Elac SUB1010 vs. NHT SuperZero 2.1

Elac SUB1010 120W 10” Powered Subwoofer NHT SuperZero 2.1 Mini-Monitor Speaker
MSRP
$150 $300
Dimensions (H × W × D)
13.25” × 12.19” × 12.19”
337mm × 310mm × 310mm
9.00” × 5.50” × 5.00”
229mm × 140mm × 127mm
Power Type
Powered Passive
Frequency Response
37-200 Hz 85-20,000 Hz
ASR Score
n/a 3.4
ASR Score w/Subwoofer
n/a 6.7
Amazon.com
Amazon.com

Speaker Comparison

Welcome to the sonic skirmish between two budget-conscious champs in the realm of hi-fi audio: the Elac SUB1010 120W 10" Powered Subwoofer and the NHT SuperZero 2.1 Mini-Monitor Speaker. Both are heralded for their ability to deliver high-fidelity sound without breaking the bank, but how do they stack up against each other? It's a classic battle of deep, resonant bass versus the crisp, clear articulation of a compact bookshelf speaker.

The Heavyweight: Elac SUB1010 120W 10" Powered Subwoofer

Right out of the gate, the Elac SUB1010 brings the thunder. Housing a 10-inch high-excursion woofer powered by a 120W amplifier, this subwoofer is designed to add a robust, powerful foundation to any home theater or stereo system. It digs deep, with a frequency response reaching down to 38Hz, ensuring those low-end rumbles in movies and the breadth of bass in music are authentically reproduced. The SUB1010 boasts a simple, yet effective design with volume and crossover controls to tailor the bass response to your room and system needs.

Elac SUB1010 120W 10” Powered Subwoofer
Elac SUB1010 arrow (at Amazon.com)

The Nimble Contender: NHT SuperZero 2.1 Mini-Monitor Speaker

In the opposite corner, weighing in at just 2.86 pounds, the NHT SuperZero 2.1 is a master of precision and balance. This mini-monitor doesn't pretend to compete with the Elac in the bass department; instead, it focuses on delivering a clean, neutral sound across the rest of the frequency spectrum. Armed with a 4.5-inch long-throw pulp cone woofer and a 1-inch silk dome tweeter, the SuperZero 2.1 exhibits a surprising amount of detail and soundstage for its diminutive size. It's ideal for those who have a separate subwoofer or simply prefer the clarity and accuracy of mid and high frequencies.

Synergy in Systems

While the Elac SUB1010 and NHT SuperZero 2.1 might seem like rivals, they can be allies in an audio system designed for both power and finesse. Integrating the Elac subwoofer into a setup with the NHT bookshelf speakers could create a full-range system that marries the strengths of each. The SUB1010 would handle the low-end grunt, allowing the NHT SuperZero 2.1 speakers to shine in delivering mids and highs with exceptional clarity and openness, free from the strain of producing bass frequencies.

NHT SuperZero 2.1 Mini-Monitor Speaker
NHT SuperZero 2.1 arrow (at Amazon.com)

It's important to note that the SuperZero 2.1, with its acoustic suspension design, requires a subwoofer like the Elac SUB1010 to fill in the lower octaves. This combination leverages the SuperZero's strengths, turning it from a scrappy underdog into a well-rounded performer when coupled with the SUB1010's low-frequency muscle. Together, they can create an auditory experience that's greater than the sum of their parts.

Individual Prowess

But let's not forget that each of these audio components can stand alone with their unique strengths. The Elac SUB1010 can be the foundational piece for a burgeoning home theater, enveloping listeners in a cocoon of immersive bass. On the other hand, the NHT SuperZero 2.1 can serve as an outstanding choice for those who live in smaller spaces or prefer a more subtle, detail-oriented listening experience without overwhelming bass.

In conclusion, when pitting the Elac SUB1010 against the NHT SuperZero 2.1, it's clear that they cater to different auditory preferences and purposes. The SUB1010 is a subwoofer with the capacity to shake the room, while the SuperZero 2.1 is a purist's bookshelf speaker that delivers exceptional midrange and treble performance. Individually, they excel in their respective domains, yet together, they could form the backbone of a versatile and highly enjoyable sound system that punches well above its weight class.


Check Current Prices:

Elac SUB1010 120W 10” Powered Subwoofer
Elac SUB1010 120W 10” Powered Subwoofer
NHT SuperZero 2.1 Mini-Monitor Speaker
NHT SuperZero 2.1 Mini-Monitor Speaker
Amazon.com
Amazon.com

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Disclaimer: the speaker data listed on this website are correct to the best of our knowledge, but we do not guarantee the accuracy of the data. Please double-check any measurements with the manufacturer before making a final purchasing decision.