Strateahed

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Used product for
3 Months to 1 year

Visitors rate this review
5.00 of 5, 1.00 votes

Price Paid:  $598.00 from www.ascendacoustics.

Summary:
Of course the term “best” implies direct comparison to all the available alternatives. But based on my personal experience, this is the best speaker I have heard under $2,000. They sounded great right out of the box; and after the recommended break-in period (50 hours), the Ascends settled into a zone that defies their size and cost. Speakers that cost so little are not supposed to sound this good … but they do. I auditioned Def Tech, Klipsch, Martin Logan, Vienna Acoustics, and few other models at my local Magnolia shop (inside Best Buy). Nothing under $2,000 performed as well as the Ascends. I brought along my own CD’s for reference. Against the Ascends, those same recordings sounded as good or better than most everything in the store. (Note: I didn’t ask to hear anything above $3,000 … not even for S & G)

These speakers are very accurate, uncolored, and detailed in their presentation. They are combined with the Ascend center channel, Cambridge Soundworks S300 rears, and Hsu Research VTF-2. I was looking for a combination that would perform well, both as fronts for my HT set-up; and speakers that could deliver in 2-channel pure direct listening mode. These get the job done, and then some. I’m using a Denon 3805 as Pre/Pro with Outlaw mono-blocks running the front Ascends. For DVD/SACD, I’m using an Oppo 970HD. With the exception of LAT 300 interconnects (Sony CDP to Pre/Pro), all other cabling and power cords are from Signal Cable. I did a lot of research here on Audio Review, as well as A-gon and the Asylum. Taken into account against what is considered “high end” gear, this is a fairly modest priced system – end to end. But how does it sound? Well my wife (anything but an ’audiophile’) was in another room working while I was playing a few discs. She made a point to come in and comment about how really “smooth” the system sounded.

In fact, in 5-channel stereo, the 3 Ascends across the front produce a very coherent, blended wall of sound. When used with a well recorded CD/SACD’s, these speakers are capable of producing the “wow” factor. By the way, changing out the standard jumpers to Paul Speltz anti-cables produced a noticeable improvement in clarity and resolution. One should also keep in mind that these speakers need to be used with a sub.

I ordered these after returning an Axiom VP150 center channel speaker. It proved to be a bit too bright for my taste. In fairness though, I may not have given it enough time to break-in. That experience caused me to sour on my original decision to go with the Axiom M80 ($1,300) fronts … reasoning that if the center has “brightness” issues, the mains would be the same. Overall, in all areas – with one exception - I have been very happy with the decision to make this purchase.

Strengths:
These speakers produce great soundstage with depth, clarity, and resolution. They do mid-range and highs extremely well. Timbre and tonality of instruments and voices are spot on. Everything down through mid-bass is exceptional. I have compared these directly with what have been called- by one professional reviewer the “shockingly good” OML-2 floor stander. The comparison was done head-to-head in my home … same electronics, same room acoustics. The Ascends outperformed this $2,000 speaker in mid to high detail, clarity, and extension … although the more expensive OML-2 was a bit more refined and weighty, especially in the lower regions. I would rate the Ascend 340’s a 5.5 for everything down to mid-bass. They are that good. Overall price/performance value is a 6.0!

Weaknesses:
As a true “full range” speaker, I give these a rating of 4.5 (please read explanation). The manufacturer and other reviewers don’t try to hide the fact that these speakers don’t go that low in bass (45hz at the low end). When you read that these can be run “full range” (as I did) that does not mean they are a “full range speaker”. It means, when used with a good subwoofer, one does not need to employ bass management at the receiver level. The trick is to blend these with the sub so that there’s enough headroom that the transition to the lower registers is transparent. That said, if you are looking for a speaker that does everything well … which would include producing solid bass … without a sub (good enough for most music), then you might be better off with something like the Axiom M80. I know that is somewhat contradictory, but it’s the truth.

It was very difficult for me to get the bass “just right” with these. I had to calibrate and re-calibrate my settings using the Auto Eq. Function on the Denon. I also had to purchase the “Stereophile” calibration CD which required an investment in an analog SPL meter. It took a lot of time, effort, and trial/effort to finally get it correct. It was sweet once I got there, and it’s right 95% of the time for most of my music.

Similar Products Used:
(see above)

Price Paid:  $598.00 from www.ascendacoustics.

