Thank you for your purchase of the NHT Model SW3S Subwoofer. Please take a few minutes to read through this Owner’s
Manual prior to installing your new subwoofer. The information provided can help you to obtain maximum performance
from your audio system. If you have questions or need assistance at any time during the installation or operation of your
new subwoofer, please call your NHT Dealer or our Toll-Free Customer Hotline at:
1-800-NHT-9993
Please retain the Model SW3S packaging to protect the subwoofer in the event that you move or transport it.
Design
NHT speakers are designed to deliver refined, musical sound from attractive and affordable packages. Our efforts are guided by
the study of human hearing and are optimized for real-world use. Every NHT loudspeaker undergoes rigorous testing and
quality control at the factory to ensure you years of listening pleasure.
The SW3S Subwoofer features a custom-designed 12” polypropylene woofer that is capable of accurate low frequency reproduc-
tion to 23Hz, with high output and low distortion. The SW3S, when combined with the NHT SA-3 monaural subwoofer amplifier,
comprises the NHT SW3P Powered Subwoofer System. For a flatter overall low frequency response and increased clarity, two
SW3S subwoofers may be connected in parallel to the NHT SA-3 subwoofer amplifier, which is designed with enough high
current capability to drive two subwoofers. Alternately, you can use an external crossover and a monaural amplifier of your choice
to create your own powered subwoofer system.
Placement
Contrary to popular belief, subwoofers are sensitive to placement. Experimentation is the key to finding the best arrangement in
your listening environment. Generally, a subwoofer should be located in the same horizontal plane and along the same wall as
the main speakers. Low frequencies produce long wavelengths and thus interact with room boundaries significantly. Placing the
subwoofer nearer to a room boundary (walls, corners) will tend to increase its bass output, but may result in “boomy” or “muddy”
sound. Conversely, placing the subwoofer farther away from room boundaries will tend to decrease its bass output, but may result
in improved articulation and clarity.
Position the subwoofer so that it does not radiate sound directly into a wall or floor, and ensure that it faces into the room,
unobstructed by large furnishings. If you are using two subwoofers, the greatest improvement in low frequency response is
achieved by placing the second subwoofer on the opposite side of the room from the first. Avoid placing the two subwoofers
symmetrically in the room (such as in two corners). As the SW3S is not magnetically shielded, do not place it in the immediate
vicinity of a television, or picture discoloration may occur.
Connections
The SW3S Subwoofer is designed for use with an external crossover and a monaural amplifier. The SW3S does not have an inter-
nal crossover, so it should not be connected to any other amplifier or integrated amplifier unless it has a low-pass filter. Using the
SW3S without a low-pass filter will not damage it, however the resulting sound will be undesirable.
Before connecting the SW3S to the SA-3 (or any amplifier), it is very important that you turn off the power to the amplifi-
er.
Proper wiring of the subwoofer is essential to good sound. NHT recommends a minimum of 14 AWG wire to connect the SW3S
Subwoofer to the SA-3 Amplifier. If you choose to place the subwoofer at a distance greater than 15 feet away from the amplifi-
Impedance:
6 ohms nominal, 4 ohms minimum
Inputs:
1 pair of 5-way binding posts
Weight:
72 lbs. each
Dimensions:
19”H x 19”W x 19”D
Finish:
High gloss black laminate
System Type:
Acoustic Suspension design
Driver Complement:
12” polypropylene woofer
Response:
23Hz to 250Hz
Sensitivity:
87dB (2.83V at 1M)
Recommended Power:
50 watts min., 250 watts max.
Model SW3S Specifications
Specifications are subject to change without notice, in accordance with our policy of continuously upgrading the performance of our products.
SW3S Subwoofer
Owner’s Manual
