[marc10]

Dear avs members,


I am looking for a speaker setup with a budget of 3000$ max. My usage of the speakers are 70% movies/tv and 30% music( all types of music, love to test my speakers with classical music ). I had previously owned a pair of B&W CM5, but was looking to upgrade my whole system.

The room size would be: 32 ft long and 16 ft wide, it is a basic rectangle room. I did allot of research online and had several options in mind:


Option 1: Ascend Sierra Tower as the 2 Front speakers: 1898$

Ascend Sierra Horizon with RAAL as Center speaker: 998$

Total: 2896$


Option 2: Ascend Sierra Tower as the 2 Front speakers: 1898$

JTR Noesis 228HT as Center speaker: 1000$

Total: 2898$


Option 3: JTR Noesis 228HT as the 2 front speakers: 2000$

Ascend Sierra Horizon with RAAL as Center speaker: 998$

Total: 2998$


Option4: 3 JTR Noesis 228HT as LCR speakers: 3000$



I may also be interested in the JTR single8HT, furthermore SALK and Philharmonic speakers are also interesting. I am NOT looking for a 5.1 or 7.1 setup yet, for now I'm looking to build a good 3.1 setup, or it can also be a good 2.1 setup. I will get the sub-woofer later, which I am looking at the Rythmik F12SE, F15HP, HSU VTF15 H, HSU UL15, or a JTR sub.

I would really appreciate it of you avs members can help me choose a good setup.


Regards,

Marc

 

[RMK!]



Quote:
Originally Posted by marc10  /t/1470359/recommended-speaker-setup-ascend-jtr-salk-philharmonic#post_23254796


Dear avs members,


I am looking for a speaker setup with a budget of 3000$ max. My usage of the speakers are 70% movies/tv and 30% music( all types of music, love to test my speakers with classical music ). I had previously owned a pair of B&W CM5, but was looking to upgrade my whole system.

The room size would be: 32 ft long and 16 ft wide, it is a basic rectangle room. I did allot of research online and had several options in mind:


Option 1: Ascend Sierra Tower as the 2 Front speakers: 1898$

Ascend Sierra Horizon as Center speaker: 998$

Total: 2896$


Option 2: Ascend Sierra Tower as the 2 Front speakers: 1898$

JTR Noesis 228HT as Center speaker: 1000$

Total: 2898$


Option 3: JTR Noesis 228HT as the 2 front speakers: 2000$

Ascend Sierra Horizon as Center speaker: 998$

Total: 2998$


Option4: 3 JTR Noesis 228HT as LCR speakers: 3000$



I may also be interested in the JTR single8HT, furthermore SALK and Philharmonic speakers are also interesting. I am NOT looking for a 5.1 or 7.1 setup yet, for now I'm looking to build a good 3.1 setup, or it can also be a good 2.1 setup. I will get the sub-woofer later, which I am looking at the Rythmik F12SE, F15HP, HSU VTF15 H, HSU UL15, or a JTR sub.

I would really appreciate it of you avs members can help me choose a good setup.


Regards,

Marc

Unfortunately Marc, your room dimensions are less than optimal for sound especially if you have standard 8' ceilings. You want to avoid dimensions that are divisible by one another or have a common denominator. This is a pretty good primer in room acoustics. My belief is that the room is a dominate factor for optimal sound reproduction and you should start there.


My specific speaker bias aside, only Options 1 and 4 make any sense as mixing the LCR speakers like that is in general a bad idea.

 

[jbrown15]

If your budget is only $3000 you'll have to cross the 228HT's off your list, they'll cost $3600 for three. If you really are interested in going to JTR speakers three Single 8's would be more then capable as your LCR setup.

 

[shadyJ]

The JTRs and Ascends are very different speakers. JTRs are made for a big dynamic range, which means low distortion at high volumes and lots of slam, kind of what you would expect from a Imax THX sound. Ascends were made for capturing detail and presenting a certain soundstage, its made for a 'subtler' listening experience than the JTRs, but that isn't to say they can't rock. This also doesn't necessarily mean the JTRs can't do the fine stuff well either. The Ascends towers are full range speakers, you don't absolutely need a subwoofer with them, because they can play back bass down below 40 hz. With the JTR speakers, it is assumed you are going to use subs with them, so they don't even try for deep bass at all. Since you are not going to have a sub at first, that is something to keep in mind. Another thing, with the Ascends, you are paying not just for the sound, but for the nicer presentation. With the JTRs, appearance is not a big priority, so more of your investment is going into performance related components as opposed to aesthetics.

