Requesting Advice

Hi there!

I decided a few months ago that I'm ready to move on from a simple soundbar setup and into the world of "true" home theatre/audio, and ever since have been doing my best not to get completely overwhelmed by all the options (not an easy task!). I appreciate good audio, but I'm not looking to break the bank to have the "best" setup, so I'm trying to keep the budget at $5k for receiver/speakers/sub (the lower the better, of course). From my research, it seems like Ascend Acoustics (along with Rhythmik subs) offers a great balance of performance and cost, and I've been eyeing the Signature Series as the most realistic sweet spot for me. While I feel like I'm closer to making a decision, my nature is to over-analyze everything so that I don't miss something (a curse, I know!). I noticed other people asking for advice on similar decisions in the forum, so thought I'd ask for some guidance myself to help make a decision. Now on to the details!

Usage: Movies and Video Games
Room Dimensions (WxLxH): 14'8" x 17' x 8' (TV is on the shorter wall; one side of room is only 15'4"; diagram attached)
Seating Position: 10' from TV
Receiver: Denon AVR-X3800H (already purchased)
Speaker Setup: 5.1.4

Here is what I'm thinking in terms of speakers from Ascend:

Left/Right - CMT-340SE2
Center - CMT-340SE2 (horizontal)
Surrounds - HTM-200SE
Atmos - HTM-200SE
Subwoofer - Rythmik FVX12

I'd greatly appreciate any feedback from the forum on the above along with anything I'm missing or should also be considering. I'm itching to make a decision, but want to make an educated choice that I'll be happy with for years to come. Thanks in advance!!!

Room Diagram

Attachment 2645

Overall, I think your speaker choices are fine. You may want to consider the fvx15 (or even the 18) as your room is pretty big. Depending on which you go with, you may want to plan on adding a 2nd sub (same model) to help fill the room and even out bass response.

Of course, you should call or email Ascend for their recommendations/thoughts. Rythmik will also give you recommendations for the sub without over-selling.

If you want alot of tactile response for movies or games, you may want to look at tactile transducers. They give alot of feel, particularly at the low end, without needing multiple subs at higher volumes. I’ve used buttkickers (ok) but upgraded to Crowsons (more expensive but more lifelike/better sensations IMO)

Sounds like a great system! If I were building my setup from scratch, I would probably be looking at the CMT-340SE2's for my home theater as well. I agree with racrawford65 that you should probably consider a larger sub given how big the space you're working with is. (Jealous tbh, my current space is quite small!)

Appreciate the responses!

Sub is something I've been going back and forth on - bigger? two of them? I might be able to stretch the budget a bit to accommodate a larger size, but two is probably out of reach for the time being at least. If I get a bigger (more expensive) one to start, that would likely be the only one I have.

What would you recommend given the choice between bumping up to a single 15" or starting with a single 12" and considering a second one down the road?

Larger single sub all day...especially if adding a second down the road...is not...out of the question. Larger will always dig deeper, louder & more efficient...its just physics... duals will help balance room response... personally I'd take 18>15>12...sealed or ported...going by your schematic diagram...I'd start with a single 15" minimum and go from there...you could definitely go sealed in that room...my room is 1600^3ft....single 18" and its plenty...how much sub though...is largely depended on room size and listening levels...some guys are just bass heads...thankfully Ive avoided that rabbit hole....other perhaps not such much...lol.

My room is similar in size to yours and I have a single F15HP...love it. I would love to put in a second to even out the bass response in the room, but just don't have a good spot for another one.

Yes, I agree - a larger single sub, either 15 or 18. Then as funds permit and you feel the need, add a second. FWIW, I started with an E15HP then added a second a year or so later. My area is much bigger than yours - 16x12 but open to dining room behind (16x12) and den on left (~22x20). Bass is really good but did add Crowsons for LF tactile response. Cheaper than another sub or two😁

Thanks again for all the replies. Your feedback has me considering starting with an E15HP or F15HP...other than the size, there doesn't seem to be much difference between the two?

I'm also left wondering what I'm missing out on by not going with a ported option. Decisions, decisions! :)

Iirc....during my last foray seeking
a new sub...those two rythmiks have a slight variance in size...given the added volume (size) the f15hp has about 1-2 dbs more headroom, and e15hp...has more wife appeal.

As for ported they are obviously bigger with more room filling capacity down to its port tune...owned both, perfer sealed....just more manageable with higher WAF....I've also experienced with some lesser designs the port adds to the overall sound. Dollar for dollar ported offers much more value....

