NHT vs Definitive Technology

[MrBillH]

NHT vs Definitive Technology for Home Theater

I am sure that these types of questions get asked all of the time. I used to keep up with Audio equipment when I was younger and single. My latest purchase was a Denon AVR 2500 about 18 years ago (when my old one got fried by a lightening strike) to complement my other Denon equipment. Now that I am older and married with two boys 15 and 11, I am looking at implementing a home theater system.

I am planning to install a moderate sized HDTV and a projector with ~ 100 inch motorized screen. I have a den ~ 17 ½’ x 17 ½’ that opens in the back to flow to a breakfast nook and then to the kitchen.

Total Equipment Budget ~$6,000 - $7,500 plus installation. I live near Dallas, TX

So far I have narrowed it down to:

Receiver/Processor/Amp:
• Denon AVR 3311CI or Denon AVR 3311CI
• Emotiva UMC-1 and UPA-5 (since there is a good sale for $400) – I would prefer that the UMC-1 had two HDMI outs since I will have two video displays, but may be able to work with an HDMI splitter.

Speakers:
• NHT
o ThreeC Center Channel Speaker
o Classic Three Bookshelf Speaker (L-R)
o iC3 In-Ceiling Speaker (Surround)
o B-10d 350 W Powered Sub-woofer
• Definitive Technology (Listen Up in Denver has these on clearance)
o C/L/R 2300 Center Channel Speaker
o BP7002 Bipolar Super Tower (or BP7006?)
o BP2X Surround Speakers (mounted to ceiling)
o Possibly no sub since there are already subs in the three front speakers

Wife may be pushing for in-ceiling speakers in the front, instead of bookshelf or towers for aesthetics, but I prefer a more direct firing angle.

Blu-Ray Player:
• Denon Blu-Ray DBP-2010CI (Listen Up in Denver has this on clearance)

Projector:
• JVC DLA-HD-HP2501080P
• Mitsubishi HC 6800HD

HDTV:
• Panasonic Plasma ~ 46-50”
• Samsung Plasma ~ 46-50”

Still meeting and discussing with a few installers on specifics. Hopefully, I can find one that will let me select specific equipment and help me make it work together. Let me know if you have worked with anyone in Dallas that you would recommend.


Thanks
Bill

 

[GlocksRock]

Those def techs are pretty good, but I would still consider a stand alone sub, even if you don't get one now, you will want one in the future.

 

[zieglj01]

Both brands are good - and both are different. NHT to me is
more refined sounding. The Definitive is a little more dynamic.
They both have good resolution. Inceiling speakers up front,
will be a waste of money.

 

[AVRat]

Some other options:
http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=PBIMT5
http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=PBIMC5
http://www.epiksubwoofers.com/legend.html
http://www.epiksubwoofers.com/empire.html

Those Listen Up deals look pretty good and the NHTs would fit the bill just fine as well as being easier on the budget. I’d prefer the Denon 3311 with its dual HDMI outs.

 

[JAC]

NHT vs Definitive Technology for Home Theater

I am sure that these types of questions get asked all of the time. I used to keep up with Audio equipment when I was younger and single. My latest purchase was a Denon AVR 2500 about 18 years ago (when my old one got fried by a lightening strike) to complement my other Denon equipment. Now that I am older and married with two boys 15 and 11, I am looking at implementing a home theater system.

I am planning to install a moderate sized HDTV and a projector with ~ 100 inch motorized screen. I have a den ~ 17 ½’ x 17 ½’ that opens in the back to flow to a breakfast nook and then to the kitchen.

Total Equipment Budget ~$6,000 - $7,500 plus installation. I live near Dallas, TX

So far I have narrowed it down to:

Receiver/Processor/Amp:
• Denon AVR 3311CI or Denon AVR 3311CI
• Emotiva UMC-1 and UPA-5 (since there is a good sale for $400) – I would prefer that the UMC-1 had two HDMI outs since I will have two video displays, but may be able to work with an HDMI splitter.

Speakers:
• NHT
o ThreeC Center Channel Speaker
o Classic Three Bookshelf Speaker (L-R)
o iC3 In-Ceiling Speaker (Surround)
o B-10d 350 W Powered Sub-woofer
• Definitive Technology (Listen Up in Denver has these on clearance)
o C/L/R 2300 Center Channel Speaker
o BP7002 Bipolar Super Tower (or BP7006?)
o BP2X Surround Speakers (mounted to ceiling)
o Possibly no sub since there are already subs in the three front speakers

Wife may be pushing for in-ceiling speakers in the front, instead of bookshelf or towers for aesthetics, but I prefer a more direct firing angle.

Blu-Ray Player:
• Denon Blu-Ray DBP-2010CI (Listen Up in Denver has this on clearance)

Projector:
• JVC DLA-HD-HP2501080P
• Mitsubishi HC 6800HD

HDTV:
• Panasonic Plasma ~ 46-50”
• Samsung Plasma ~ 46-50”

Still meeting and discussing with a few installers on specifics. Hopefully, I can find one that will let me select specific equipment and help me make it work together. Let me know if you have worked with anyone in Dallas that you would recommend.


