Possible configuration for dedicated basement theater.

[breakerbacker]

Someone suggested ascend on another site when I brought up plans of building a system for a dedicated theater out of 6 - NHT classic threes and a couple of vtf3 subs. So here I am. The cost of the 340se's are the same per pair as the Classic 3's.

Can anyone give their opinion of how these compare to the NHT classic 3's. I am very familiar with the 3's and they absolutely disappear. Light on bass, but subs will take care of that.

Components will be Outlaw 990 prepro and a 7125 amp or atleast that is the plan right now. I currently have a NAD T763 (120X6) and will def. give it a shot to see if I might be fine with this current receiver.

I am considering maybe going with 5-340se's or possibly 3-340se's up front and 3-170se's to take care of the rear. Anybody have an opinion on wether one or the other would be better.

The room is large at 20'X30'X9'.

Thanks,

Greg

[audibleconnoisseur]

Here is the NHT:

Frequency Response: 45Hz-20kHz
Sensitivity: 86dB (2.83v@1m)
Impedance: 8 nominal
Speaker Dimensions: 13.75 x 7.5 x 10.375 inches (H x W x D)
Weight: 17 lbs
speakers_maximum_output_power: 150 Watts
$800/pr


Here is the Ascend 340:

Typical In-Room Frequency Response 45Hz - 20kHz +/- 3dB
In-Room Sensitivity 92dB @ 1 watt / 1 meter
Frequency Response (Anechoic) 48Hz - 24kHz +/- 3dB
Sensitivity (Anechoic) 90dB @ 1 watt/ 1 meter
Average Impedance 8 ohms
Minimum Recommended Power 35 watts
Maximum Continous Power* 240 watts
Maximum Short Term Peak Power* 400 watts
Dimensions H x W x D** 21" x 7.5" x 10.5"
Weight (each) 26 lbs each
$568/pr


Just given the simple facts of sensitivity and max output, I would choose (and did) the Ascend line. I strongly considered the NHT Classic Three, PSB, Energy RC-10, etc. I have a full 5.1 Ascend+HSU so I will simply leave it at this. I do know that someone heard them as well and said the sound or the NHT was very nice but simply different and they preferred the 340SE instead. Take all of this and the near $250 savings and my decision was easy... I got the 340SE pair and the money I saved, I bought a pair of HTM200's for surrounds! Good luck and maybe someone will chime in with some other information. Lastly, welcome to Ascend... I don't think it will be your last time here! :)