pro's+con's with these three short list

M

MJ5ELRB

Audioholic Intern
due to unforeseen medical procedure out of pocket expense my 2k budget for speakers dwindled.

budget now: ~1k

room size: 15w x 19d x 8h
listening distance: sitting on couch one's head/ears to TV is ~13-14'. LR speakers would be very close to TV wall
avr: Denon x3000

i was looking at these now:
Chane A3rx-c + A2rx-c
Acsend CMT-340 SE + Center
Aon 2 Bookshelf Monitor

frequency response looks a little better with the CMT-340 than the A3rx-c but i'm no expert, just looking at specs if i'm reading them correctly?

one of my questions is, is the tweeter with the A3rx-c better sounding that the Acsend tweeter? the flat-panel tweeter that is.

another consideration for me now is the stands Acsend sells for these will cost close to an extra 200.00 unless someone can recommend good ones for less that works with these. i'm skimping a bit i know.

with the Aon 2's, one wouldn't require a sub-woofer, yes|no?


anyone with pros/con's to these three to help me with purchase?
 
S

shadyJ

Speaker of the House
Staff member
They will all require a subwoofer, not just the Aons. Don't pay attention to the manufacturer's frequency response, there are a lot of different ways that number can be gamed. They all look like decent speakers. I would stick with the Ascends or Arx, not that the Golden Ear speakers look bad, but they won't have the dynamic range of the Ascend and Arx speakers. I would probably lean toward the Ascends myself, but no one can tell you which of these would be the best for you, only way to know that is listen to them and compare yourself, even though that is likely impractical.
 
BoredSysAdmin

BoredSysAdmin

Audioholic Slumlord
Out of this group, Besides ascend, i would never trust specs from manufacturer. Even ascend have some limits, but they disclose them.
And you would need sub with pretty much any speaker under $3k
 
zieglj01

zieglj01

Audioholic Spartan
None would really be bad - Buy a pair from Ascend and Chane to start,
then send the loser back - then decide if you want to test the Aon 2.

Do not get too carried away with specs - that does not speak for the
sound signature and resolution.

Enjoy the search adventure.
 
Last edited:
KEW

KEW

Audioholic Overlord
Have you considered buying better L & R, and adding the center down the road?
Generally you can do well without a center (which are often the most expensive speaker in the system).
 
Cos

Cos

Audioholic Samurai
Have you considered buying better L & R, and adding the center down the road?
Generally you can do well without a center (which are often the most expensive speaker in the system).

I think that is a great idea, you can always run phantom mode w/o center and maximize the sonic quality of your mains.
 
M

MJ5ELRB

Audioholic Intern
Have you considered buying better L & R, and adding the center down the road?
Generally you can do well without a center (which are often the most expensive speaker in the system).
yes, at first, until that med bill hit me. what were you thinking of for a L & R for ~1k ? would i not still require a sub-woofer?
 
M

MJ5ELRB

Audioholic Intern
They will all require a subwoofer, not just the Aons. Don't pay attention to the manufacturer's frequency response, there are a lot of different ways that number can be gamed. They all look like decent speakers. I would stick with the Ascends or Arx, not that the Golden Ear speakers look bad, but they won't have the dynamic range of the Ascend and Arx speakers. I would probably lean toward the Ascends myself, but no one can tell you which of these would be the best for you, only way to know that is listen to them and compare yourself, even though that is likely impractical.
@shadyJ & @BoredSysAdmin, thanks for the info. seems the Ascends get voted for more often than not in this price range.

my list now is "1"
 
M

MJ5ELRB

Audioholic Intern
None would really be bad - Buy a pair from Ascend and Chane to start,
then send the loser back - then decide if you want to test the Aon 2.

Do not get too carried away with specs - that does not speak for the
sound signature and resolution.

Enjoy the search adventure.
appreciate the education. never actually thought of that. depends on s/h costs if i decide that route.
 
M

MJ5ELRB

Audioholic Intern
I think that is a great idea, you can always run phantom mode w/o center and maximize the sonic quality of your mains.
didn't realize that. guess the Denon x3000 can do that. if i couldn't get a center right now i was just going to use one of the ancient Polk RT55 my new speakers are replacing.

always something to learn on this new journey
 
KEW

KEW

Audioholic Overlord
yes, at first, until that med bill hit me. what were you thinking of for a L & R for ~1k ? would i not still require a sub-woofer?
Off the top of my head, the speaker I would recommend is less expensive at $850/pair. This is just an exceptional speaker. It is the Philharmonitor from Philharmonic Audio.
http://philharmonicaudio.com/philharmonitor.html

With a 6.5" woofer and spec of 42Hz - 30kHz (+/- 2db), these do far better than most bookshelf speakers and many floorstanders for bass reproduction. Would you require a sub? No. Would you want a sub? Probably, eventually.
It would be very reasonable to postpone buying the sub. For music, 42Hz is pretty good. I think you will be surprised at how full the sound is. We get pretty picky here on AH (but that is our lot).
Generally, I would recommend buying the speakers first anyway, because there is no discount for buying a sub at the same time. It allows you to spread the cost out over time, and go ahead and enjoy high sound quality in your home while you are completing the system.

