My speaker search update: Onix Rockets

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Original Post:

I've been looking at Ascend Acoustics as a possible speaker upgrade for about 6 months now and have recently become more serious about the idea.

I'm not sure about a 5.1 or 7.1 setup. I currently have a 7.1 system consisting of a Fluance SX-HTB set, Fluance SV-6s, an Harman Kardon AVR-325, and an SVS PB-10.

I'm using my speakers for about 50/30/20 music vs movies vs gaming, but I care about movie quality the most out of those. I'm in varied room sizes due to being in college, but it will most likely be in a medium sized room.

I'm thinking Axiom would be another top choice for me.

I'm looking for the best bang for my buck (well, not literally).

Right now I'm thinking I'm going to take advantage of their audition periods and try a set of Ascend 340s vs Axiom M22ti's (or M50ti's).

I've been reading a lot over at AVSforum and hometheaterforum, but I'm wondering if ATOT has some opinions for me too. I've been reading consistenly good things about both companies for months.

I've read that their sound is somewhat similar to a Paradigm Studio 20 or Studio 40. I think I might go into a Paradigm dealer and see if I like the sound of the Studio series before I try out Ascend. With the Paradigms at $800/pair and $1200/pair, if the Ascends are comparable quality at half price, it seems like such a great deal.

Thanks for any advice or opinions you have for me.

Update:

I'm fairly certain I'm going to get the Rocket 550 MKII Ultra HT package from AV123. It includes an RSC 200 center (normally $599) and two pairs of RS550 MKIIs (normally $999/pair) for $1699.

I've done an audition with them and they sounded very nice to me

My budget has expanded a bit, but for the excellent package deal that's available right now and the amazing look of the rockets, I'm willing to pay a bit more.

So, unless some amazing deal comes my way tonight to change my mind, I'm going to order the rockets.

Update #2:

I ordered the 550 HT set.

Some sample pictures that an owner took:
Center Channel
550

Update #3:

They're coming tomorrow

I'm excited.

Update #4:

My Onix Rockets

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

bump for night crew?

 

[SynthDude2001]

Originally posted by: YOyoYOhowsDAjello
bump for night crew?

I'm going to be pretty useless in this thread.

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Originally posted by: SynthDude2001

Originally posted by: YOyoYOhowsDAjello
bump for night crew?

I'm going to be pretty useless in this thread.

I didn't really expect anything of substance from ATOT anyway, but I thought I'd give it a shot.

Oh, and I ended up having some strange credit card problem at newegg for my first order, so I ended up cancelling my HDA X-Mystique order and I reordered it today... so hopefully I'll be gaming in surround again by the end of the week

 

[EvilYoda]

I'd strongly suggest Paradigms, but the studio series is probably out of your range, as the 20s list at 800 and 40's 1200, IIRC.

Do you have to go with bookshelves? Otherwise, look at their Monitor line, like the 9's. For a few years now, a lot of Canadian companies have been doing relaly well in terms of "bang for the buck". Axiom is very well regarded, although you won't be able to walk into a dealer's room and sit down for a listen. A dealer that'll carry one might carry others, like Mission or Mirage, Energy, etc.

Since you're getting into speakers that are more than just boxes-that-make-sound like most people have, I would strongly suggest spending as much time in auditions as possible. Find a salesperson you trust and see what he has to say.

 

[sygyzy]

I am thinking about purchasing a full set for my HT in a few months. I like everything I've read about Ascend. The best part is they are in So. Cal so if I need to return them for some reason, I can just drive them there.

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Originally posted by: EvilYoda
I'd strongly suggest Paradigms, but the studio series is probably out of your range, as the 20s list at 800 and 40's 1200, IIRC.

Do you have to go with bookshelves? Otherwise, look at their Monitor line, like the 9's. For a few years now, a lot of Canadian companies have been doing relaly well in terms of "bang for the buck". Axiom is very well regarded, although you won't be able to walk into a dealer's room and sit down for a listen. A dealer that'll carry one might carry others, like Mission or Mirage, Energy, etc.

Since you're getting into speakers that are more than just boxes-that-make-sound like most people have, I would strongly suggest spending as much time in auditions as possible. Find a salesperson you trust and see what he has to say.

I don't think I know where to find a salesperson I trust heh. (oh, and it looks like your prices matched the ones I posted for the Studio sets)

I was looking at this thread today and several people mentioned how the Ascends were indeed comparable to the Studio line of Paradigm but for about half the cost. I really can't afford more than about $1500 for a 5.1 or 7.1 set right now so the actual Studio series is out of my range. I just wanted to get a feel for what the Ascends might sound like since I've read they sounded relatively similar.

