Some Sub Advice requested

[shadyJ]

Ok, now knowing I dont need to do the whole amplifier/processor separates this will be a lot less expensive. In fact I may just order the Ascend LCR this week. The Emotiva XD-2 was the wrong thing i meant to mention, i meant to mention some sort of processor/preamp, but let's forget that anyway.

I'm currently using a Logitech Z-5450 in 3.1 that I bought about 10 years ago and has been running strong. It's surprisingly loud for a computer speaker set up, but it was also about $500 instead of the typical $100-200 for computer speakers. I have it connected to my Vizio 65" TV by Toslink.

I'm thinking it might be fun to temporarily run the ascend's off this? It puts out 310w RMS, not sure how that divides to the LCR channels.

Also for the CMT340SE's - there shouldn't be an issue getting basic bookshelf speaker stands for these, right? I'm not sure if I like the look of the tower stands from Ascend, i like the look of the "Pole" holding something up better for the room its going in. I'm sure there is a wall bracket out there that holds speakers out from the wall 2ft? That would maybe be even more ideal.

Lastly would you agree it's best to wait a few months to buy the AVR? As much as I likely wont need HDCP 2.2 soon it wont hurt to get it now if I need it a few years down the road. Is there a brand you recommend that has the best output power? I'm sure i can dig through reviews, but i'd rather hear it from someone that knows what they are talking about.

You do NOT want to try to run the Ascend speakers off of the Logitech amplifier, if that is what you are referring to. You will want an AVR or amplifier of some kind. The Logitech amp will be made for a specific impedance load which the Ascend speakers will not have.

As for output power for AVRs, I wouldn't worry about that too much, they will all get loud. If you can, try to get something that has Audyssey MultiEQ XT32 on board. That pretty much limits you to Marantz and Denon's receivers. I also like Pioneer Elites and Yamaha's stuff as well.

As for a stand for the Ascend speakers, those speakers are bound to be pretty top heavy, I think I would want to go with the stands Ascend has for them. Also pole wall mounts like what you describe are more in the domain of pro-audio speakers. The Ascends are not built to accommodate them. They are also too top heavy for normal bookshelf speaker mounts.

 

[AParsh]

Will the logitech amp damage the ascends? I wasnt planning to run them permanantly, only for a month until i move into my new house.

I just noticed ascend is also close by, about 40min drive. Maybe i should drive to pick them up and demo the Rythmik 15".

 

[agarwalro]

I believe Ascend has an awesome demo room and the trip might be worth it to sample their other stuff. Also, Ascend is a Rythmik dealer so don't forget to ask for the bundle discount pricing on the subs.

 

[AParsh]

Shady (or anyone else reading) im sure im killing you bro...sorry im a big question asking - love to learn and absorb information on new stuff like this. I found an article that listed every MultEQ XT32 receiver ever made, but the list wasnt updated since 2014. Of that list, i did dig up 1 receiver on ebay for $500 used missing the remote and power cable, which i can figure out with sourcing separate or a universal logitech or whatever. Anyway, the model Onkyo TX-NR818 - it has just ok reviews, is 7.2, can upscale to 4k. It's not HDCP 2.2, it's not HDMI 2.0, but it's only $500. Thoughts?

Edit: Denon's AVRX2200W just got released as a top end model from them that has 7.2, atmos, DTS-X, HDMI 2.0, HDCP 2.2, and Audyssey MultX XT (not XT32). Brand new $750-800ish. I'm pretty sure the processor inside this is a lot newer/better/faster than what's in something like this older TX-NR818 listed above, is the advantage of the XT32 with a slower processor really still worth to have over the XT with the latest and greatest?

 

[AParsh]

I believe Ascend has an awesome demo room and the trip might be worth it to sample their other stuff. Also, Ascend is a Rythmik dealer so don't forget to ask for the bundle discount pricing on the subs.

Yeah i had caught on to that before inquiring and asked if they had any refurb Rythmik subs available. THey did not but offered a 10% discount if I purchased a set of 2. I'm holding off as they are so expensive and i'd like to hear the HSU (appointment tomorrow) then i'll make an appointment for wednesday to hear the rythmik at the Ascend audition.

