New NHT Xd
System Features Wider Soundfield with Significantly Reduced
Distortion
NHT (Now Hear This) is debuting a new DEQX
CalibratedT DSP-corrected,  powered
speaker system that reduces distortion and offers impeccable
response, regardless of placement or listening position.
NHT Xd is the result of the
combined efforts of three companies - NHT, DEQX (Digital Equalization
and Crossover), and PowerPhysics - that pooled their respective
core technologies to develop a system that removes virtually
all possible distortion from the audio signal path while providing
a much wider soundfield that remains accurate, even when listening
far off axis. The system features two small speaker cabinets;
a powered bass, or woofer module; and a hybrid outboard component
that houses the DEQX CalibratedT DSP (digital signal processor)
and PowerPhysics One-Cycle SoundT amplifiers. Additional channels
and bass modules can be added to create surround systems.
"The
loudspeaker is the weakest link in any audio system," said
Chris Byrne, NHT's co-founder and Managing Director, Rockford
Home Group. "No matter how high the
price or defined the engineering, a traditional passive
loudspeaker is going to add substantial distortion and
frequency response errors. Combine this fact with necessary
compromises in passive crossovers -- as well as unknowns
such as amplifier power, proximity of boundaries and speaker
placement -- and it's no wonder that end-users become frustrated
with having to sit in the 'sweet spot' to achieve reasonable
sound quality in their homes.
"NHT
Xd is the first real response to consumer demands for high
performance, smaller systems that offer truly flexible placement
and ultimately lead to a wider soundfield that remains precise
and accurate no matter where the listener is situated."
NHT Xd: Three Key Ingredients
Just as the NHT Xd is the offspring of three companies' design efforts,
the system itself is comprised of three essential components.
 Capitalizing
on the proven benefits of DEQX CalibrationT, the NHT XdA DSP/amplifier
is the "brain" of the system. Designed to be a truly plug & play
solution, the NHT XdA includes only a few intuitive controls:
one for each channel, allowing the end-user to set boundary
equalization, i.e. an adjustment for maximizing performance
when speakers are placed on or next to a wall, on a stand in
the middle of the room, on a TV, etc. There are two sets of
inputs - RCA and differential balanced (XLR) -- as well as
outputs in the form of five-way binding posts, four for each
channel, with balanced line level outputs for connecting bass
modules.
The amplifier section of the
NHT XdA contains four PowerPhysics One-Cycle SoundT amplifiers
that supply high-efficiency, bi-amplification of stereo channels,
and two balanced, line-level output channels for the woofer(s).
PowerPhysics' proprietary Class D amplifier is compact and
highly efficient, generating the bare minimum of heat, allowing
NHT to put all electronics into a single chassis measuring
2.6"H x 17"W.
The diminutive (10.25"H x 6.5"W
x 8.5"D) NHT XdS satellite speaker features a two-way, acoustic
suspension design that houses an ultra-low distortion 5.25" midrange
and 1" neodymium tweeter. A massive "heat sink" is attached
to the rear of the tweeter to provide substantial power handling,
while the cabinet baffle itself is molded from a dense, sonically
neutral composite material designed for far-reaching sound
dispersion. Each satellite is biamplified, with the midrange
and tweeter each powered by an individual amplifier.
Rounding out the NHT Xd system
is the NHT XdW powered bass module, comprised of two active,
opposed 10-inch drivers and a PowerPhysics 500W amplifier.
Unlike other powered woofers, the XdW features only three controls
- volume trim, balanced input, and voltage selection. (Crossover
functions such as frequency response, phase, crossover point,
and time domain filtering are managed by the XdA.)
In the near future, NHT will
offer a backwards compatible, wireless (digital 2.4GHz transmission)
option for the bass module, in addition to the wired input.
Additionally, the NHT Xd system is designed to be upgradeable,
so end-users will be able to augment their systems as new DSP-based
functions are introduced.
DEQX Calibration: Why and
What For?
In short, DEQX CalibrationT measures loudspeaker and room acoustics
using the company's unique methodology, with special filters to optimize
system performance. As a result, sound is dispersed across a much wider
stage without being tied down to a narrow sweet spot. Additionally,
imaging is articulate and defined, while distortion is reduced to previously
unattainable low levels that are usually associated with electronics
components, not speakers.
One of the more intriguing aspects
of the NHT Xd system is the sense of accuracy that is maintained
when moving across the soundfield. The sweet spot seems to
follow the listener around the room, even when sitting far
off axis.
Added Byrne: "After
all the speaker refinements and improvements of the past
60 years, DSP presents a path for correcting system behavior
that will allow us to meet consumer demands for higher performance,
smaller systems that are flexible in placement considerations,
making them essential to anybody who is ready to take the
next step in audio reproduction."
About NHT
Since it was founded in 1986, NHT® has
continually challenged the notion that the very best sound
reproduction must come at a premium price. NHT takes pride
in designing and marketing loudspeaker systems that provide
a lifetime of listening pleasure. Its products from past to
present speak volumes of NHT's dedication to sonic excellence.
For more information, visit www.nhthifi.com. NHT (Now Hear
This) is a brand name of Rockford Corporation®. Rockford
Corporation is based in Tempe, Ariz. and is a publicly traded
company under the NASDAQ stock symbol ROFO. NHT's website can
be viewed at www.nhthifi.com and www.rockfordcorp.com
About DEQX
DEQX Pty Limited's goal is to make the speaker
and listening room 'transparent' to deliver the maximum 'being
there' high-definition audio experience. DEQX will offer a
number of products that provide the DEQX CalibratedT processing.
These are variously designed for speaker and equipment manufacturers,
professional recording and broadcast studios, commercial auditoriums
and cinemas, stereo hi-fi and surround home theatre, and for
car audio. For more information, visit www.deqx.com.
About PowerPhysics
PowerPhysics, Inc. of Newport Beach, CA designs
and manufactures audio amplifiers and power supplies for sale
to audio equipment manufacturers. Its patented control laws
put switching amplifiers into the realm of audiophile sound.
One-Cycle SoundT amplifiers are favored by professional users
from Broadway to Hollywood, and are now available for home
use thanks to NHT. For more information please visit www.powerphysics.com |