 

[jbrown15]

While I am a big fan of the Sierra towers, just because they can play that low doesn't mean they will sound good doing it. If the OP is really considering the 228HT's from JTR, they will do just fine with all of the detail. Everyone who has heard the 228HT's has said they were very clear and detailed even at low listening level.


It's funny because these were the exact two speakers that I was looking at before I finally decided to go with the 228HT's. I might of have stayed with the Sierra towers if I was more concerned with the look of my speakers but because I wasn't and my setup is basically 100% IMO it was a no brainer.


I had honestly never even really heard of JTR speakers, right up till was about a week away from actually ordering the Sierra tower and matching center channel speaker. But after I had read the entire 240+ pages of the JTR speaker thread I had to have some.

 

[Dan Hitchman]

In that sized room... go with the three JTR 228HT's and get Single 8's as surrounds later.


The Rythmik FV15HP sub is superb, but you'll need to "up" your budget.


Never have an absolute max budget... gotta be a little flexible, and you might just end up with a better system.

 

[commsysman]

The Gallo Acoustics Classico CL-3 speakers are better-sounding than any of the other speakers mentioned IMO.


You can get a pair of them factory-direct for $1600, which is a steal (the dealer price is $2395). The matching center speaker is $600.


You can also try them in your home FREE FOR 60 DAYS, which is kind of a no-brainer (shipping paid both ways in the unlikely event you want to return them).


They have an amazing patented tweeter that is excellent, and carbon-fiber drivers that put out superb bass.


I suggest that you read the review article about them from the July The Absolute Sound, which is available online.


They also have a very nice dark cherry veneer finish, which is classy.

 

[jbrown15]



Quote:
Originally Posted by commsysman  /t/1470359/recommended-speaker-setup-ascend-jtr-salk-philharmonic#post_23255360


The Gallo Acoustics Classico CL-3 speakers are better-sounding than any of the other speakers mentioned IMO.


You can get a pair of them factory-direct for $1600, which is a steal (the dealer price is $2395). The matching center speaker is $600.


You can also try them in your home FREE FOR 60 DAYS, which is kind of a no-brainer (shipping paid both ways in the unlikely event you want to return them).


They have an amazing patented tweeter that is excellent, and carbon-fiber drivers that put out superb bass.


I suggest that you read the review article about them from the July The Absolute Sound, which is available online.

commsysman you've personally heard the 228HT's?

 

[commsysman]

No.


A friend of mine owns an audio store, and he said he auditioned them when a customer brought them in for a comparison, and he was unimpressed.


He felt that there were better products from KEF, PSB, Gallo, and many others in their price range and the customer bought some different speakers to replace them, so apparently the customer agreed with him.

 

[Scottyp3]

you better re-check your prices for those setups. Everyone of your options has incorrect pricing.

 

[RMK!]



Quote:
Originally Posted by commsysman  /t/1470359/recommended-speaker-setup-ascend-jtr-salk-philharmonic#post_23255399


No.


A friend of mine owns an audio store, and he said he auditioned them when a customer brought them in for a comparison, and he was unimpressed.


He felt that there were better products from KEF, PSB, Gallo, and many others in their price range and the customer bought some different speakers to replace them, so apparently the customer agreed with him.

Really? since there are only about 15 pairs in existence then that would be an amazing coincidence.

 

[jbrown15]



Quote:
Originally Posted by commsysman  /t/1470359/recommended-speaker-setup-ascend-jtr-salk-philharmonic#post_23255399


No.


A friend of mine owns an audio store, and he said he auditioned them when a customer brought them in for a comparison, and he was unimpressed.


He felt that there were better products from KEF, PSB, Gallo, and many others in their price range and the customer bought some different speakers to replace them, so apparently the customer agreed with him.

