Ascend CMT-340SE2 upgrade over what I have now?

[Hetfield]

Would you say Ascend Acoustics CMT-340SE2/340SE2 Center over my JBL 570 will make a big difference in sound quality for mostly home theater use? I used to have Def Tech SM65 LCR and SM55 surrounds and that combo was freaking fantastic! I'm looking for something like that, detailed with brute force. I only moved on from those because we moved and they didn't work in the space we had. Now we bought a house with a great HT room.

 

[shadyJ]

JBL Studio 570s were over-acheivers. My guess is that the Ascend 340s would be a lateral move. I would save up for something that is sure to be a perceptible step up. Sorry to tell you this, but it isn't going to be inexpensive. I would be looking at something from Arendal, also the Polk R700 with L400 center, SVS Ultra Evolution, KEF R series, Philharmonic HT series, something in that category.

 

[lovinthehd]

While I wonder how big a difference the 340 with Klippel assistance made over v.1, I'd look further up the Ascend line (or other speakers as shadyJ mentioned) for a more significant change. I have a variety of Ascend speakers (170SEs, 200SEs, Sierra--1s) as well as several of the JBL studio 5 series (530s, 580s, 590s) so not quite familiar with your particular models but have a pretty good idea. If space isn't a concern now I'd just generally look at larger speakers.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

I used to have Def Tech SM65 LCR and SM55 surrounds and that combo was freaking fantastic! I'm looking for something like that, detailed with brute force.

So what happened to those DefTechs that you LOVED so much?

But if you want brute force and dynamics, then aim for speakers with big and/or more drivers.

 

[Wardog555]

didn't work in the space

Somewhat subjective. Sometimes a myth too. Not saying all speakers work in every room though.
Pitty people fail to provide any actual evidence on such claims.

Check out JTR. PSA for speakers.

 

[Hetfield]

I can't go very expensive. Looking at really good at a good price, not the best and big money.
The SM65s I should have never let go. As much as I'm not a fan of Def tech anymore that line was pretty excellent. I had it in my head to have identical LCR speakers and it paid off. The SM65 center was upright too. It was just awesome. That system sounded so freaking believe it or not.

 

[Matt34]

I had the JBL 580 awhile ago so my memory is pretty fuzzy on them. I have the Ascends cmt340se2 now in the basement and am using one as a center in my main system.
They will have a wider horizontal dispersion and are more efficient, great directivity for EQ. You absolutely need a sub(s) though.

All that said, I prefer the Revel F35/36 that you can pick up for the same price as the CMT340 with stands, strictly because my system is dual use and I like the option to run my mains full range for some music.

If you're itching to upgrade, go a little higher in the Ascend Acoustics lineup and get the LX's. They are the speaker to beat at $1500, I would take them any day over the Kef R3, Revel M106, Wharfedale Lintons and Wharfedale Aurua 2 I've had in the past.

 

[Kingnoob]

I had the JBL 580 awhile ago so my memory is pretty fuzzy on them. I have the Ascends cmt340se2 now in the basement and am using one as a center in my main system.
They will have a wider horizontal dispersion and are more efficient, great directivity for EQ. You absolutely need a sub(s) though.

All that said, I prefer the Revel F35/36 that you can pick up for the same price as the CMT340 with stands, strictly because my system is dual use and I like the option to run my mains full range for some music.

If you're itching to upgrade, go a little higher in the Ascend Acoustics lineup and get the LX's. They are the speaker to beat at $1500, I would take them any day over the Kef R3, Revel M106, Wharfedale Lintons and Wharfedale Aurua 2 I've had in the past.
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View attachment 73298

those
CMT340 look nice not sure how much price will rise next year. Wish I had done more research when I got my Klipsch I would had gotten something else. Wouldn’t be worth taking the loss of selling them now, probably unsellable. Not that I dislike them but they can be bright.