4.5k on speakers for 5.1 surround. NHT way to go?


Hi Folks:
My good friend is considering a deal for $4.5k for new NHT VT-3 front speakers, VR3 rear speakers and VC3 center channel. Retail on the speakers would typically be $9k. Seems like a pretty good deal, especially considering that the VT-3s seem to be highly regarded (Stereophile Guide to HT Class AAA, for what it's worth). Still, I'm wondering whether other, potentially cheaper or used options would get better performance for less money. Speaker set up would be for movies 90% of the time. At this point, the speakers would be driven by a mid-level receiver like a Denon 4800, but upgrades may follow over time. Anyway, any advice or guidance would be welcome. Cheers,
Outlier.
128x128outlier

Showing 1 response by daniel09

I started with the NHT SuperOnes, Supercenter, and Subone in a 5.1 setup and upgraded to (6) NHT VR3, an NHT AC2 (the difference between the AC2 and the Supercenter is a no brainer) and a Sunfire True Sub Signature for 7.1. I haven't heard the VT3's but my experience with NHT has made me a loyal customer. The NHT's are power hungry and when I upgraded to a Sunfire Cinema Grand Amp, I noticed a tremendous difference in dynamic range, imaging and soundstage. I am using an Onkyo 787 receiver as a preamp with Sunfire Cinema Grand and an Adcom GFA-5500 to power my 7 channels (will be upgrading to the Sunfire Signature Amp and keeping my Cinema Grand to run my rears and side-axis speakers - Sunfire Theater Grand III should be at my door tommorrow). You can buy new VR3's and a VC3 for $400 each, get a B-stock Sunfire True Sub Sig from Stero Trading Outlet for $1275 (awesome sub when crossover is set below 60 hz - I run the VR3's full range will crossover about 50-55 hz for tight bass for music and heart pounding bass for movies), and buy a used Sunfire Cinema Grand for $1000 on Audiogon for $3475 and continue to use your Denon as a pre-amp. Of course cables and interconnects will also make a big difference in overall sound and I would recommend using the remaining money on good quality interconnects and speaker wires (you can focus on the front three channels first). Analysis Plus Solo Crystal Oval Interconnects and speaker wires would be a good place to use the remaining money.

I also was experimenting with the bipolar effect of the VT3's and have my NHT Superones on top of my VR3's facing the rear at an angle (you have to adjust according to your room acoustics) sitting on top of Blu-tak to reduce movement/vibrations and prefer this for movies and music (it broadens the soundstage if you aren't going to be the only one watching movies or listening to music). Superone's can be had new for $100 each. I will be experimenting with the surrounds the same way.

If you don't want to play around with your system like I do, I'm sure the VT3's will be the last speakers you will need to buy (the down side is they will make you want to upgrade everything else you have to push them to their potential and get the best sound possible).

Recommend NHT 100%!!