Fig. 2

In many situations, it won't be possible to place the rear speakers in their ideal positions. If this is the case in your room, try to place the rear speakers equidistant from the center of the main seating area. If you must place the rear speakers close to the main seating area, position them so that they are above the ear height of the tallest listener, and toe them in so that imaginary lines coming from the center of each speaker cross in front of the main seating area. You can add time delay to the rear channels with your surround sound processor to make the rear speakers seem farther from the seating area than your room setup will allow.

Placement Accessories

Sometimes, current furniture and where it's placed won't allow the speaker placement you prefer. Two quick ways around this are to use speaker stands, or to mount them on walls.

NHT offers a stand - the Last Stand - specifically matched for the SB1, available through your NHT Dealer. The SB1 has threaded inserts for wall mounting. You may use the Omnimount Systems model RST 25. For more information visit the Omnimount Systems web site at www.omnimount.com or call them at 1-800-668-6848.

Connections

Before connecting your SB1 loudspeakers to your system, turn off the power to your amplifier / receiver to avoid damaging the components or the speakers.

First, take a look at the five-way binding posts on the back of your speakers. They'll accept raw wire, banana plugs or spade plugs. Note that posts should be tightened by hand, since pliers can strip or break them. Next, choose your speaker wires. Like all wires, speaker wires are rated by a gauge number. The guage number gets smaller as the wire gets thicker. Thicker wire is preferable; we recommend 16-guage for shorter runs, and 12-guage for runs longer than ten feet (your

authorized NHT dealer can help with wire). Equal lengths of wire for all speakers is ideal, but not absolutely necessary.

Prepare the wires by stripping 1/4" to 3/8" of insulation from the ends and, if the wire is stranded rather than solid, tightly twisting the exposed wire strands.

Finally, connect your speakers to your amplifier or receiver, connecting all conductors "in-phase;" that is, the same half of the wire-pair to the positive / red amplifier terminal and the positive /red speaker terminal. Similarly, connect black outputs and inputs. If you have trouble following which wire half is which, look closely, and you'll see that your speaker wires have some sort of marking -- lettering, ridges, or color difference - to help.

Before powering up your amplifier or receiver, separate different kinds of cables to minimize noise. Keep speaker wires at the maximum practical distance from line-level, digital, and power cables, and if they must cross, keep them at right angles.

Operation

The NHT SB1's are compatible with virtually all quality amplifiers, and are designed to handle a wide range of listening levels.

Every speaker, however, has limits, and it's important to listen for them. Speaker damage most often results not from brief loud musical peaks, but from sustained high volume levels in some or all frequencies. For this reason, extreme volume settings and excessive bass, treble or equalizer boosts are not recommended.

If you hear unusual distortion or breakup, or notice heat coming from either your woofer or tweeter, decrease volume immediately, neutralize any excess bass, treble or equalizer boosts, and avoid setting any controls to similar extremes again.

Maintenance

Your speakers require no or minimal maintenance under normal use, as long as you avoid exposing them to direct sunlight, high temperatures, or moisture. Clean cabinets, when necessary, using a damp cloth or a mild, non-abrasive cleaner; to clean grilles, remove from speaker and use a soft brush or a vacuum on its lowest setting. Do not attempt to clean the actual drivers.

Satisfaction

Your satisfaction with your new NHT SB1 loudspeakers is important to us. Please note the matched products and accessories we provide for them, and your warranty, printed on the back of this manual. And again, if you have any questions regarding your speakers' use, feel free to call NHT at 1-800-NHT-9993. Enjoy your listen- ing and viewing!

REV 6-02

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NHT SB 1 user manual Placement Accessories, Connections, Operation, Maintenance, Satisfaction
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SB 1 specifications

NHT SB 1 is a standout product in the world of high-fidelity audio, delivering an exceptional listening experience for audiophiles and casual listeners alike. With its sleek design and advanced technologies, it has made a significant mark on the market since its introduction.

One of the primary features of the NHT SB 1 is its compact bookshelf speaker design, which allows it to fit seamlessly into a variety of spaces without sacrificing audio quality. Measuring just 12 inches high, 7 inches wide, and 10 inches deep, it is versatile enough for both small apartment setups and larger home theaters. The speaker is available in several finishes, such as black ash and cherry, making it easy to match with different interior styles.

The SB 1 is engineered with a high-performance 5.25-inch polypropylene woofer that provides rich low frequencies, capable of delivering deep bass without distortion. This is complemented by a 1-inch silk dome tweeter, which produces clear and detailed highs, ensuring a well-balanced sound signature across various genres of music. The combination of these drivers enables the SB 1 to reproduce a wide frequency range, from deep bass notes to crisp treble tones.

NHT has incorporated advanced technologies in the SB 1, including a carefully designed crossover network. This integral component divides the audio signal into separate frequency ranges, directing them to the appropriate driver for optimal performance. The result is a cohesive soundstage that allows listeners to fully immerse themselves in their favorite tracks.

Another notable characteristic of the NHT SB 1 is its power handling capability, allowing for a significant amount of amplification. With a sensitivity rating of 86 dB, it performs well with a variety of amplifiers, making it suitable for different audio setups. The speaker's impedance rating of 8 ohms ensures compatibility with most home audio systems.

Overall, the NHT SB 1 is a testament to the brand's commitment to quality and performance. Its combination of innovative technologies, superior build quality, and aesthetically pleasing design make it an attractive choice for anyone looking to enhance their audio experience. Whether used in a stereo setup or as part of a multi-channel home theater system, the NHT SB 1 stands out as a reliable and impressive speaker option.
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