Three 340SE's up front???

[Jeff52]

Hello,
My room is 14' X 26' X 8', rear wall has heavy drapes, carpeting and furniture. My setup is on the long wall which opens up to a hallway and another room, there is no left wall, I can compensate for this. Seating is approx. 10' from mains. I'm thinking three 340SE's up front crossed over to an Epik Legend, do you think the 340's are too large for this setup? One other question, can I orient the 340 center vertically with the EXBAC circuit engaged? Thanks guys for your time, I'm very sincere in this inquiry and would appreciate any and all replies. I will be using an outboard amp to drive the mains and an Onkyo receiver for center and side surrounds which I hope will be a pair of the 170's. Thanks again.
Jeff

[hearing specialist]

I think that would be an awesome setup. My main monkey coffins are 12.5ft to my ears and our room specs are somewhat similar. I really like the 340's and I would love to have some with the sand filled bottoms. Your side surround choice is also awesome and with your Legend you should rock pretty well. I don't know which version of Audyssey your Onkyo has but should all work very well together. My opinion :D


Brian in Bakersfield...

[Jonnyozero3]

...my monkey coffins ...


LOL

[Jeff52]

I think that would be an awesome setup. My main monkey coffins are 12.5ft to my ears and our room specs are somewhat similar. I really like the 340's and I would love to have some with the sand filled bottoms. Your side surround choice is also awesome and with your Legend you should rock pretty well. I don't know which version of Audyssey your Onkyo has but should all work very well together. My opinion :D


Brian in Bakersfield...

Hey Brian, thanks for the reply, I need that push towards the 340's, Im considering PSB image B6's (4 speakers) got offered a good deal for $798 delivered and also NHT Classis Three (3 speakers) for $825 delivered. No matter what I do I keep coming back to the Ascends, I really want to make the right decision, I will be using the Onkyo TX-NR809 with the EMO stereo amp. I already have homemade stands with tops and bottoms of solid oak supported with four inch tubes filled with sand and shot and spiked outriggers on the bottoms, very solid and heavy and they just happen to be 24", 25.5" with riggers and spikes, I think perfect for the 340's. I have been procrastanating (don't know if that is spelled right) for a long time and need to make a move real soon. Thanks again for the positive response.
Cheers, Jeff

[DougMac]

Im considering PSB image B6's (4 speakers) got offered a good deal for $798 delivered and also NHT Classis Three (3 speakers) for $825 delivered. No matter what I do I keep coming back to the Ascends, I really want to make the right decision, I will be using the Onkyo TX-NR809 with the EMO stereo amp.
I also considered PSB and NHT speakers. I auditioned the PSB and thought they were very nice. The problem was that for a package I considered comparable to 340/170/200's, I would have to spend at least twice as much for the PSB's.

I went with 340's L/C/R, 170's side surrounds and 200's back surrounds. I'm also running an Onkyo receiver, but no outboard amp. I've been extremely pleased and I think you will be too.

I'm curious why you would consider using the center vertically. I tried it just for grins and feel that it sounds better in a horizontal orientation. The only time I would consider placing the center vertically would be behind a acoustically transparent screen.

[Jeff52]

I also considered PSB and NHT speakers. I auditioned the PSB and thought they were very nice. The problem was that for a package I considered comparable to 340/170/200's, I would have to spend at least twice as much for the PSB's.

I went with 340's L/C/R, 170's side surrounds and 200's back surrounds. I'm also running an Onkyo receiver, but no outboard amp. I've been extremely pleased and I think you will be too.

I'm curious why you would consider using the center vertically. I tried it just for grins and feel that it sounds better in a horizontal orientation. The only time I would consider placing the center vertically would be behind a acoustically transparent screen.


DMac, thank you for the honest reply as I do not have the opportunity to audition PSB nor NHT, your setup is ultimately exactly what I hope to have. I have listened to many horiz. MTM centers and was not impressed, the sound seems to get conjested on the front baffle and dispersion seems to fire up and down and rarely towards the listener, and dialoque seems muffled. I spoke to Dave about this and he said the 340 center's xover with the EXBAC circuitry is designed for this exact problem and assured me it would be better than a lot of other MTM designs, he also said that if I could get it (340C) a little higher off the floor that the vertical orientation would be ideal indeed. Thank you for helping me to decide. So your driving all your speakers with the receivers amps, that says a lot about the speakers being an easy load to drive. Thanks again my friend.
Jeff

[DougMac]

I have listened to many horiz. MTM centers and was not impressed, the sound seems to get conjested on the front baffle and dispersion seems to fire up and down and rarely towards the listener, and dialoque seems muffled. I spoke to Dave about this and he said the 340 center's xover with the EXBAC circuitry is designed for this exact problem and assured me it would be better than a lot of other MTM designs, he also said that if I could get it (340C) a little higher off the floor that the vertical orientation would be ideal indeed. Thank you for helping me to decide. So your driving all your speakers with the receivers amps, that says a lot about the speakers being an easy load to drive.
Dialog intelligability is not a problem in either horizontal or vertical configuration When you're sitting in a normal viewing cone. I have noticed a slight diminuation only at extreme off axis sitting positions, far too off axis to make for comfortable viewing.

