NHT SuperZero 2.0 in 3.1 setup

[davy12]

I am looking for 3.1 setup and considering NHT superzero 2.0

Denon 1911 receiver and room size is 13*19 and finish 3.1 setup in less than $500.

1. what is the corresponding center to use wit superzero 2.0 ? Can we use another superzero as an center ? or should I get the "Absolute Center Channel" Speaker

2. Since I do not have a huge budget, I was looking at BIC f12 sub does superzero go well with Superzero2.0 ?

3. how does superzero compare to Energy CB-5, CB-10 or Jamos C403 ?

which would you recommend amongst these or others?

thanks.

 

[zieglj01]

I would not use a Bic sub with the SuperZero speakers.
I would try to stretch the budget and look at the Emotiva
Ultra 10 sub.
http://emotiva.com/ultra_sub10.shtm

 

[davy12]

Thanks zieglj01

1. what is your recommendation for Center to go with this setup?

2. For the sub how does BIC PL-200 compare to Emotiva Sub 10? (looks like it is $30 cheaper)

3. Does the superzero setup sound significantly better than CB-5 or CB-10s?

 

[its phillip]

1. what is your recommendation for Center to go with this setup?

2. For the sub how does BIC PL-200 compare to Emotiva Sub 10? (looks like it is $30 cheaper)

3. Does the superzero setup sound significantly better than CB-5 or CB-10s?

1. Another SuperZero

2. I imagine the Emotiva is an overall better subwoofer. This is just my opinion and it is based off the review of its big brother, the Ultra Sub 12.

3. I do not believe they will be "significantly better" than the CB-5s or 10s. Probably in between the two...but that's just my opinion based on paper specifications.

 

[alphaiii]

I tried out the Super Zero 2.0's for a month, and currently have a pair of Energy CB-5's...

I didn't compare them directly... but from what I remember of the SZ 2.0... I think it's better in terms of mids/highs... but especially midrange...

That said, the SZ2.0 has NO bass at all, and needs a high xover point (120-150Hz)... That's the reason I returned them.

The CB-5 easily bests the SZ 2.0 in bass... but it's not the very articulate in the low end... just that it extends deeper and has more output in the upper bass...

If you can place the SZ 2.0's close to the rear wall, have a sub that can work with a higher xover point, and are willing to pay more... I'd go with the SZ 2.0 for the better mids and highs.

But, you can get CB-5's for less than 1/2 the price (newegg has sold them for $75-80 shipped brand new)... and you won't need to set the xover so high.

BTW... If you do go with the SZ's.... make sure you get a sub capable of handling the high xover. Based on owning both Emotiva subs (Ultra-10 and Ultra-12), and seeing the Audioholics measurements of the Ultra-12...

I think the Ultra-10 is a good option... Even if you go with the CB-5 and use a 100Hz over... I'd still get the Ultra-10 over the BIC...

I admit, I've never owned a BIC sub... but I've read enough from people who've owned them that actually have experience with better subs... and the consensus is some of the BIC subs are good budget options for those wanting HT rumble... but won't give the articulate bass quality that picky listeners like myself want.

 

[alphaiii]

A couple other things...

You can likely get a better deal than $100 each on the SZ 2.0... check with OneCall and offer a lower price...

Also... I recommend considering the PSB Image B4...

IMO, better all around than the CB-5 - the B4 has more articulate bass, better mids/highs... and it has a more capable low end than the SZ 2.0... I'd have to A/B compare the B4 and SZ 2.0 in order to confidently say which I prefer in terms of mids and highs... but both are good for their price range.

The B4 has higher retail... but if you can find a used pair, you can likely get a good price... they don't seem to sell for a high price used.

Also, if you want to go new... check with Saturday Audio Exchange and try to haggle with them on pricing a bit... They also had some b-stock that had a nice discount... if they won't budge enough on brand new.

 

[zieglj01]

Thanks zieglj01

1. what is your recommendation for Center to go with this setup?

2. For the sub how does BIC PL-200 compare to Emotiva Sub 10? (looks like it is $30 cheaper)

3. Does the superzero setup sound significantly better than CB-5 or CB-10s?

Another SuperZero for the center is my choice
The Energy CB-5 does not draw my attention
I would get a sub that is tight and controlled, for the SuperZero.

 

[davy12]

Another SuperZero for the center is my choice
The Energy CB-5 does not draw my attention
I would get a sub that is tight and controlled, for the SuperZero.