Here is a chart used by the recording industry which that can help you evaluate what instruments play below 42Hz.
http://www.independentrecording.net/irn/resources/freqchart/main_display.htm

If you move the cursor to the low frequency end, you will see in the box to the upper right:
Sub Bass: 16Hz to 60Hz
Felt more than heard
Sense of power
Too much is muddy
 
3db

3db

Audioholic Slumlord
Have you considered buying better L & R, and adding the center down the road?
Generally you can do well without a center (which are often the most expensive speaker in the system).
I agree. Depending on the room and the listening positions, one can easily live without a center channel assuming the main left/right speakers are good quality speakers. Its importance is way over rated, especially when compared to the mains or a sub IHO.
 
M

MJ5ELRB

Audioholic Intern
Off the top of my head, the speaker I would recommend is less expensive at $850/pair. This is just an exceptional speaker. It is the Philharmonitor from Philharmonic Audio.
http://philharmonicaudio.com/philharmonitor.html

With a 6.5" woofer and spec of 42Hz - 30kHz (+/- 2db), these do far better than most bookshelf speakers and many floorstanders for bass reproduction. Would you require a sub? No. Would you want a sub? Probably, eventually.
It would be very reasonable to postpone buying the sub. For music, 42Hz is pretty good. I think you will be surprised at how full the sound is. We get pretty picky here on AH (but that is our lot).
Generally, I would recommend buying the speakers first anyway, because there is no discount for buying a sub at the same time. It allows you to spread the cost out over time, and go ahead and enjoy high sound quality in your home while you are completing the system.

Here is a chart used by the recording industry which that can help you evaluate what instruments play below 42Hz.
http://www.independentrecording.net/irn/resources/freqchart/main_display.htm

If you move the cursor to the low frequency end, you will see in the box to the upper right:
wow! i really like these. i'll order a pair. appreciate the link.

i see what you mean about freq when looking at that chart. i had no idea that a harp could produce such bass right up there with a pipe organ!

classy lil speakers these philharmonitor's. i think i'll be pleasantly surprised.
 
M

MJ5ELRB

Audioholic Intern
I agree. Depending on the room and the listening positions, one can easily live without a center channel assuming the main left/right speakers are good quality speakers. Its importance is way over rated, especially when compared to the mains or a sub IHO.
i don't know much about center speakers but i think with the denon x3000 i would be able to hear "voice range" better say when i watch a movie. otherwise, i think the philharmonitor's LR will suffice for me and music where the center isn't as important... i think.

@Cos mentioned running the speakers in "phantom mode w/o center". honestly, i don't even know what is. may be a function i can adjust on the avr?

appreciate everyone taking the time to educate me and help me with my purchase.
 
M

MJ5ELRB

Audioholic Intern
oops, they can't ship the Philharmonitors due to their shipper in Taiwan passed away recently.

they will custom order in a choice of veneers. but due to the custom cabinet cost is higher. 1000.00 a pair now. guess i can look at that as an extra 75.0 a speaker now. but shipping is included.

i know zilch about veneers but Dennis mentioned the buyer could state a veneer choice. he's to get back with me about that. their webpage states, "finished in walnut with 5 coats of stain to close the grain and darken the color to near-black."

would veneer be as good as that walnut with 5 coats of stain or what?

he also said the AA towers might surprise me.
 
KEW

KEW

Audioholic Overlord
oops, they can't ship the Philharmonitors due to their shipper in Taiwan passed away recently.

they will custom order in a choice of veneers. but due to the custom cabinet cost is higher. 1000.00 a pair now. guess i can look at that as an extra 75.0 a speaker now. but shipping is included.

i know zilch about veneers but Dennis mentioned the buyer could state a veneer choice. he's to get back with me about that. their webpage states, "finished in walnut with 5 coats of stain to close the grain and darken the color to near-black."

would veneer be as good as that walnut with 5 coats of stain or what?

he also said the AA towers might surprise me.
Ouch! Problems being a small operation and going international. The shipper is probably largely one man, just as Philharmonic Audio is one man!

The standard walnut finish is also veneer atop of mdf.

No one uses solid wood. Mdf is a better material because it is dimensionally stable, not as prone to resonance as natural wood (which has a grain direction, giving different properties in different directions), has inconsistencies (such as knots, reaction stress, and wind shake), and much cheaper.