There's an advantage to this. I you're watching movies that are primarily dialog driven as opposed to action, you can set your volume levels lower. I've seen some friend's setups where they have to turn up the volume to understand the dialog; we've never had to do this.

I'm using an Onkyo TX-NR 808. I bought it partially because it had pre-outs and I had plans to use an outboard amp at least for the front stage. As you mentioned, Ascends are easy to drive and even when pushed the Onkyo has not strained. I have a blu ray copy of Eric Clapton's Crossroads Guitar festival that just begs to be played loud. I had a friend over who plays guitar and I was playing near reference level. He responded with: "I'm sure nobody at the festival heard as good a sound as we just did!"

I may add an outboard amp at some point, but I'm in no hurry. I'll buy a Rhythmic sub or two first, I feel they would give me a bigger improvement.

When you get the 340's, give them a little while to settle in. I'm not a big believer in breaking in equipment, but after normal playing for a couple of weeks, they seem to settle in. This was confirmed by my son, who heard them right out of the box. He came back by a couple of weeks later and asked: "What happened? I really liked them when I first heard them, but now they sound even better!"

[Gov]

No external amp needed with these speakers, trust me. Been there done that. I sold my EMO amp when I realized my Pioneer Elite can drive the 340's to deafing levels! Ascend speakers are the real deal, fear not!

[Jeff52]

Dialog intelligability is not a problem in either horizontal or vertical configuration When you're sitting in a normal viewing cone. I have noticed a slight diminuation only at extreme off axis sitting positions, far too off axis to make for comfortable viewing.

There's an advantage to this. I you're watching movies that are primarily dialog driven as opposed to action, you can set your volume levels lower. I've seen some friend's setups where they have to turn up the volume to understand the dialog; we've never had to do this.

I'm using an Onkyo TX-NR 808. I bought it partially because it had pre-outs and I had plans to use an outboard amp at least for the front stage. As you mentioned, Ascends are easy to drive and even when pushed the Onkyo has not strained. I have a blu ray copy of Eric Clapton's Crossroads Guitar festival that just begs to be played loud. I had a friend over who plays guitar and I was playing near reference level. He responded with: "I'm sure nobody at the festival heard as good a sound as we just did!"

I may add an outboard amp at some point, but I'm in no hurry. I'll buy a Rhythmic sub or two first, I feel they would give me a bigger improvement.

When you get the 340's, give them a little while to settle in. I'm not a big believer in breaking in equipment, but after normal playing for a couple of weeks, they seem to settle in. This was confirmed by my son, who heard them right out of the box. He came back by a couple of weeks later and asked: "What happened? I really liked them when I first heard them, but now they sound even better!"

Thanks DMAC, that makes my decision a whole lot easier.
Jeff

[Jeff52]

No external amp needed with these speakers, trust me. Been there done that. I sold my EMO amp when I realized my Pioneer Elite can drive the 340's to deafing levels! Ascend speakers are the real deal, fear not!

Thanks GOV, I think I will hold onto the amp and try driving the mains with amp and then without and see if I can discern any difference which I highly doubt, thanks again.
Cheers, Jeff

[scape]

i would place my 340se vertically if I had the ability to do so.

[Jeff52]

i would place my 340se vertically if I had the ability to do so.

Scape, I have the ability and am in the process of making the center channel stand now, I have completed the mains stands and will have the option to orient the 340 center vertically or horizontally and see what sounds better to my old ears, thanks for the reply.
Jeff

[S_rangeBrew]

Scape, I have the ability and am in the process of making the center channel stand now, I have completed the mains stands and will have the option to orient the 340 center vertically or horizontally and see what sounds better to my old ears, thanks for the reply.
Jeff

When I got my 340SE center channel, I let DaveF know I was using it above a projection screen, so I got one without the EXBAC crossover, as there was no TV screen to compensate for. So I assume its just a 340SE with a different grill on the front.

I'm going to be putting this speaker behind an acoustically transparent movie screen, and I doubt I'll even try horizontal. My mains are vertical, and so will my center be. After having my system for a few years, the center speaker being WAY out of plane with the mains is by FAR the most annoying thing, ESPECIALLY when listening to music in surround mode such as PLIIx. I'm hoping this new setup fixes that.

