Paradigm vs. Ascend

[bri1270]

Okay, I was originally thinking of going with Paradigm Studio 40's, but they are just cost prohibitive at this time. So now I find myself in another conundrum -

I am currently running 3 x Paradigm LCR 350's, ironically as my LC and R. I am using a Pioneer Elite VSX-54Tx as a pre with a B&K AV5125 as my main amp. I have two Paradigm Monitor 3's as rear surrounds and a pair of Cambridge Newtons (tripoles) as L/R surrounds (mostly for transitional effect), a Mirage FXRs 8", and an Earthquake Supernova MKIV 10" for subs. What I'd like to do is upgrade my fronts. I like the LCR's but I have chronic upgradeitis, and I really feel likes there's a little some detail missing from my system, especially with music. I've been looking at the Paradigm Studio 20's with with a CC-470, but I keep coming across reviews on Ascends, and a bunch of other less expensive but seemingly comparable speakers. Take the Ascend SMT340m and SMT340c combo for example. They seem to match up pretty well with the Paradigms on paper, but I'm skeptical (by nature...if it seems to good to be true...)

I know the 20/470 combo will sound good, but what I am wondering is, can I get pretty close to that and spend about $400-$500 less?

Any thoughts/opinions greatly appreciated.

 

[warnerwh]

The best thing to do with speakers is listen to them in your own room if at all possible. If not possible research all you can and buy used. Speakers don't wear out unless the foam surrounds rot after 15 years or so and they can be repaired. The benefit of buying used is that if you don't like them you can get your money back. Not to mention you don't take near the hit if you decide to sell them a year or so down the line and with "upgradeitis" I think used is the best idea.

 

[Kpt_Krunch]

bri - I've heard both and own the Ascends (the CMT 340's across the front with CBM 170's for the sides).

I can say that Ascend offers everything the Studio 40's do, but the 40's go a bit lower, though with the sub and a cutoff set at 80hz it is negligible.

I also find the 340's more neutral and easier to listen to over a long period of time - but don't read too much into that, both speakers are easy to listen to for me. The Paradigms seem a bit sterile to me, Ascend is neutral, but not sterile, it's really hard to explain.

You know what though - you only live once. Do what I did, order a pair of the Ascends 340's (I actually ordered everything at the same time, I felt I had nothing to lose other than return shipping) and compare them yourself. Worse case scenario is you have to ship them back and you're out about $100 total (at the most - probably less). You could get a speeding ticket on the way to a B&M shop that would cost you double that! You will be very impressed with the Ascends. Oh, one other note - the Ascends are rear ported, vs. the front port design of the Paradigm Studio series. The Ascends need room to breathe and cannot be back against a wall - so take that into consideration as well.

 

[bri1270]

Thanks for the info/advice. I think I will order them. My LCR's are rear ported, so that's not a problem. I do like the look of the Paradigms, but for the money, the Ascends just seem like the right choice. I actually read a review that said if Ascend used real wood veneer they'd be able to charge $800-$1000 and they would still be a good value. Like you said, if I don't like them, I'm only out the shipping fees (which won't be much because I'll ship them from work).

 

[bri1270]

I meant to add also that I would definitely buy used if I went the Paradigm route, but it seems that anyone selling the latest revisions are looking to make close to if not all of their money back, and I f I'm going to spend $700 for used, I might as well spend the extra $100 and get the warranty too. I've been keeping my eyes open though, because you never know when a good deal will come up. I definitely think I am going to give the Ascends a try though.

 

[Tex-amp]

I dropped my beloved Mini-Monitors after hearing the Ascend 170s and no longer lusted after Studio 20s. I now have 340s for my 2 channel rig and am very happy. You can find more info at the Ascend Forum.

 

[bri1270]

That's exactly the sort of comment I was hoping for, thanks. I am going to give both the 170's and the 340's a whirl, see which I like better and send the others back. I've recently started getting into 2 channel again, and I'm really looking for something that sounds good, and crisp. However, I'm also a huge movie person, so no matter what I end up with I need double duty speakers.