Opinions on newest NHT Absolute Zero


I'm considering buying the newest in the "Zero" line from NHT, the Classic Absolute Zero. I know the Super Zero got tremendous reviews from every source I could find and it looks like the more recent Absolute Zero should be even better, but I can't really find many good reviews.

If anyone owns or has had a chance to listen to the Absolute Zero speaker from NHT, I would love to know what you think.

In my setup, they will be placed on a bookshelf in a 16'x20' room that is fairly live. Since the Absolute Zero is an enclosed design with bookshelf placement considered in the design, and with NHT usually making a warmer speaker, it seems like a good fit if the sound quality is up to par.

Any help is appreciated!
128x128heyitsmedusty
I sell NHT speakers. The entire line is solid, if a bit clinical sounding, the AZs are no exception. Great value.
It seems like what most people agree on is that NHT is a great value. You get a sound that you would expect from a much more expensive speaker. And I think that's exactly what I'm looking for. I'm on a budget, and these will be the first "brand new" speakers I have ever bought (the rest of my system is used).

I like hearing what other people think about a speaker before buying it because some people can pick up on things that I may not notice until further down the road. They may notice good or bad qualities that I wouldn't hear immediately, but would like to take into consideration when making the purchase.

The problem is that with these particular speakers, I'm having a heck of a time finding a review! I thought for sure some people on Audiogon would have an opinion to share.

Thanks guys
These speakers will probably not come up for review, unless they are part of a review for a complete NHT home theatre speaker package and then the Zeroes would most likely be the surround speakers. Are you still resisting the suggestion to go hear them in person?

FWIW: Most folks on Audiogon are not fussing with $200 speakers. Not a value judgment, just an observation. I would try over at the Audio Asylum to see if anyone is chatting these speakers up .

Regards, Rich
Hmmm...seems like it would be a pity to disregard a speaker based on price. As I remember, Corey Greenberg at Stereophile magazine compared the Absolute Zero's predecessor (the Super Zero) to the $3,000 Proac Response 2 monitors at http://www.stereophile.com/budgetcomponents/804/index3.html .

I don't agree that "most folks" on audiogon don't want to talk about a good speaker just because they aren't ridiculously expensive. I think it might be more accurate to say that most great speakers don't usually come at a bargain price, and since Audigoners like to talk about great speakers, then they don't usually talk about speakers at a bargain price. This doesn't say anything about a great speaker at a low price though. Which is what the Absolute Zero may be.

Anyway, I'll post a review after I get them. Thanks!
hey dusty, hold on there pardner. i've owned nht 2.5 and given nht bookshelves as gifts. large and small. nht makes a good speaker. it just aint about price tho... yes for a mere $200? they are probably well worth it. BUT don't kid yourself into thinking they have the ability to recreate acoustical instrument musical sound to a well trained ear. it took me years to rediscover what truly hi end gear could do and i was always content during this learning process. many a-goners are just a little further down this road than you might be or maybe not. no big deal!:) i loved my 2.5's but my kestral 2's ARE more realistic at making MUSIC. if amazing sound were available cheap, trust me, we would be snapping it up. we are not all md's or hi fi snobs:)