my first home theater system and I am looking for opinions about NHT speakers. Specifically, I am looking at the SB1's for front and rear, SC1 for center and SW10 for sub. These will be used with either a Yamaha HTR-5860, the Harman Kardon AVR 335 or a Pioneer VSX-1015TX. They're going into a small-to-medium sized apartment living room and will be used about 60% for music and 40% for movies/television.

I just want to know what people's experiences have been with these speakers and if there are any other center speakers or subwoofers in the same price range I should take a look at to pair with the SB1's. Also, I still haven't completely ruled out a home theater speaker system (the NHT speakers are, quite frankly, WAY more than I originally wanted to spend) so if anyone has any good suggestions for home theater speaker sets under $600, I'd love to read those as well.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Shadow_Ferret]

Have you listened to the NHTs? I mean, I can tell you my experience with them when I auditioned a set of SB1s, but the fact that I was impressed doesn't necessarily mean you would be too.

 

[MacManNM]

I don't know about the NHT's of today, they used to be really good units. As far as units under $600, BIC and Athena are both pretty darn good. I like BIC's that's just my opinion though. Go listen to those NHT's, if you like them, get them, you only live once.

 

[sbasaman]

Have you listened to the NHTs? I mean, I can tell you my experience with them when I auditioned a set of SB1s, but the fact that I was impressed doesn't necessarily mean you would be too.

I have listened to the SB1's but not the other components (SC1 and SW10) and was totally blown away. Which is why I'm interested in the set.

 

[furrycute]

I would at least step up to the SB2, or the SB3. The woofer on the SB1 is way too small to produce any appreciable bass. That makes integration with a sub very difficult.

I have read reviews that say the NHT subs are very good, but I have not heard them personally.

I have owned a pair of SB3's in the past. I would have to say that they produce an amazing amount of bass for a pair of bookshelvs. But my floorstanders (Infinity Kappa 400) beat them hands down in terms of detail and imaging.

 

[j_garcia]

I'd agree with that, I'd definitely try to step up to the SB2 at least if possible; with a decent sub, they will be great. I prefer the M5 and M6, but they are about 2x the price of the SBs. They just released the new "classic" line as well, those may be worth looking into, though not sure about pricing yet.

For the SBs, check www.ac4l.com Since you like these guys, I would highly recommend you also give the Mordaunt Short 902 or 912 a listen. Both the SBs and the Mordaunts have free shipping right now.

I'd skip the 1015 and go with the H/K or a Marantz unit. Also at AC4L, they have the Marantz 7400 new in box for $699.

 

[patnshan]

NHT 1's are too small for mains IMHO. I think 6 1/2 inch woofers for main are minimum, except in certain cases (great speakers, have heard great thins about alegria audio lings which are 5 inchers).

Take a look over at AVSforums. The chief engineer of NHT posts over there and may be able to comment on your plan.

Pat

 

[Lincoln]

I have 4 SB3s and an M6 for center (drivers match the SB3 better then the SC2) and an old SW2Pi sub (similar to SW10). I love the SB3s and with proper placement (away from walls and on rigid stands) these little 16lb speakers not only look great but sound much much better then their price would suggest. Compared to my vintage Celestion SL6Si setup the SB3s are close. They don't quite disappear like the Celestions but they are more involving and slightly more forward, which to me makes them sound more "real". Compared to the B&W 601S3 I have in another room the NHTs are just plain better in every way but they do retail for 25%+ more. I loved the SB2 but wanted the extended bass on the SB3, now I can shut off my sub when I listen at night and still have decent bass without disturbing the neighbors.

 

[corey]

If you're still considering HTIB, an Onkyo system might work. I saw in another thread that someone found one on close-out for $200 something - receiver, speakers & sub! Keep in mind that it's a lot less system than you're talking about with NHT & one of the receivers you mentioned.

One way to keep the cost down on a higher quality system is to concentrate on the receiver, front & center speakers. Look for used/inexpensive sub & surounds. Later, if you feel the need, you can upgrade the sub & surounds, or perhaps get new fronts & move the ones you have to the back.