As for using the 340SEs as mains.... they are MADE for that application. The high sensitivity from the extra driver allows EFFORTLESS DYNAMIC RANGE, which is what you want and need on your front 3 speakers. I have played them way above reference volume, and they had no issues whatsoever with it.

As for all the other speakers in my room, (surrounds, wides and heights) that's a no-brainer also. They are HTM-200SEs... which are MASSIVELY overqualified for the task. The only reason I don't use them for mains is my desire to play very loud sometimes, and the 200SEs are not as efficient as the big 340SEs... to much amp power would be required. IMHO, they are the closest you can get to a **** cube that actually performs. I looked for small wall mountable speakers that go down to 80hz, and the 200SEs are by FAR the best solution available. Everything else I found was bigger or not able to dig down to 80hz.

[Jeff52]

When I got my 340SE center channel, I let DaveF know I was using it above a projection screen, so I got one without the EXBAC crossover, as there was no TV screen to compensate for. So I assume its just a 340SE with a different grill on the front.

I'm going to be putting this speaker behind an acoustically transparent movie screen, and I doubt I'll even try horizontal. My mains are vertical, and so will my center be. After having my system for a few years, the center speaker being WAY out of plane with the mains is by FAR the most annoying thing, ESPECIALLY when listening to music in surround mode such as PLIIx. I'm hoping this new setup fixes that.

As for using the 340SEs as mains.... they are MADE for that application. The high sensitivity from the extra driver allows EFFORTLESS DYNAMIC RANGE, which is what you want and need on your front 3 speakers. I have played them way above reference volume, and they had no issues whatsoever with it.

As for all the other speakers in my room, (surrounds, wides and heights) that's a no-brainer also. They are HTM-200SEs... which are MASSIVELY overqualified for the task. The only reason I don't use them for mains is my desire to play very loud sometimes, and the 200SEs are not as efficient as the big 340SEs... to much amp power would be required. IMHO, they are the closest you can get to a **** cube that actually performs. I looked for small wall mountable speakers that go down to 80hz, and the 200SEs are by FAR the best solution available. Everything else I found was bigger or not able to dig down to 80hz.

Brew, thanks for the informative and positive reply, greatly appreciated.
Jeff

[S_rangeBrew]

Brew, thanks for the informative and positive reply, greatly appreciated.
Jeff

No problem, Jeff. I love Ascend speakers, and feel DaveF is one the few "audiophile" speaker designers who backs his designs with actual facts. I remember many years ago having to decide between Ascend and a "darling of the online forums" speaker manufacturer. The "darling" talked a lot and had many wonderful sales, pretty speaker cabinets and fawning forum fanboys. DaveF on the other hand had no sales, plain black speakers and few rabid fans. However, when he posted his thoughts, it seemed to be a ray of pure truth amongst the noise.
I A/B tested his speakers against some others, and the Ascends won easily. And guess what, DaveF is still around, and respected. The "darling of the forums" is in jail for fraud.

PS: I was able to mount the 340SE's on drywall, EXACTLY where I wanted them, using PINPOINT AM-40 speaker mounts and 90lb drywall anchors I got at Home Depot. Rock solid. I hung myself (200lbs) off them before putting on the 340SE's. When I bump into them by accident, my head gets dented.... the speakers don't move. I needed to put my speakers up 4 or so feet on the wall, out of toddler range.... hopefully this idea will help someone else.....

[Jeff52]

No problem, Jeff. I love Ascend speakers, and feel DaveF is one the few "audiophile" speaker designers who backs his designs with actual facts. I remember many years ago having to decide between Ascend and a "darling of the online forums" speaker manufacturer. The "darling" talked a lot and had many wonderful sales, pretty speaker cabinets and fawning forum fanboys. DaveF on the other hand had no sales, plain black speakers and few rabid fans. However, when he posted his thoughts, it seemed to be a ray of pure truth amongst the noise.
I A/B tested his speakers against some others, and the Ascends won easily. And guess what, DaveF is still around, and respected. The "darling of the forums" is in jail for fraud.

PS: I was able to mount the 340SE's on drywall, EXACTLY where I wanted them, using PINPOINT AM-40 speaker mounts and 90lb drywall anchors I got at Home Depot. Rock solid. I hung myself (200lbs) off them before putting on the 340SE's. When I bump into them by accident, my head gets dented.... the speakers don't move. I needed to put my speakers up 4 or so feet on the wall, out of toddler range.... hopefully this idea will help someone else.....