Decision....Decision...lol

I have the 340SE2 for LCR, 200SE's for surrounds, and the F15HP as a sub. Together, they make a great system. If you can fit/afford the F15HP then I would go for it. I would get a second F15HP but doubt that will happen any time soon.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by bac2010

I have the 340SE2 for LCR, 200SE's for surrounds, and the F15HP as a sub. Together, they make a great system. If you can fit/afford the F15HP then I would go for it. I would get a second F15HP but doubt that will happen any time soon.

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Sounds like I'm on the right track! Is it a safe assumption that your system is primarily for HT?

I'm climbing back out of the subwoofer rabbit hole (again :D), but I find myself still waffling a bit on the sealed vs. ported decision. If it's not obvious, I suffer from analysis paralysis. :D As mentioned, I don't intend on using this system for music very much, so since it will be roughly 50/50 movies and video games, I wonder if ported would be a better choice? Then again, it's likely that the F15HP will blow me away, since I've never had a "real" sub before. It's also likely that my only realistic path to a second sub at some point would be start with the F15HP.

Anyone out there using an F15HP or E15HP that wishes they would have gone with a ported sub?

Thanks!

I’m using 2 E15HPs with no regrets.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by jmika003

Anyone out there using an F15HP or E15HP that wishes they would have gone with a ported sub?

Thanks!

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No regrets with my F15HP, and what I have read, I don't think I would have regretted a FV15.

The only real drawback is ported subs are generally bigger.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by jmika003

Sounds like I'm on the right track! Is it a safe assumption that your system is primarily for HT?

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Yes, 100 percent HT. I'm sure music sounds just fine but I bought the system for movies, TV, and streaming.

From these most recent responses, it sounds like I should be plenty happy with a sealed sub!

I'm more confident now that I'm heading in the right direction and am excited to take the plunge! It sounds like the Ascend speakers plus an F15HP (maybe two someday? :cool:) are going to fit the bill and give me a system that I'll be happy with for a long time!

Thank you all so much for being a sounding board for my mostly (highly? :D) uneducated questions.

You're welcome. When you get all your new speakers, post back with your impressions!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by jmika003

From these most recent responses, it sounds like I should be plenty happy with a sealed sub!

I'm more confident now that I'm heading in the right direction and am excited to take the plunge! It sounds like the Ascend speakers plus an F15HP (maybe two someday? :cool:) are going to fit the bill and give me a system that I'll be happy with for a long time!

Thank you all so much for being a sounding board for my mostly (highly? :D) uneducated questions.

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Plus going this route...you can order the sub through Ascend...at one time they had packaged deals....idk...if they still offer that?

and Rythmik (Ascend?) used to have a discount on a second sub, even if you bought it at a later date within reason. Don't recall how much (5%??) or know if they still do

Quote:

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Originally Posted by jmika003

Sounds like I'm on the right track! Is it a safe assumption that your system is primarily for HT?

I'm climbing back out of the subwoofer rabbit hole (again :D), but I find myself still waffling a bit on the sealed vs. ported decision. If it's not obvious, I suffer from analysis paralysis. :D As mentioned, I don't intend on using this system for music very much, so since it will be roughly 50/50 movies and video games, I wonder if ported would be a better choice? Then again, it's likely that the F15HP will blow me away, since I've never had a "real" sub before. It's also likely that my only realistic path to a second sub at some point would be start with the F15HP.

Anyone out there using an F15HP or E15HP that wishes they would have gone with a ported sub?

Thanks!

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Hi jmika003,

You are getting some excellent advice here and I think the system you are planning out will be absolutely perfect for your space and usage.

Regarding sealed vs ported, your room is nearly square and as such, there will be room mode issues. I recommend going with either the F15HP or E15. Your room is definitely not too large for either of these sealed subs, you will likely never even come close to maxing out one of these subs capabilities. I recommend going sealed because I have found that ported subs tend to excite those room modes a bit more than sealed...

Please feel free to reach out directly anytime!

Just following up since I finally pulled the trigger and received all of the speakers. I've slowly been getting everything set up, starting with 3.1 and then adding the surrounds, and I've been increasingly blown away with each addition! I can't wait to get the last 4 HTM-200SE's set up as Atmos!

I want to thank everyone again for all of the input and advice! I'm super happy with the setup even though I'm dealing with some kind of issue with the E15HP (as outlined in this post - Problem With E15HP). I'm sure Rythmik will help get it sorted and I'll be back to rattling the walls in no time! :cool: