Ascend wish list anyone? here's mine.

[JackT]

One thing I find appealing about Ascend is the sense of corporate focus. Some companies try to do anything that they perceive they are technically able to do (AV123 anyone?). Ascend focuses on a small number of things and is able to EXECUTE (the stuff is technically superb and can be delivered to customers). Yes, some sub companies are trying to get in the speaker market, but would you buy them? Likewise, would you buy an Axiom sub? (Not saying its not good, but alot of people would prefer one made by "specialists.")

Whatever new project Ascend takes on, it should not require a blurring of focus. It should strongly complement current offerings and be complemented by them in turn. Most of all, it should always play to the CORE competency. (i.e. don't try to build amplifier/electronic products, maybe not subs, etc.)

I will reiterate my suggestion of some kind of multi-pole type surround. It would play to the technical strengths of the company, fill a hole in the product offerings, and have the potential to actually be "worth it" for the buyer. (Better performance at a lower price.) It also supports the other products. Maybe you could base it on TWO HTM-200s or something crazy like that, for even greater leveraging of the current line.

[BradJudy]

That's a good point Jack. Ascend has been very focused and has produced great quality.

It's Dave's call on where he wants to go, and while I agree that I like the approach so far, I'm not going to object to a designer choosing to challenge him/herself with something different if that's what they want to do.

[Jorge_Burrito]

Jack basically said what I was thinking and is where my comment kind of spawned from...must remember people are not mind readers . Although I was not aware Dave had previous experience with sub design so that kind of muddies the water.

At any rate everybody is entitled to their own wishlist.

Cheers!

[SteveCallas]

I agree as well, stick to the bread and butter.

Coming out with their own subwoofers does NOT seem like a very good idea at the present time, but a floorstander that can extend even deeper than the 340s without loosing the "Ascend" mids and highs would seem to make sense.

[ebh]

i also agree with jackt--one of the reason i went with ascends is because i could understand the product line. there wasn't layer upon layer of different speakers to choose from where i couldn't get an idea of what was what. with other companies i became confused about all the various product lines and never felt sure about what level of product i was looking at. with ascend i knew i was getting a quality product because there was only one line.

still, i could see something like a subwoofer because it completes an all-ascend product line. however, with all the competition out there it would have to be a really good performer and really good value. and given the tenor of people in the avsforum, sub people are kinda crazy. i could also see floorstanders also, though i hear so many differing opinions on having floorstanders vs. bookshelf/sub combination with many people saying the bookshelf/sub combo is better, and that seems to be where ascend has put its energy so far. computer speakers is a very interesting idea.

[rajacat]

How about a crossover-less single driver based speaker system and make it floor standing with isolated powered subwoofers in the bases, all for a bargain price with no frills. That was a mouthful!

Raja

[Bump]

I would love to see some additional finish options for a cheap price. Black does not go very well in my current family room. Something in silver or white would look great.

[JackT]

I would love to see some additional finish options for a cheap price. Black does not go very well in my current family room. Something in silver or white would look great.

Don't they already offer that?

[Quinn]

The custom automotive paint finish isn't exactly cheap.

[Bump]

Don't they already offer that?

You can get white grills for $20 per speaker, and the custom paint is $125 per speaker. When you add $290 to a pair of Ascends, there is a lot more competition.

The other problem is that you can't return them because they are customs. So, if you want to try the speakers first, you have to order the standard finish and pay for shipping. Then you have to pay to ship them back and order the custom speakers. Now you have $290 per pair plus two additional shipping charges.