NHT Debut 5-Piece Home Theater Speaker Ensemble
NHT has redesigned its popular VT-2 home theatre speaker package to provide even better performance and more dramatic impact. The new 5-piece system consists of a front pair of tower-type, vented VT-2.4ís, and three smaller, voice-matched, acoustic suspension VS-2.4ís for center and surround channels. One of the significant improvements in the system is the addition of 2 rear-firing drivers in the towers. The drivers, a 5-1/4-inch polypropylene mid-range and a 1-inch sort dome tweeter, are inactive in the audio mode and can be activated be a front-mounted switch for home theatre applications. According to Bill Bush, NHTís Director of Engineering, this approach maintains accurate imaging for music and produces a pleasing envelopment for movies. Itís the same design philosophy embodied in the companyí sVT-3 Home Theater Reference System. Tower Power Each VT-2.4 three-way tower speaker incorporates six drivers in its 48-inch-high cabinet. A side-firing, 10-inch, high-excursion subwoofer provides the deep bass impact of this high-performance system. The mid-range is supplied be a pair of 5-1/4-inch aluminum dome tweeter. The carefully engineered speaker system has a frequency response of 24Hz to 25kHz, 3 dB. A flick of the front-mounted A/V switch activates the two rear-firing drivers and changes the towers from precise imaging music speakers to enveloping and dramatic home theatre speakers. The rear drivers of the new VT-2.4 tower consist of a 5-1/4-inch mid-range combined with a 1-inch soft dome tweeter. These ambient drivers operate at a reduced level relative to the output of the front-firing drivers. The rear drivers provide enough early reflections to soften the image created be the front firing speakers without changing the systemís tonal balance. By equalizing and flattening the power response, the rear drivers increase the sense of spaciousness ñ a vital ingredient for a satisfying home theatre experience. The VT-2.4 towers use stabilizer bars and spike to couple the cabinets to the floor. The cabinets are finished in high-gloss black lamination. Central To Home Theatre ñ Center And Surround Complete the systems are three VS-2.4 satellite speakers that provide the center and surround channels. The 2-way acoustic suspension speaker system is a full-range satellite with excellent bass response, high output capability, and impressive dynamics. Each VS-2.4 speaker incorporates a pair of 5-1/4-inch woofers and a 1-inch aluminum dome tweeter ñ same drivers used to deliver the mid- and high-range frequencies in the VT-2.4 tower. This ensures the VS-2.4 is precisely matched to the mid- upper frequencies of the VT-2.4 and provides an acoustically seamless array in a home theatre setting. The VS-2.4 satellites are magnetically shielded, so they can be placed on or near a TV or video monitor with no picture degradation. In addition, the VS-2.4 includes a fully adjustable rear foot, which enables the user to correctly angle the speaker. The cabinet is finished in a choice of black or white laminate. NHTís VT-2.4 A/V tower loudspeaker has a suggested retail price of $2,000/pair. The VS-2 satellite speakers have been a suggested retail price of $450 each. The speakers will begin shipping in February, 2000.