VS-2a
Audio / Video Satellite Loudspeaker
OWNER’S MANUAL
Now Hear This
6400 Goodyear Road
Benicia, CA 94510
800-NHT-9993
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fig. 2
fig. 1
When installing the VS-2a as a center channel speaker, it should be placed directly above or below the television, as close to the
screen as possible (fig.1). The speaker should always be placed so that the tweeter and absorptive foam strip are facing the
screen. The VS-2a is magnetically shielded and will not distort the picture’s color.
Ideally, the three front speakers in a home theater system should be placed at equal height, equidistant, and at ear level
from the listening position. However, it is frequently not possible to install a center speaker at ear level, as the top surface
of most televisions tends to be higher than ear level in the seated position. To address this problem, the VS-2a is supplied
with an adjustable foot (fig. 2). This foot is used to angle or aim the speaker so that it radiates sound directly toward the
listening position. The foot can also be used to level the VS-2a if the top of the TV has an uneven surface. Attach the rub-
ber pad to the bottom of the foot to prevent it from sliding. Adjust the VS-2a to the desired angle, then tighten the finger
screws. For best performance, place the VS-2a so that its baffle (front) is even with the front of your television (fig. 4). This
will eliminate diffraction effects caused by sound waves bouncing off the top surface of your television. Rubber feet are
included to protect both your VS-2a and your furniture from possible scratches. To install the feet, peel off their adhesive backings and
stick them on four corners of the bottom surface (whichever it is) of the VS-2a.
When used as front or rear satellite speakers, the VS-2a’s should be arranged as symmetrically as possible. The speak-
ers should be slightly toed-in and the drivers should face the listening area without obstruction from furniture. When used
in their vertical (upright) orientation, the VS-2a’s should always be placed so that the tweeters face the middle of the room
(fig. 3). If possible, arrange the speakers so that the distance between the listener and the center or the speaker plane is
about 1.5 times the distance between the two speakers (fig. 4). This configuration puts the listener in the center of the
stereo image.
fig. 3
fig. 4
For digital 5.1-channel surround systems, we recommend that all five speakers be placed equidistant from the listening
position. For Dolby Pro-Logic® systems, it is preferable to have a more diffuse, ambient sound radiating from behind the
listening position. This is accomplished by placing the rear (surround) speakers so that they fire across the room at each
other (not directly toward the seating position), and by placing them 3 to 4 feet above ear level.
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Experimentation is the key to finding the best arrangement in your listening environment. Be patient, have fun, and remem-
ber that small changes in speaker position can sometimes have a significant effect on the sound. For example, moving
the speakers nearer to a room boundary (walls, corners) will tend to increase their bass output, but may result in “boomy”
or “muddy” sound. Conversely, placing the speakers farther away from room boundaries will tend to decrease their bass
output, but may result in greater articulation and better imaging.
In addition, room furnishings play an important role in absorbing and reflecting soundwaves. Midrange and high
frequencies in particular will be absorbed by soft furnishings such as sofas, carpets and curtains. A large number of these
soft furnishings will dull the sound, while a “live” room with few furnishings will brighten the sound. If you are willing to
spend some time fine-tuning the performance of your system, you will enjoy the benefits for years to come.
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Speaker Stand and Shelf Mounting
When used in the vertical (upright) orientation, the VS-2a may be placed on a rigid speaker stand. NHT offers a 26.5”
stand (OneStand) which is ideally suited for the VS-2a. Refer to the OneStand owner’s manual for detailed installation
instructions. Additionally, the VS-2a may be placed on a shelf or in a cabinet, however this placement may have a detri-
mental effect on the sound. For best results, place the speaker as far forward as possible to the front edge of the cabinet.
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Wall Mount Bracket
Parts List:
2 brackets
2 long screws (#10 x 2” pan head)
4 short screws (#8 x 1/2” pan head)
1 template (included with owner’s manual)
Tools you will need:
power drill with 1/8-inch bit
Philips screwdriver or power driver
studfinder
level
Note: Whenever an object is affixed to a wall, you must take special care to mount it securely, to prevent it from
falling and causing possible injury. THE VS-2A MOUNTING BRACKET MUST BE ATTACHED TO STUDS, AS DRY-
WALL (SHEETROCK) ALONE CANNOT PROVIDE ADEQUATE SUPPORT. Make sure that the mounting bracket will
not interfere with electrical wiring, plumbing, etc. IF YOU ARE UNSURE ABOUT THE INSTALLATION OF THIS
MOUNTING BRACKET, CONSULT A PROFESSIONAL CONTRACTOR. Follow the mounting instructions carefully to
ensure proper installation.