Summary:
Of course the term “best” implies direct comparison to all the available alternatives. Of course, I have not done that. But based on my personal experience, this is the best speaker I have heard under $2,000. They sounded great right out of the box; and after the recommended break-in period (50 hours), the Ascends settled into a zone that defies their size and cost. Speakers that cost so little are not supposed to sound this good … but they do. I auditioned Def Tech, Klipsch, Martin Logan, Vienna Acoustics, and few other models at my local Magnolia shop (inside Best Buy). Nothing under $2,000 performed as well as the Ascends. I brought along my own CD’s for reference. Against the Ascends, those same recordings sounded as good or better than most everything in the store. (Note: I didn’t ask to hear anything above $3,000 … not even for S & G!)

These speakers are very accurate, uncolored, and detailed in their presentation. They are combined with the Ascend center channel, Cambridge Soundworks S300 rears, and Hsu Research VTF-2. I was looking for a combination that would perform well, both as fronts for my HT set-up; and speakers that could deliver in 2-channel pure direct listening mode. These get the job done, and then some. I’m using a Denon 3805 as Pre/Pro with Outlaw mono-blocks running the front Ascends. For DVD/SACD, I’m using an Oppo 970HD. With the exception of LAT 300 interconnects (Sony CDP to Pre/Pro), all other cabling and power cords are from Signal Cable. I did a lot of research here on Audio Review, as well as A-gon and the Asylum. Taken into account against what is considered “high end” gear, this is a fairly modest priced system – end to end. But how does it sound? Well my wife (anything but an ’audiophile’) was in another room working while I was playing a few discs. She made a point to come in and comment about how really “smooth” the system sounded.

In fact, in 5-channel stereo, the 3 Ascends across the front produce a very coherent, blended wall of sound. When used with a well recorded CD/SACD’s, these speakers are capable of producing the “wow” factor. By the way, changing out the standard jumpers to Paul Speltz anti-cables produced a noticeable improvement in clarity and resolution. One should also keep in mind that these speakers need to be used with a sub.

I ordered these after returning an Axiom VP150 center channel speaker. It proved to be a bit too bright for my taste. In fairness though, I may not have given it enough time to break-in. That experience caused me to sour on my original decision to go with the Axiom M80 ($1,300) fronts … reasoning that if the center has “brightness” issues, the mains would be the same. Overall, in all areas – with one exception - I have been very happy with the decision to make this purchase

Strengths:
These speakers produce great soundstage with depth, clarity, and resolution. With well recorded material it's easy to pinpoint instruments on the stage. More than once, while listening to 2-channel direct stereo, I had to check and see if the center speaker was playing. They do mid-range and highs extremely well. Timbre and tonality of instruments and voices are spot on. Everything down through mid-bass is exceptional. I have compared these directly with what have been called- by one professional reviewer the “shockingly good” OML-2 floor stander. The comparison was done head-to-head in my home … same electronics, same room acoustics. The Ascends outperformed this $2,000 speaker in mid to high detail, clarity, and extension … although the more expensive OML-2 was a bit more refined and weighty, especially in the lower regions. If possible, I would rate the Ascend 340’s a 5.5 for everything down to mid-bass. They are that good. Overall price/performance value is a 6.0!

Weaknesses:
As a true “full range” speaker, I give these a rating of 4.5 (please read explanation). The manufacturer and other reviewers don’t try to hide the fact that these speakers don’t go that low in bass (45hz at the low end). When you read that these can be run “full range” (as I did) that does not mean they are a “full range speaker”. It means, when used with a good subwoofer, one does not need to employ bass management at the receiver level. The trick is to blend these with the sub so that there’s enough headroom that the transition to the lower registers is transparent. That said, if you are looking for a speaker that does everything well … which would include producing solid bass … without a sub (good enough for most music), then you might be better off with something like the Axiom M80. I know that is somewhat contradictory, but it’s the truth.

It was very difficult for me to get the bass “just right” with these. I had to calibrate and re-calibrate my settings using the Auto Eq. Function on the Denon. I also had to purchase the “Stereophile” calibration CD which required an investment in an analog SPL meter. It took a lot of time, effort, and trial/effort to finally get it correct. It was sweet once I got there, and it’s right 95% of the time for most of my music.

Similar Products Used:
(see above)

audiofan j

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Used product for
1 to 3 months

Visitors rate this review
1.00 of 5, 1.00 votes

Price Paid:  $568.00 from direct from ascend a

Summary:
I have been on a mission to discover audio products that far outperform their price. To date, the best speaker I have found is the two way Totem Sttaf - at a price of $1600.00 per pair. But....I needed to be more frugal this time out and find something I could live with and not be reminded of how little I paid (read cheap) for it.

