"Classic" HTM-200 vs HTM-200SE

[DougMac]

In the course of researching Ascends, I got into a conversation with someone interested in selling a pair of HTM-200's. He's upgraded to 170's.

I'm considering buying them to use as back surrounds in a 7.1 system. Since the 200's use a different tweeter than the SE's (from what I can gather), I'm concerned about timbre differences between them and SE's I'm planning to purchase. Would there be enough difference to warrant concern?

Also, what would you consider a fair price for a pair in excellent condition? He's asking $165. Considering he's the second owner, I'm thinking that might be a little high. If I was to pay that much, I'd need to see pics. Any thoughts?

Doug

[azanon]

Half off sounds fair to me provided nothing is wrong with them. Heck, I'd be suspicious that something was wrong if he was asking less than that.

[DougMac]

Half off sounds fair to me provided nothing is wrong with them. Heck, I'd be suspicious that something was wrong if he was asking less than that.
Thanks. I wasn't sure how much the classic model sold for. He's emailing me some pics. This will be an inexpensive way to stick my toe in the Ascend water, though I don't feel the need. I just wish I had more time to finish the HT faster!

Doug

[BradJudy]

I have used classic CBM-170's with SE fronts and now with Sierra fronts. I think it has worked well, but I only use the rears for movies, not music.

[DougMac]

Half off sounds fair to me provided nothing is wrong with them. Heck, I'd be suspicious that something was wrong if he was asking less than that.
I corresponded with the seller and he sent some pics. The speakers are in great shape. There were a few minor imperfections that the seller went to lengths to point out.

We came to a mutually beneficial agreement. I'm looking forward to receiving them. I'll post impressions once they arrive. A much larger purchase will partially hinge on what I think of these.

Doug

[azanon]

They're awesome for back surround duty. I hate that I don't have a better solution for my center channel though than an HTM-200SE. I'd have to redo my entertainment system to be able to have a place for a larger center.

[DougMac]

The HTM-200's were here when I got home from work. I've posted a user review, but in a nutshell I'm blown away at how good these speakers sound. My HT will be outfitted with Ascends for sure!

Doug

[S_rangeBrew]

The HTM-200's were here when I got home from work. I've posted a user review, but in a nutshell I'm blown away at how good these speakers sound. My HT will be outfitted with Ascends for sure!

Doug


Yes they sound great. I'm using them as surrounds, and 340SEs as mains.

I WAS using them as mains, but they were a little too power-hungry for my amp. The 340s are far more efficient. The HTM-200s take about as much power as the Sierras do.

[merrymaid520]

I have owned every model of ascend speakers except the original 200's. The latest addition after my sierras were the 200SE's. All I can say about these little guys is that I truly enjoy listening to them almost as much as my sierras. They are in a bedroom setup and sound phenominal for their size. Very accurate bass and crystal clear highs. They really only give up the mids/output compared to the higher line ascends. I must say, for a 2 ch bedroom setup, they exceeded my initial expectations.

For my next dedicated theater, these will be used in place of my current 170SE's for the fact that they sound nearly as good, they are smaller(sealed), and cheaper of course. I may even mount some in-ceiling rather than using typical in-ceiling speakers.

Dave F. , I can't say enough good things about these and the their bigger brother of course.........kudos;)

I probably have no reason to ever upgrade until you come out with the next bigger and better thing!

Brandon

[DougMac]

Just thought I'd post a link to photos of the HT room. I've added a few more recently.

http://picasaweb.google.com/dougbrucemac/HomeTheater

Doug

[davef]

The HTM-200's were here when I got home from work. I've posted a user review, but in a nutshell I'm blown away at how good these speakers sound. My HT will be outfitted with Ascends for sure!

Doug

Hi Doug,

Glad that you are enjoying the classic HTM-200s. I have always had a soft spot for these speakers, which I consider to be truly remarkable for their size. The new 200 SE especially, as they offer a very noticeable improvement in both dynamics and bass extension. My only issue is that they are very expensive to manufacture and our profit margin on these is just too low. We really need to sell these at the price of the 170 SE, but I would be concerned that we would barely move any at all at the higher pricing, considering the alternative.

Without question, these are a true hidden gem :D

[azanon]

Hi Doug,

Glad that you are enjoying the classic HTM-200s. I have always had a soft spot for these speakers, which I consider to be truly remarkable for their size. The new 200 SE especially, as they offer a very noticeable improvement in both dynamics and bass extension. My only issue is that they are very expensive to manufacture and our profit margin on these is just too low. We really need to sell these at the price of the 170 SE, but I would be concerned that we would barely move any at all at the higher pricing, considering the alternative.

Without question, these are a true hidden gem :D

They probably would still "move". I didn't buy an HTM-200/200SE because I wanted to per se, but because I had to (because of their small size, low weight, and ability to put flush to a wall). I doubt you have even a majority of customers going for these simply because they are the cheapest option.

Other speaker companies "charge" for small form factors since it is an advantage to many.

If I had the room and no WAF issues, the lowest speaker I'd consider that you sell is the 170SE. All of your praise awards are practically screaming "buy the 170SE (or better)".