NHT 1.5 Speakers help/advice

[catchAwave]

Hi All - I've been reading through a bunch of old NHT threads as I'm about to be a proud owner of the 1.5's this weekend. A few questions if any one could help me out:

- I'm looking for a center channel to match these two fronts. I think it's the AudioCenter 1 that pairs with the 1.5s but I can't find them anywhere. I have found the VS-1.2a and the SC-1, which of these two would be recommended?

- I know these aren't shielded. Should I be worried of having them too close to the tv?

- What's your opinion on the 1.5s? I'm upgrading from some Celestions and can't wait to set these up and listen to them from the comfort of my couch.

- I paid $100 for them with stands, was that a good deal? Tried to find a few online but never really gave me any good indication of prices.

Thanks in advance!

 

[swechsler]

I'm only going to comment on the shielding issue since I've seen these but have never heard them. Shielding is only necessary around CRTs. Presumably you're using a flat panel TV at this point.

 

[StimpyWan]

The 1.5's step up to metal dome tweeters, so I'd match them with the SC-1. That should make for a better blend, as all 3 fronts would use poly woofers and metal dome tweeters. It's a good sounding center too. I had a boss that used 5 in a surround set up, and they worked well. A little softer and mellower sounding than my VT-1A's, VT-1.2's, and VT-1C's, which are a little more forward in balance.

Also, I think $100 for your 1.5's is a decent deal. And I've never heard a NHT that I didn't like. A solid speaker brand.

 

[catchAwave]

I'm only going to comment on the shielding issue since I've seen these but have never heard them. Shielding is only necessary around CRTs. Presumably you're using a flat panel TV at this point.

Thanks. Yes flatscreen LCD. That's what I thought but doesn't hurt to ask.

 

[catchAwave]

The 1.5's step up to metal dome tweeters, so I'd match them with the SC-1. That should make for a better blend, as all 3 fronts would use poly woofers and metal dome tweeters. It's a good sounding center too. I had a boss that used 5 in a surround set up, and they worked well. A little softer and mellower sounding than my VT-1A's, VT-1.2's, and VT-1C's, which are a little more forward in balance.

Cool. See, I had no idea the SC-1 has a metal tweeter, that's why I ask here! I can get the vs-1.2a for cheaper than the SC-1 but I've been slapped in the hands before by not matching timbre, so now with this new info I'll lean towards the SC-1. I wish I could find the Audiocenter1

 

[StimpyWan]

Cool. See, I had no idea the SC-1 has a metal tweeter, that's why I ask here! I can get the vs-1.2a for cheaper than the SC-1 but I've been slapped in the hands before by not matching timbre, so now with this new info I'll lean towards the SC-1. I wish I could find the Audiocenter1

Matching the timbre across the front LCR speakers is important. It's something that I do too. Also, it does look like the AudioCenter 1 would be a better match to your 1.5's, as it uses the same type of woofers, and tweeter. Plus, the AudioCenter 1 uses an offset tweeter, which improves dispersion and helps prevent lobing. As such, I did a CL search, and found an AudioCenter 1, and a decently priced SC-1. I pm'd the links to you. At least I think I did. It's the first time that I used the 'Conversation' option, on the new & improved AK site. I hope it worked!?!

 

[catchAwave]

Matching the timbre across the front LCR speakers is important. It's something that I do too. Also, it does look like the AudioCenter 1 would be a better match to your 1.5's, as it uses the same type of woofers, and tweeter. Plus, the AudioCenter 1 uses an offset tweeter, which improves dispersion and helps prevent lobing. As such, I did a CL search, and found an AudioCenter 1, and a decently priced SC-1. I pm'd the links to you. At least I think I did. It's the first time that I used the 'Conversation' option, on the new & improved AK site. I hope it worked!?!

Appreciate the PM! It did come through

 

[llanger]

I've owned the 1.5's. They are excellent speakers. In audiophile-ese they are often described as "ruthlessly revealing". I agree with that assessment. But, shouldn't speakers reveal the faults as well as the attributes in a recording or downstream components? "Bright" is also a descriptor of the 1.5's. Again, I agree with that and I prefer "bright" speakers (aluminum dome tweeters are inherently bright, of course). A 6" woofer in an acoustic suspension enclosure will not produce earthquake-like bass. A subwoofer is recommended. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to the 1.5's and do not hesitate to recommend them. $100.00 plus stands is a great deal, in my opinion.