NHT O2-ARC High Performance 2-Way Outdoor Loudspeaker, Single, Matte Black

I was searching for some budget bookshelf speakers to go with KEF Q100s for ATMOS purposes. I tried the NHT SuperZero 2.1s but did not like their low end. I did like the NHT sound so when I noticed how heavy these are as outdoor speakers, I decided to order them. They are rock solid and weigh almost as much as the KEF Q100s. That is definitely a plus as most outdoor speakers are lighter and might suffer from hull noise when played at above moderate volume. Compared with the KEF Q100s, these speakers actually have a similar frequency response in my room. Because they are outdoor speakers, they are inherently much easier to hang than regular bookshelf speakers. Listening tests reveal that they are not as forward as the KEF Q100s and are slightly veiled. In my room these speakers extend down to at least 60Hz which are more than adequate to use as regular bookshelves. These speakers are natural with slight elevated highs. I measured them sideways and found them to have an excellent listening window. The SQ is comparable to the best $500 bookshelf speakers out there and are excellent to use as surrounds and ATMOS speakers. Needless to say, they can do very well outdoors.

Bought one of these speakers to replace another outdoor speaker that gave out. So far so good. Nice and clear. The speakers are really nice looking as well. Speakers are not small so expect them to take up some space.

Replaced a pair of Yamaha (AW150?) speakers - no comparison. Excellent sound from these and the construction is first rate. As full disclosure I'm a long time NHT fan. I still have my 2.5i's from the late 90s and have at least 4 pairs through out the house. These speakers share the NHT sound traits: very neutral, you hear the source material as is. These speakers don't boost the bass or blast the treble. They are musical and mellow. Never harsh, never fatiquing but still quite revealing. NHT tend to be power hungry but these have pretty decent sensitivity. I'm running them with an NAD C740 (35wpc) and there's plenty of power. Plenty of detail at low and mid-low volumes. If you want a great sounding, non-fatiguing outdoor speaker I highly recommend.

Driver exhibited tear within warranty. NHT directly won't honor Amazon purchase warranty, blames weather!! Not good for "Outdoor Speaker" Product is 2 years and 1 month old in picture. Driver rotted as shown. Reached out to NHT directly to claim warranty (within 60 mo) replacement. email reply stated: " we don't have access to Amazon receipts/customer service as we use Amazon VC (so they control the brand on their channel). Let me see what we can do for you." ... "we highly encourage taking down the O2's when not in use. While they are outdoor speakers, constant exposure leaves them susceptible to damage as shown (whether it be ozone, the sun, humidity, etc.)" Never heard from NHT again. Amazon listing states "...contact the manufacturer directly or visit their website for more information. Manufacturer's warranties may not apply in all cases, depending on factors like the use of the product, where the product was purchased, or who you purchased the product from. Please review the warranty carefully, and contact the manufacturer if you have any questions." Outdoor speakers succeptible to weather within 25 months of purchase do not meet expectation. No warranty support is unnaceptable. Moving on to other (hopefully more reliable) brands.

I’m a bit of an audio nutjob, and I love these speakers. You’ll need a good amp to get the most out of them. Min.75W and with the ability to drive difficult loads (they drop to 3.5 ohms). But the imaging is excellent, the highs are extended yet balanced, and the bass is extraordinary for their size. These speakers are tight and punch way above their weight class. They’ll give you that little dose of magic you’re looking for outdoors.