NHT MS - Center Black Speaker Review
Our verdict
The NHT MS Center in Black holds a perfect 5.0-star rating, though only 9 reviewers have weighed in, so that score should be read cautiously. At $374.94, it is a premium surround speaker from a brand with a long history of audiophile-grade home theater design.
Check price on AmazonBest for
Enthusiast buyers building a high-end NHT surround system who want a matched center or surround speaker to complement NHT floor-standing or bookshelf mains.
Skip if
You need a high review volume to feel confident in a purchase, or your budget does not support spending $375 on a single surround speaker.
- Speaker type Surround
- Driver size 5.25"
- Connectivity Wired
- Mounting Tabletop Mount
- Color Black
- Dimensions 5.5 X 23 X 6.75 In
- Priced 21% above the category median ($309.75 across 44 tracked models)
Pros
- NHT is a respected audiophile brand with a track record of quality engineering
- Slender 5.5 by 23 by 6.75 inch profile is easier to place than bulky alternatives
- 5.25-inch driver provides a strong foundation for center channel dialogue
- 16.25 lb build reflects proper cabinet construction for this size speaker
- Wired connection via standard speaker terminals keeps setup straightforward
Cons
- Only 9 reviews at 5.0 stars is too small a sample to rely on for buying confidence
- At $374.94, it is priced in a range where better-reviewed options exist
- No published frequency response or sensitivity data available to compare specifications
Our scorecard
-
Owner rating5.0/5
5.0 average across 9 owner ratings
-
Popularity1.5/5
9 owner reviews, fewer than most models here
The overall score is owner satisfaction weighted by how many reviews back it, so a high rating from few reviews counts for less. The bars below show where this model stands against the other AV receivers and amplifiers, soundbars, home theater speakers, subwoofers, surround sound systems and Blu-ray players we track in this category on price, popularity and size. Context, not marks against it, and our read of the data, not a lab test.
Overview
The NHT MS Center Black is a surround speaker in NHT's modular MS series, priced at $374.94. NHT has a well-established reputation in the audiophile speaker community, and the MS series is designed to be used as matched sets for a cohesive surround soundstage. The speaker uses a 5.25-inch driver, weighs 16.25 pounds, and measures 5.5 by 23 by 6.75 inches in a slender horizontal cabinet suited for tabletop mounting.
The slender dimensions make this easier to place than bulkier center channel designs, particularly in rooms where shelf space is limited. The 16.25 lb weight is appropriate for a cabinet of this size and suggests solid internal bracing.
With only 9 reviews at a 5.0-star average, the review base is too small to draw firm conclusions. NHT's brand reputation and the quality of engineering in their MS series offer some context, but buyers should consider the limited sample when evaluating this against better-reviewed alternatives at similar prices.
Specifications
| Speaker type | Surround |
|---|---|
| Driver size | 5.25" |
| Connectivity | Wired |
| Mounting | Tabletop Mount |
| Color | Black |
| Dimensions | 5.5 X 23 X 6.75 In |
| Weight | 16.25 lb |
Performance notes
The 5.25-inch driver in a slender 5.5 by 23 inch cabinet positions this as a traditional horizontal center channel. The narrow profile means the cabinet internal volume is relatively constrained, which may limit the lower bass extension compared to deeper enclosures at similar driver sizes. NHT's engineering typically prioritizes controlled dispersion and flat frequency response, which benefits dialogue clarity in surround setups. Weight of 16.25 lb for a speaker this size indicates substantial cabinet material, not a thin-walled box.
What buyers say
9 reviews is not a meaningful sample for a $374.94 product. The 5.0-star average could reflect genuine excellence or simply a small pool of satisfied early buyers. Buyers considering this speaker should weight NHT's brand reputation and the engineering pedigree of the MS series more heavily than the numerical rating given the thin review history.
More from NHT
Similar AV receivers and amplifiers, soundbars, home theater speakers, subwoofers, surround sound systems and Blu-ray players to consider
Frequently asked questions
Is the NHT MS Center designed to be used as a center channel or a surround speaker?
It is listed as a surround speaker type, though the horizontal cabinet shape and center channel driver configuration suggest it can function in either role. In the NHT MS modular system, speakers are designed to match timbrally so the same model can be used across multiple positions. Confirm with NHT or check the product documentation for its intended placement in the MS system.
How does NHT compare to SVS or Klipsch at this price range?
NHT focuses on accurate, neutral speaker design aimed at audiophile listeners. SVS offers a similarly engineered product in the Prime Center at $449 with a much larger review base. Klipsch at this price tier emphasizes efficiency and dynamic output using horn-loaded tweeters. The right choice depends on your tonal preference: neutral and accurate versus dynamic and efficient.