NHT in Home Theater Setup

I just purchased 4's with x2 x-over/dual a1's powering the 10in bass, 3's, ic4's, and a 3c. Still listening to the 4's alone in stereo/pure mode powered by Boston seperates(Sherwood clones). First let me tell you, with 4's you really don't need a sub. Placement flexibility would be my determining factor. Price wise...about the same for 3's with sub or 4's alone. Well, maybe a little more for the 3/sub combo based on sub money. I like the idea of knowing I have a main that can slam on its own w/o depending on any help. A sub to me is for movies. Old school I guess but most music does not reach down low where a sub best performs so the idea of using sub for music is a non-issue for me. Now don't get me wrong, watching a good movie and feeling the 'boom' is nice. That is what a sub is for. That's my take. The fours do what the threes do and more. Basically a three with a 10in woofer attached to it. And unless the 3's are on a shelf...floor space is about the same when you consider stands. Good luck.

I don't disagree w/ you about subs having a place of their own in any system, it is just in my case, and perhaps others, the 4's actually suffer from having a stand alone sub as opposed to bi-amping the 'subs' that are built in to the nht 4's. Using the two a1's (200/250/300w @ 8/6/4 ohms respectively ea. mono amp)to drive each 10in driver in the 4's will gives greater control, slam, and is completely adjustable by the x2 controls which has continuos adjustable phase, boundary compensation, and lfe level to tune rather than placing sub in 'ideal' spot. There is no doubt that a powered sub would be needed for the 3's to get the best of a&v. Besides, a 'good' sub would cost more than my mains and many people don't consider a really good sub costing more than the mains/monitors.