I'm considering adding some others to the list like Onix Rockets etc.
The whole going into a dealer thing I think I have covered with the audition periods these companies have. I'll be able to get a pair of each and do some listening on my own equipment. I've never done that before, but it sounds like a pretty good method to me.

I'm not set on bookshelf speakers at all. I have floorstanders now. I was planning on getting the stands for the 340s that turn them into mock floorstanders if I chose Ascend.

Is there a reason you're suggesting Axiom over Ascend?

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Originally posted by: sygyzy
I am thinking about purchasing a full set for my HT in a few months. I like everything I've read about Ascend. The best part is they are in So. Cal so if I need to return them for some reason, I can just drive them there.

In Wisconsin I don't really have that luxury, but I've read that it's only like $20 or something for shipping them, so I'm not too worried about it. Even if it's more like $50, it's probably worth it to get a couple pairs in my house to see what I like best.

 

[sygyzy]

Originally posted by: YOyoYOhowsDAjello

Originally posted by: sygyzy
I am thinking about purchasing a full set for my HT in a few months. I like everything I've read about Ascend. The best part is they are in So. Cal so if I need to return them for some reason, I can just drive them there.

In Wisconsin I don't really have that luxury, but I've read that it's only like $20 or something for shipping them, so I'm not too worried about it. Even if it's more like $50, it's probably worth it to get a couple pairs in my house to see what I like best.

Oh, I totally agree. It's not a big deal. They charge a very fair, flat rate for shipping too. Many praise how inexpensive their shipping charges are and how nice their guarantee is as well.

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Originally posted by: sygyzy

Originally posted by: YOyoYOhowsDAjello

Originally posted by: sygyzy
I am thinking about purchasing a full set for my HT in a few months. I like everything I've read about Ascend. The best part is they are in So. Cal so if I need to return them for some reason, I can just drive them there.

In Wisconsin I don't really have that luxury, but I've read that it's only like $20 or something for shipping them, so I'm not too worried about it. Even if it's more like $50, it's probably worth it to get a couple pairs in my house to see what I like best.

Oh, I totally agree. It's not a big deal. They charge a very fair, flat rate for shipping too. Many praise how inexpensive their shipping charges are and how nice their guarantee is as well.

Yeah, I've heard their customer support is great too. Seems like a great company to deal with. I sent them a couple e-mails over the weekend, so I'm hoping to get some feedback from them tomorrow.

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Bump before I go to work

 

[SynthDude2001]

Originally posted by: YOyoYOhowsDAjello

Originally posted by: SynthDude2001

Originally posted by: YOyoYOhowsDAjello
bump for night crew?

I'm going to be pretty useless in this thread.

I didn't really expect anything of substance from ATOT anyway, but I thought I'd give it a shot.

Oh, and I ended up having some strange credit card problem at newegg for my first order, so I ended up cancelling my HDA X-Mystique order and I reordered it today... so hopefully I'll be gaming in surround again by the end of the week

:thumbsup:

 

[quakefiend420]

Originally posted by: SynthDude2001

Originally posted by: YOyoYOhowsDAjello
bump for night crew?

I'm going to be pretty useless in this thread.

as will i

 

[Mo0o]

Back in my day we used paper cups and string for speakers. And we liked it! you young whipper snappers and your thousand dollar speakers. *disgruntled murmur*

 

[quakefiend420]

Originally posted by: Mo0o
Back in my day we used paper cups and string for speakers. And we liked it! you young whipper snappers and your thousand dollar speakers. *disgruntled murmur*

wasn't there some snow or something involved as well?

 

[Tiamat]

Yo yoyoyohosdajello,

As you already are fully aware of, speakers are very subjective however, Ill give you my opinions.

At less than 600$ a pair, I liked the B&W 602 S3 much better then what Paradigm could offer.

Depending on how large your room is, that would probably determine 7.1 vs 5.1

If you decide to go B&W, I would probably not hit lower than 602 since this is where I think the sweet spot money for performance is. The 601 just didnt sound all that great. On the other hand, the floorstanding 602.5 and 603 where not very good for the money. After the 602, if you wanted better, the 604 would be the next choice (for 705 for bookshelf).

Ascends used to be on sale at bestbuy but they are double priced now...

Obviously, keep your subwoofer

2x 602 S3 = 600$
2x 601 S3 = 450$
1x LCR60 = 400$

This is at the very upper reach of your budget. I would easily recommend skimming off of the surrounds to the 600 S3 or even another cheaper company (if ascend has the B1 for 80$ again for a pair at bb).

However, I only recommend B&W because i spent 600$ on them, and i really like the sound. My opinion is most likely heavily influenced by this fact. If you are able, go in and put up the comparable paraigms, b&w and others next to each other and audition them.

