Help Me Choose: CBM-170 SE's or RC-10's?

[Ralls]

My wife finally gave me permission to get some new speakers that I'll just be using for stereo for now--possibly home theater in the not-so-near future. I was going to definitely go with the Ascend Acoustics CBM-170 SE's and then I recently discovered the Energy RC-10's and now I'm waffling between the two because they are essentially the same price. Looks aren't my first priority, but sound is. So what say all of you, especially those that have possibly heard both???

 

[mazersteven]

I haven't heard both. But I wanted to reconfirm that the 170's are excellent performing speakers. And would make an excellent choice for HT or music.

 

[Ralls]

Thanks for the reply. I am leaning more towards the 170's. Really the only weakness that I can level against it vs. the RC-10 is a little less bass extension (58 Hz vs. 50 Hz.) I don't think this will make a huge difference and I don't plan on getting a sub, especially if I find the bass response suitable.

 

[soundhound]

If WAF is a factor, I'd go with the rc-10s. Those are nice looking speakers! Soundwise, you can't really go wrong with either. I'd get whatever was less as long as you don't mind the industrial kind of looks of the ascends.

 

[Ralls]

They are definitely nice looking speakers, as well as good performers, although it seems that the frequency response isn't quite as flat and the off-axis performance isn't quite as good either. That being said, though, I still think that spec-wise they both perform exceptionally well.

Also, I must have a pretty cool wife because I showed her both speakers and she doesn't care what they look like! She told me to get what I liked.

 

[soundhound]

btw, where are you getting the rc-10s for the same price as the 170s? locally, or audioadvisor?

 

[bandphan]

If WAF is a factor, I'd go with the rc-10s.

waf

 

[Ralls]

btw, where are you getting the rc-10s for the same price as the 170s? locally, or audioadvisor?

The rosenut model from Audioadvisor.com.

 

[soundhound]

The rosenut model from Audioadvisor.com.

:thumbsup: I was thinking of going for those myself.

 

[jamie2112]

I am gonna have to give the Ascend the nod here....

 

[soundhound]

I am gonna have to give the Ascend the nod here....

Have you heard the rc-10? What did you like better about the ascends?

 

[Ralls]

Vote tally so far:

Ascends - 2

RC-10's - 1

Keep 'em coming!

 

[mazersteven]

Get both. Return the ones you don't like.

 

[j_garcia]

Get both. Return the ones you don't like.

That works for me too I have not heard the RC-10s, but I really enjoyed the 170SEs. They sounded great with a wide variety of music and movies and they have a neutral overall sound that is very detailed.

 

[RacineBoxer]

Get both. Return the ones you don't like.

+1

I agree with mazer.

 

[Ralls]

Ideally I would get both, but the problem is that I don't have the funds for it. I just ordered the Ascends, so when I get them and if I like them, then my quest is over. I'll post my impressions of them when I get them.

I had some PSB Image 2B's recently and I can't say that I cared for them so I sold them on eBay. So if the Ascends perform better than those, then I will be a happy camper.

From my research, I've determined that I want a speaker that portrays music as honestly as is reasonable within my budget. It doesn't have to be perfect as I feel that this is a somewhat fruitless pursuit and an expensive one at that.

I appreciate all the feedback.

 

[mazersteven]

Congratulations on your purchase. Please keep us informed with your thoughts and review of the Ascends. Pictures are always welcome.

 

[mazersteven]

I haven't heard both. But I wanted to reconfirm that the 170's are excellent performing speakers. And would make an excellent choice for HT or music.

Next time please sign your name to the rep.

 

[billy p]

Ideally I would get both, but the problem is that I don't have the funds for it. I just ordered the Ascends, so when I get them and if I like them, then my quest is over. I'll post my impressions of them when I get them.

I had some PSB Image 2B's recently and I can't say that I cared for them so I sold them on eBay. So if the Ascends perform better than those, then I will be a happy camper.

From my research, I've determined that I want a speaker that portrays music as honestly as is reasonable within my budget. It doesn't have to be perfect as I feel that this is a somewhat fruitless pursuit and an expensive one at that.

I appreciate all the feedback.

I know of one person who owns the RC's and Ascends and he clearly preferred the RC's, however they were the original classic's and not the SE version. From what he told me the RC's had a better overall soundstage and from what I've read about the newer SE version they're a definite improvement as well.

FWIW the RC's are real wood veneer. I just happen to own the black ash but the rosenut IMHO look really exceptional, good luck.

Regards, Billy p

 

[Ralls]

Next time please sign your name to the rep.

Forgive my ignorance, but I'm not sure what you mean by this.