Polk Audio vs. Klipsch syndrome.

[Russdawg1]

Any info about the Ascend Acoustics CBM-170 SE? When I looked at the specs on the Phil AA+, the sensitivity rating was about 84 or 85 dB. Isn't that kind of low?

Do you listen to your music at Reference volume? 90+ dB? And how close will you be to the speakers?

 

[LamontSim]

Can you explain that a little better. I don't quite understand what a reference volume is but I would be about 6 feet from the speaker. If you mean a volume level or setting it would be from 70dB on the lowest to 80dB on the highest. That's where I am with these Polk A3's I am using as loners.

 

[LamontSim]

Do you listen to your music at Reference volume? 90+ dB? And how close will you be to the speakers?

CBM-170 SE Intro
Technology
Features
Specifications
Measurements
Summary
Home Theater Systems

CBM-170 SE SPECIFICATIONS...

Specifications
​

Typical In-Room Frequency Response53Hz - 20kHz +/- 3dB
In-Room Sensitivity91dB @ 1 watt / 1 meter
Frequency Response (Anechoic)58Hz - 22kHz +/- 3dB
Sensitivity (Anechoic)89dB @ 1 watt/ 1 meter
Average Impedance8 ohms
Minimum Recommended Power25 watts
Maximum Continuous Power*200 watts
Maximum Short Term Peak Power*400 watts
CabinetInternally Braced 5/8" MDF, Magnetically Shielded, Bass Reflex via Rear Tuned Port
Dimensions H x W x D**12" x 9" x 10"
Speaker Weight (each)14 lbs each
Shipping Weight (pair)32 lbs per pair
Tweeter(1) 27mm custom soft dome tweeter w/double-chambered neodymium magnet, ferrofluid cooled voice coil, wide dispersion faceplate
Woofer(1) proprietary 6.5” long throw composite polygel cone w/phase plug, non-resonant polymer chassis, rubber surround, shielded
Connectors(2) gold plated all metal 5 way binding posts
Inserts(2) M6 threaded inserts for simple mounting to wall mount brackets
*Unclipped peaks **Grille On

Also, what is the true frequency response spec, the one stating typical in room or the one stating the anechoic?

 

[shadyJ]

Any info about the Ascend Acoustics CBM-170 SE? When I looked at the specs on the Phil AA+, the sensitivity rating was about 84 or 85 dB. Isn't that kind of low?

You can't get deep bass from a bookshelf speaker without sacrificing sensitivity. If you will be using a subwoofer, low-frequency extension is kind of a moot point on your main speaker, so long as it can dig below 80 Hz.

 

[LamontSim]

You can't get deep bass from a bookshelf speaker without sacrificing sensitivity. If you will be using a subwoofer, low-frequency extension is kind of a moot point on your main speaker, so long as it can dig below 80 Hz.

Was hoping that I could get a good low without really having to do the sub thing.

 

[shadyJ]

Was hoping that I could get a good low without really having to do the sub thing.

The Philharmonic AAs look like they should be good for that. Another good choice is the Monolith K-BAS bookshelf speaker. Excellent bass extension for a bookshelf speaker.

 

[Russdawg1]

CBM-170 SE Intro
Technology
Features
Specifications
Measurements
Summary
Home Theater Systems

CBM-170 SE SPECIFICATIONS...

Specifications
​

Typical In-Room Frequency Response53Hz - 20kHz +/- 3dB
In-Room Sensitivity91dB @ 1 watt / 1 meter
Frequency Response (Anechoic)58Hz - 22kHz +/- 3dB
Sensitivity (Anechoic)89dB @ 1 watt/ 1 meter
Average Impedance8 ohms
Minimum Recommended Power25 watts
Maximum Continuous Power*200 watts
Maximum Short Term Peak Power*400 watts
CabinetInternally Braced 5/8" MDF, Magnetically Shielded, Bass Reflex via Rear Tuned Port
Dimensions H x W x D**12" x 9" x 10"
Speaker Weight (each)14 lbs each
Shipping Weight (pair)32 lbs per pair
Tweeter(1) 27mm custom soft dome tweeter w/double-chambered neodymium magnet, ferrofluid cooled voice coil, wide dispersion faceplate
Woofer(1) proprietary 6.5” long throw composite polygel cone w/phase plug, non-resonant polymer chassis, rubber surround, shielded
Connectors(2) gold plated all metal 5 way binding posts
Inserts(2) M6 threaded inserts for simple mounting to wall mount brackets
*Unclipped peaks **Grille On

