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I am looking for an NHT dealer that has the Super Audio series (new versions of Super Zero and Super One's) in southern California, preferrably Orange County 949 or 714 area codes. I am interested in listening to the SB1 and SB2. I'm not a fan of alot of bass, plus I live in a condo with neighbors all around. I will listen to 50/50 music and home theater. I also want to get into DVD-Audio or SACD. I am thinking about 2 options:
1)4 SB2's plus SC1 center and no sub
2)4 SB1's plus SC1 center and SW10 sub
Room dimensions are 18'x23' with 17'ceilings. The space is our living room, kitchen and stairs with lots of weird angles and shapes making up the approximate above dimensions. We have hardwood floors and not much upholstered furniture. Neither my wife or the neighbors would appreciate the bass, but I do want it to sound decent. This is my first stereo/theater system, so anything will be a huge improvement over TV speakers and a boom box. BTW, I'm limited to the SB1 and SB2 because the wife wants small, white speakers! Any suggestions? Which option? If I've never experienced the real low deep bass, I don't think I will miss it?
Follow Ups:
NHT Subs aren't known as boomy, car stereo kinds of subs. Smooth and non-intrusive with music. IMO you really should have the sub given the size of your room and the "hardness" of the acoustic. It could sound pretty hard and sterile without the sub, I'd guess- not just the tonal balance, as pushing the low sensitivity NHTs hard in a good sized room might make for some power handling problems, though you never mentioned your electronics. I'd vote 5 SB2s and a sub. (The new Sub One is more versatile in terms of hookup/crossover options, I'd guess.) Warmish electronics would help, too.
Well, so far the consensus of both of you is to use 5 SB-2's instead of the center channel, I guess the center isn't as capable as a fifth SB-2? It will be a challenge to fit the larger SB-2 under the TV. Can it be placed sideways? I hear your point about the sub, I am just afraid the neighbors will get pissed below and to the side of me. I'm glad you mentioned electronics, because I don't have any. What would be the reccomendation for a receiver to adequately drive the SB-2's in my space? Which brand will give me the warmth that you mention? If the DVD player has an effect, I am considering the Toshiba 5700 or the Sony DVP-NS500V, I know DVD-A vs. SACD! I have an older TV, so progressive would not be a must. Thanks for everyone's help.
If you want to buy in a store, I think NAD (reviews at nadelectronics.com) is what I personally would lean toward with the NHTs. Many, self included, have found that to be a nice combo. But that may be biased, so I'll point out that Marantz receivers are also known for a warmer sound. Same with Rotel. Denon, too. (The 3802 gets real nice reviews.) But a great $500 receiver is said to be the "available on the net only" Outlaw 1050. Look for its review at goodsound.com. I would definitely go for good music sound over home theater features.
I'm probably not the guy to ask on DVD players, especially when one gets into the DVD-A vs SACD thing. Pioneer players really seem to get nice mentions with music- the cute little DV-440 is an under $200 player that gets nice words said about it. But there's no specialized
audio format included. Depends on what software you want to buy. Maybe cheap is the word until all this gets sorted out.(?)
Just stick that sub on something that will absorb some floor vibrations and people shouldn't complain when you aren't visiting Jurassic Park. Remember, the volume on the sub will probably sound about right when it's at around 10:00 on the dial, so it is usually a pretty subtle thing. Your car stereo buddies will think it's a wimpy setup.
Yeah, the SB2 can go on its side. And your ears may find the SC1 to blend just fine. Only you can make that choice. Hope you'll keep us up to date!
Just my opinion, but I think you'd be making a big mistake by not using a matching SB1 or SB2 as a center channel as well...it IS shielded, you know. I've heard a 5 SB2 setup, and it sounded great...much better than using that M-T-M center channel configuration. Like I said, just my opinion.
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