John, I have the original CBM170's and the 340 center. You are welcome to come and see how they sound with Marantz equipment, since I know that you are a Marantz fan. You could also check out my ACI Sapphire XLs which are, in a word AWESOME. I live in Walnut Creek. Ajay
Hello all, First impressions: Extremely well packed, beautifully finished (there are 2 very minor imperfections in the cabinet finish on one speaker, though; to me this just adds to the hand-made charm) solidly built, great documentation. Broke them in only for about 36 hours so far at...
I'm actually wondering if the BFD will clean up the trough between 65 and 110 Hz, since my sub input will theoretically be under 80Hz which is my receiver cut-off. Thanks, Ajay
Hello all, I have a Marantz SR8400 with the sub crossover set at 80Hz. My sub is a RAVA with the internal crossover turned off. My main speakers are Ascend CBM 170s. My Frequency curve climbs from about 70dB at 25Hz to peak at 78Hz at 45Hz. There is a wide 10dB depression from 65Hz to 110 Hz...
Hmmm, I mostly listen at lower listening levels (-25 to -30 dB), does the PM7000 exhibit more detail and/or warmth than the 6200 when not being pushed very hard? Thanks, Ajay
Hi John, I know you have a 222ES. I actually bought mine based on your recommendation and love it. How was the sound different as you went from the 6200 to 7000? What are the differences between the 7000 and 8300 for 2-ch listening? Are you satisfied with your 8300 when comparing it to the...
Hello, I have a Marantz 6200 receiver that I would like to upgrade to the 7500 and have a few questions.... 1) Is there a difference in sound quality between the 2 receivers in source direct mode. I primarily listen to music in this mode (85% music, 15%HT) and use DD or DTS for movies (no...
Well, upgraditis has warped my fragile little mind! Went on a little trek to Magnolia HiFi and managed to snag a demo Sony SCD-C222ES for 250 bucks. Will hook it up soon and see if I like it better than my Marantz cc4000OSE in my system. Ajay
John, I live in Walnut Creek. Thank you for your offer. I'll trek down to santa Clara to hear your gear as soon as time permits. Life is a little hectic these days! Of course, it will be hard for me to keep my grubby paws off your 8300! Seriously, I agree that a new CD player is in order, but I...
Thanks guys for all your help! The issue I have is definitely with my CD player and/or interconnects. DVD and DSS playback are great! Some room issues too, but that can't be helped for now. I switched my CD interconnect out with a friend's Monster I400Mk2 and it definitely tames the treble...
Hi John, The interconnects I use were about $35 monster cable ones which did tame the treble slightly over Rat Shack cables. Aahhh, it is good to know that Marantz CDPs are not all warm in tonality and that I'm not just hallucinating! What kind of AQ cables would you recommend that is super...
Hi all, My front end consists of a Marantz 6200 receiver, CC4000 OSE CD changer, VC5200 DVD changer, ascend CBM 170s (fronts) and CMT340 (center). I find my CD playback (through Monster CD analog interconnects) a little too detailed. It is worse using the digital outs. I love the soundstage and...
Aaah Chris, I remember you from one of my previous threads. You are one of the lucky ones in having a Marantz receiver where you get a sub output with SD engaged using 2 channel music (CD). My 6200 does not and others with this model (and higher in the X200 chain) have reported the same. This...
Hi all, My set-up comprises a Marantz SR6200 receiver, a VC5200 DVD player, 4000OSE CD player, Ascend CBM170s (main), CMT340 center, Adire Audio RAVA sub. I had initially connected the sub to the sub-out of the receiver AND Dolby Digital sounded fine as did 2-channel music. What I wasn't...
Jason, I would second what Curtis said. I have the CBM 170s and love them. I use them for my front speakers coupled to an Adire Audio RAVA sub. My center is the Ascend CMT 340c which is really nice as well. IMHO, the move to get an Ascend is a great one. You can then slowly build up to an...
Hi Ben, Would it really make that much of a difference if my receiver has a fixed 100 Hz cut-off. The center then really doesn't have to go much lower than that and considering that the tweeter is the same, the timbre should be the same. Yes? No? Maybe? Thanks, Ajay
Hi Chris, That seems like a good solution. the only thing you would have to do is add height, so the tweeters are at an acceptable level. 25-26 inches, which is what the tweeter height would be if you stacked 'em, is still low. I know you are constraints by space reqmts, otherwise I would...
OK, now that I love my satellites, lets get down to the center. I received a CMT340c along with my 170s. While it sounds awesome, it is a little too big physically. My TV is a 27 inch HDTV. My question is would an HTM 200 suit my purposes if my Xover is set at around 100 Hz (Marantz fixed Xover)...
Well, after much debate I decided to go ahead and order a pair of Ascends to try out. My equipment comprises Marantz components, a RAVA sub and Klipsch bookshelf speakers. I wasn't really sure what to expect. I had heard really good things about the Ascends and there were religeous zealots...
Victor, Just curious what your Xover and levels are for your front 3 channels and sub are......Just replaced my front 3 with the same as you (+ RAVA in corner) and am using my old Klipsches for rears. Haven't played much with it yet due to time constraints... Thanks, Ajay
Jason, Here is what you can do....Order a RAVA and see if you like it. If it doesn't sound right after calibrating and CAREFUL placement, send it back for the SE (30-day return. Subwoofer, and speaker, opinions are very subjective and it has to sound right to you! I'm with you on liking a...
Hi Jason, I think it would depend on your bass management choices. If you use the bass management on the Onkyo, you might not need the SE which adds additional filters and maybe an equalizer. On the other hand, if you don't, the SE will be better. You are right in picking the RAVA for music...
Hmmmm, a quick question just popped into my mind....With so much hype surrounding Ascend speakers and them being so highly regarded on all the audio forums, why do the major magazines not review them? BTW Curtis and Chris- you've done it again....I called Ascend and had them tack on a 340 center...
So Curtis, How many people have you converted to Ascend with your evangelizing? Me, possibly Ganesh, I know of. You should make Dave F pay you in kind by building you Special Editions of Ascends absolutely free! Ganesh, FWIW, I spoke with Ascend and they recommended the 170s for my needs. Open...
Yup, a two week wait it is! I'm waiting rather impatiently for their arrival so I can banish my Kilpschs to my secondary system. BTW, talked to someone at Ascend yesterday, who said was that the demand for these puppies far outpaced their manufacturing capacity- hence the wait. And all this...
Curtis, Thanks for the offer of auditioning your Ascends. I live in the Bay Area, so it may be a little hard, though not that much!!! I'm more in favor of a transparent, laid-back sound, so the 170s might be just fine (hopefully a great improvement over my brash Klipsch bookshelf speakers)...
Hi guys, Just ordered a pair of CBM-170s which will arrive in a couple of weeks (too much demand!!). Anyways, I'm wondering if I should get the 340L/R instead (basically, the new center with a modified Xover to function as main speakers). I'm using a RAVA sub too. What are the sonic...