Are NHT VT2.4's harsh, or is it just me?


I am using a Rotel RMB 1095 (200X5). I am switching from Genesis Genre 1's because I didn't think they were "dynamic enough". After listening to the NHT VT2.4's out of the box, I am about ready to switch back. They hurt my ears. Maybe they will smooth out with break in, but the tweeters sound very metallic and harsh to me. Does anyone have any thoughts on this?
carlabarla
According to NHT's website, the 2.4 has the same 1" aluminum dome tweeter as the venerable 3.3 and the favorably reviewed (by SGHT) VT 3 system. They SHOULD sound good after break in.
First, let me state that my ears are VERY sensitive to high frequencies. That said, I had a pair of 2.5i's and found them to be too harsh, very bright. They were matched with Adcom amps, not exactly the smoothest mids and highs. I ended up trading them in for a pair of VT1.4, I believe they have the same aluminum tweeters. Again, too bright for my ears. I sold them and picked up a pair of VT1.2, these have the soft dome tweeter. Much smoother, but still bright, no doubt revealing the nature of the Adcoms. I upgraded from the Adcoms to a Sonic Frontiers SFS-40. After some extensive tube rolling, I did find a good combo that took the bite out of the NHTs. I think it is just the nature of the beast. The VT2.4s are great speakers. Diligent equipment matching can tame them.

Happy listening!
I agree with Bigtee -- NHTs generally have a more forward and "brighter" sound, but the metal tweeter in the newer models amplifies (no pun intended) the problem. The original 3.3 (as well as the 2.5, 2.3, 2.1, 1.5, 1.3, etc)had a soft tweeter and sounded (IMO) much better than the newer models. I'm using an all NHT "Focused Image Geometry" series HT setup with Rotel amps and a Lexicon pre/pro, and I don't find the sound to be harsh at all. My NHTs are all soft tweeter models, though, and all VERY well broken in (since most of them have been out of production for 8-10 years . . . .)

Pat