VT-2
Audio / Video Reference Tower Loudspeaker
OWNER’S MANUAL
Now Hear This
6400 Goodyear Road
Benicia, CA 94510
800-NHT-9993
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„ Coherent Array Design
Traditionally, the physical separation of the drivers on a speaker baffle has made it difficult to create an integrated
soundstage for different listening positions. To address this problem, the VT-2 features NHT’s proprietary Coherent Array
design, an integrated baffle assembly which incorporates multiple drivers spaced closely together. The Coherent Array
design configuration offers the advantages of multi-driver systems that deliver dynamic and realistic sound pressure
levels over a wide frequency range, while overcoming the acute wave interference problems caused by the driver spacing
in traditional designs. The result is uniform frequency response to a wide range of listening positions.
„ Placement
The Model VT-2 is a floorstanding loudspeaker that requires no stands or mounting hardware other than the included
SpikeKit. The VT-2 is designed for indoor use only.
For best results, the VT-2’s are best situated at least 12 inches from the rear wall (due to the rear vent) and at least 30
inches from the side walls. The speakers should be arranged as symmetrically as possible so that the drivers face the
listening area without obstruction from furniture. With the VT-2’s set up properly, the side-firing woofers face to the
outside (away from the TV) and the tweeters are at approximately ear level. If possible, arrange the speakers so that the
distance between the listener and the center of the speaker plane is about 1.5 times the distance between the two
speakers (fig. 2). This configuration puts the listener in the center of the stereo image.
The upper portion of the VT-2 features magnetically shielded drivers, allowing the speakers to be placed in close
proximity to a television without causing picture discoloration. 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. In this case, it is advantageous to tilt or aim the center speaker toward the listening position.
fig. 3
fig. 2
Experimentation is the key to finding the best arrangement in your listening environment. Be patient, have fun, and
remember 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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„ SpikeKit Installation
A SpikeKit is included with the Model VT-2 to provide optimum stability and to firmly couple the speakers to the floor for
improved bass performance. Each VT-2 loudspeaker is shipped with its own SpikeKit. Caution: the VT-2 is unstable
without the SpikeKit (or at least the stabilizer bars) installed.
To begin assembly, unpack the SpikeKit and inspect all the parts. The SpikeKit includes: (2) stabilizer bars, (4) metal
cones, (4) Phillips head machine screws, (4) lock nuts and (4) rubber feet. We recommend installing the cones only after
you have found the ideal location for the speakers. Begin by installing the stabilizer bars. Carefully turn the speaker upside
down or on its back and attach the stabilizer bars with the Phillips head machine screws, using a #2 Phillips screwdriver
(fig. 3). Note: When installing the bars onto the bottom of the speaker, use your fingers to start all the machine
screws in their holes before tightening them down. This will prevent crossthreading.
Before installing the cones, turn the speakers upright and position them. When you have found the perfect spot, careful-
ly tilt the speakers and screw in the cones with the lock nuts on them. The speakers are awkward to move after the cones
are installed. Caution: The cones are very sharp. To avoid injury, use extreme care when handling and installing
them. Adjust the cones as needed to ensure that the VT-2 is level and does not rock in any direction. Tighten the lock
nuts against the bottom of the stabilizer bar to lock the cones in place. If you have hardwood floors or floors with a
scratchable surface, you may choose not to use the cones because they will pierce the surface. Rubber feet are
provided and can be used in place of the cones. Install the stabilizer bars, peel off the adhesive backings from the rubber
feet, and place them over the holes where the cones would screw in.
„ 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.
On the back panel of the VT-2 there are two sets of binding posts (fig. 4) with a metal jumper strap connecting the top and
bottom posts. There are three different ways to connect the VT-2’s to your system: Full-range with a single amplifier /
receiver, Bi-amplified with two amplifers and two sets of speaker wire, or Bi-wired with one amplifier and two sets of
speaker wire. To run the VT-2’s full-range with one amplifier / receiver, simply connect the speaker wires to either the top
set or bottom set of posts (it doesn’t matter which one).
Bi-amplification is the use of two separate amplifiers, one to power the bass drivers and one to power the midrange / high frequency
drivers. This configuration provides greater
dynamic range for both amplifiers, as they
fig. 4
are spared the task of reproducing the
entire frequency range. In addition, bi-
amplification is a great advantage in home
theater systems, as it turns the passive sub-
woofer section of the VT-2 into a
pow-
ered subwoofer. NHT’s SA-2 and SA-3
subwoofer amplifiers are optimized for sub-
woofer amplification and feature adjustable
volume and bass tuning
functions,
which allow the user to fine-tune bass
response for an individual listening
environment.
Note: It is very important that you
remove the jumper straps when bi-
amplifying or you will damage your
amplifiers! To bi-amplify the VT-2, you will
need two amplifiers, one for the upper
range drivers (top pair of binding posts) and
one for the subwoofer (bottom pair).
Connect one pair of binding posts with
speaker wire from one amplifier, and the other pair of binding posts with speaker wire from the second amplifier. If you have an
audio / video receiver, you may use its front left and right speaker outputs to drive the upper section, and a separate amplifier for
the subwoofers. It is important to achieve level matching between the two amplifiers. Use either two identical amplifiers, or make
sure that one amplifier has a volume control. Both amplifiers will need to receive an identical line-level signal from the preamplifi-
er/processor or “pre-out” jacks of the A/V receiver. If only one set of “pre-out” jacks are available, use a “Y” splitter in order to send
the signal to both amplifiers. For more detailed information about bi-amplification, contact your local authorized NHT retailer.
Some audio enthusiasts have found that bi-wiring can bring about improvements in sound. Bi-wiring is the use of two pairs of
speaker wire and one amplifier, with each pair connected to one set of binding posts on the amplifier (some two-channel amplifiers
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provide two sets). To bi-wire the VT-2’s, connect the top pair of binding posts to the amplifier with one speaker wire, and
the bottom pair with a second wire. The two sets of speaker wire are both connected to one pair of terminals on the
amplifier.
The Model VT-2 loudspeaker system is compatible with virtually all quality amplifiers. Proper wiring of the speakers is
essential to good sound. At a minimum, 14AWG wire is recommended for runs of 10 feet or less, with heavier special
purpose speaker wire used for longer runs. For specialty wire considerations, consult your local authorized NHT retailer.
For best results, use equal length runs of speaker wire for the left and right speakers. Prepare your speaker wire by
stripping 1/4” to 3/8” of insulation from the ends and twisting the exposed wire strands tightly. The five-way binding 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 both the left and right 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.
„ Operation
The Model VT-2 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 volume levels, more powerful
amplifiers are preferable becase 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.
„ Maintenance
Your speakers require minimal maintenance under normal use. The cabinet may be cleaned using a damp cloth or a mild,
non-abrasive 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 speakers to direct sunlight, high temperatures, or moisture. Do not
attempt to clean the actual drivers.
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 warranty 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 industrial 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 inci-
dental 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, Benicia, CA 94510. 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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