My first Ascend Acoustics review:
Hello guys. I have been a lurker on this forum for a long time. But I can finally say I have become a true member to this community. My first set of speakers are the CBM - 170SE's.
Coming from some old Polk Monitor 50's that I have had since college is truly an awakening. I have read on these forums how a good tweeter can transform your music and the CBM's have done nothing less than prove that point to me. I can hear things clearly now that were muddied by the Polk's tweeters; very fine aspects that really flesh out the type of music I really get into. Also, I have noticed that the bass coming from my sub (Aperion Bravus 10D II) seems much more uniform in the front soundstage.
Tracks used to review:
David Helpling & Jon Jenkins - For the Fallen:
An ambient track. Builds up slow with a climatic and cinematic ending. This is where I can really hear the difference in the quality of the tweeters. There is such fine texture to the synth's. Almost to the point where the background sounds 3D.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t_bKhuiDi4Y
Coldplay - Midnight:
The beginning percolating synths sound so clear. It's like I can pick out their true wave form. This song has a lot of bass so my sub is really doing a lot of work. But, the highs sound crystal clear. Chris Martin's voice sounds amazing. Like I am almost there in the control room of the studio. There is an extra vocoder effect added to the voice that I have never heard before and am hearing for the first time.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQeMxWjpr-Y
Arcade Fire - Porno
Again, the first thing that hits me is the clarity of the opening percussion. The snapping of the fingers dances around the front of the room. Never noticed that before. I remember when I first listened to this album that I wished I had heard it first on Ascend's. Now that I have listened to this song on the Polk's and then these...It really makes me appreciate the quality of the CBM's.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=soo9hnLqXqY
Other tracks used:
Dead Can Dance - Return of the She King
Crazy good vocal effects. Arcane music.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LCv_fwvHr6M
Glen Hansard - Maybe Not Tonight
Classic Folk. Had to have guitars. I can hear the picks on the guitar. Something I never noticed.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MgFTM4sdW70
William Ackerman - Last Day at the Beach
One of my favorites since I was a kid. I have listened to this song countless times. This is the first time that it sounds like I am in the studio with Will. I can't explain it...Although many of you have in your reviews so you know what I am talking about. I feel like this album by William Ackerman was recorded in a way where is you have OK equipment it sounds dirty or muffled. With the CBM's...It is amazing. The clarity is just mind blowing to me.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ci_INfOXdOw
Anyway, all I can say is that these speakers are great. The sad and funny thing is that I bought them for two reasons: A. I wanted to see if the Ascend's were as good as everyone on the web and a buddy of mine said they were. Some thing that I have found out is very true. And B., if they passed the test (which they most certainly have) they will be used as my surrounds in the future when I upgrade to the Sierra towers and Horizon w/ RAAL tweeters and another set for 7.1. Needless to say, I am very impressed with the quality here. IMO I love the industrial look of them. I love the sound that comes from them.
I am excited for the day I put my order in for the Sierra towers and the Horizon. But, for now I am perfectly content with the upgrade.
Thank you for reading.
Ben
Sources:
Pioneer Elite SC - 65
Oppo 93
iMac - Optical output to SC - 65
Wires - BJC Belden 5T00UP (Gray jacket, 10 AWG)