Hello from Michigan

[Dogmama]

Hello everyone from a rarity,I'm one of the elusive female audiophiles.I'm here to find out more about these speakers before giving them a try.I have Harbeths at present, which I love with acoustic music.But I would like a more sensitive speaker when I want to rock out loudly.So I'm reading and learning now.

[MusicHead]

Hello and welcome! You will love it here. Unlike several other audio forums, I have never seen a post that was not polite and respectful.

Never owned Harbeths, but sure they have made a name for themselves when used within their capabilities.

If you are looking for high sensitivity speakers with a solid bottom end that can play loud with no efforts, the CMT-340SE Mains could be your ticket. I have them and couldn't be happier.

However, if you want something really special, any of the models with a RAAL tweeter are the best Ascend can offer.

Enjoy your stay!

[Dogmama]

Thank you for the warm welcome:-)It does seem that everyone can discuss things respectfully on this site. Refreshing:-)

[racrawford65]

Welcome.
I second MusicHead's recommendations. If you decide on one of the models with the RAAL, the Towers (which I have) are really great speakers for the money. Really great for music across genres and throughout the frequency range. Dedicated midrange driver is wonderful.

[Dogmama]

It's so hard to make a decision over the Internet! I've been listening to brands I'm interested in on YouTube with headphones to get a general idea of sound characteristics.It's especially helpful when someone posts a sound demo comparing two or three speakers."2 Channel " on YouTube has Sierra2 for his reference, plus he likes the same type of music as me:-)They really captured my attention,sounding more natural than the British sound I like.
What I want in a new speaker is #1 more extension in the highs without getting shrill and #2 able to play rock music/music with multiple instruments loudly and cleanly.My Harbeths can't quite do it - they get congested and roll off the highs so the cymbals and snares get lost.I do have subs also so the bass is excellent.
So I think the towers might be good,but dome or Raal?

[racrawford65]

I listen to alot of rock across sub-genres (Sabbath, Metallica, Floyd, Neil Young, Marillion, Type O-, Alice in Chains, etc) plus classical, jazz, bossa nova, etc. Quite happy with the highs with the Towers with RAAL. I also use subs (2xRythmik E15) so bass is excellent.

That said, you should probably call Dina or Dave at Ascend to get their opinions. As I recall, when I was first purchasing Ascend speakers (S2's), one of them preferred the NRT tweeter for rock music.

[theophile]

Hello everyone from a rarity,I'm one of the elusive female audiophiles.I'm here to find out more about these speakers before giving them a try.I have Harbeths at present, which I love with acoustic music.But I would like a more sensitive speaker when I want to rock out loudly.So I'm reading and learning now.

DM,

Hello and WELCOME to the AA Forum!

I agree with Ed's recommendations (post #7)! IMO, you Will be able to accomplish your listening goals with the 340SE all the way up to the RAAL Towers. It really just depends on Your budget, your size listening room, your power amp and your "rock-out" volume needs!

Personally, I've settled on the Sierra-2EX monitors (high pass of 50Hz), supplemented with a powered 12" sub (low pass of 50Hz)! They have a Huge Soundstage with well recorded non amplified acoustical music (equal or better than the Harbeths), but can also handle any head banging rock that I'm comfortable with!! Of course, I never drive my power amp into clipping, thus the 2EX sing beautifully with whatever I throw at em' (see HERE)!!

Ted

[davef]

Hello everyone from a rarity,I'm one of the elusive female audiophiles.I'm here to find out more about these speakers before giving them a try.I have Harbeths at present, which I love with acoustic music.But I would like a more sensitive speaker when I want to rock out loudly.So I'm reading and learning now.

Hi Dogmama,

Welcome to our community. Yes, while female audiophile are a rarity, I think the number of female customers we have would actually surprise you.

We are here for you so please let me know if I can be of any assistance.

Take care!