Ascend Acoustics

[mazersteven]

$1400 Towers

For $1600 I'd rather have these. Or the 700F

Premier 800F

4-driver, 3-way bass reflex floorstanding

www.paradigm.com

Or the Prime Pinnacles

Prime Pinnacle | Tower Speaker for Home Theater & HiFi | SVS

Audiophile refinement, breathtaking home theater dynamics. World class audio for everyone.

www.svsound.com

JBL590 $1000

Studio 590 | 250-watt, dual 8" floorstanding loudspeaker

The JBL® Studio 590 floorstanding loudspeaker brings professional-quality sound to the home experience. The Studio 590 uses the technology that JBL engineers developed for pro-audio loudspeakers to deliver accurate, powerful sound to your living room. The Studio 590 is a perfect complement to...

www.jbl.com

SVS Prime Towers $1000

SVS Prime Tower Speaker

SVS Prime Tower speaker delivers unrivaled performance for home theater and stereo systems.

www.svsound.com

 

[Soundman]

Meh.
Serious meh.

These and B&Ws were the fastest I ever left a speaker audition.

You would be better with the Ascends.

Ok, thanks. The form factor is what got me interested. I’ve mostly looked at bookshelves, but the price and form factor got me curious.

 

[Hetfield]

Ok, thanks. The form factor is what got me interested. I’ve mostly looked at bookshelves, but the price and form factor got me curious.

I used to be a big Def Tech guy, had them for 20 years till just a few weeks ago. Better bang for the buck everywhere you look. Ascend is definitely one.

Sent from my Pixel 4 XL using Tapatalk

 

[ryanosaur]

@Soundman I am a big fan of speakers that are considered to be Accurate and Neutral. These are best described as having a flat Frequency Response and no coloration to the sound they reproduce.
If an "audiophile" goal is to reproduce the recorded event as faithfully as possible, then the equipment must therefor be free from unwanted and unnecessary distortion or coloration of any sort. This includes any for of boosted Bass or Treble, or dip in the Mids.
If you look at the FR for the Ascend speakers, you see what Flat means. Likewise, go to Jim Salk's site and look at his speakers. These I are speakers that are worth owning. There is a purity to their sound reproduction that is sought after and respected.
To be fair, not everybody wants this. Some will describe it as "boring" or "uninspired."

Only you can decide for yourself what is of value. The true definition of YMMV.

If you have never heard a Flat/Accurate/Neutral Speaker, you should seek that experience out. Realistically, this is what you hear daily as you move through the world.

 

[Soundman]

@Soundman I am a big fan of speakers that are considered to be Accurate and Neutral. These are best described as having a flat Frequency Response and no coloration to the sound they reproduce.
If an "audiophile" goal is to reproduce the recorded event as faithfully as possible, then the equipment must therefor be free from unwanted and unnecessary distortion or coloration of any sort. This includes any for of boosted Bass or Treble, or dip in the Mids.
If you look at the FR for the Ascend speakers, you see what Flat means. Likewise, go to Jim Salk's site and look at his speakers. These I are speakers that are worth owning. There is a purity to their sound reproduction that is sought after and respected.
To be fair, not everybody wants this. Some will describe it as "boring" or "uninspired."

Only you can decide for yourself what is of value. The true definition of YMMV.

If you have never heard a Flat/Accurate/Neutral Speaker, you should seek that experience out. Realistically, this is what you hear daily as you move through the world.

Agreed. Appreciate the input

 

[Soundman]

Just putting this out there.... Klipsch is releasing a $1,500 sound bar system, the Cinema 1200. It comes with a wireless 12” sub and wireless surrounds. This would definitely be a space saver and offer versatility with the sub and surrounds being wireless, but I wouldn’t expect it to offer the same performance as a traditional speaker system. I can do the Ascend package for $1,200, but that would not include a sub. Anyone know much about these new Klipsch sound bars?

 

[mazersteven]

Just putting this out there.... Klipsch is releasing a $1,500 sound bar system, the Cinema 1200. It comes with a wireless 12” sub and wireless surrounds. This would definitely be a space saver and offer versatility with the sub and surrounds being wireless, but I wouldn’t expect it to offer the same performance as a traditional speaker system. I can do the Ascend package for $1,200, but that would not include a sub. Anyone know much about these new Klipsch sound bars?

