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www.Stereophile.com, November 2005
N
HT’s Xd system is what audiophiles have been saying they
want: a matched loudspeaker system that optimizes the perfor-
mance of its components for a real-world domestic listening
environment. But with their dollars they’ve voted against just
such systems for years. If we put our money where our mouths
are, active speaker systems such as Meridian’s DSP or those
used in recording studios would dominate the High End.
Unlike studio active monitors, the NHT Xd is insidiously easy to use and to like.
In configuration it seems to have more in common with 2.1-channel computer
speakers, which are designed more for convenience than for performance. How-
ever, the Xd system uses sophisticated digital signal processing (DSP) for all its
equalization and crossover functions and, since it has only analog inputs, forces all
signals through additional A/D and D/A cycles. This may confound purists, but
that’s the tradeoff for what sets it apart. The Xd arrangement lets the DSP correct
for the less-than-perfect performance of the drivers and cabinets while taking into
account the abilities and limits of the built-in amplifiers. The result should be as
close to acoustic perfection as the design budget and physical elements permit.
NHT
Xd
ACTIVE LOUDSPEAKER SYSTEM
EQUIPMENT REPORT
Kalman Rubinson
NHT XdS loudspeaker with XdW subwoofer and dedicated XdA crossover-equalizer-amplifier.
DESCRIPTIONS Active 2.1-channel
speaker system with DSP crossover
and equalization. Consists of:
XdS Two-way acoustic-suspension,
magnetically shielded, stand-mounted
loudspeaker with molded composite
enclosure and fitted stand. Drive-
units: 1" aluminum-dome tweeter
with neodymium magnet, 5.25"
magnesium-cone midrange unit.
Crossover frequency: 2.1kHz. Fre-
quency response: 110Hz–30kHz,
±1dB. Peak acoustic output: 114dB.
Dimensions: 10.5" (270mm) H (not
including stand) by 6.5" (165mm)
W by 8.5" (220mm) D. Weight: 13
lbs (5.9kg). Serial numbers of units
reviewed: 100000049-38.
XdW Acoustic suspension powered
bass module. Drive-units: two side-
mounted, 10" aluminum-cone
woofers. Input: balanced (XLR).
Controls: level only. Crossover
frequency: 110Hz. Frequency
response: 28–110Hz, ±1dB. Power:
500W RMS, 700W peak. Peak
acoustic output: 116dB at 60Hz.
Dimensions: 22.1" (565mm) H by
11.2" (285mm) W by 13" (330mm)
D. Weight: 57 lbs (25.9kg).
Serial number of unit reviewed:
02000001036-38.
XdA DEQX-based DSP
crossover/equalizer/4-channel class-
D power amplifier. Maximum output
power: 150W RMS (21.8dBW),
400W peak. Controls: Boundary
compensation. Indicators: Power,
Standby, Fault. Input connectors:
XLR, RCA. Output connectors: XLR,
RCA, binding posts. Dimensions:
17" (435mm) W by 2.8" (70mm) H
by 15.7" (400mm) D. Weight: 12 lbs
(5.5kg). Serial number of unit
reviewed: 030000000025-39.
FINISHES As reviewed: maroon and
cream lacquer (speakers and
stands), high-gloss, Dark Chocolate
Red and Piano Black will be available
by the time this review appears in
print; black/brushed aluminum,
with blue LEDs (amplifier).
PRICE $6000/system. Approximate
number of dealers: 200.
MANUFACTURER NHT, 6400
Goodyear Road, Benicia, CA 94510.
Tel: (800) 648-9993. Web:
http://nhtxd.com.
ELECTRONICALLY REPRINTED FROM NOVEMBER 2005