NHT History


NHT was founded in December 1986 and shipped its first product, the Model 1 in 1987. Since then, NHT has challenged the notion that the very best sound reproduction must come at a premium price. We take tremendous pride in our products. These are the loudspeaker systems that we as audio enthusiasts would want to own; that will provide a lifetime of listening pleasure. Our products from the past to present speak volumes of how dedicated we are to sonic excellence.
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Model 1 - 1987
  • NHT’s first loudspeaker
  • Radical new design
  • Focused image geometry
  • Improved imaging
  • Wide sweet spot
NHT’s first loudspeaker design. The Model 1 incorporated NHT’s proprietary Focused Image Geometry technology (F.I.G.) featuring a unique 21-degree baffle. This design improved imaging and detail, creating a wide sweet spot. The Model 1 was the foundation for a series of stereo speaker systems developed between 1986 and 1994.
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SW2P - 1992
  • First power subwoofer package
  • 120 Watt discrete amplifier
  • 10” Long throw Polypropylene woofer
  • High output vented enclosure
 In 1992, NHT introduces the SW2Pi. It is the worlds first powered home audio subwoofer. It consisted of a matched SA-2 discrete mono power amplifier and an SW2Si 10" woofer in a high output vented enclosure. The SW2Pi subwoofer system was capable of accurate low frequency reproduction to 27Hz, with high output and low distortion.
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Super Zero - 1993
  • Tiny speaker with huge sound
  • Compared to speakers costing as much as $5000
  • Ideal for small room audio/video systems

In 1993, NHT introduces the diminutive SuperZero with dimensions of only 5" wide and 9" tall. It has become a reference standard for affordable loudspeakers throughout the world. NHT’s concentrated efforts provide clarity, detail, and dynamics in the midrange and high frequencies at the expense of bass response below 85Hz. The SuperZero is ideal for small room music and home theater systems.
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VT1 - 1992
  • Industry first matched movie playback system
  • VT1 tower speakers
  • Matched center channel speaker
  • Hybrid Dipole surround speakers
  • SW2P Power subwoofer system
 Introduced in 1992, the VT1 tower speaker, its companion center, dipole rears and the SW2P powered subwoofer was the industry’s first matched, balanced system designed for movie soundtrack playback. The VT1, in addition to being extremely compact for a tower, dealt with the sonic differences required for movie surround compared to creating a stereo image. The imaging was intentionally blurred to avoid cognitive dissonance with the viewing source (TV) while maintaining enough directionality to provide location of sounds.
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3.3 - 1994
  • Compared to product costing as much as $20,000
  • Matched components within .3dB
  • 1” MDF Heavily braced
  • Consistent sonic tonality
 In 1994, NHT introduces the 3.3, which represents the ultimate expression of NHT’s design philosophy, embodying ideas and innovations which carry listeners far down the path toward the goal of perfection in the reproduction of sound.

Everything we know about loudspeaker design has gone into the 3.3 - all our technology, our experience, and our listening abilities. We may not yet have reached perfection, but we can deliver sound beyond anything you have ever heard.

The 3.3’s four drivers have all been custom-designed and manufactured to the highest quality standards, and the components of each handmade pair of loudspeakers are matched individually and as a system to within 0.3dB, ensuring unparalleled sonic consistency with our laboratory standard. The tonality designed in the lab is the same tonality you get in your home.

Yet the cabinet is where the real story lies. Made of 1" MDF and heavily braced, the cabinet creates its own "acoustical room."Placed close to the rear wall, the massive side-loaded 12" subwoofer always sees a corner, the ideal environment for the propagation of bass frequencies.

Simultaneously, the upper range drivers have their own separate internal chambers and are mounted on a narrow front baffle that extends well out into the room. Acoustically absorbent foam refines driver radiation patterns, and the sonic image is transparent, airy and pure.

We doubt you can find a speaker that has received more accolades than the 3.3, or one that has found a permanent home in more hi-fi reviewers' home systems. In fact, chances are good that you own records which have been mixed or mastered on 3.3s. It is the choice of those who do not have to settle for compromise.
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CS 6.3 - 1996
  • Patented technology
  • 3 tweeter array
  • Flat response 60 degrees off axis
The CS6.3 in-ceiling loudspeaker was another industry first which was introduced in 1996, and resulted in a technical patent held by NHT. The problem with in_ceiling designs prior to the 6.3 was poor high frequency dispersion resulting in hot spots when directly under the speaker and dull spots virtually everywhere else. The 6.3 3_tweeter array allows relatively flat dispersion of high frequencies up to 60 degrees off axis in any direction.
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Evolution - 2002
  • Modular approach to fit a variety of locations
  • Optimized for room size
  • Ideal output and sound stage in intended environment
  • Customizable and expandable
 In 2002, NHT develops a radical departure from the traditional loudspeaker line consisting of "good", "better" and "best" models which improve in features and performance as they increase in price. Evolution instead offers two basic system alternatives; one optimized for small to medium size rooms, and one optimized for larger areas. Performance characteristics are similar in both, but each is designed to produce an output level that creates the ideal sound stage in its intended environment.

Evolution’s modular components function as the building blocks to create entirely self-customized high performance multi-channel loudspeaker systems. The Evolution collection consists of two satellite monitors with optional matching pedestals, two tower loudspeaker configurations with satellite-matched bass modules and two, freestanding subwoofer models. Listeners can create over a dozen system configurations to get the utmost performance from current and future digital entertainment media.