Will be very interesting to read what you think of the CMT-340m in two channel. When I had them at Mad Dog's house to compare directly to the Ref1's, surprisingly close for the cost differential, in fact, I thought the Ref1 was a tad thinner in the mids. You are right, the Ascends and Ref1's are not a "warm" speakers, the Ascends are neutral....the Ref's may be a little hot on top.

I can tell you if I put my VTF-3 in the available corner of my room, it does sound boomy. It is not about 4' from that corner on the side wall...sounds great.

Good luck....and feel free to keep posting here.

-curtis