The different veneers might be a nice option since it allows you to choose the "color" of your speakers. It is very likely that the standard walnut finish is not walnut wood at all. I'm sure it looks good, but it would be a waste to use real walnut wood, then darken it the way they describe. Walnut is a domestic to North America and expensive. Here is a quick blurb on Asian Walnut:

Asian walnut is a type of lumber often used for flooring. Its name is somewhat misleading, and confusing, however. The wood commonly marketed and sold under this name is not walnut at all but acacia. Walnut trees belong to the family Juglandaceae, of which there are several species. Acacia trees are members of the family Fabaceae. Many species of acacia, from almost every continent, are also known, but they are primarily from the drier areas of Asia, Africa, and Australia. Acacia wood is marketed as Asian walnut because suppliers and retailers feel that the name is more appealing to buyers.
This really doesn't matter. I'm sure the Asian wood works fine. It may be a little softer than American Walnut, but if it is commonly used for flooring, it will hold up fine (as will any option you are offered- Dennis won't give you the option of balsa veneer).
He may be able to give you a solid color for the same price if that would work better. Not gloss finish - that costs!
I am assuming you would be getting a custom built cabinet from a craftsman/cabinet-maker local to Dennis. That is not a bad thing.

I have no doubt that the AA Towers would surprise you!
Dennis is unique (to my knowledge) in that he is not trying to make money off of his speaker sales. He does charge a little something for his time, but I know for my (and all) Philharmonic3's he made less than minimum wage for the hours he spent building the crossover and assembling the speaker. That is kind of like getting Bob Carver to build your amp, but at illegal immigrant labor rates!
My point is, he is retired and at this point in his life, he is more about sharing his passion for music and sound quality and not worried about money. At least, that is my read of him (supported by his business practices).

You may want to talk to Dennis again. He knows these speakers better than anyone, and can best tell you what the Philharmonitors offer over the AA towers - soundwise. As with most things, you pay a lot for the last few percent improvements in performance.
Unlike a typical sales guy, he will take what you say about budget at face value instead of trying to maximize the sale.

One thing I would point out is the AA towers are the deal of the century, but they are a somewhat bland-looking speaker. If you have a BB nearby, you can check out what they look like (Dennis doesn't change anything you can see aside from the tweeter). The Philharmonitors are clearly "not your pappy's speakers".

Some here would consider this sacrilege, but at the end of the day, we are human, and looks are a factor. If you want a speaker than gives good sound with an understated look, the AA's in black oak vinyl are perfect. If you want something more unique, the Philharmonitors are a good option.

Good luck! Hope this helps!
 
ATLAudio

ATLAudio

Senior Audioholic
Ouch! Problems being a small operation and going international. The shipper is probably largely one man, just as Philharmonic Audio is one man!

The standard walnut finish is also veneer atop of mdf.

No one uses solid wood. Mdf is a better material because it is dimensionally stable, not as prone to resonance as natural wood (which has a grain direction, giving different properties in different directions), has inconsistencies (such as knots, reaction stress, and wind shake), and much cheaper.

The different veneers might be a nice option since it allows you to choose the "color" of your speakers. It is very likely that the standard walnut finish is not walnut wood at all. I'm sure it looks good, but it would be a waste to use real walnut wood, then darken it the way they describe. Walnut is a domestic to North America and expensive. Here is a quick blurb on Asian Walnut:



This really doesn't matter. I'm sure the Asian wood works fine. It may be a little softer than American Walnut, but if it is commonly used for flooring, it will hold up fine (as will any option you are offered- Dennis won't give you the option of balsa veneer).
He may be able to give you a solid color for the same price if that would work better. Not gloss finish - that costs!
I am assuming you would be getting a custom built cabinet from a craftsman/cabinet-maker local to Dennis. That is not a bad thing.

I have no doubt that the AA Towers would surprise you!
Dennis is unique (to my knowledge) in that he is not trying to make money off of his speaker sales. He does charge a little something for his time, but I know for my (and all) Philharmonic3's he made less than minimum wage for the hours he spent building the crossover and assembling the speaker. That is kind of like getting Bob Carver to build your amp, but at illegal immigrant labor rates!
My point is, he is retired and at this point in his life, he is more about sharing his passion for music and sound quality and not worried about money. At least, that is my read of him (supported by his business practices).

You may want to talk to Dennis again. He knows these speakers better than anyone, and can best tell you what the Philharmonitors offer over the AA towers - soundwise. As with most things, you pay a lot for the last few percent improvements in performance.
Unlike a typical sales guy, he will take what you say about budget at face value instead of trying to maximize the sale.

One thing I would point out is the AA towers are the deal of the century, but they are a somewhat bland-looking speaker. If you have a BB nearby, you can check out what they look like (Dennis doesn't change anything you can see aside from the tweeter). The Philharmonitors are clearly "not your pappy's speakers".

Some here would consider this sacrilege, but at the end of the day, we are human, and looks are a factor. If you want a speaker than gives good sound with an understated look, the AA's in black oak vinyl are perfect. If you want something more unique, the Philharmonitors are a good option.

Good luck! Hope this helps!
Does the OP want towers or bookshelves? I'm a little lost...
 
newsletter

  • RBHsound.com
  • BlueJeansCable.com
  • SVS Sound Subwoofers
  • Experience the Martin Logan Montis
Top