bri1270
03-06-2005, 03:28 PM
Let me start by saying that I was led to this site by some guys over on Audioholics.com, and boy am I glad.
My current system includes 3 Paradigm LCR350's across the front, two Paradigm Monitor 3's in the rear, 2 Cambridge Newton Tripoles on the sides, an Earthquake MKIV 10", and a Mirage FRX-S 8" I'm using a B&K AV5125 for an Amp, and a Pioneer Elite VSX-54TX as a pre. I was planning on upgrading my fronts with some Paradigm Studio 20's (or 40's) with a CC-470 in the center. I've been hesitent though, because of the prices. I'm not cheap by any means, but I just couldn't justify the expense. I'm relatively happy with the LCR's, but there is definitely something missing, and I think it's detail.
I happened upon the Ascend line by looking at the Audioreview top 200 products. I was intrigued by the #2 speaker on the list, which is obviously the 170. Seems pretty comparable to the Studio 20 overall.
Then I saw the 340, which seems pretty comparable to the Studio 40.
There are tons of reviews and opinions on the 170, which is great, but what I am wondering is...does the 340 offer the same detail as the 170? I ask this, because I don't necessarily need the larger speaker as my listening room isn't that big (but I do feel the inherent need to over compensate...for something). Anyway...if the 340's offer the same detail as the 170's, but I can play them louder, then all's the better. If the detail isn't there, then I just assume get the 170's. I plan on using the 340c for the center in either case.
I am currently on a two channel kick (with subs), but I still watch a lot of movies as well. My listening room is a bit odd. It's 16x16, but it's got a loft over the primary listening area, so it could be measured as 16x10x8. The rear speakers are really the only one's not under the loft (where the celieng extends to about 24 feet). I have three wall mounts for the l/c/r which are ~4 feet from the floor. The point in all of this is that I am sure the 170's will have plenty of umph...but the damn testosterone is saying "get the 340 all the way..." Sometimes I really hate being a guy...then I remember my wife giving birth.
Just a side note...I read a review that said if Ascend used real veneers, they could charge $800-$100 and still be offering a great value...hats off to these guys. By the way...I don't think the Studio 20's have real veneer (but I could be mistaken).
In any case, I am going to order this week I think, and I am really getting pshyced. Thanks to those who replied to my Audiogon question for leading me to this forum.
Well if I haven't utterly confused those reading this post, then I welcome your replies. If I have confused you, my apologies, and I will try to stay on track next time.
Thanks to all
Brian
My current system includes 3 Paradigm LCR350's across the front, two Paradigm Monitor 3's in the rear, 2 Cambridge Newton Tripoles on the sides, an Earthquake MKIV 10", and a Mirage FRX-S 8" I'm using a B&K AV5125 for an Amp, and a Pioneer Elite VSX-54TX as a pre. I was planning on upgrading my fronts with some Paradigm Studio 20's (or 40's) with a CC-470 in the center. I've been hesitent though, because of the prices. I'm not cheap by any means, but I just couldn't justify the expense. I'm relatively happy with the LCR's, but there is definitely something missing, and I think it's detail.
I happened upon the Ascend line by looking at the Audioreview top 200 products. I was intrigued by the #2 speaker on the list, which is obviously the 170. Seems pretty comparable to the Studio 20 overall.
Then I saw the 340, which seems pretty comparable to the Studio 40.
There are tons of reviews and opinions on the 170, which is great, but what I am wondering is...does the 340 offer the same detail as the 170? I ask this, because I don't necessarily need the larger speaker as my listening room isn't that big (but I do feel the inherent need to over compensate...for something). Anyway...if the 340's offer the same detail as the 170's, but I can play them louder, then all's the better. If the detail isn't there, then I just assume get the 170's. I plan on using the 340c for the center in either case.
I am currently on a two channel kick (with subs), but I still watch a lot of movies as well. My listening room is a bit odd. It's 16x16, but it's got a loft over the primary listening area, so it could be measured as 16x10x8. The rear speakers are really the only one's not under the loft (where the celieng extends to about 24 feet). I have three wall mounts for the l/c/r which are ~4 feet from the floor. The point in all of this is that I am sure the 170's will have plenty of umph...but the damn testosterone is saying "get the 340 all the way..." Sometimes I really hate being a guy...then I remember my wife giving birth.
Just a side note...I read a review that said if Ascend used real veneers, they could charge $800-$100 and still be offering a great value...hats off to these guys. By the way...I don't think the Studio 20's have real veneer (but I could be mistaken).
In any case, I am going to order this week I think, and I am really getting pshyced. Thanks to those who replied to my Audiogon question for leading me to this forum.
Well if I haven't utterly confused those reading this post, then I welcome your replies. If I have confused you, my apologies, and I will try to stay on track next time.
Thanks to all
Brian