There are two ways to mount the VS-2a to the wall with the supplied mounting bracket: horizontally or vertically. Before installing
the bracket, determine the desired orientation of the speaker.
If the VS-2a’s are to be mounted on the side walls and behind the listening position, it is advisable to mount them vertically, using
fig. 5
fig. 6
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the cabinets’ shape to aim the speakers inward toward the listening position. If the VS-2a’s are to be mounted on the rear wall of
the room, it is advisible to mount them horizontally and high up on the wall, using the cabinets’ shape to aim the speakers down-
ward toward the listening position.
1. Do not attach the bracket to the VS-2a yet! That comes later.
2. Begin by selecting the desired area on the wall where the VS-2a will be mounted. Using a studfinder (or the old-fashioned
“knocking” method), locate one or two adjacent studs, spaced 16 inches apart. If the VS-2a is to be mounted vertically, both brack-
ets are mounted to the same stud. If the VS-2a is to be mounted horizontally, the brackets must be mounted to two adjacent studs.
3. Using the supplied mounting template, mark the two screw locations, 16 inches apart and centered on the stud(s) - (see Fig. 5).
Use the level to ensure that the screw locations are lined up precisely.
4. Drill a 1/8-inch pilot hole into the wall for each screw. Be sure that the hole passes through the drywall and into the stud. If the
hole does not reach a stud, re-position the screws and pilot holes until it does.
5. Insert one long screw into each pilot hole. Screw all the way into the wall, until the screw head rests on the wall surface.
6. Place an unmounted bracket over each screw so that the screw head rests in the round section of the keyhole (Fig. 6). Don’t
worry about which keyhole to use at this point. Loosen the screw 1 to 1-1/2 turns, until the bracket is able to slide down and the
screw head now rests in the narrow section of the keyhole. The wall screws are now properly set.
7. Locate the four pilot holes (two per side) pre-drilled into the back of the VS-2a. Place one bracket above each pair of holes
(Fig. 7). Take care to align the brackets carefully: Both brackets must be installed facing the same direction to ensure
exact 16” spacing. There are three offset “keyholes,” but only one keyhole will be correct for your installation
(see Fig. 8). When mounting the VS-2a vertically, use the middle keyhole on each bracket, and make sure that the brack-
ets are installed so that the narrow section of each keyhole faces the direction that will be “up” once the speaker is on
the wall. When mounting the VS-2a horizontally, use the appropriate “up”-facing keyhole, making sure that both brack-
ets face the same direction.
8. Using the short screws, attach the brackets to the VS-2a. Do not over-tighten the screws, as this may strip the pilot holes. On
power screwdrivers, use the low-torque setting. Tighten the screws enough so that the bracket cannot move on the speaker.
fig. 7
fig. 8
9. Attach speaker cable to the VS-2a. When possible in new construction applications, run the cable inside the wall and have it
come out directly behind the location of the VS-2a. If this is not possible, simply run the cable along the wall behind the VS-2a.
10. Hold up the VS-2a so that the brackets are aligned with the wall screws. Carefully place the brackets over the screws so that
the screw heads slide into the round sections of the keyholes. Slowly move the VS-2a downward until the bracket has locked over
the screw. Ensure that both brackets are securely mounted to their screws.
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If you are unable to slide the VS-2a brackets down onto the wall screws, check to ensure:
z
z
z
z
z
Nothing is obstructing the speaker
The brackets are mounted on the speaker with both facing the same direction
You are using the correct keyhole on each bracket
The wall screws are exactly 16 inches apart, centered on the studs
There is enough room between the screw head and the wall for the bracket to slide down.
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System Configurations
The VS-2a is optimized for use in the latest 5.1-channel discrete digital surround systems. Since digital surround soundtracks are
mixed as five discrete channels, uniform tonality in the playback system is essential for achieving a believable “you are
there” sound. The VS-2a satellites and VT-2 towers utilize identical upper range drivers, so there are two system configurations
that will each provide matched timbre to all five channels:
1- Use a pair of VT-2 Audio / Video Towers for the front left and right speakers and three VS-2a’s for the center and rear
speakers. Configure all low frequencies to be sent to the VT-2’s. Since the VT-2’s have built-in subwoofers, a separate
subwoofer is an option and not a necessity in this system.
2- Use five VS-2a’s (front left, center and right, rear left and right) and a separate powered subwoofer (NHT SW1P, SW2Pi
or SW3P) for the low frequency effects channel.
For a no-holds-barred home theater system starting with either of the above configurations, powered subwoofers may be
employed on any or all five channels to provide balanced bass and increased impact.
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Connections
Before connecting speakers to your system, it is very important that you turn off the power to your amplifier /
receiver to avoid damage to the equipment.