You seem to be fighting some of the recommendations

A sound bar system is not going to give you the same surround sound effects as a traditional bookshelf floorstander system it just isn't. Is it going to sound better than your TV? Probably a whole lot better, but another thing is the subwoofer that comes with it is a poor performer. If you're looking for sloppy, boomy, non accurate low frequencies then go for it

 

[Soundman]

You seem to be fighting some of the recommendations

A sound bar system is not going to give you the same surround sound effects as a traditional bookshelf floorstander system it just isn't. Is it going to sound better than your TV? Probably a whole lot better, but another thing is the subwoofer that comes with it is a poor performer. If you're looking for sloppy, boomy, non accurate low frequencies then go for it

I think you’re sacrificing some performance for simplicity. I do like there’s an option to add an additional sub. If the klipsch sub doesn’t cut it, replacing it with a sub or 2 is an option. There is still a lot of unknowns about this system. I think space is the biggest factor. Still measuring. There maybe be a tad more room if I move the entertainment stand slightly. So far, I’m still leaning towards the Ascend speakers though.

 

[lovinthehd]

Never considered a soundbar a viable option for good quality sound myself. The speakers and sub they utilize are generally compromises, and it won't have the functionality of true components generally. If the convenience/form factor outweighs that....

 

[Soundman]

Never considered a soundbar a viable option for good quality sound myself. The speakers and sub they utilize are generally compromises, and it won't have the functionality of true components generally. If the convenience/form factor outweighs that....

I think price, performance, form factor, and convenience all play a part in that decision. I do think these modern sound bar systems are significantly better than they used to be. That being said, if I’m dropping $1,500 on a system, it better be pretty good. This one is a 5.1.4 system. It’s a 54” sound bar with

• three 1" soft dome tweeters mated to Tractrix horns for wide dispersion
• six 3" high-output oval fiber-composite midrange drivers
• two 3" up-firing Cerametallic cone woofers
  I believe the surrounds are similar and include the up firing drivers for Atmos. It’s an 11 speaker system. It’s suppose to go down to 22hz. I’m skeptical, but mildly curious to see if they can pull it off.

 

[ryanosaur]

@Soundman Perhaps this should be clarified:

What is your goal?

Are you looking for true HT (theater-like performance)? Are you into Critical listening when it comes to Music (as opposed to Passive listening/background music)?

Back when I bought my first PS3 with the Metal Gear Solid bundle, I also bought a new Samsung TV to match the PS3 capabilities and an Onkyo HTIB. My old Sony based system (receiver, CD/DVD) with older-still Rat Shack/Optimus Speakers was dying.

What I didn't know I was giving up in sound quality and enjoyment was HUGE. Again, I mentioned earlier I am a trained musician. So Music suddenly became flat and one dimensional to me. The 7.1 system was cool, but the little toy Sub and speakers were just enough to bedazzle given the cost.
The cost that cannot be quantified is that I stopped enjoying music. For years. And I didn't ever question it until I started shopping for new gear in 2018.

So, again: What are your goals?

If you just want sound, then do what you want. It is your system, your ducats. You only have yourself to please.

If you want something more, then for the love of humanity, Add that Klipsch soundbar system to the "Don't" I gave earlier regarding Def Tech.

 

[Soundman]

@Soundman Perhaps this should be clarified:

What is your goal?

Are you looking for true HT (theater-like performance)? Are you into Critical listening when it comes to Music (as opposed to Passive listening/background music)?

Back when I bought my first PS3 with the Metal Gear Solid bundle, I also bought a new Samsung TV to match the PS3 capabilities and an Onkyo HTIB. My old Sony based system (receiver, CD/DVD) with older-still Rat Shack/Optimus Speakers was dying.

What I didn't know I was giving up in sound quality and enjoyment was HUGE. Again, I mentioned earlier I am a trained musician. So Music suddenly became flat and one dimensional to me. The 7.1 system was cool, but the little toy Sub and speakers were just enough to bedazzle given the cost.
The cost that cannot be quantified is that I stopped enjoying music. For years. And I didn't ever question it until I started shopping for new gear in 2018.

