Are NHT VT2.4's harsh, or is it just me?

Carlabarla --

FINALLY got my Channel Islands VPC-1 passive preamp and hooked it up yesterday . . . . BIG difference in the sound. The little bit of harshness that I was hearing in the midrange is gone now -- female vocals sound fuller, and everything is "richer" sounding. Plus, there is a LOT more low level detail now -- audience noises are much more noticeable in Eva Cassidy's "Live at Blues Alley," and echoes and treble decays are more noticeable and natural.

I guess what everyone says about the Lexicon DC-1 not being great for 2-channel is dead on the money . . . .

I don't know what preamp you're using, but if it's a HT type of thing, you might want to give the VPC-1 a try. It's only $220 new, and it will let you hear exactly what's coming out of your source, without any added coloration or sonic disturbance from an active preamp.

It's easy to rig into a HT setup, too, as long as you only want to have one analog source. The VPC-1 has two inputs, so you just run your CD/DVD analog outs into one input, and then the main L/R outs from your HT processor into the other. For HT listening, just switch to the HT outs input and turn the preamp volume all the way up -- then it's sonically not even in the circuit, basically, and there's no need to level match.

Pat

I find my NHT VT2.4's too bright for music. When I listen to music, I switch to my Linn Tukans. They are smooth and very dynamic.

I have been thinking of replacing the drivers and crossover in the NHT speakers.

ANy suggestions?

I am the original poster here (now different username). I haven't used the VT 2.4's for many years due to room constraints after moves and the fact that I didn't love them. I have moved again and pulled them back out to try in my new basement with a Rotel RB 980BX (120X2) and Rotel preamp. Once again, I didn't love the sound. Too lifeless, compressed and bright on many recordings (although sounded great on others). In a quest to see if I could make them sound better, I took the preamp out of the loop and connected my Sonos Port directly to the amp. This helped some, but not enough. Then I read about the Schiit Loki and added this in the signal path. With a big twist/boost of the bass frequencies and a tiny turn to the left to decrease the higher frequencies I think this system sounds pretty awesome for the meager expense. The increased bass from the introduction of the Loki totally transforms the sound. Somehow the NHT's now have a great center image and great rhythm and drive that they lacked before. They can't fix compressed/bad recordings, but now sound pretty good to my 52 year old ears on FLAC files streamed via the Sonos Port. I am very happy with the Schiit Loki purchase, especially for the price.