This sounds like a "friend of a friend who knew a guy" kind of story. I'm highly suspicious that he actually heard JTR 228HT's speakers.

 

[gtpsuper24]



Quote:
Originally Posted by RMK!  /t/1470359/recommended-speaker-setup-ascend-jtr-salk-philharmonic#post_23255422


Really? since there are only about 15 pairs in existence then that would be an amazing coincidence.

He's a great example of making stuff up as you go.

 

[65 Electra Glide]



Quote:
Originally Posted by RMK!  /t/1470359/recommended-speaker-setup-ascend-jtr-salk-philharmonic#post_23255422


Really? since there are only about 15 pairs in existence then that would be an amazing coincidence.

Not to even mention the fact that even if it were true the dealer would never admit the JTRs were better than the brands he sells even if he really felt they were since he can never make a penny on them.


I seriously doubt he's ever heard the Ascends in question here either.

 

[Rob from NJ]

For the OP, I own the Ascend Sierras with RAAL across the fronts, as well as, listened to the Noesis 212s a few weeks ago. Very different speakers and to my ears different sound. I agree options 2 and 3 do not make sense with crossing centers between the different speakers. A lot will depend on your function and preferences. For example, your room is large (check), and/or if you plan on sound treatments to absorb sound, as well as, plan on playing at near or at reference level, the ease of the Noesis being driven by a standard AVR is definitely a factor. if you plan to listen at moderate SPL levels, it's possible you may like the sound of the Sierras more to your satisfaction (or possibly the horn based compression driver of the Noesis). Reach out to fellow AVS forum members, as well as, Dave (Ascend's Community Board)) and Jeff (JTR) to arrange for in home demos in your area.

 

[marc10]

Thanks you all for the replies,


I will definitely avoid mixing different brand with each other. I will contact Dave (Ascend's Community Board) and Jeff (JTR) so that they can give me some more info or tips for my setup. One question that I have is: coming from a B&W cm5 speaker, will I notice a big difference? And how would the JTR single 8ht compare with my old B&W cm5?


Again thanks for the help and tips.

 

[Newbie01]

I have Phil 2's L/R and a FV15HP Rythmic.


Dennis is working up an WTMW design now for his center which I probably will get...phantom sounds 98% where I want it to be though.


I have zero problems with a 14x22 room. I get extremely clear and dynamic speakers that play at the levels I am confortable with which is normally 20 or less with my Onkyo 818 ... so wattage is not that high.


I really like my system tons... The FV15HP Rock..I recent started playing Bassgasm song just to test the limits...the whole house feels like it is vibrating and I only have mine set to one line past mid... 14 hz low filter one port for max extension rather than max output.


I have heard the 8 single and I liked it allot it has a nice sound stage and sounded good...but the Phil 2's sound different but IMO better... They should since they also cost more. Ascends with Raal are pretty darn close to the Phil's ...that being said...I only heard the Ascend Towers once (in less than optimal conditions - so take it with a grain of salt) but I like the Phil 2's better (also take into consideration Owner Bias....)


Just trying to throw in my .02 ..if it is worth that.

 

[jbrown15]



Quote:
Originally Posted by marc10  /t/1470359/recommended-speaker-setup-ascend-jtr-salk-philharmonic#post_23255693


Thanks you all for the replies,


I will definitely avoid mixing different brand with each other. I will contact Dave (Ascend's Community Board) and Jeff (JTR) so that they can give me some more info or tips for my setup. One question that I have is: coming from a B&W cm5 speaker, will I notice a big difference? And how would the JTR single 8ht compare with my old B&W cm5?


Again thanks for the help and tips.

If you're trying to contact Jeff from JTR just call him, he's super busy and takes a while to get back to you threw email. Not a knock against him as I'd prefer him to finish building my speakers then answer a whack load of questions about speakers anyways!

 

[beaveav]



Quote:
Originally Posted by gtpsuper24  /t/1470359/recommended-speaker-setup-ascend-jtr-salk-philharmonic#post_23255441


He's a great example of making stuff up as you go.

That's a nice way of saying he's a pathological liar. And he is.