NHT center channels

[Sk1Bum 11,579]

Is anyone using an NHT center channel in their HT?

 

I'm considering an M6 or M7 for a center channel with my 3.3s. I currently have a Klipsch RC3, but it's getting a little long in the tooth, and it's a bit too bright. I think the M6 or M7 might pair better with the 3.3s.

 

Experience, thoughts, ...

[BobTFM35 2,774]

@Sk1Bum I have no experience with the speakers in question; but, when setting up my home theater system I was able to get the recommended center and rear channel speakers that the manufacturer recommended.

 

For your speakers the AudioCenter 2 was the recommended center channel speaker when you were using the 3.3's in a home theater setting. I assume that speaker is no longer available. From the looks of it the M6 and M7 are both a three way speaker and if my memory is correct they have the same size speakers. The real big difference is their response compared to the AudioCenter 2. 

 

The AC 2 response was 48 to 26 kHz, the M6 61 to 20khz, and the M7 is the same as the 6. The Klips you have, look to have somewhat the same specs as the 6&7.

 

I have been searching for some additions to my system  and my current focus is on Klipsch Atmos speakers. My search for them naturally gets me looking at the rest of their line.

 

The only center channel that might come close to the AC 2 is their RP-504C II. Their frequency response is 50 to 25 khz. Very close to the AC 2. More enters into if this will match well with your main speakers.

 

I hope that I have helped and not made it .......

 

 

[AndrewJohn 10,507]

16 hours ago, Sk1Bum said:

Is anyone using an NHT center channel in their HT?

 

I use an NHT VT-1c, circa 1994 for my center channel.  I picked it up off Ebay in mint condition, and it looks good with my 2.6i L-R mains and gives me a good dialog-presentation for spoken words in cinema.  I haven't tried any of the newer center channels.

[Rob 6,007]

I have no experience with center Channel speakers except for my old Yamaha systems. I dont know if you are dead set on NHT for the brand but I have a beautiful Piano Black Mirage OMD-2 and OMD-1 center speaker if interested along with some JBL's centers too. 

Edited April 23, 2023 by Rob

[PhilDent 1,974]

20 hours ago, Sk1Bum said:

Is anyone using an NHT center channel in their HT?

 

I'm considering an M6 or M7 for a center channel with my 3.3s. I currently have a Klipsch RC3, but it's getting a little long in the tooth, and it's a bit too bright. I think the M6 or M7 might pair better with the 3.3s.

 

Experience, thoughts, ...

I’m rocking an all NHT HT/Surround setup. Fronts = 2.9s, Rears = 2.5is, Center = AC2.

 

Why not try tracking down and AC2? I think you can still find them.  A few years back, I came across one, and with @Daddyjt’s enabling I immediately scooped it up.  I have not been disappointed by its performance. I have it powered by an m500tmkii in power steering mode. 
 

Edited April 23, 2023 by PhilDent
Enabling

[TStevens 19]

I have seen a lot of talk on this forum about NHT speakers.  I had not even herd of the brand before I joined here.  I will be putting a new system together this summer, and I was going to try amd find some older Polk speakers, maybe some SDA 2.  How do the NHT sound?  Loudness is not important to me, but clarity and sound stage are what I am looking for.

[Sk1Bum 11,579]

I ran across this one on ebay which is why I started this thread.

 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/185859296318

 

 

[AndrewJohn 10,507]

17 hours ago, TStevens said:

How do the NHT sound?  Loudness is not important to me, but clarity and sound stage are what I am looking for.

I swapped out a pair of larger Polk bookshelf (modern, not vintage) speakers for a pair of NHT2.5i (their smaller towers from the original line) in our daily TV watching surround set-up.  The difference was remarkable.  They are driven by a Carver M4.0t refreshed by Greg/Nelion.  My wife noticed the difference, immediately!  I don't like using the "speaker critic buzzwords", as I don't know what they mean - but I do know when something sounds "better."  That's all I can say.

 

Now I am on the hunt for a pair of 3.3's for my main system, which I hope to replace the entire stable of speakers I've collected over the past 20 years.

 

FWIW, the original line of floor standing speakers (as I understand it) were the 2.6 (small), the 2.9 (medium) and 3.3 (large) towers.  They have since redesigned the angled front-face that I think was pivotal in making this initial line of speakers so exceptional.  These models were launched in the mid/early 90's and featured a side-firing subwoofer, with forward facing mids and tweets in a chambered cabinet conducive to high-low frequency separation and clarity.  A design now common on everything, including the Golden Ear Triton line.

 

The only thing that I don't like about NHT is the grills.  They have a plastic "pop-on" or "snap-on" frame that is made of plastic, and the grill cloth is heat-welded around the back edges of the plastic frame.  It is (appears to be) a bitch (I have not done it) to replace the grill cloth.  Too tight, and it warps the frame (bad aesthetics), too loose also looks funky.  And, many used speakers on the resale market have damaged broken frame rails or holes in the grill cloth.  My 2.5i's have one 1/4" hole right on the edge of the frame - hidden unless you go looking for it, but since I know it's there, it annoys me... 😉   And, while NHT has pretty good customer service - they answer emails, and often the CEO will respond..., however they don't have factory grill replacements for any of the older models - that I would have gladly purchased, if they offered them.  Sorry for the long paragraph - this is just some wisdom from looking and looking in the wasteland of not very much gear I live in, for the 3.3 models, that I still am pursuing.

[timmyjim 466]

1 hour ago, AndrewJohn said:

but since I know it's there, it annoys me... 😉

I know this feeling all too well .....

 

I would love to get a set of the 3.3, or even  the 2.9. Unfortunately the depth of both is more than my current room can handle.

