Audio Video News

NHT says it's shipping the company's new speakers that are designed to hang on the wall, or sit on a table/shelf, next to a high-definition flat-panel display. NHT makes note that the speakers are "visually elegant, simple to use and affordable." (Wow! Speakers designed to go with plasma TVs? What a concept...)

All journalistic facetiousness aside, the new NHT "Verve" systems do look good; although with prices for full home theater systems staring at $1,999, the term "affordable" is definitely relative.

The Verve lineup includes two different satellite speaker sizes and one subwoofer, which are combined in various configurations and sold as systems. Two combinations include NHT's Controller and power amplifiers. Both satellite speakers are designed to be used with the integrated table stand or on the wall with a built-in wall-mount key slot.

The large satellite three-way speakers are for use as front and center channels with no loss in performance when used vertically or horizontally. The smaller two-way model is meant to be used for surround and rear channel in a vertical configuration.

Since the bass response of the Verve subwoofer is tailored specifically for use with the satellites in a Verve system, the only adjustment on the subwoofer itself is a volume control. It contains two active 10" aluminum cone drivers in an acoustic suspension cabinet with an internal 200-watt digital amplifier. An audio sensing circuit automatically turns the sub on and off. The cabinet is only 6" deep and can be placed flat against a wall or laid on its back under a piece of furniture.

NHT's 2.1 Speaker Only System with two of the large satellites and one subwoofer is $1,359 SRP. The Verve Home Theater Systems start at $1,999 SRP. A big-Daddy awesomely complete Verve home theater system with an NHT Controller, five-channel NHT Power5 amplifier, three of the large satellites in front, two NHT iC2 in-ceiling speakers in the rear, and a Verve subwoofer is $6,570 SRP.

The systems are shipping to dealers this month.