Thanks
Bill

Your installer "works for you" so if they won't let you select the gear then they are not 4u.

However a good installer will bring experience and know how to the job. Listen to what they say, and see if they know their stuff.

You sound a little new at this, and a good installer who understands your goals can be very helpful. Only problem is they are not easy to find and can be more expensive. (because they are good)

Most of your gear selections look well thought out and the end product should make you happy.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

That is kind of funny.

My first real system was the NHT SuperZero bookshelf speakers x 5 + a SW2P subwoofer.

After 10 years, I sold them to my little brother and got the DefTech BP7000SC system.

All the marketing BS (from DefTech) aside, I think DefTech makes great sounding speakers, and so does NHT.

Unless you get the BP7000SC or the RBH T-2P speakers, you probably want a dedicated subwoofer - unless your taste in bass is very mild.

For example, my brother thinks the bass output in the Infinity P362 is all that he ever needs.

So, of course, to my brother the DefTech 7002, 7004, & 7006 will have all the bass he ever needs; he will never want a dedicated subwoofer.

What is your taste like in bass?

When you watch Iron Man 2 on BD, do you want your entire body to shake like an earthquake?

If the answer is yes, then you need a dedicated sub.

If the answer is no, then you do not need a dedicated sub, and one of those DefTechs with built-in subs is all you will ever need.

 

[InTheIndustry]

NHT vs Definitive Technology for Home Theater

I am sure that these types of questions get asked all of the time. I used to keep up with Audio equipment when I was younger and single. My latest purchase was a Denon AVR 2500 about 18 years ago (when my old one got fried by a lightening strike) to complement my other Denon equipment. Now that I am older and married with two boys 15 and 11, I am looking at implementing a home theater system.

I am planning to install a moderate sized HDTV and a projector with ~ 100 inch motorized screen. I have a den ~ 17 ½’ x 17 ½’ that opens in the back to flow to a breakfast nook and then to the kitchen.

Total Equipment Budget ~$6,000 - $7,500 plus installation. I live near Dallas, TX

So far I have narrowed it down to:

Receiver/Processor/Amp:
• Denon AVR 3311CI or Denon AVR 3311CI
• Emotiva UMC-1 and UPA-5 (since there is a good sale for $400) – I would prefer that the UMC-1 had two HDMI outs since I will have two video displays, but may be able to work with an HDMI splitter.

Speakers:
• NHT
o ThreeC Center Channel Speaker
o Classic Three Bookshelf Speaker (L-R)
o iC3 In-Ceiling Speaker (Surround)
o B-10d 350 W Powered Sub-woofer
• Definitive Technology (Listen Up in Denver has these on clearance)
o C/L/R 2300 Center Channel Speaker
o BP7002 Bipolar Super Tower (or BP7006?)
o BP2X Surround Speakers (mounted to ceiling)
o Possibly no sub since there are already subs in the three front speakers

Wife may be pushing for in-ceiling speakers in the front, instead of bookshelf or towers for aesthetics, but I prefer a more direct firing angle.

Blu-Ray Player:
• Denon Blu-Ray DBP-2010CI (Listen Up in Denver has this on clearance)

Projector:
• JVC DLA-HD-HP2501080P
• Mitsubishi HC 6800HD

HDTV:
• Panasonic Plasma ~ 46-50”
• Samsung Plasma ~ 46-50”

Still meeting and discussing with a few installers on specifics. Hopefully, I can find one that will let me select specific equipment and help me make it work together. Let me know if you have worked with anyone in Dallas that you would recommend.


Thanks
Bill

Two questions before I can feel comfortable enough to offer any worth-while help....

Is there attic access above the room?

Is there cabinetry to contend with or a blank wall?

Thanks!

 

[ski2xblack]

While the Listen Up deals on the DT's is quite attractive ($800/pair for 7006, $1360/pr for the 7002), the bipolar mains will need more distance from rear walls than the NHTs would. Given the WAF you're dealing with, those may be a no-go.

 

[rnatalli]

I prefer NHT, but those are my ears. Definitely get a sub from HSU, SVS, eD, or Epik.

 

[GranteedEV]

I prefer NHT, but those are my ears. Definitely get a sub from HSU, SVS, eD, or Epik.

...or Aperion, RBH, Rythmik, Axiom, Seaton, DIY, Salk

 

[MrBillH]

Well I have been thinking about the trouble of finding AC for the Def Tech powered subs and have been leaning towards the NHTs. The Def Tech closeout specials are very tempting, but I also have to pay to get concealed AC outlets to 3 speakers.

NHT owners, I'm looking to go with the 3-series setup how have you liked this system? I have talked with John Johnsen @ NHT and it sounds like a reasonable deal with the extra $100 off the B-10d.

Thanks
Bill