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Thread: My HTM-200 review.

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Feb 2005
    Location
    Ellsworth, ME
    Posts
    144

    Thumbs up My HTM-200 review.

    I also posted this review at audioforums.com... I figured it's about time the HTM-200s got some love! I've had these things for over 5 months, so it's about time....

    Product Model Year:
    2005

    Summary:
    I compared the Ascend HTM-200s to a couple of other bookshelf speakers before I purchased them, and they held up quite well.

    Strengths:
    These are well put together speakers. All the components are high quality. For example, the woofers have cast aluminum baskets, something I've never seen on a 4" driver! They are also hand assembled and tested in the USA. That means something to me.
    As for sound quality, they are better than the other speakers I put them head to head against. Very clear, without being harsh. I like many types of music, from jazz singers to speed metal. These speakers really stand out with good vocals, like Nora Jones or Sade. As for the speed metal... the two 4" woofers let them get loud enough for me, but you know 1 woofer wouldn't have cut it. Most speakers this size in this price range only have 1 4" woofer... not enough.
    Another strength is that these are sealed speakers. No worries about putting them too close to a wall, and they are small enough to hang on a wall with no issues. Also, Ascend is a great company to work with. You can actually talk to the owner!

    Weaknesses:
    They only go down to 80hz, so for most people, investment in a subwoofer is required.

    Similar Products Used:
    I compared this head to head with some Polk Monitor 30s and JBL Northridge E20s. The Polks were very harsh compared to the JBLs and Ascends. The Ascends were more detailed than the Polks, yet easier on the ears. The Polks went back in the box very quickly.

    The JBLs had a smooth sound, but not as detailed as the Ascends. On loud rock music, the difference was not noticeable, the JBLs did well. However, on Jazz music, the Ascends were much better. The HTM-200s use the same tweeter as the vaunted CBM-170s, and its a good one.
    I was able to find the JBL E20s on line for about $60 each, which is half the price of the Ascends. If rock music and home theater was my only goal, the JBLs would have got the nod. The extra detail and much higher quality workmanship for the Ascends was worth it to me, however.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Apr 2005
    Location
    SoCal
    Posts
    415

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by S_rangeBrew
    I also posted this review at audioforums.com... I figured it's about time the HTM-200s got some love! I've had these things for over 5 months, so it's about time....
    Nice review. Thanks.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Oct 2003
    Location
    Fremont CA USA
    Posts
    84

    Default

    Good review! For smaller rooms I can imagine how darn good HTM-200s would be! Look at that spectral decay plot (and compare with CBM-170's). It's very dynamic (sealed design). It's impedance plot is almost flat after 200Hz. Must be a very good match with digital receivers like panasonic XR series.

    BTW, I have 5 CBM-170s and never listened to HTM-200s.
    Last edited by Abhi; 08-22-2005 at 04:03 PM.

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