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HTD Level 3 vs Ascend 170SE Bookshelf

5K views 11 replies 7 participants last post by  SabreWuLF_ 
#1 · (Edited)
Hey guys! I'm about to pull the trigger on some front L/R speakers and I'm stuck between the HTD Level 3 bookshelf and Ascend CBM-170SE bookshelf!

HTD = $319/pair
Ascend = $295/pair

Everything I read seems to favor the 170SE over the Level 3 - can't really find much love for the HTDs... What gives?

Whichever I decide to get, I'll build the rest of my system around. Any suggestions?
 
#3 · (Edited)
#4 ·
Would it even be worth auditioning the Level 3s? I have an HTD center and love it. I'd hate to have a mismatched set by getting the Ascends, but if there's really that much of a difference it's probably worth it.

Anybody for the HTDs? I'm really trying to give them a chance!
 
#7 ·
Well, I just got my HTD L3s in today and I'm pleased but not very impressed...

They seem fairly muted in the mid to mid-high frequencies. I've never really experienced true speaker "break in" but will this effect change over time? Would the Ascends be better in this range?

Unfortunately if I go with the Ascends, I would also have to invest in a matching center.. *sigh*
 
#8 ·
As suspected the L3's are even more laid back than the L2's. I would break it in and keep listening to it for about 3 weeks. If you don't see any improvement return them, HTD should cover the return shipping for first time buyer.
I'm confident to say the Ascends will sound more neutral and more forward than the L3's. To me they sound a lot more natural than the L2's.

You can just buy 3 Ascends CBM-170 SE and use one of those as a center.
 
#9 ·
The Chane A1rx-c is what you want it seems. Still gotta get a center but the A1rx-c is a phenominal speaker, worthy of building around.
 
#11 ·
Well, thanks you (awesome) jerks. I think you've all just been the final gust of air needed to hurl me towards a set of Ascend CMT-340 SE's.

I figured they would be plenty for any size room I would place them into in the future while at the same time hoping they'd be much more dynamic than the HTD Level 3's. And the wifey even wants me to get them... It must be a dream.

Now the question is - are the Ascend CMT-340 SE's the best in the price range, or are there others I should consider?
 
#12 · (Edited)
Yea there are definitely more great options within that budget price range:

Chane A2rx-c (neutral to warm sounding, somewhat similar to ascend)
http://www.chanemusiccinema.com/chane-loudspeakers/A2rx-c

HSU Research HB-1 MK2 (horn tweeter but reviews say they're smooth)
http://www.hsuresearch.com/products/hb-1.html

JBL Studio 530 (horn tweeter, very unique and somewhat weird looking, but gets positively rated)
http://www.jbl.com/loudspeakers/STUDIO+530.html

PSB Imagine B (currently on sale for the white gloss finish, very attractive appearance, but center is very expensive)
http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=PBIMGB

Depending on your sonic characteristics and physical appearance tastes, all of those are high quality speakers.
 
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