JBL NSP1 vs AR HC6 (1 Viewer)

[JeffWeb]

I'm looking for a home theater system and I believe that I have minimized my choices to the JBL NSP1 and AR HC6's. I do not have access to listen to either one of these systems, can't find an AR supplier around and Best Buy has a really bad set up. Any views on the above or some alternates would be appreciated. I'm looking at around $500 for the speaker package.
Thanks alot,

 

[Jack Gilvey]

Never heard the AR, but I've no complaints with the NSP-1. JandR.com has it for $299 w/ free shipping, so you might be able to sneak a sub in under your budget. The Sony SAWM40 seems the obvious choice for $150 or so.

 

[Phil Iturralde]

I second Jack's recommendation!!!
Owned my NSP1's since April '00, and after all DVD showings w/family and friends, including;
1) "Star Wars - Episode I - The Phantom Menace" /SE
2) Men in Black /LE
3) Independence Day /SE
4) Tomorrow Never Dies /SE
5) The World is Not Enough /SE
6) Mission Impossible 2 /SE
JBL dynamic real Theater Sound reproduction is excellent.
For more JBL N & S Series INFO / Reviews (w/links), see my website Why you should add JBL N & S Series to your audition list! website.
Phil

 

[Brett DiMichele]

I can't vouch directly for either of these systems but
looking at it logicaly the AR HC6 System sells for a
good but more money (Crutch gets nearly $700.00 for the
HC6) so we can surmise that it has better materials.
Also the HC6 system was recently reviewed by one of the
Audio mags I beleive it was Sound&Vision and thed review
was glowing from what another forum member posted.
I own all AR gear (HiRes) and love it.. But the HC6 uses
completly diffrent mids and highs and cabinents so I have
no idea what it sounds like. Idealy listening to each in
person would be the best way to go.
The HC6 system comes with white gloves if that means
anything
For the money they are both probably great setups.

 

[Sean Conklin]

The HC6 system comes with white gloves if that means anything

That's strange, I'm not even sure I want to know why you get white gloves.
I'm also with Phil and Jack on this one, the NSP-1 is great! Make sure you check out Phils JBL link in his sig. Good stuff!!

 

[Jack Gilvey]

...looking at it logicaly the AR HC6 System sells for a good but more money (Crutch gets nearly $700.00 for the HC6) so we can surmise that it has better materials.

In that case,
this system has better materials than either.
Seriously, the HC-6 sells for less than $500 online with a sub (none in the JBL combo), so I don't know if we can make too many "logical" leaps as to material quality based on any price difference.

 

[David Head]

The review of the AR HC6 is in the latest Perfect Vision in case you're interested. I read the article and they were highly recommended. I've also read many similarly positive reviews of the JBL NSP1 and heard from a lot of satified owners here on HTF. I haven't heard from anyone that owns the AR HC6, but AR does make great speakers. I think that combining the NSP1 with a good sub like an Adire Audio Rava would be the way I'd go, but you probably wouldn't go wrong with either setup.

David

 

[JeffWeb]

Thanks for the insight guys.

 

[Brett DiMichele]

Sean,
"That's strange, I'm not even sure I want to know why you get white gloves. "
If only Oj would have bought the HC6 system he could have
avoided that lengthy trial? (It's so you don't leave
finger marks on the Piano Black Laquer speaker enclosures)
Jack,
Toche` and good point! But either way I think they both
offer a great package system for a very reasonable cost.