 

[shadyJ]

Shady (or anyone else reading) im sure im killing you bro...sorry im a big question asking - love to learn and absorb information on new stuff like this. I found an article that listed every MultEQ XT32 receiver ever made, but the list wasnt updated since 2014. Of that list, i did dig up 1 receiver on ebay for $500 used missing the remote and power cable, which i can figure out with sourcing separate or a universal logitech or whatever. Anyway, the model Onkyo TX-NR818 - it has just ok reviews, is 7.2, can upscale to 4k. It's not HDCP 2.2, it's not HDMI 2.0, but it's only $500. Thoughts?

I would stay away from the Onkyo. Onkyo has reliability issues for starters, and the MultiEQ XT32 on that model is not the full multiEQ XT32, it is bereft of a very key feature of XT32, and that is the SubEQ. What is more, you might need the remote to navigate through the GUI and control the AVR, but extra remotes for these things can be absurdly expensive. I am willing to bet that unit also is missing its calibration mic. The only Onkyos I would consider getting are the 1010, 3010, or 5010, basically their flagship AVRs which are manufactured in Japan and not China and have the full Audyssey package.

 

[AParsh]

Thanks again shady. I've been reading non stop all night - i'm feeling like the Denon AVR-X5200W would be a perfect fit for me, especially if i can score it under $1k. It has a true MultEQ XT32 & Sub EQ. List is $1999.99, looks like it's online now for $1300ish, but I'm thinking i can wait for a good deal.

Also I had another question earlier that got buried in all my writing (sorry) - will my logitech computer speaker set up's amp damage my Ascend's I bought if i run them temporarily prior to getting a receiver?

 

[shadyJ]

Thanks again shady. I've been reading non stop all night - i'm feeling like the Denon AVR-X5200W would be a perfect fit for me, especially if i can score it under $1k. It has a true MultEQ XT32 & Sub EQ. List is $1999.99, looks like it's online now for $1300ish, but I'm thinking i can wait for a good deal.

Also I had another question earlier that got buried in all my writing (sorry) - will my logitech computer speaker set up's amp damage my Ascend's I bought if i run them temporarily prior to getting a receiver?

The X5200W would be a very good AVR, and excellent choice if you can afford it.

As for the Logitech and Ascends, A severe impedance mismatch can be a hazard. It will make the speakers sound terrible at the very least, because it is expecting the frequency response of the Logitch speakers, and might be able to damage the logitech amp, but I don't know if it would endanger the Ascend speakers. I definitely would not run the Ascend speakers on the Logitech amp.

 

[AParsh]

The impedance on the logitech amp and the Ascend's is 8ohm. As mentioned, i dont want to run the ascends off this logitech forever, but for a few weeks it doesnt seem like im going to hurt anything if they are the same impedance, right?

Z-5450 amp:
Left/right: 38 watts RMS x 2 (into 8 ohms, @ 1 kHz, @ 10% THD)
Center channel: 42 watts RMS (into 8 ohms, @ 1 kHz, @ 10% THD)
Rear left/right: 40.5 watts RMS x 2 (into 8 ohms, @ 1 kHz, @ 10% THD)
Subwoofer: 116 watts RMS (into 8 ohms, @ 100 Hz, @ 10% THD)
Total peak power: 630 watts
Maximum SPL: 103 dB
Frequency response: 35 Hz–20 kHz
Input impedance: 9500 ohms
Amplifier: Ultra-linear high-capacity analog

CMT340SE:
Typical In-Room Frequency Response 45Hz - 20kHz +/- 3dB
In-Room Sensitivity 92dB @ 1 watt / 1 meter
Frequency Response (Anechoic) 48Hz - 24kHz +/- 3dB
Sensitivity (Anechoic) 90dB @ 1 watt/ 1 meter
Average Impedance 8 ohms
Minimum Recommended Power 35 watts
Maximum Continuous Power* 240 watts
Maximum Short Term Peak Power* 400 watts

 

[agarwalro]

Z-5450 amp:
Left/right: 38 watts RMS x 2 (into 8 ohms, @ 1 kHz, @ 10% THD)
Center channel: 42 watts RMS (into 8 ohms, @ 1 kHz, @ 10% THD)
Rear left/right: 40.5 watts RMS x 2 (into 8 ohms, @ 1 kHz, @ 10% THD)
Subwoofer: 116 watts RMS (into 8 ohms, @ 100 Hz, @ 10% THD)

I'm amazed that they'd even publish these numbers!

