170's vs Boston Acoustics CR 77?

[jerry]

Hi.I have a pair of Boston Acoustics cr 77 speakers.They cost me about $350.I am very interested in the 170's but was wondering if they would sound that much better than the BA's I now have.Has anyone compared the 170's to any BA bookshelf speakers?Thanks.

[merrymaid520]

jerry,

For the first few years in my new home I had boston acoutics all around. I belive they were cr-75's(bookshelves for rears), the crc center, and vr-950's for fronts. I upgraded starting with 340's then to 340se's, and now sierras!

The bostons were definately a good speaker. The ascend 170's are a bit more natural and the SE versions seemed a bit better on the top/bottom end also. To sum it up, not a huge difference but with good equipment, its a noticeable improvement.

Hope this helps!

Brandon

[jerry]

Thanks.I can't decide on new speakers or a new receiver.I have a top of the line Yamaha rx 797 2 channel reciever.I'm not unhappy with the BA's I have but I've got the ITCH to get new speakers.

[merrymaid520]

jerry,

I also have 6 170 se's in my dedicated theater room. In your situation, its a tough call. After alot of listening experience with both setups, I would suggest not upgrading to the 170se's but the 340's or sierras in order to truly make a jump in quality. I am afraid the difference you may notice will not be enough to justify possibly? MAybe save up for a bit longer and I can guarantee the next step up in the ascend lineup will make you very happy:)

Good luck!

Brandon

[merrymaid520]

Oh on a side note,

You can always contact Dave at ascend(or james, both very good to work with), I believe I asked him the exact same questions when I was planning to switch from bostons to ascend:)

Thanks,
Brandon

[jerry]

I don't know if I should upgrade from the BA CR77's to the 170's.Everything I've read makes me want to but I'm not sure if it would be significant upgrade or just a slight upgrade.

[curtis]

There's always the 30 day trial. :)

[merrymaid520]

Curtis is right too!

I hope I didnt make your decision tougher.....I just felt I was in exactly the same boat as you a few years ago. Either way, the ascends(no matter which model) are all awesome, very accurate, and great sounding speakers.

Go Packers!!!!!!!!!!

Brandon

[jerry]

I'm not unhappy with the BA's I have now but when it comes to speakers I swear I have an audio disease.New speakers always sound great to me and I swear that they will be the last pair that I buy for a long time and then after several months I want something new.Hoping that this new speaker that I have my eye on will be THE ONE.I had a pair of the Onix xls last year but sent them back.How do the 170's differ from the xls?