Gotta love the upgrade bug....


In retrospect, i think you can get away with using your fluance as surround speakers no problem - you can keep your 7.1 and spend only for the front l,c,r.

 

[Raiden256]

Especially if you're looking for a bang-for-your buck product, you really have to try the Onix Rocket line at AV123.com. I have a 7.1 setup with 750's/300's/150's and Bigfoot in the center, and could't be happier with them.

Nice large soundstage... more of a laid back presentation than, say, Klipsch horns, which I find hard on the ears after extended listening, but still very detailed and rich sounding speakers. The craftsmanship is amazing -- more like furniture than your typical black veneer over MDF.

And customer service is just plain amazing. Mark Schifter (owner of the company) is utterly committed to making the customer happy, and I've seen some amazing things done by AV123 to this end. (Not too many owners pass out their cell phone number on public forums and tell people to call him any time, anywhere in the world!) The couple of times when I've had minor issues, I was floored by the difference in attitude and willingness to "do whatever it takes" to make me happy between this company and the local yokel brick and mortar stores.

I've heard that Ascend and Axiom are great speakers too, and I have an SVS 16-46 PC+, but I would really suggest checking out Audioenvy to see if there's someone in your area that would be open to a demo. That's the best way to decide for yourself on brands like these that don't have brick and mortar presences. I can attest that most Rocket owners are kind of fanatical about their speakers and are more than willing to show them off. You might also check out the discussion forums at AV123.com. Obviously not an unbiased lot, but everyone there's very friendly and usually willing to help.

Good luck, whatever you purchase! :thumbsup:

 

[EngenZerO]

i can take pictures of my ascend acoustics monitors and svs subwoofer when i get home tonight. i chose the ascends over axiom and rockets.

btw, these speakers sound phenomenal when coupled with a harmon kardon reciever.

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Originally posted by: Tiamat
Yo yoyoyohosdajello,

As you already are fully aware of, speakers are very subjective however, Ill give you my opinions.

At less than 600$ a pair, I liked the B&W 602 S3 much better then what Paradigm could offer.

Depending on how large your room is, that would probably determine 7.1 vs 5.1

If you decide to go B&W, I would probably not hit lower than 602 since this is where I think the sweet spot money for performance is. The 601 just didnt sound all that great. On the other hand, the floorstanding 602.5 and 603 where not very good for the money. After the 602, if you wanted better, the 604 would be the next choice (for 705 for bookshelf).

Ascends used to be on sale at bestbuy but they are double priced now...

Obviously, keep your subwoofer

2x 602 S3 = 600$
2x 601 S3 = 450$
1x LCR60 = 400$

This is at the very upper reach of your budget. I would easily recommend skimming off of the surrounds to the 600 S3 or even another cheaper company (if ascend has the B1 for 80$ again for a pair at bb).

However, I only recommend B&W because i spent 600$ on them, and i really like the sound. My opinion is most likely heavily influenced by this fact. If you are able, go in and put up the comparable paraigms, b&w and others next to each other and audition them.

Gotta love the upgrade bug....


In retrospect, i think you can get away with using your fluance as surround speakers no problem - you can keep your 7.1 and spend only for the front l,c,r.

Thanks for the reply. I've read some great things about B&W. I looked at the 602s but to be honest, the looks of them really aren't appealing to me. My gf said "yuk" when I showed her a picture... I hate to dismiss a sound product based on appearance, but the gray/yellow/wood/silver combination really isn't doing it for me.

Do they have different appearance options?

For the Best Buy comment, are you thinking of Athena rather than Ascend? I was unaware that anyplace other than Plasmadocs and Ascend themselves carry Ascend speakers. If Best Buy had Ascend for half price, I wouldn't have even made this thread

I've been thinking about just getting the fronts and center upgraded and using my Fluance mains as surrounds and SV-6s for rears... I think I can afford to upgrade all around and have a matched system, but if for some reason I get into a budget crunch, that's an option I've been thinking about.

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Originally posted by: Raiden256
Especially if you're looking for a bang-for-your buck product, you really have to try the Onix Rocket line at AV123.com. I have a 7.1 setup with 750's/300's/150's and Bigfoot in the center, and could't be happier with them.

Nice large soundstage... more of a laid back presentation than, say, Klipsch horns, which I find hard on the ears after extended listening, but still very detailed and rich sounding speakers. The craftsmanship is amazing -- more like furniture than your typical black veneer over MDF.

And customer service is just plain amazing. Mark Schifter (owner of the company) is utterly committed to making the customer happy, and I've seen some amazing things done by AV123 to this end. (Not too many owners pass out their cell phone number on public forums and tell people to call him any time, anywhere in the world!) The couple of times when I've had minor issues, I was floored by the difference in attitude and willingness to "do whatever it takes" to make me happy between this company and the local yokel brick and mortar stores.

