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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!
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martykl
3,578 posts
 
I don't know the A-Zero, but I believe that NHT makes (or used to make) a different bookshelf model that features adjustable dispersion for bookshelf vs open space placement. Might be worth checking out for your application.

Marty
heyitsmedusty's avatar
heyitsmedusty OP
227 posts
 
As an additional note, I listen to acoustic guitar music, independent rock (The Shins, Aberfeldy, Decemberists, etc.), Classical, Jazz, a little Electronic, and Motown. Most of this is from very high bitrate (320kbps+)digital music. I also use the system for home theater 20% of the time.
markruss
4 posts
 
May I suggest you look at the NHT Evolution M5 instead of AZs if you have to put them in/on a bookcase/shelf?

They have a boundary adjustment feature which drops output below 300 Hz -6 dbs to compensate for the natural boost these frequencies response will receive from the proximity to the boundaries (shelves and walls).

I had Classic Threes in such a placement situation, but switched them out for the Evo M5s, and it was a bog improvement.
heyitsmedusty's avatar
heyitsmedusty OP
227 posts
 
I would love to go with the M5's because I have heard so many great things about them, but due to restraints from the significant other I will definitely be placing these speakers _on_ the shelf in a space this is fairly small (10.5h x 10w x 8d).

Have there really been so few people who have heard the NHT Absolute Zeros?
rar1's avatar
rar1
1,769 posts
 
The Absolute Zero has existed under varying names for at least a dozen years. Each generation of the speaker has seen evolutionary type improvements. It is not that the Absolute Zero is worlds different than its predecessor, the SB-1. It is probably though, the best sounding incarnation of this speaker.

Regards, Rich
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