| AudioREVIEW's Forum Archives - All About Speakers |
|
|   Ascend Package vs Paradigm, Klipsch.......... | Norton
Jun 3, 2001 1:15 AM | | I am curious how the package with the HSU sub compares to say a Paradigm setup? I have listened to and liked the Paradigm Mon 7 v2s quite a bit, and am wondering how or what the Ascend package compares to. Basically, the Ascend package would be cheaper then a Paradigm package, but I am wondering if the Paradigms would outperform the Ascends or not. Just wondering how Ascend compares to other speakers that are out there like Paradigm, Klispch, PSB, etc. Thanks |
| re: Ascend Package vs Paradigm, Klipsch.......... | Kevin2
Jun 3, 2001 5:11 AM | | Hi Norton. I've noticed that you've been posting a LOT of questions for a few weeks now regarding the Ascend speakers. I don't blame you-NOBODY wants to spend their hard earned moolah on speakers just to find out they got the "wrong" speakers or could have bought "better" ones. Unfortunately,other than people's opinions which all vary depending on their ears,equipment,room acoustics,source material and speaker placement,the best thing to do is listen to the speakers with your equipment,in your room,with your source material.People will be able to generalize a speaker's characteristics and I'll do the same for the Ascends-very clear,VERY accurate,very 3-dimensional and very "forward" sounding and I think they are the best speakers that can be bought for the money-period.Not the best speakers out there(there's ALWAYS something better),but the best for the money IMHO. I think the best thing you can do is either listen to them at someone's house,or try them out at home.Ascend will let you audition them for 30 days with NO restocking fee,but you have to pay for return shipping(shipping to you by UPS ground is free for the Ascend package without the sub-with the sub I think shipping is just for the sub).If you can get a dealer to let you try the other speakers at home and return them if they don't meet your needs is the way to go as well.Sometimes you just have to go on blind faith and take the plunge-which is what I did with the Ascends but again,I was able to return them if I wasn't happy. Maybe you could state where you live and people will let you listen to the speakers you're interested in. I live in Jacksonville, FL. and you can come over and listen to the ascends any time if you're in the area.Good luck.
Kevin2 |
| re: Ascend Package vs Paradigm, Klipsch.......... | Norton
Jun 3, 2001 9:07 AM | | Kevin,
You definitely have hit my reluctance to spend my money on the Ascend speakers. I am definitely worried about buying speakers without hearing them. I have heard Paradigms and liked them, but I can get an Ascend package for less money. Since these are smaller speakers, do they have that smaller sound? I ask because a lot of people recommended the JBL NSP-1 package, so I bought it. I was very dissapointed in it. It sounded good for movies, but for music, it had some severe shortcomings IMO. So, I took that back. I wish I was around JAX, but I am in a freaking cornfield in Illinois. Well, maybe not literally, but you get the idea. This is also what makes it hard to find speakers, because there aren't many dealers around here. As far as shipping goes, do you have any clue on how much it would cost to ship back? Basically, how big are the boxes the system comes in? I thought about just ordering a pair of CBM-170s to get an idea of the system, but I don't know if this will give me a good idea of what to expect with everything (I believe the guys name at Ascend was Larry, he told me if I liked them he would still give me the package price for everything). I just don't know if this will really give me a true test on what I would be getting. Like I said, I have heard Paradigm and liked them, I just didn't know how Ascend compares to that. Does it have the typical small speaker sound, or is it fuller like a tower speaker? Thanks a lot for all your responses, and sorry if I am beating a dead horse here. Take care! |
| re: Ascend Package vs Paradigm, Klipsch.......... | Norton
Jun 3, 2001 9:24 AM | | One other thing, which reciever line would you recommend for the Ascend package? I am just curious if an Onkyo, Denon, or Yamaha is a better match. Don't get me wrong, I am very open to suggestions, but I really want to stay under at the most $500, but really prefer to stay in the $400 and under range (I would like to stay under $1500 for everything). Take care! |
| Not at all Norton :-) | Kevin2
Jun 3, 2001 11:12 AM | | In my opinion-and remember this is my opinion-these speakers sound HUGE,especially with a sub woofer.If you close your eyes,you CANNOT tell the speaker size,plus they just totally disappear even with your eyes open because the soundstage and imaging is so large.These DO NOT sound like "small" speakers.Plus,they can play extremely loud with NO distortion-they put out some serious SPL's. Read some of the reviews on this site and email some of the owners-I'm sure they will advise you the same.As far as shipping,I requested 2-days shipping and David at Ascend-who is the VP of engineering-actually called UPS AND FedEx(at my request because I despise UPS)and called me back a half-hour later and gave me all the rates-he actually did this for me which I think is exemplarary customer service.FedEx wanted too much but with UPS is was $82 BUT-they still payed their portion of shipping(free shipping offer without the sub is what they have)so the total would have been about $117. Check their site-they are offering free shipping on any speaker package not including the sub. If you want,get just the CBM 170's and they will ship UPS ground for free.If you don't like them within 30 days just return them-probably cost around $15-$20,but that's worth it to me to try out a pair of speakers in MY home.They come double boxed and will arrive safe and secure-believe me. I also like the Paradigm's,they are very good speakers BUT for the money-the Ascends are superior(IMHO)-you cannot go wrong for the price.
As far as which receiver-I would honestly go for the Yamaha out of those 3. Onlyo's are great for Home Theater but from what people have told me personally they felt they were somewhat lacking as far as music is concerned. As for Denon I don't have any experience with them. I would get the Yamaha HTR-5460-it has the most features for the money-$499-but that's retail,you can get it much cheaper online.They do not sound as bright as many people claim-at least not the newer ones.You really can't go wrong with any of them though-they're all good choices.Again-these are my personal opinions based solely on personal experience,personal preference and from other people's opinions that have owned them-you might totally disagree.
I have mine paired with a Harman/Kardon AVR-510 which puts out 80 watts per channel in 2-channel mode and 70 watts per channe into all 5 channels and it can get VERY VERY loud,so efficiency should not be a concern. Take care and let me know what happens :)
Kevin2 |
| Not at all Norton :-) | Norton
Jun 3, 2001 3:38 PM | | Kevin,
Thanks a lot for taking the time to answer my questions. It might take a bit (I am a college student, so I have to save up), but I think I am going to try the Ascend speakers. I figure what I will probably due is order the fronts and see what I think. I have read great things about the HSU sub, so that doesn't worry me that much. As far as recievers go, I think I might try a Yamaha, but I haven't made my mind up. Due to prologic II, I am really leaning towards the Onkyo, but haven't made my mind up. Thanks again for taking the time to help me, and when something happens, I will let you know. It just might be a little bit because I am going to two NASCAR races in the next month. Take care! |
| Anytime Norton :-) (nt) | Kevin2
Jun 3, 2001 5:53 PM | | . |
| |
|
|