So, the quest became to find a world beater of a speaker under $1000.00, and I'm pleased to announce that the Ascend Acoustics 340 SE CMT is such a loudspeaker. I'm shocked at how much detail I have been missing with previous speakers - so much so, that I have been respinning by CD collection, just to hear what I've been missing.

The 340 SE CMT is the most current model of this speaker from Ascend and I decided to purchase the pedestal stands for an extra $100.00, and I'm convinced the stands are VERY worth the extra money to enhance one's listening enjoyment.

The 340 SE's throw a HUGE, intimate and detailed soundstage. As great as the Totems are, and I repeat, they are great speakers, there hasn't been a speaker to date that sounds as accurate and transparent as these $568.00 per pair Ascends! Yes, the speaker is a rather plain black box, but to my surprise, my wife likes how they look! Clearly, Ascend has chosen to put their money into what's inside that makes these speakers so affordable yet sound like reference loudspeakers. Nice Midrange, taut bass and the treble is incredible - probably due to the high quality SEAS tweeters. As much as I love bass, I cant' deal with speakers that can't sparkle with cymbals and the 340 SE's do an awesome job here.

OK, so what is the downside? Well, they don't go super low and ideally, should be combined with a quality subwoofer, such as the VTF 3 MK3, to fill in the sonic information that is limited with the 340's. Another consideration is that I would STRONGLY RECOMMEND that these speakers be run 24/7 for at least 3 weeks at a low level and be played daily at mild to progressively louder levels for an hour a day minimum to help them break in. I wasn't completely won over by the 340's until 5 to 6 weeks after I set them up. Ascend should give a 60 day in home trial to allow the speakers to fully break in and sound their best.

So, do I need a subwoofer? Not really. Unless you are a bass freak, these speakers to represent themselves well enough in the bass department to be satisfying. Even so, a sub would complete the package.

All in all, you just can't do better than these for music and I would bet the 340 SE's would make AWESOME front mains for your HT system too.

So, if you have been wondering to take the plunge and take a chance on the Ascend products, don't sweat it - you have a 30 day guarantee and I doubt you would think of sending these back at 30 days. Superb job Ascend! I look forward to the day Ascend releases a true full range floor stander loudspeaker.
Put me on the list!!!

Strengths:
Huge soundstage, extremely transparent - great sonic representation of the recording venue. Well recorded live albums never sounded this live! Razor sharp tonal balance - dynamic, intimate soundstage. Fantastic high frequencies - cymbal work beautifully reproduced. Vocals performances sound like the artist is in the room!

Weaknesses:
The cabinet does not come with a pricey wood veneer. Bass is a bit limited, but is good enough not to NEED a subwoofer.

Similar Products Used:
Totem Hawk, Totem Sttaf, B&W 802 and 220.

sam1000

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Used product for
3 Months to 1 year

Visitors rate this review
5.00 of 5, 1.00 votes

Price Paid:  $568.00 from Ascendacoustics.com

Summary:
I have not written any reviews in the past but used to read them a lot to educate myself about the product. This speakers compelled me to write a review because I was very happy with the quality of the product I got for much less $$.
I was researching for a plasma TV and eventually got very enthusiastic about audio. I had an Infinity and Bose speakers at home. When I compared these speakers side by side with my previous speakers, it was a huge difference. Suddenly the music came to life as if the bands were playing in the room. I tested a few CDs on my old and the new system. When I played the soundtrack of "Good night and Good luck", I felt that Diana Reeves was singing in the room and she was standing right there in between these speakers. The imaging was good. I heard a lot of sounds on my favorite Movies and CDs that I had missed with my previous system. I was so happy with the product ,I also bought their bookshelf speakers(CBM170) for the family room. (Also happy with the bookshelf speakers as well). Highly recommend these speakers

Strengths:
Very good audio presentation. Good soundstage. Very good Imaging. Good bang for the buck. Fills up a sound in large room easily.

Weaknesses:
Asthetics. Ascend do not offer the fancy cabinets that other manufacturerer offers, but I can understand that because as stated by their mission on their webpage, they want to bring the highest quality sound at affordable prices to the consumer. However, they can still give consumer an option to pay more for asthetics.

Similar Products Used:
Infinity, Bose

marisa

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Used product for
1 to 3 months

Visitors rate this review
1.00 of 5, 1.00 votes

Price Paid:  $548.00 from ascendacoustics.com

Summary:
the best pair of bookshelf speaker you can buy under $1000

Strengths:
extremely accurate sound reproduction unbelievable details with warmth high sensitivity, very easy to drive high quality parts (driver and crossover) complicated crossover black finish, easy to color-match reasonable price great customer support

Weaknesses:
logo looks cheap