Brew, I understand your feelings, I have been researching speakers for a long time and can see where most of these so called high end designs along with a lot of snake oil and promises put most of the money to manufacture their pretty speakers, when it comes down to performance Ascends seems to be the speaker company to beat, Dave is such a good guy to deal with, you don't find that kind of customer service with mass market designs. Speaking of the Darling I have not heard a word about him anywhere, I almost fell victum to his scams. Thanks Brew and watch out for your head.
Jeff

[Jeff52]

Hello,
My room is 14' X 26' X 8', rear wall has heavy drapes, carpeting and furniture. My setup is on the long wall which opens up to a hallway and another room, there is no left wall, I can compensate for this. Seating is approx. 10' from mains. I'm thinking three 340SE's up front crossed over to an Epik Legend, do you think the 340's are too large for this setup? One other question, can I orient the 340 center vertically with the EXBAC circuit engaged? Thanks guys for your time, I'm very sincere in this inquiry and would appreciate any and all replies. I will be using an outboard amp to drive the mains and an Onkyo receiver for center and side surrounds which I hope will be a pair of the 170's. Thanks again.
Jeff

Hello ALL,
I'm quoting my own post. I just thought of something, given my room as described above, would I be better served going with 170's all around or to stick with my plan of three 340's LCR and using the three Infinity Primus 162's I have now for surrounds and a single back channel (6.1) and when I can afford it get the 170's for surrounds for an all Ascends setup? Thanks to all who reply.
Jeff

[jbistany]

Hey Jeff,

I would go with the 340's up front I say this only because I have a similar room situation and had all infinity primus in a 5.1. Back in Feb, I went with the 340's L/C/R and just recently got the HTM 200's to replace the remaining infinity surrounds. I went with the HTM 200 because I have space limitations and I'm pleased to say that both the 340's and the HTM 200 HAVE FAR EXCEEDED MY Expectations. Especially the HTM 200's, mainly because I wasn't expecting to be impressed by them, I was wrong! They kick butt for a little speaker! Cant say enough about the 340's as well, they are that good! If you have the space and you play music in multichannel go with the 170's in the rears and the 340's up front. If not, HTM is more than enough for surround duty in HT application, seriously. You cant go wrong with any combo in my opinion....

My two cents,

Jeff B

[curtis]

Agreed...340SE's up front for sure.

and I agree with Jeff B...the HTM-200SE is overlooked, but an excellent speaker. I have been using them surrounds with my Sierras up front...switched from 170SE's for aesthetic reasons, and have been VERY happy.

[Jeff52]

Hey Jeff,

I would go with the 340's up front I say this only because I have a similar room situation and had all infinity primus in a 5.1. Back in Feb, I went with the 340's L/C/R and just recently got the HTM 200's to replace the remaining infinity surrounds. I went with the HTM 200 because I have space limitations and I'm pleased to say that both the 340's and the HTM 200 HAVE FAR EXCEEDED MY Expectations. Especially the HTM 200's, mainly because I wasn't expecting to be impressed by them, I was wrong! They kick butt for a little speaker! Cant say enough about the 340's as well, they are that good! If you have the space and you play music in multichannel go with the 170's in the rears and the 340's up front. If not, HTM is more than enough for surround duty in HT application, seriously. You cant go wrong with any combo in my opinion....

My two cents,

Jeff B


Jeff, many thanks for the honest and informative response, it's good to know that all the Ascends speaker line is that good and can mix and match. I have decided to go with the 340's up front, I do have the room for the 170's for surrounds but I'm going to use the Primus 162's for now until I can sell them or get the money for the 170's. For the time being I'm using the three 162's as LCR and must say I am pleased with the results, they replaced Athena F2's which were big and boxy, with the smaller 162's imaging, rhythm and dynamics were greatly improved and the integration with the Legend was seamless for such an inexpensive LCR setup. I can only imagine how the 340's LCR will sound, I have never used anything but tower speakers and am really looking forward to my Ascends setup. Thanks again my friend.
Cheers, Jeff

[Jeff52]

Agreed...340SE's up front for sure.

and I agree with Jeff B...the HTM-200SE is overlooked, but an excellent speaker. I have been using them surrounds with my Sierras up front...switched from 170SE's for aesthetic reasons, and have been VERY happy.

Thanks Curtis for the vote of confidence, it's good to hear impressions of speakers that people actually own, like yourself. I'm going to try the 340 center in both vertical and horizontal placement, Curtis, what's your take on using the center in vertical position with EXBAC engaged, if I'm not mistaken Dave said I could disable it if I need to. Thanks.
Jeff

[curtis]

Thanks Curtis for the vote of confidence, it's good to hear impressions of speakers that people actually own, like yourself. I'm going to try the 340 center in both vertical and horizontal placement, Curtis, what's your take on using the center in vertical position with EXBAC engaged, if I'm not mistaken Dave said I could disable it if I need to. Thanks.
Jeff
EXBAC compensates for the extended baffle (face) a TV creates when a speaker is placed on it or just below it.

Since this isn't how you are using the speaker, you probably won't need it.