They're all good choices, but I think that sonically you'd compromise the least with the Ascend CBM-170 SE. Maybe I'm biased because I currently use this speaker in my home theater, but then again if there were any negatives in comparison to other speakers I've heard, then I would know about them by now. None of the others you've mentioned are more articulate, detailed, efficient, or dynamic to my knowledge, although I have not heard the Axioms myself and have only heard the older HTM-200 model. The main drawback of the CBM-170 SE is that it's rear-ported, but from my experience all it needs is a few inches (the more the better, though).
Quote:
Originally Posted by
smokey982 /forum/post/15452581
As for te Ascend speakers, I may consider upgrading to the CBM-170 speakers here
http://http://www.ascendacoustics.co...70/cbm170.html . I assume that is an upgrade.
It is an upgrade, but from what I gather it's not quite as much of an upgrade as it used to be, making the latest version of the HTM-200 SE a good alternative when a smaller speaker is desired. You may have to use a higher crossover than 80 Hz if you play it very loud, though. There are others here who are more qualified to address this comparison, however. If you can physically accommodate the CBM-170 SE, then that would be my recommendation in this price range. It makes a great center speaker whether vertically or horizontally oriented, although at 9" tall when horizontal, it's not the slenderest center around. And it's not an MTM, for what that's worth.
Quote:
Originally Posted by TheDudeAbides /forum/post/15453260
You may want to consider the HSU Ventriloquist series and go with a HSU Sub. I have a sub from them and love it--and have heard the speakers are quite capable as well.
I'd recommend against the Ventriloquist because the satellites are tiny and suspiciously have the very same driver size and lower frequency cutoff as Bose cubes. Admittedly, I have not auditioned this system personally, but using 2.5" full-range drivers in the satellites and a 2.5" mid-high driver (probably the very same driver) in the center speaker with no tweeters anywhere does not inspire confidence in its sound quality. My RPTV's speakers have a somewhat similar design and they sound pretty good in comparison to typical HTIB systems, but they're not in the same league as the other speakers being considered by the OP--not even close.
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Originally Posted by TheDudeAbides /forum/post/15453260
It should be noted however, Ascend used to recommend HSU's in pairing with the CBM's, so it's kind of a wash there.
Dude, you're comparing the Ventriloquist to the CBM?
Perhaps you really meant the Hsu HB-1 instead?
If you meant the latter, then that would make more sense, although I would still recommend the CBM based on its well-deserved (in my opinion) reputation.
Quote:
Originally Posted by smokey982 /forum/post/15458269
I know this is probably a stupid question, but will the (1) 6.5" woofer on the CBM's really sound better than the (2) 4" woofers on the HTM-200's???
Putting aside all other considerations for the moment, it depends on how the woofers are designed, but the single 6.5" woofer actually has more total area than the dual 4" woofers, making the CBM bigger in this regard, if that's what you were wondering about.
Quote:
Originally Posted by smokey982 /forum/post/15458269
What else on the CBM's make it a better choice than the HTM-200's? Thanks.
The CBM goes lower, and is more efficient and powerful.