The VS-2a is compatible with virtually all quality amplifiers. Proper wiring of the speaker is essential to good sound. At a minimum,
16AWG speaker cable is recommended for runs of 10 feet or less, with 14AWG cable used for larger runs. For specialty cable con-
siderations, consult your local authorized NHT retailer. For best results, use equal length runs of cable for all three front speakers.
Prepare your cable by stripping 1/4” to 3/8” of insulation from the ends and twisting the exposed wire strands tightly. The five-way bind-
ing posts on the back of the speaker will accept raw wire, banana plugs, or spade plugs. Tighten the binding posts by hand, as pliers
can strip or break them.
Be sure to wire all the speakers “in-phase.” That is, the Positive (red) terminal on the amplifier output must be connected
to the corresponding Positive (red) terminal on the speaker. Likewise with the Negative (black) terminals. All speaker wires
have some sort of marking along one or both conductors to help you make the correct connections. Incorrect speaker phase is
indicated by weak bass and the lack of a well-defined stereo image.
To minimize noise pickup, segregate cables by function. Do not run low level signal cables parallel to power cables, speaker cables,
or digital cables. Also, do not run speaker cables or digital cables parallel to power cords or parallel to each other. If different types of
cables are placed near each other at some place in your system, separate them by the maximum practical distance and cross them
at right angles where they meet. Do not twist or tie AC power cords with speaker cables.
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Operation
The VS-2a was designed to handle a wide range of listening levels, but every speaker has limits. It is important to use common sense
and listen for signs of possible distress from the speakers. Underpowered amplifiers are most often the cause of speaker damage.
For example, a 60-watt amplifier runs out of power when called upon to produce more than 60 watts, and the resulting distortion can
damage the speaker. If you tend to listen at high voumes, more powerful amplifiers are preferable because they are less likely to run
out of power.
Noticeable distortion or harsh breakup is an indication that either your amplifier or your speakers are running beyond their capacity,
and the volume should be decreased. If you can feel any heat emanating from the woofer or tweeter, reduce the level immediately.
Speaker damage most often occurs from sustained high volume levels, not from transient sounds or brief musical peaks. Excessive
boosting of bass, treble or equalizer controls can worsen the problem, and is not recommended.
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Maintenance
Your speakers require minimal maintenance under normal use. The cabinet may be cleaned using a damp cloth or a mild, non-abra-
sive glass cleaner. To clean the grille, first remove it from the speaker, then brush lightly with a soft brush or use a vacuum on its
lowest setting. Do not expose the speaker to direct sunlight, high temperatures, or moisture. Do not attempt to clean the actual
drivers.
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Limited Warranty
Valid Only in the U.S.A.
Warranty Period
For the period of 5 years for parts and 5 years for labor from date of original purchase (the warran-
ty period) from an authorized NHT dealer, Now Hear This (NHT) warrants that if our product fails to
function properly under normal use due to a manufacturing defect when installed and operated
according to the owner’s manual instructions enclosed with the unit, it will be repaired or replaced
with a unit of comparable value at the option of NHT without charge to you for parts or actual repair
work. Parts supplied under this warranty may be new or rebuilt at the option of NHT.
What’s Not Covered
This warranty does not cover any product which is used in any trade or business, or in an industri-
al or commercial application.
This warranty does not cover the cabinet or any appearance item, or any damage caused to the
product resulting from: alterations, modifications not authorized in writing by NHT, accident, misuse
or abuse, damage due to lightning or power surges, or being subjected to power in excess of the
speaker’s published power rating.
This warranty does not cover the cost of parts which would otherwise be provided without charge
under this warranty, obtained from any source other than an authorized NHT service location. This
warranty does not cover defects or damage caused by the use of unauthorized parts or labor or from
improper maintenance.
Altered, defaced or removed serial numbers void this warranty.
Your Rights
The liability of NHT will be limited to the purchase price of the product, and NHT will not be liable for
incidental or consequential damages. NHT limits its obligations under any implied warranties under
state laws to a period not exceeding the warranty period. Some states do not allow limitations on
how long an implied warranty lasts, and some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of
incidental or consequential damages. The above limitations or exclusions may not apply to you.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may have other rights which vary from state
to state.
To Obtain Service
NHT has appointed a number of authorized service companies throughout the USA should your
product ever require service. To receive warranty service, you will need to present your sales
receipt showing place and date of original owner’s transaction.
To find the name and address of the nearest authorized NHT service location, call or write:
Customer Service Department, Now Hear This, 6400 Goodyear Road, CA 94510.
1-800-NHT-9993.
Please do not return product to this address. It is not a service location.
Keep this warranty with your sales receipt. Record date and place of purchase for future reference.
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