I've heard that Ascend and Axiom are great speakers too, and I have an SVS 16-46 PC+, but I would really suggest checking out Audioenvy to see if there's someone in your area that would be open to a demo. That's the best way to decide for yourself on brands like these that don't have brick and mortar presences. I can attest that most Rocket owners are kind of fanatical about their speakers and are more than willing to show them off. You might also check out the discussion forums at AV123.com. Obviously not an unbiased lot, but everyone there's very friendly and usually willing to help.

Good luck, whatever you purchase! :thumbsup:

After Ascend and Axiom, onix is third on my list for early possibilities. I've been a bit concerned about the impedence ratings though... especially their RSC200 center at 4 ohms :Q. I tend to play movies pretty loudly at -15dB or so and I'm a bit worried about pushing my receiver too hard.

I've been thinking a pair of RS550 MKIIs and the RSC200 would be a good bet for something in my budget. I'd have to keep using my Fluance as surrounds until I could get some more Onix in the mix.

Thanks for the Audioenvy link. I checked it out for my SVS but decided that since I was at college without any transportation and the fact that the PB-10 I was considering was still on pre-order, I gave up on the idea.

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Originally posted by: EngenZerO
i can take pictures of my ascend acoustics monitors and svs subwoofer when i get home tonight. i chose the ascends over axiom and rockets.

btw, these speakers sound phenomenal when coupled with a harmon kardon reciever.

Already having an HK makes Ascend that much more appealing to me. I've read that HK is a nice match for the Ascends and that's good news for me.

I'm interested in seeing some more pics of them. Do you have 170s? 340s? 200s? Even if I choose Ascend, I don't really know what I want to do about the surrounds and rears (170s vs 200s).

If you have the 340s, do you have the stands for them? 45" tall with stands attached seems like they would look pretty formidable. Any comments on sturdiness of the connection between them etc.?

Did you demo any other brands before choosing Ascend? Reasons for your final choice?

Thanks.

 

[Tiamat]

i sent you an emial to your gmail account with pictures of my bw 602.

Good luck!

 

[EngenZerO]

Originally posted by: YOyoYOhowsDAjello

Originally posted by: EngenZerO
i can take pictures of my ascend acoustics monitors and svs subwoofer when i get home tonight. i chose the ascends over axiom and rockets.

btw, these speakers sound phenomenal when coupled with a harmon kardon reciever.

Already having an HK makes Ascend that much more appealing to me. I've read that HK is a nice match for the Ascends and that's good news for me.

I'm interested in seeing some more pics of them. Do you have 170s? 340s? 200s? Even if I choose Ascend, I don't really know what I want to do about the surrounds and rears (170s vs 200s).

If you have the 340s, do you have the stands for them? 45" tall with stands attached seems like they would look pretty formidable. Any comments on sturdiness of the connection between them etc.?

Did you demo any other brands before choosing Ascend? Reasons for your final choice?

Thanks.

i have cmt-340c as my center channel and cbm-170 as my left front and right front speakers also for my rears i have cbm-170s.

i did demo some b&w and nht speakers as well as having dave shipping out the acsends. i found the ascends sound phenomenal. they are very accurate and bright but coupled with a h/k reciever it is a match made in heaven. the speakers are actually very heavy and feel solid. there is no hollowness when you tap on the side.

one main reason i chose the ascends was cause i was impressed with the sound as well as the price. they truley are top notch speakers and i would recommend them to anyone.

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edit... that trinitron is my old tv. my wega is going to my new appt. i am leaving those speakers @ my parents house till i can get a townhouse.

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Originally posted by: Tiamat
i sent you an emial to your gmail account with pictures of my bw 602.

Good luck!

Thanks for the pictures!

They look a lot better in black :thumbsup:

Way to make my decision making process tougher :frown:

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

I'm so lost now... so many options

Just for the mains:

Ascend 340s
Axiom M50ti or M22ti
B&W 602
Swan 5.2
Onix RS550 MKII

I've been looking through reviews for hours and it still seems to me that the value of the Ascends is a step above the rest. The reviews of the Ascend 170s and 340s vs the other products I've mentioned (especially at Audioreview.com) seemed consistenly excellent.

Considering the weight of some of these speakers (especially the floorstanders), I don't think I can afford to audition more than 2 or 3 options.

Maybe I should just get a pair of 340s and see if I absolutely love them. If I don't, then order a couple different options and see if anything sounds better to me... (probably Onix and B&W would be my two choices from the info I have right now).