Benicia,
Calif. –
unveiled the first in a
promised series of powered high-performance speakers designed to connect to
such new music sources as smartphones, tablets and computers.
The active
90-watt two-way SuperPower mini speaker, priced at $199 each, can also be used
to play back audio from portable media players, video game consoles and electronic
musical instruments, the company said. The speaker connects to sources via an
analog input.
Two SuperPower
minis can be used to deliver stereo, and they can be connected to the company’s
110-watt Super 8 powered subwoofer, which is priced at $299 when purchased with
a pair of SuperPower speakers.
The mini speakers can also be mated with SuperPower
DeskStands at $59/pair. They use 10-gauge carbon steel to isolate the speaker
from the surface of a shelf or table, opening up the midrange vocals to deliver
a wider soundfield, the company said.
For another
$99, computer users can add a PVC PC passive volume-control interface with
control knob. It isolates computer-generated noise from the speakers, reduces
the deleterious sonic impact of “dithering” from software-based volume controls,
and simplifies the addition of a Super 8 subwoofer.
The SuperPower isn’t NHT’s first powered mini
monitor. However, an existing powered mini monitor, the 75-watt $375-each M-00,
is designed for professional, home and
project recording studios, although some consumers connect it to PCs to create
a desktop hi-fi system, the company said.
The
SuperPower takes its design cues from the passive SuperZero 2.0 mini-speaker and the M-00. Like those speakers, the
SuperPower features 4.5-inch long-throw woofer and 1-inch silk dome tweeter in
a sealed box featuring NHT’s high-gloss, black laminate finish.
The
amp in each SuperPower speaker is rated at 90 watts with more than 90 percent
efficiency. The amp mates with a custom-designed pre-amp circuit to extend bass
to 72Hz and deliver more than 111dB at 1 meter.
The
speaker combines “our knowledge and experience in the powered monitor arena
with our passion for packing incredible high-end sound into a compact,
affordable package,” said NHT partner and marketing/sales executive John
Johnsen.
“This isn’t
the last word on powered speakers or personal audio from NHT,” he added.
NHT’s Internet-based business
model combines B to C and B to B marketing in an unusual way. Consumers buy NHT
products factory-direct through NHT’s web site or through authorized online and
brick-and-mortar retailers and installers. Whatever the point of purchase, the
purchased product is shipped directly to the consumer from NHT’s warehouse.
