Axiom vs. Ascend for computer

[anotherid2lose]

Since I spend a great deal of time at my computer I thought I would upgrade my computer systme from Klipsh Ultra's (HTiB) to some nice bookshelves. Right now I am looking at the Axiom M3's and the new Ascend CBM-170 SE's. As both of these are direct mail order I was wondering if the 20% increase in price is worth it for the Ascend's? (300 for M3 and 368 for the 170's) For starters I will be driving them with an old Adcom 100 watt amp that I have sitting around collecting dust. Eventuately, I figure on getting a little subwoofer to help out the speakers, maybe the Hsu STF-1 as I am not in a very large room. I could easily swing the $68 if I was getting that much more of a speaker. There just isn't a whole lot of discussion on the Ascend's here compared to some other forums.



Rotel Rmb-1075
Rotel Rsp-1068
Klipsch Forte'
Klipsch RC-35 center
Klipsch Kg 4.5 rear

 

[silversurfer]

The older CBM-170's actually compare to the M22's and not M3's. The new SE models should prove to be outstanding. Ascend owner reviews seem to be pretty consistent, the Axioms not as much but still generally very favorable. Ascend also claims good nearfield use as well.

Here is a recent thread on the Ascend forum...so it may be a bit biased, but you can find similar comparisons on Axiom's forum too.
http://forum.ascendacoustics.com/showthread.php?t=1550

No matter what, that is going to be one nice computer speaker setup!

As for Ascend not being on this forum much, that is interesting. One thing, not saying it is a factor, but Ascend does not advertise anywhere.

 

[corey]

Have you read this review?
http://www.audioholics.com/productreviews/loudspeakers/SpeakerFaceOffVIp1.php

It ranks the Axiom M3Ti & Klipsch RB-15 as even, so my thought is that the Klipsch RB-25, another 6.5" mid, would be a good pick.

 

[anotherid2lose]

Corey, yes I have read that review, it kind of lead me to the Axiom's. I have nothing against klipsch, as most of my speakers have been klipsch. I think my tastes in sound has changed and I would like to try something more neutral. I figure my computer system would be a good spot to experiment without spending a ton of cash on something.

Silver, I have spent some time on the ascend forum board, and everybody over there is in love with Ascend's. Right now I am leaning on the Axiom's mostly because I prefer something other then black and I am not sure if the 20% price difference if worth it. Have you heard any of these speakers?

Thanks for the input.

 

[Tex-amp]

Try to find any other speakers besides Ascend Acoustics that have SEAS tweeter for under $1K.

The Ascends are more nuetral than the M22 or M60. I have not heard the M3.

 

[jcPanny]

Budget bookshelf speakers

You can get the Axiom M22tis or M3tis for 10% off on their outlet page. Use the money you saved on the M3's to upgrade to the 10" HSU STF-2.

 

[j_garcia]

I have heard the M3 and CBM-170 in similar setups. I'd get the 170s.

*edit - It's not that I think the M3s are bad, just that the 170s are better. I liked the M3s; they're a solid value.

 

[scotty11]

ive heard both.
i have axioms and i am pleased with their performance.

a few days ago i was at a friend who just got the ascend new 170 speakers.
paired with a good sub they sound great.they sound much larger then they are.

they arent as bright as the axioms but thats a matter of personal tastes.

 

[anotherid2lose]

Thanks for all the input. Now, I just have to make up my mind. I think what it comes down to is do I want better sound for a few more bucks, or can I live with a little less but have something more pleasing to the eye. This is after all just for my computer setup (95% mp3s), so do I really need the best sound? Or should I say better sound?

I will let you know what I decide in the next few days.

Thanks again.

 

[j_garcia]

That's a different story.... For MP3s, unless the majority of them are 192K or better, I wouldn't spend extra cash on better speakers. However, you can always use the amp/speakers with a CD player as well, so it comes down to how much you really want to spend and how likely you are to use these speakers for something else down the road. IMO, the M3s are no more pleasing to the eye than the 170s. At first, I thought the 170s were kind of plain and unattractive, but now I kind of like their small size and simple appearance.

One more you might look into would be the Mordaunt Short 902 or 912 from www.ac4l.com They aren't as smooth in the midrange as the 170s, but they give a very good overall presentation and are fairly neutral (a tiny bit of metalic coloring to the midrange due to the aluminum driver). I find my 902s very pleasing with vocals and soft music, but they are equally at home with rock and jazz.