Complete Systems

Connections
Inputs:
Video: HDMI (3), component video (3), S-video (4), composite video (6)
Audio: Coaxial digital (3), optical digital (3), 7.1-channel analog (1), stereo analog (6)
Outputs:
Video: HDMI (1), component video (1), S-video (2), composite video (2)
Audio: Optical digital (2), stereo analog (2), 7.1 preamp (1)
Additional: NHTBus (1), RS-232 (1), 12-volt trigger (3), IR jack (2)

These listings are based on the man-ufacturer's stated specs; the HT Labs box below indicates the gear's performance on our test bench.

Features
Processing Modes: Dolby: Digital 5.1, EX, Pro Logic II, Pro Logic IIx DTS: DTS, ES, Neo:6, 96/24
THX Certification: No
Audio D/A Converter: 24-bit/192-kilohertz
Dimensions
(H x W x D, inches): 5.75 x 17.25 x 17
Weight (pounds): 27
Price: $2,750

HT Labs Measures: NHT Controller Pre/Pro

• Analog frequency response in Stereo96 mode:
–0.14 dB at 10 Hz; –0.04 dB at 20 Hz
–0.23 dB at 20 kHz; –21.00 dB at 50 kHz

• Analog frequency response with signal processing:
–0.14 dB at 10 Hz; –0.05 dB at 20 Hz
–0.22 dB at 20 kHz; –53.40 dB at 50 kHz

This chart shows the frequency response of the left (aqua), center (green), LFE (purple), and left surround (red) channels at the preamp outputs of the Dolby Digital decoder. The left channel measures –0.02 dB at 20 Hz and –0.12 dB at 20 kHz. The center channel measures –0.03 dB at 20 Hz and 0.04 dB at 20 kHz, and the left surround channel measures –0.03 dB at 20 Hz and 0.04 dB at 20 kHz. The LFE channel, normalized to the level at 40 Hz, is 0.01 dB at 20 Hz, reaches the upper –3-dB point at 118 Hz, and reaches the upper –6-dB point at 121 Hz.

Response from the multichannel input to the main output measures –0.90 dB at 10 Hz, –0.33 dB at 20 Hz, –0.15 dB at 20 kHz, and –1.01 dB at 50 kHz. The analog THD+N is less than 0.041 percent at 1 kHz with a 100-millivolt input and the volume control set to 2. Crosstalk with a 100-mV input was –83.08 dB left to right and –82.65 dB right to left. The signal-to-noise ratio with a 100-mV input from 10 Hz to 24 kHz with "A" weighting was –116.33 dBrA.—MJP

At A Glance: NHT Power5 Amplifier

Features
Number of Channels: 5
Power Rating (watts per channel): 200, into 8 ohms
Frequency Response: 3 dB from 20 Hz to 20 kHz
Dimensions
(H x W x D, inches): 5.75 x 17.25 x 17
Weight (pounds): 37
Price: $2,000

These listings are based on the manufacturer's stated specs; the HT Labs box below indicates the gear's performance on our test bench.

Connections
Inputs: RCA (5)
Outputs: Five-way binding posts (5 pair)
Additional: NHTBus, IR in and out,
2-volt trigger in and out

Ratings: NHT Controller Pre/Pro and Power5 Amplifier

Build Quality: 95
• Touch controls for every function eliminate all mechanical switches
• The Power5's ICEpower digital modules are used in far more expensive high-end amps

Value: 95
• The most affordable touchscreen-controlled pre/pro I've seen
• Most 200-watt-per-channel amps go for a lot more dough

Features: 95
• Speaker Wizard provides proprietary equalization for NHT speakers
• Auto speaker calibration on tap as well

Performance: 93
• Clean, beautifully balanced sound
• Abundant power reserves

Ergonomics: 87
• Navigating the
• Controller's touchscreen display can test your patience
• Awkward remote ergonomics

Overall Rating: 94
NHT's new electronics aren't merely me-too components. They look cool, sound wonderful, and offer tremendous value.

General Information
Controller Pre/Pro, $2,750
Power5 Amplifier, $2,000
NHT
(800) NHT-9993
www.nhthifi.com