First of all, welcome to the forum Zeno. I also think that the Ascends are good looking in an understated classy manner. My VTF-2 is also shiny, I have read on posts that it's finish was "like sandpaper" but I wouldn't go that far. My cross-over is set at 80hz, but then thats the only point allowed by my receiver [] (its an Onkyo TX-DS595). Most people I've talked to recommend 80hz. But remember that you don't have a "brick wall" cutoff there, it rolls off
at a fixed rate. I found that the sub set up was by far the hardest part of getting my 5.1 system calibrated, so you're not alone. I have found that the Ascends can reveal defects in "lesser quality" recordings that perhaps you've missed with other speakers. But when you listen to a really good recording it's nirvana (sorry I couldn't resist the pun!). Anyway take your time, listen to alot of music and movies and enjoy the fine system you have!