So, again: What are your goals?

If you just want sound, then do what you want. It is your system, your ducats. You only have yourself to please.

If you want something more, then for the love of humanity, Add that Klipsch soundbar system to the "Don't" I gave earlier regarding Def Tech.

Lol. I hear you on that. To be clear, this system will have limitations. I have a speaker system set up in a bonus room, which includes the Rockets in my profile pic as well as an SVS Ultra sub, all powered by Emotiva processing and power amp. This new system won’t be that. First and for most, this system must rank high in WAF. So form factor will play a huge role. This is 90% a HT system mostly to be used for the fam for movie night!!... things like Netflix, Hulu, etc. in a living room environment. This is not a dedicated HT or music room. We do have some 4K Ultra disks, but this system really won’t be used for critical listening. My wife and kids really aren’t going to put much importance on the sound quality like I would, just something that will fill the room a little better than the tv speakers or the 2 bookshelves that are currently being used. There is limited space, and whatever I end up getting must not take over the room. In the end, I’m hoping for something with good SQ that that has a smaller form factor. If it were up to me, I’d go all in, and this thread probably would not be necessary, but unfortunately, I’ll have to get approval before purchasing.

 

[lovinthehd]

I think price, performance, form factor, and convenience all play a part in that decision. I do think these modern sound bar systems are significantly better than they used to be. That being said, if I’m dropping $1,500 on a system, it better be pretty good. This one is a 5.1.4 system. It’s a 54” sound bar with

• three 1" soft dome tweeters mated to Tractrix horns for wide dispersion
• six 3" high-output oval fiber-composite midrange drivers
• two 3" up-firing Cerametallic cone woofers
  I believe the surrounds are similar and include the up firing drivers for Atmos. It’s an 11 speaker system. It’s suppose to go down to 22hz. I’m skeptical, but mildly curious to see if they can pull it off.

Yes and you just have to figure out how those factors weight a decision in this instance . Personally I have no use for its form factor or convenience so hard for me to value those as you would (no WAF no kids no need to save space or go wireless), and for that price I prefer the performance of traditional components/speakers/subs. I wonder where the sound characteristics of this speaker set fits among the various Klipsch experiences one can find. For you with your family and room needs (and your other system) I can see this soundbar being attractive, especially if the wife and kids like it/find it easy to use.

 

[shadyJ]

I think price, performance, form factor, and convenience all play a part in that decision. I do think these modern sound bar systems are significantly better than they used to be. That being said, if I’m dropping $1,500 on a system, it better be pretty good. This one is a 5.1.4 system. It’s a 54” sound bar with

• three 1" soft dome tweeters mated to Tractrix horns for wide dispersion
• six 3" high-output oval fiber-composite midrange drivers
• two 3" up-firing Cerametallic cone woofers
  I believe the surrounds are similar and include the up firing drivers for Atmos. It’s an 11 speaker system. It’s suppose to go down to 22hz. I’m skeptical, but mildly curious to see if they can pull it off.

Atmos on soundbars are garbage. They don't work at all. The problem is drivers are too small and can not control their directivity. That means more of the sound hitting the listener directly instead of reflecting off the ceiling. So the Atmos height effect doesn't come through at all. "11-speaker" system is a joke. Imagine 11 speakers sharing the same small power supply. Two good speakers will produce a much better sound than 11 bad ones. That Klipsch system will make a lot of nice alright, but don't mistaken it for a real loudspeaker.

 

[Soundman]

Atmos on soundbars are garbage. They don't work at all. The problem is drivers are too small and can not control their directivity. That means more of the sound hitting the listener directly instead of reflecting off the ceiling. So the Atmos height effect doesn't come through at all. "11-speaker" system is a joke. Imagine 11 speakers sharing the same small power supply. Two good speakers will produce a much better sound than 11 bad ones. That Klipsch system will make a lot of nice alright, but don't mistaken it for a real loudspeaker.