Also, what is the true frequency response spec, the one stating typical in room or the one stating the anechoic?

Anechoic. In room is closer to what you should expect but Anechoic is what you would use to compare with other speakers.

 

[LamontSim]

Anechoic. In room is closer to what you should expect but Anechoic is what you would use to compare with other speakers.

When you yourself are looking at specs, what kind of frequency response and sensitivity rating do you look for?

 

[Russdawg1]

When you yourself are looking at specs, what kind of frequency response and sensitivity rating do you look for?

I look for Anechoic.

 

[LamontSim]

I look for Anechoic.

Sorry, I meant as far as numbers. What rating ranges do you look for?

 

[Russdawg1]

Sorry, I meant as far as numbers. What rating ranges do you look for?

Well it doesn’t really matter if you are using a sub. As long as they are rated +/- 3 dB around 60hz or lower they will be fine. If just using 2 channel with no sub, you’ll need a little lower extension into the 40’s or the 30’s. Surrounds don’t need to go nearly as low, somewhere in the 80 to 100hz +/- 3dB would work.

 

[LamontSim]

Well it doesn’t really matter if you are using a sub. As long as they are rated +/- 3 dB around 60hz or lower they will be fine. If just using 2 channel with no sub, you’ll need a little lower extension into the 40’s or the 30’s. Surrounds don’t need to go nearly as low, somewhere in the 80 to 100hz +/- 3dB would work.

Are you using for your setup bookshelf or floorstanding? What brand and model?

 

[Russdawg1]

Are you using for your setup bookshelf or floorstanding? What brand and model?

Ascend CMT340’s. They are called mini-towers, but they are just a big bookshelf lol.

 

[LamontSim]

Ascend CMT340’s. They are called mini-towers, but they are just a big bookshelf lol.

Was hoping they were the CBM-170s you told me about just to see if you were using a sub.

 

[KEW]

Any info about the Ascend Acoustics CBM-170 SE? When I looked at the specs on the Phil AA+, the sensitivity rating was about 84 or 85 dB. Isn't that kind of low?

My understanding is the 340 is very close to the 170 - both use the same drivers and Dave Fabricant designed both crossovers with the same FR objectives. The main advantages of the 340 are it is more efficient and capable of playing louder (with dual woofers).

I'm not familiar with the 170 SE. I know for the subs SE is cosmetic, only; but if they redesigned the speakers, then my comments about comparing the 340 to the AA's is irrelevant!

 

[Russdawg1]

Was hoping they were the CBM-170s you told me about just to see if you were using a sub.

I am not currently, but I plan on getting a sub eventually. They are a real nice listen in 2 channel with no sub. But I’d still recommend the AA+ Monitors.

 

[LamontSim]

I am not currently, but I plan on getting a sub eventually. They are a real nice listen in 2 channel with no sub. But I’d still recommend the AA+ Monitors.

You think the Phil AA+ would be a better choice than the Ascends?

 

[Russdawg1]

You think the Phil AA+ would be a better choice than the Ascends?

I do.

 

[LamontSim]

I do.

With a name like Philharmonic, I was thinking these were geared more towards a classical music setting.

 

[Russdawg1]

With a name like Philharmonic, I was thinking these were geared more towards a classical music setting.

Quite the contrary. Like I said, these have usable extension down to 34hz. The Dayton Audio woofer that he uses is legit. I used it as a replacement subwoofer actually, so that should show you how low it can go. Both are great choices, but the AA+ is better.