NHT Audio sings its swan song... for now

by Steven Kim posted Feb 25th 2009 at 11:43PM

It's a sad day for fans of Now Hear This (NHT) Audio, best known for its speaker offerings -- the company is "going quiet." A letter from company co-founder Chris Byrne makes it clear that while the NHT didn't go bankrupt, there's been a sea-change in the audio market that needs a different approach. Them's strong words from a company that has a pretty solid reputation for doing things a bit differently. We remember, for example, when the NHT 3.3s came out -- that gangly narrow cabinet afforded good imaging from the front-firing drivers and the radical (at the time) woofer location on the side wall enhanced the bass response -- NHT definitely was quirky in a good way. March 31st will mark the end of NHT as we know it; here's to hoping we see it rise again in a new form with creative ideas to throw into audiodom. Not that we're counting on it, but it might just happen.

Filed under: Industry, Speakers, Others

Tags: closing, economy, loudspeakers, nht, now hear this, NowHearThis, speakers

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Neutral

zargon @ Feb 26th 2009 7:13AM

That sucks, while I never owned at NHT speakers, there were always on my short list of recommended speakers.

I wonder what they mean the audio world has changed. Other than maybe more speakers to setups for home theater or the biggest gimmick since Monster Cables or Bose, the sound bar. I am not exactly sure what they are talking about.

Neutral

Brian @ Feb 26th 2009 5:40PM

Wow, what a shame. I have been the proud owner of 4 NHT SuperZero's (used as 7.1 back and rears) for quite awhile now and have nothing but praise for the craftmanship and quality from these little beastie's. NHT had such a good reputation at any high end dealer. Very surprised they have decided to call it quits but better to go out ahead i presume. If you get a chance to grab any of there products dont hesitate for a second. Farwell sweet Prince!!

Neutral

renzu @ Feb 26th 2009 8:27PM

I've owned some early & mid-90s NHT systems. They looked pretty nice at least, and had a recognizable character to them. I got the impression that they were on their way out for a while now, ever since they consolidated their several lines of speakers into a single, conspicuously titled "classic" line.

Neutral

Video Master 2 @ Feb 27th 2009 12:11AM

WOW its a sad day in the audio world. I have owned a set of VT-1a speakers along with the matching center, sub, and dipole surrounds for awhile now. I haven't chosen to change or get new speakers because there really hasn't been any better alternatives in the last 12 years. I thought NHT was making a comeback but I guess with the crappy economy it doesn't make sense to invest in this business model for now. I'm sure that one day they will be back and I can't wait to buy more of their innovative award winning speakers. I might give Emotiva a trial in a few years but I'm not looking forward to selling my NHT's!

Bring back the VT-1a's !!!!!

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