Tim_Mc

Aperion vs. Ascend

Hi guys,

I'm looking for 7.1 speaker system and I've decided to go with either 7 Aperion Intimus 522D's or 3 Ascend CMB-170's and 4 HTM-200's. I acually already have 2 subs, a SVS 20-39PC and a REL Q201e. My front-end consists of a Panny RP-62, an Outlaw 950 processor, and an Outlaw 7100 amp. I'm sure either set would do well but I'd love to know if anyone here has heard both and could comment on their differences. Even if you have only heard one or the other please chime in. This system will be about 75% HT and 25% music. I listen to all sorts of music on my own but this system will also be used for parties during which I tend to play a lot of rock/pop/dance. I'd love to hear opinions.

Thanks.

CurtisSC

Brian,

Which sub did you use when listening to the Ascends?

curtis

curtis
Manhattan Beach, California

BrianAe

Hi Tim,

I have heard both and now own the Aperions in a 5.1 configuration with the Aperion sub. I thought that they are both very good speakers and better than others that I auditioned. I thought the Aperions blended better with the sub, which I think you will appreciate. I think that there was a small gap in my range with the Ascends when crossing over at 80Hz. I also thought the Aperions provided a more transparent, accurate, and detailed sound stage.

However, I thought the Ascends sounded equal if not a little better when listening to music, i can't say why though. Maybe they were just more laid back.

Finally, I'll say that the Aperions are much much more attractive then the Ascends and look to be a little better built. If looks are a factor go with Aperion.

BrianAe

Oh, one more thing, the Aperions aren't as sensitive as the Ascends so you need more juice to drive them. However, for you that shouldn't be a problem with your outlaw amp.

Tommy Rodgers

I haven't heard the Ascends, but I own the Aperion 6.1 set with the 12" sub. I assume that the Ascends sound great, everyone who has them loves them, and their frequency response is close to ruler-flat. I bought the Aperions sight unseen, and here's my reasoning- both have stellar reviews, excellent customer service, and great value. I figured that since Aperion pays for shipping both ways if you decide to return them, I'd try them first, then go to Ascend if not satisfied. That, and the finish really appealed to me (they are in my living room, hardwood floors, etc.). I was won over easily by both the performance and construction- they sound great (esp. on acoustic music), look like a million bucks, and are very dense little speakers. That 12" sub is the best I've heard short of a $2000 REL. IMHO great value for the $$$, and if not satisfied, no loss to you period.

Hope this was helpful-
Tommy

I need more money!

CurtisSC

I was actually thinking along the same lines as Tommy....do the Aperions first since the shipping is free, and if I didn't like them, then try the Ascends. But, I live 40 minutes from Hsu Research. So I went there to listen to the Ascends, and a Hsu VTF-3. Walked out with the whole setup, great price, and got to meet the famous Dr. Hsu. I have not looked back.

curtis
Manhattan Beach, California

BradJudy

I am a happy Ascend owner. I looked at several setups (including Aperion) and went for the Ascends first because of comments that they were strong with music and I'm 50/50 in my listening habits. I haven't heard the Aperions, but would be happy to answer any Ascend questions I can. My online review has a lot of my thoughts and pictures. It should be the first thing that pops up in google looking for Ascend speaker review.

Tim_Mc

That's a nice review, Brad. I must say I'm a little worried about how the Ascends would integrate with my either of my subs. It seems like the CMB-170's roll off pretty steep after 80hz or so and the subs I have seem to be stronger in the 60hz and below area rather than the mid or upper bass. Do you find the vtf-2 to be good above 50-60hz? You did mention that it blended well with the 170's so I would assume it is. I'm actually already thinking of selling the REL or the SVS to get a sub with a bit more "punch".

BradJudy

Tim,

I cross mine over at 80 and haven't noticed a hole, but I haven't actually tested it with tones and my sound meter. All I did was balance their levels using my S&V DVD. I think the in-room low end of the Ascends is better than the chamber graphs shown on their site.

Of course if you don't like how your subs perform from 80-60, you'll have problems with the Aperions too. While they state 60-20k as the frequency response, the chart they give shows 60 to be their -10db downpoint, with a -3db point above 100hz. I'm guessing they have it worked out to blend well with their sub, but that's going to be hard to match with others. A steep drop off will probably be easier to work with for matching with subs.

Omar

I was in the same decision situation, and through all my research I basically found that it comes down to this:

Music --> Ascend
Movies --> Aperion

It may be simplistic, but I believe it's pretty accurate.

O.