Which 5 speakers for HT?

[Ivory05G35]

I'm considering a speaker upgrade for my HT around May and I'm considering Ascend Speakers for the upgrade.

I know I'd get the 340 center for the center channel (obviously) but I'm wondering what to do for the Front L/R and surround L/R? I was thinking 170's for the front and 200's for the rear (for a 5.1 system). And in the future I could go with either a pair of 340's or 170's to create a 7.1 system.

I guess my question is, should I go with 4 170's or 2 170's and 2 200's? I'm interested in HT duty only as I have a stereo setup elsewhere in the house.

Thanks guys, other oppinions are very welcome. Oh, and I'll be pairing whatever I get with an Outlaw LFM-1 subwoofer.

[linecircle]

4 170's are going to be better than 2 170's and 2 200's, of course. But the cost is different, so you'll have to decide if it is worth it to you. You'll probably be very happy with whatever choice you make so...flip a coin, heads=4x170, tails=4x170.

Actually I don't know if others feel this way, but when you put 170s into rear surround duty, you kind of feel bad. It's such a nice and totally capable speaker, and all it ever gets to play is ambience, car noises, rain, wind, leaves ruffling, etc... poor thing.

[Jorge59]

For HT only, 5 HTM-200 will do the job pretty well.
You save space, they can be wall mounted and the sound is just great.

[InTheSun]

For HT only, 5 HTM-200 will do the job pretty well.
You save space, they can be wall mounted and the sound is just great.

Yeah, that's what I decided too. Even though I enjoy 5.1 hi-res music, in my room the 200s are a better fit. On the other hand, I think getting the pair of 170's was just another 80 bucks. So for me it was just about the room and in the end I went with the 200s. I just ordered today. Can't wait to have them.

[Ivory05G35]

I guess I'm trying to figure what to take advantage of. If I have 4 170's, there should be a seemless blend of sound. I was thinking that the HTM 200 might disperse the sound a little better in back because of the extra drivers but that they might not blend quite as good. Does that seem right?

[GaryB]

It might seem right, but in practice the blend is close enough to be thoroughly convincing. The HTM-200s, used with a good sub, are an excellent surround for any Ascend HT-only setup.

It's not wrong to go for CBM-170 surrounds, it's just that they're bulkier and harder to wall-mount, and the gains for home theater use will be marginal at best.

[Ivory05G35]

Do the 200's use different tweeters?

Is there any reason to get the 170's over the 200's?