New Home Theatre Flagship From NHT Offers Premium Audio For Music And Video VT-3 System from Now Hear This (NHT) Debuts at Hi-Fl '99
Offering sonic performance that is uniquely tailored to both home theatre and two-channel applications, respectively, NHT introduced the VT-3 home theatre system at Hi-Fi ë99, the Home Theater & Specialty Audio Show held in May in Chicago. Comprised of the VT-3 tower loudspeaker and controller, VC-3 center channel and VR-3 surround speakers, the new VT-3 system delivers optimized reproduction of video and music recordings with its selectable Music Mode/Video Mode operation. ""We've always taken the position that ideal speaker performance for music playback is different than that required for home video soundtracks,"" said Bill Bush, NHTís Director of Engineering. ""The VT-3 system advances our acclaimed Audio/Video switch functionality to include not only optimized radiation patterns, but also enhanced bass tuning."" VT-3 Tower A four-way acoustic suspension system, the VT-3 tower employs forward-firing, rear-firing and side-firing drivers. The forward driver array uses two 6.5-inch lower midranges; a 5.25-inch upper midrange and a 1-inch aluminum dome tweeter, while the rear-driver array includes a 6.5-inch woofer and 1-inch soft-dome tweeter. Each VT-3 features dual 10-inch side-loaded subwoofers, stacked vertically, with a 500 Watt Bob Carver/Sunfireô amplifier built in. The VT-3 boasts a frequency response of 21Hz-26kHz, a sensitivity rating of 87dB and recommended maximum amplifier power of 300 Watts. Weighing 120 pounds each, the VT-3 tower loudspeakers measure 48 H x 8 W x 22.25 D (inches) and are finished in Italian black satin laminate. VT-3 Controller The outboard VT-3 Controller provides a variety of sound customization options for the VT-3 towers. The most important feature is the Music Mode/Video Mode switch that tailors the radiation characteristics and bass equalization of the VT-3 towers. In Music Mode, the VT-3ís produce flat bass response and directional radiation for imaging precision. In Video Mode, the bass response is equalized for additional mid-bass ""kick"" and the rear-firing drivers are activated to provide a subtle image blur that diffuses imaging. Video Mode bass equalization is accomplished with a 35Hz high pass to increase dynamic output, and a level boost which is constantly adjustable between 0dB and 7.5dB via the Bass Contour control. NHT developed the convenient VT-3 outboard controller for placement in an equipment rack with other audio/video components. System set-up is easy, connecting at line-level between the surround preamplifier and the main power amplifier. The Controller then connects to the VT-3 towers through an 8-pin mini-DIN cable, which supplies audio information to the towers and DC power to the controller. The most commonly used features are also located on a supplied remote control, including Master Subwoofer Volume, Music/Video Mode selector and Video Mode Bass Contour. The VT-3 Controller measures 2 H x 16 W x 8 D (inches), weighs 5 Ibs, and is available in Matte Black finish. VC-3 Center Channel The center channel of the VT-3 system, the VC-3 features a three-way acoustic suspension, direct-radiating design with drivers that are identical to those found in the VT-3 tower speaker. Boasting two 6.5-inch woofers, with a vertically stacked 5.25-inch midrange and 1-inch aluminum dome tweeter, the VC-3 provides the clarity and accuracy demanded by today's audio soundtracks. A bass response to 45Hz allows the VC-3 to be run as a full range speaker in discrete five-channel surround systems. The VC-3 delivers a frequency response of 45Hz-26kHz, a power rating of 200Watts and a sensitivity rating of 6 ohms. Featuring gold-plated, five-way binding posts, the VC-3 weighs 45 Ibs., measures 9.4 H x 23.25 W x 10 D (inches) and is available in Italian black satin laminate. VR-3 Surround Speakers Replicating the structure of the VC-3, but in a vertical array, the VR-3 surround speakers include a three-way acoustic suspension, direct-radiating design. The driver complement features two 6.5-inch woofers, a 5.25-inch midrange and a 1-inch aluminum dome tweeter. Featuring a power rating of 200Watts and a sensitivity rating of 87dB, the VR-3 surround speakers feature a frequency response of 45Hz-26kHz and include gold-plated five-way binding posts for input connections. The VR-3 measures 24 H x 8 W x 12 D (inches), weighs 45 Ibs., and is offered in Italian black satin laminate. The entire VT-3 System, including the VT-3 towers, VT-3 controller, VC-3 center channel and VR-3 surround speakers, is available as a complete package for a suggested retail price of $8,500. ""NHTís home theater speakers have traditionally featured switchable performance for music and home theatre,"" said Bush. ""The VT-3 is the culmination of our efforts to create the ultimate multi-use loudspeaker."" For more information, contact Randy Dowis at NHT 800 648 9993 or email: napard@aol.com.