Remembering that how they sound is subjective, I think they hold their own or best lot more costly speakers, B&M and direct to consumer. Are they the best? Ofcourse not, but I am very happy with them and not looking for new speakers. When I am ready to "upgrade" I know it is going to take a lot of money (in my mind) to get a set of speakers that are significantly better.

Music is more important to me than HT, in fact, like many people that have found speakers that they enjoy, I listen to more music now than before. I used to listen to music a lot when I was younger, but my current system has renewed that interest. In fact, I enjoy a much wider range of music now than I did before...but still not country. [] I also enjoy hi-rez/multichannel music.

All the boards you have probably visited, this one, Axiom, AV123, AVS, HTS, etc., probably encourage you to listen to certain speakers....some will even claim that "their" speaker is the best. I say try them, but I know it is a tough process. Shipping back a pair of speaker from where you are to CA will probably run you $40 insured for a pair of CMT-340's, less for a pair of 170's....that is my guess. I'd hesitate to do it as well, and that is why I don't mind having people over...I have met mostly very admirable people, enjoy listening to music, and like hear the music they bring. I got lucky and heard the Ascends locally, so I did not have to agonize as much with a "trial".

That is the toughest thing to do with these internet direct companies, pulling the trigger on a trial. For a lot of people, it pays off, but for others, it doesn't.

Not sure that helps or not....I just kind of rambled. I just watched "School of Rock" on the system, and was a bit energized. [].

Good luckon finding the right speaker for you.

-curtis