I do generally agree with what you are saying. Obviously, compromises have to be made with an all in one system. I was just curious about it. The word is that Klipsch has invested a lot in this. And considering the price, didn’t know if anyone had heard it yet. The ones I’ve heard were mostly trickery with the effect to fool your ears... def better than tv speakers though. Thinking about doing Ascend 340 mains and 340 center across the front with a Marantz receiver for now. That would be about $900 with the stands. I have an extra Emotiva amp I can add if extra power is needed, but I honestly do t think it will be necessary.... still thinking things over tho.

 

[NINaudio]

I think price, performance, form factor, and convenience all play a part in that decision. I do think these modern sound bar systems are significantly better than they used to be. That being said, if I’m dropping $1,500 on a system, it better be pretty good. This one is a 5.1.4 system. It’s a 54” sound bar with

• three 1" soft dome tweeters mated to Tractrix horns for wide dispersion
• six 3" high-output oval fiber-composite midrange drivers
• two 3" up-firing Cerametallic cone woofers
  I believe the surrounds are similar and include the up firing drivers for Atmos. It’s an 11 speaker system. It’s suppose to go down to 22hz. I’m skeptical, but mildly curious to see if they can pull it off.

22 Hz from a soundbar system? That's laughable. It would in all likelihood be better than the TV speakers. I also wouldn't bank on being able to replace the subs with something better performing. Soundbar "subs" are usually some sort of proprietary connection, doubly so when they're also wireless.

If getting approval based on size is an issue, here's what I'd do. Pick out what you really want. Then pick out something else you could live with, but that is twice the size of the first choice and present them as the options.

 

[stalag2005]

$1400 Towers

For $1600 I'd rather have these. Or the 700F

Premier 800F

4-driver, 3-way bass reflex floorstanding

www.paradigm.com

Or the Prime Pinnacles

Prime Pinnacle | Tower Speaker for Home Theater & HiFi | SVS

Audiophile refinement, breathtaking home theater dynamics. World class audio for everyone.

www.svsound.com

JBL590 $1000

Studio 590 | 250-watt, dual 8" floorstanding loudspeaker

The JBL® Studio 590 floorstanding loudspeaker brings professional-quality sound to the home experience. The Studio 590 uses the technology that JBL engineers developed for pro-audio loudspeakers to deliver accurate, powerful sound to your living room. The Studio 590 is a perfect complement to...

www.jbl.com

SVS Prime Towers $1000

SVS Prime Tower Speaker

SVS Prime Tower speaker delivers unrivaled performance for home theater and stereo systems.

www.svsound.com

I own a pair of 800F Paradigm Premier's. Excellent speaker.

 

[Soundman]

22 Hz from a soundbar system? That's laughable. It would in all likelihood be better than the TV speakers. I also wouldn't bank on being able to replace the subs with something better performing. Soundbar "subs" are usually some sort of proprietary connection, doubly so when they're also wireless.

If getting approval based on size is an issue, here's what I'd do. Pick out what you really want. Then pick out something else you could live with, but that is twice the size of the first choice and present them as the options.

Yeah, 22Hz seems like a stretch ... as for the sub connections, the system comes with a wireless sub, but there are 2 sub out connections on the back, so it is designed with the ability to add another sub, can’t confirm what the compatibility is tho

 

[Soundman]

22 Hz from a soundbar system? That's laughable. It would in all likelihood be better than the TV speakers. I also wouldn't bank on being able to replace the subs with something better performing. Soundbar "subs" are usually some sort of proprietary connection, doubly so when they're also wireless.

If getting approval based on size is an issue, here's what I'd do. Pick out what you really want. Then pick out something else you could live with, but that is twice the size of the first choice and present them as the options.

That’s sneaky...

 

[stalag2005]

22 Hz from a soundbar system? That's laughable. It would in all likelihood be better than the TV speakers. I also wouldn't bank on being able to replace the subs with something better performing. Soundbar "subs" are usually some sort of proprietary connection, doubly so when they're also wireless.

If getting approval based on size is an issue, here's what I'd do. Pick out what you really want. Then pick out something else you could live with, but that is twice the size of the first choice and present them as the options.

Isn't the male preening for the audioholic the speaker size? Tell sig. other that big speakers will make you feel more manly!