[AndrewJohn 10,507]

6 minutes ago, timmyjim said:

Unfortunately the depth of both is more than my current room can handle.

 

Yes, that is a factor.  The depth.  I think, though (for my listening room) that these backed up to the wall, won't be more intrusive than placing my Amazing's 3ft from the back wall..., (at least I'm convincing myself that is the case ! 😉 )

 

Where are you located?  There is a pair of 3.3's (along with NHT surround and center speakers) in Boiling Springs, SC, for and UNHEARD OF price of $800.  I keep contemplating the drive (750mi)..., but just can't add the fuel cost at this time.  They are listed on FB Marketplace.  Owner want's them "gone" out of the garage...

 

And, another (seen some use) of the 3.3's in Nashville on Craigslist, for $1200.  Pair NHT 3.3's w/Custom Stands - electronics - by owner - sale (craigslist.org)

 

There's a pair of 2.9's also, Somewhere in OH. NHT 2.9 Mid 90’s - Black Piano | Reverb

 

And a pair of 2.5i, the least obrusive (I have a pair of these) in Mexico, MO for $300.

 

And another 2.5i in Campbell, CA.  NHT (Now Hear This) 2.5i Tower Loudspeaker 1999-2000 - Black | Reverb

 

... call me an "enabler..."   Good luck, do not resist..., succumb to the force.  😉 

[TStevens 19]

You guys make a convincing case.  The CA pair of 2.5i are reasonably close to me.  The foam strip on the side of the tweeter looks deteriorated - is this essential to the function? Can it be replaced?

[timmyjim 466]

1 hour ago, AndrewJohn said:

won't be more intrusive than placing my Amazing's 3ft from the back wall..., (at least I'm convincing myself that is the case ! 😉 )

I think that's an accurate assessment. IIRC the 3.3 are around 34" deep and can be placed 3" from the wall, so right at the 3' number of the Amazings.

 

Thanks for enabling 🙂. I already have too many speakers. Unlike other gear, speakers are difficult to unload. I keep telling myself that what I have is good enough .... not sure that's ever the case.

[Sk1Bum 11,579]

2 hours ago, AndrewJohn said:

And a pair of 2.5i, the least obrusive (I have a pair of these) in Mexico, MO for $300.

 

 

D4mn, like I have room for more speakers...

 

OK, I give up(or should I say "in"). Do you have a link for these AJ?

[Sk1Bum 11,579]

From the 3.3 manual:

 

1. Move the speakers within 3" of the front wall

 

• Weight: 123 Ibs. each

• Dimensions: 42"H x 7"W x 31 "D, not including grille or stabilizer kit

 

 

[AndrewJohn 10,507]

3 hours ago, Sk1Bum said:

 

D4mn, like I have room for more speakers...

 

OK, I give up(or should I say "in"). Do you have a link for these AJ?

 

Hi Dick, Sorry for the delay..., I was doing some rearranging in my music room all morning..., then, of course..., I forgot where I saw these..., so ..., searched. and searched..., just found them.

 

I just PM'd you the link like a lateral lob "dibbs" on the rugby field... - if you don't pick them up, post the link here for others.

[Packratt 399]

3.1 set in Boone nc

 

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/909656480246717/?mibextid=dXMIcH

[PhilDent 1,974]

The NHT T6 is the unicorn I’ve been hunting. They will replace my 2.9s.

[PhilDent 1,974]

On 4/23/2023 at 10:27 AM, TStevens said:

I have seen a lot of talk on this forum about NHT speakers.  I had not even herd of the brand before I joined here.  I will be putting a new system together this summer, and I was going to try amd find some older Polk speakers, maybe some SDA 2.  How do the NHT sound?  Loudness is not important to me, but clarity and sound stage are what I am looking for.

I did not have any experience with NHT speakers until I visited @Daddyjtand we auditioned many high end speakers from his impressive collection. 
 

 

Here is the lineup we listened to that night. I forget the model of the Carver speakers on the left, but IIRC pictured are the Legacy focus 2020, Infinity Kappa 9, NHT 2.5i, and Polk SDA. 
 

I was so impressed by the NHT 2.5i’s performance that I knew that I must acquire a set immediately.   Since then, I have bought many NHT speakers and am still a big fan.  Like Carver gear I think NHT gives a lot of bang for the buck.

 

Enjoy putting your system together.

[AndrewJohn 10,507]

17 hours ago, PhilDent said:

I forget the model of the Carver speakers on the left,

 

Those are "Carver AL-III" Dipole Loudspeakers (Or they might be "AL-III+," can't tell without looking at the back panel label).  

 

Like Carver Amazings, they came in stained black, or natural Oak finish.

 

I just pulled mine (in black stained oak) up from reserves, attached to a Sunfire 600x2, and they really opened up better than I remembered when I put them away, last time.  

 

I have too many speakers..., any interest in these, let me know - mine are mint, and ribbons are fine (plays Horowitz just fine!).

[Cring08 246]

On 4/27/2023 at 6:28 AM, AndrewJohn said:

 

Those are "Carver AL-III" Dipole Loudspeakers (Or they might be "AL-III+," can't tell without looking at the back panel label).  

 

Like Carver Amazings, they came in stained black, or natural Oak finish.

 

I just pulled mine (in black stained oak) up from reserves, attached to a Sunfire 600x2, and they really opened up better than I remembered when I put them away, last time.  

 

I have too many speakers..., any interest in these, let me know - mine are mint, and ribbons are fine (plays Horowitz just fine!).

 

 

How much are you asking for the AL-III's?

 

[AndrewJohn 10,507]

21 minutes ago, Cring08 said:

 

 

How much are you asking for the AL-III's?

 

Sent you a PM