So I go with Emotiva Sub 10 and 3 SuperZeros for the fronts/center and keep it close the wall, any concern on superzero filling my room that is 13*19
Is Emotiva sub capable of high crossover point ? I read in the specs it is 50-150 (is 150 enough to combine with superzeros)


[I recently got P153s/PC251s recently and i am not liking the look or the size of it and returning it]

 

[zieglj01]

So I go with Emotiva Sub 10 and 3 SuperZeros for the fronts/center and keep it close the wall, any concern on superzero filling my room that is 13*19
Is Emotiva sub capable of high crossover point ? I read in the specs it is 50-150 (is 150 enough to combine with superzeros)


[I recently got P153s/PC251s recently and i am not liking the look or the size of it and returning it]

If you like it loud - then I would go with a speaker, that has a higher
sensitivity. To drive the Zero's north of moderate, it will take some
power. I am not worried about the sub crossover.

 

[davy12]

If you like it loud - then I would go with a speaker, that has a higher
sensitivity. To drive the Zero's north of moderate, it will take some
power. I am not worried about the sub crossover.

Thanks again. will denon 1911 provide enough power to drive these?

 

[zieglj01]

Thanks again. will denon 1911 provide enough power to drive these?

It will do a decent job, since you are going 3.1 and not
a complete surround set up. Remember, if you do hear
distortion, turn the volume down.

 

[davy12]

thanks. My purpose is 60% TV/Movies and 40% music.
I also noticed that NHT has its own 8inch sub that together with 2 superzeros sells for $499 . Do you know how that compares to emotiva sub 10 and I assume emotiva is still preferred over that?

 

[zieglj01]

thanks. My purpose is 60% TV/Movies and 40% music.
I also noticed that NHT has its own 8inch sub that together with 2 superzeros sells for $499 . Do you know how that compares to emotiva sub 10 and I assume emotiva is still preferred over that?

Nothing personal against NHT - I am not a fan of 8" subs. It is your choice.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Thanks again. will denon 1911 provide enough power to drive these?

I was using a 50WPC HK receiver with my NHT SZ. My brother now uses this same 50WPC HK receiver with the SZ in his big living room, which is close to 20' x 20' x 12' ceiling.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

That said, the SZ2.0 has NO bass at all, and needs a high xover point (120-150Hz)... That's the reason I returned them.

I had my SuperZeros for 10 yrs and had I set the xover @ 80Hz for 10 yrs on my NHT SW2P subwoofer and they sounded great.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Nothing personal against NHT - I am not a fan of 8" subs. It is your choice.

I had initially thought that my old NHT SW2P was an 8" sub, but it's actually a 10" sub. Thus, I have never used an 8".

So I can't recommend the NHT 8" sub either. I can recommend their 10" sub, though.

 

[zieglj01]

I had initially thought that my old NHT SW2P was an 8" sub, but it's actually a 10" sub. Thus, I have never used an 8".

So I can't recommend the NHT 8" sub either. I can recommend their 10" sub, though.

The NHT 10" looks good - Emotiva 10" for a tight budget.

 

[davy12]

The NHT 10" looks good - Emotiva 10" for a tight budget.

Thanks both! I will likely go with the emotiva Sub 10 (I am already stretching my budget so I cannot go with a NHT 10' inch sub)

I am hoping these Superzeros will sound and look better than the Infinity primus p153s I am returning now.

 

[zieglj01]

Thanks both! I will likely go with the emotiva Sub 10 (I am already stretching my budget so I cannot go with a NHT 10' inch sub)

I am hoping these Superzeros will sound and look better than the Infinity primus p153s I am returning now.

I liked the origional Zero better than the Primus speakers. The midrange
in the Zero is good.
It would be nice if you would get back, once they are hooked up - even if you do not like it.

 

[alphaiii]

I had my SuperZeros for 10 yrs and had I set the xover @ 80Hz for 10 yrs on my NHT SW2P subwoofer and they sounded great.

Glad that works for you.

All I know is that Audyssey repeatedly gave a xover of 150-200Hz for the SZ 2.0 in my room... 150Hz consistently if I moved the stands back about 2 inches.

Whereas with other speakers in the exact same placement... ex. PSB Image B4, NHT Absolute Zero, and Energy RC-Mini... Audyssey's recommended xover settings were lower... 80-90Hz, 60-80Hz, and 120-150Hz, respectively.

Now I'm not saying Audyssey is always correct in its determination of the in-room -3dB point and choice of xover based on this measurement... For example, I think 80Hz for the B4 and 60Hz for the AZ are way too low.... And Audyssey results can vary with even minor changes in mic placement..

But it seems to indicate to me, that in my room, the SZ 2.0 is very weak in the upper bass department compared to several other speakers I've used in the same placement...