Planning to buy new speaker setup, comments welcomed

[needgoodphones]

Hello, Because I blew a tweeter out of my current cheap speakers (I got them to $10 at a tag sale), I'm going to upgrade my current loudspeaker setup. I currently have various sources (PC, DVD, D-25, nintendo) hooked up to Yamaha HTR-5540 receiver in my medium sized dorm room. I'm most likely going to get a Hsu Research STF-2 sub because I can get it at a good price through the CompUSA employee discount program. However I'm unsure of exactly what mains i'm going to get. I know that I want to keep my system to a 2.1 or 2.0 system using small towers or bookshelves, no surround here. However I'm not sure if I should get ascend accoustics CBM-170's, and seeing as they an internet based company I really can't demo them unless I buy them and send them back. So does anyone have an opinion on these speakers? Do you think that I'll be able to tame the Ascend-Hsu combo in a 12x19 foot room with cinderblock walls and a drop ceiling?

Any opinions are welcome, as I really can't demo in a seting that is simmilar to my room without going an hour each way to VA Beach from Williamsburg and getting rides cause I don't have a car.

[The_Mac]

Maybe try auditioning a set of Klipsch SB-2 or some Monitor Audio Bronze 2's?

[Ticky]

Never heard the Ascend Acoustics. But, Hsu has a good rep. for making excellent subs. First of all, we'll need to know the extent of your budget for the speakers. I assume its at least around $300+ based on the CBM-170s.

Here are a few suggestions for 2-way speakers within the $300+ range:

Wharfedale Diamonds 8.1 or 8.2 - Good speakers. I auditioned the 8.2 once and found them to have very broad soundstage. Very smooth. However, might not have enough "slam" or "attack" for hip-hop, pop or faster music. Available on line at audioadvisor.com.

Energy C-1 - Also a good pair. Slightly more expensive than the Wharfedales. I really liked the sound of the C-1. It has a nice balance of smoothness and speed, giving it the ability to excel over a large range of music genres. Kinda of similar to the B&W sound. Not sure if its available on line though.

Acoustic Engery Aegis Evo 1 - Great speakers for its price. I listened to it over Christmas at a dealer. Fast and clear sound. Possibly one of the best in this price range. Plenty of attack and speed. However, the only drawback is that the Evo could sound a tad harsh at times.

Kef Q-1 - Also a top notch speakers. I compared it to the Energy C-1 and a pair of Canton at a dealer. Not as much speed and attack as the C-1, but much warmer and smoother. Possibly warmer than the Wharfedales as well. I think it should be great for vocals, jazz and instruments. However, it was a touch too warm and laidback for fast music.

Boy... what else?... Er, oh, don't forget the B&W 300 series speakers. Never had a chance to give it a listen, but the general consensus is that it is a great pair of speakers too.

Ok, let's just stop there for now. Bed time.

[ooheadsoo]

I highly recommend trying to head out to Guitar Center to take a listen to the Event TR-5 powered monitors. They sound very very good. Very detailed, great imaging, nice orchestral string sound, which I find the most revealing of a loudspeaker's quality. The only thing they really lack is the bottom octave - but you have that covered.

[Jeff E]

Many reviewers consider these to be an incredible buy. Imaging, clarity, neurality, high end extension all are reputedly comparable to much more expensive speakers. This is second hand opinion but I am passing it along because it is strikingly consistent. Just follow the links from Ascend's site.
Also check out the unofficial Ascend user's forum here.

Speaking as a music lover. I think differently about my 170s than I have about my other speakers (bought over the years since the sixties). The Ascends are like headphones you wear off your head. They let me enjoy more of the music that is waiting to be revealed in the recording. I discover new aspects of my old music. And you don't have to play them loud. Finally, I think I am more sensitive to inaccuracy of the voice than any (other) instrument, simply because I am so familiar with it. They transduce the voice remarkably well [insert the usual hyperbole about it sounding just like the singer is actually in the room].

In my experience they sound much better on stands, so you may want to consider how that would fit in your room.

[duff138]

ascend accoustics CBM-170 look good. I needed new speakers and went with Axiom m2i. I own Axiom m22i and think they're great so I felt the m2i would be great for the livingroom with a sub. They sound great. checkout Axiom's site someone there has compared the axioms to the ascend in the stereo forum I think. I emailed Doug S. from soundstage last month since he voted the axiom m2i and the ascend accoustics CBM-170's as budget speakers in the last 2 years. he asked if he could print his answer, I said he could, but he has not posted it. send him an email.

[bundee1]

Remember hes going to be using them with a Yamaha receiver which tend to be lean sounding and sometimes bright. I would avoid metal tweeters. I think the wharfedale 8.1 off of Best Buys website at $200 would be a good bet. Theyre returnable if you dont like them.

[HiGHFLYiN9]

Don't forget the bluerooms!! They are by far the best small inexpensive speaker I've ever owned. They would work very well with your Yamaha and they look stunning too.

.

[Jeff E]

The speakers needgoodphones are asking about, the CBM-170's, do not have metal tweeters.

[duff138]

Originally posted by Jeff E
The speakers needgoodphones are asking about, the CBM-170's, do not have metal tweeters.

he may be referring to my suggestion, the Axioms.

[Ticky]

Originally posted by bundee1
Remember hes going to be using them with a Yamaha receiver which tend to be lean sounding and sometimes bright. I would avoid metal tweeters. I think the wharfedale 8.1 off of Best Buys website at $200 would be a good bet. Theyre returnable if you dont like them.

I love metal tweeters. Don't know why... every pair of speakers I ended up keeping have metal tweeters. Guess I like the extra crisp and sharp sound from those tweeters. But I've listened to some silk dome tweeters that sounded very good.

I wouldn't dismiss metal tweeters right off the bat. On well designed speakers they can sound quite good.

[bundee1]

Agreed, I have metal dome tweeters in my JM Labs Chorus 706's but they are paired with rather warm Arcam A65 plus. They took a long time to break in and Power Cords on my amp and CDplayer helped balance out the sound, but you have to be careful what you pair them with. My Yamaha receiver sounded a little bright even with PSB Alphas. I think the Wharfedales would mate well with the Yamaha because of the soft dome.

[Gopher]

I bought my little brother a pair of Warfedale 7.2 Diamond Aniversarys a while back and they're damn good for what I paid ($65 in auction). I would definatly look into the 8.1s.

It might have been implied here, but what is your actual budget for speakers and a sub? And would you be willing to forgo the sub to add to your speaker budget?

If so (bassed on the ~$300 recomendations I've read) and you have ~$600 to comit, you'll have a ton of options on the used markets. I just bought into the Von Schweikert hype and couldn't be happier with my VR-1s.

Hound audigon. Its tragic and obsessive, but it's the only way.

[ooheadsoo]

Don't forget to visit Guitar Center if you have a chance. Those events are pretty nice, I think. You may like something else they have too. They also have passive monitors on the cheap sometimes because the trend is going powered all the way.