Don't do it.

 

[AParsh]

It was a $600 set when i bought them, the very very top of the line they offered.

 

[shadyJ]

I'm amazed that they'd even publish these numbers!

Don't do it.

+1, those are horrendous specs. They might not destroy the Ascend speakers, but they may be curving the response which will make the Ascends sound very ugly. Plus, they are hitting high levels of distortion at relatively low power levels, and that actually could endanger the Ascend tweeter.

 

[AParsh]

Ok, ok... fine... I'll let them sit in the box for a while.

 

[AParsh]

So i picked up the ascend speakers, paid cash and got the whole set up for $961 - not too bad.
To be honest i thought the HSU's speakers sounded better than the ascends in person, but i think a lot of it had to do with the content and room HSU had set up vs what Ascend had. HSU's facility was really nice.

Ascend had a D15SE laying around that they said they'd give me for $500. What's your thoughts on that sub Shady? (or anyone else paying attention).

Edit...the D15SE is not ported, that was my main gripe and why i didnt grab it then and there.

 

[shadyJ]

So i picked up the ascend speakers, paid cash and got the whole set up for $961 - not too bad.
To be honest i thought the HSU's speakers sounded better than the ascends in person, but i think a lot of it had to do with the content and room HSU had set up vs what Ascend had. HSU's facility was really nice.

Ascend had a D15SE laying around that they said they'd give me for $500. What's your thoughts on that sub Shady? (or anyone else paying attention).

Edit...the D15SE is not ported, that was my main gripe and why i didnt grab it then and there.

The D15se is a really nice sub, and for $500 it is a steal. I would have bought it if only to resell it for more! But yes, ported is more appropriate for your room. I don't know why they priced the DS15se for 500 though, unless there is something wrong with is, that is a crazy good deal.

 

[afterlife2]

I would stay away from the Onkyo. Onkyo has reliability issues for starters, and the MultiEQ XT32 on that model is not the full multiEQ XT32, it is bereft of a very key feature of XT32, and that is the SubEQ. What is more, you might need the remote to navigate through the GUI and control the AVR, but extra remotes for these things can be absurdly expensive. I am willing to bet that unit also is missing its calibration mic. The only Onkyos I would consider getting are the 1010, 3010, or 5010, basically their flagship AVRs which are manufactured in Japan and not China and have the full Audyssey package.

Never read that before where did you get that info. I was hoping to get that model used one day after stellar reviews when it came out. This model also had 2 fans inside so no reliability issues.

 

[AParsh]

hey Afterlife. Dug up this thread on AVS - https://www.avforums.com/threads/onkyo-tx-nr818-owners-thread.1638443/

Seems that if you only have 1 sub you'll be fine without the Sub EQ HT. ACtually they say you can still be fine as long as your 2 subs are equidistant.

 

[afterlife2]

hey Afterlife. Dug up this thread on AVS - https://www.avforums.com/threads/onkyo-tx-nr818-owners-thread.1638443/

Seems that if you only have 1 sub you'll be fine without the Sub EQ HT. ACtually they say you can still be fine as long as your 2 subs are equidistant.

Thanks I will read later. I would still get it, although they have to come down more. There was a great review on youtube I think where the guy opens it and you see the fans. Are getting it used or refurb? EDIT I see you said ebay.

 

[agarwalro]

I too can confirm that the NR818 doesn't have SubEQ.

http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/threads/a-tale-of-two-receivers-onkyo-nr818-and-denon-x4000.87483/