***The Official Ascend Acoustics Sierra Thread*** [Text View] - Page 11

MCATUCCI

01-30-12, 02:49 PM

Hi all,

recent lurker on this Sierra thread... i came across when one of the guys highly receomended aginst the Vienna acoustics Haydn i have...i was just wondering where in NYC i can audiotion these...after seeing the thread i am sure this is one hell of good speaker..jut want to listen from my ears thats all..

BTW i am planning this for my computer listening which right now consist of

PC ->Peachtree decco 2 DAC -> marantz Ma500 mono pair Amp->Current speaker (VA Haydn)..

I was told biggest difference can be if you bring Sierra 1s in..so i thought if i may ask where i can find these...

V

Maybe someone local to NYC will offer to let you stop by their home and check them out. If not you can always make the purchase and return them within 30 days if you do not like them. For what its worth I am using a similar setup (Peachtree Nova) with my Sierra 1 NrT's at my computer and they sound phenomenal. I cannot imagine you not liking these speakers.

MCATUCCI

01-30-12, 03:01 PM

If you own both the OMD15's and NrT's, why would you place the OMD-15's ahead of them? You mentioned some nice things about the NrT's so I was wondering what it is about the OMD-15's that you find to be "better." I own the OMD-15's and really like them but I also follow the Sierra thread because their speakers seem so tempting. :D That's why I'm curious - like what sort of difference would I expect to hear.

I'm sorry I missed your question earlier. Let me start by saying we are comparing a killer bookshelf against a tower, so it really is not fair but that was the comparison the OP requested and I was just trying to offer my help. I love the Sierra 1 NrT, I simply cannot say that enough and find zero fault in what it does.

I read what the other fellow offered as well and ironically I had the opposite effect. It was the OMD15 that makes me feel like I am in a club listening to the band live. I put on the song "Private Investigations" from Dire Straits and my jaw hit the floor. It may be the mix of that album or the spatial dispersion of the Mirage design, but it was a notch better to my ears and only my ears.

These are both worthy speakers in my opinion and should not be compared against each other as they are two different designs and classes (book/tower) of speaker.

indianguyinny24

01-30-12, 07:40 PM

Maybe someone local to NYC will offer to let you stop by their home and check them out. If not you can always make the purchase and return them within 30 days if you do not like them. For what its worth I am using a similar setup (Peachtree Nova) with my Sierra 1 NrT's at my computer and they sound phenomenal. I cannot imagine you not liking these speakers.

Thanks for replying....i hope soome one do let me stop by.....
i have two questions if i may..

1) Do you need external amp for this...

2) My current setup is

PC-> Decco 2->Ma500 ->VA Haydn...

Has anyone listened VA HAydn and Sierra side by side...

V

Pet Motel

01-30-12, 08:21 PM

I'm sorry I missed your question earlier. Let me start by saying we are comparing a killer bookshelf against a tower, so it really is not fair but that was the comparison the OP requested and I was just trying to offer my help. I love the Sierra 1 NrT, I simply cannot say that enough and find zero fault in what it does.

I read what the other fellow offered as well and ironically I had the opposite effect. It was the OMD15 that makes me feel like I am in a club listening to the band live. I put on the song "Private Investigations" from Dire Straits and my jaw hit the floor. It may be the mix of that album or the spatial dispersion of the Mirage design, but it was a notch better to my ears and only my ears.

These are both worthy speakers in my opinion and should not be compared against each other as they are two different designs and classes (book/tower) of speaker.

First, it must be noted that I was comparing the NrTs with the previous generation OM series that were built in Canada. I have never heard any of the OMD series, it could well be that they are an improvement over the OM series.

There might well be some other major differences in our gear as well. I mostly listen to high resolution material (SACD, DVD-A, or Blu-ray) over HDMI from an OPPO 83SE to an Anthem D2, and then amplified by a pair of Anthem MCA amps which are about 200 watts per channel.

I do believe that average quality content does not show the Sierras in their best light, but they really shine when given quality content. I have some Chesky SACDs that I really didn't know how good they were until played through the Sierras.

In my room, playing through my equipment, it's no contest, the Sierras are significantly better than the OM series. Maybe it's just cause the Mirages are old, and tired like their owner LOL.

Jay

YOTR

01-30-12, 09:08 PM

I called Ascend earlier and it looks like they should have more stock of the natural finish early next week. It is going to be a heck of a purchase for me. I almost caved and got the 340's but I know I would be longing for the Sierra. I wish I could justify the Nrt upgrade but I have two little ones at home to think about and the regular Sierra's are hard enough to commit to price wise (at least for me because I will also be getting the center at the same time). I am sure I will be impressed regardless. I have enjoyed my RC-10's so hopefully the Sierra's will impress me. My Yamaha aventage receiver should be here this week and I am also going to order a Rythmik FV12 sub from Ascend tomorrow (hey 5% off will help!). Then I will be done with my post divorce present to myself, lol :).

MCATUCCI

01-31-12, 09:03 AM

First, it must be noted that I was comparing the NrTs with the previous generation OM series that were built in Canada. I have never heard any of the OMD series, it could well be that they are an improvement over the OM series.

There might well be some other major differences in our gear as well. I mostly listen to high resolution material (SACD, DVD-A, or Blu-ray) over HDMI from an OPPO 83SE to an Anthem D2, and then amplified by a pair of Anthem MCA amps which are about 200 watts per channel.

I do believe that average quality content does not show the Sierras in their best light, but they really shine when given quality content. I have some Chesky SACDs that I really didn't know how good they were until played through the Sierras.

In my room, playing through my equipment, it's no contest, the Sierras are significantly better than the OM series. Maybe it's just cause the Mirages are old, and tired like their owner LOL.

Jay

Jay,
Good point on the material. I'm using a Peachtree Nova/MF V-Link/Audioquest Cinnamon USB/JRiver to play hi-rez downloads from HDtracks and a dedicated SACD player that I purchased specifically to play music over the Sierras. The OMD15's are hooked up to a Panny Blu Ray/Onkyo 605 playing redbook cds.

After I posted last night I went and did some more listening to both sets of speakers. Both sound amazingly good with the material played on them. If push came to shove and I had to make a choice I would keep the Sierras over the Mirage. But to my ears it is very close. The next logical move is to swap speakers with equipment and see if that offers any change. I'm very curious to see how the OMD15's play with the Peachtree setup.

-Mike

YOTR

02-01-12, 07:42 AM

Will my new receiver be enough for the Sierras? I am a yamaha fan mainly because I like the sound and honestly I have never had any issues software/hardware wise that seem to be common with a lot of other brands. I have an Aventage A710 on the way and should have it this week. It's 90 watts per channel. I have read in this forum (and the ascend forums) and noticed varying WPC being used with the Sierras, some lower than mine and some way higher (used with amps). Will I be okay or should I return it and look for something else? I have never had an issue power wise with my previous Yamahas (765 and 667) but I will be running better speakers now (running Energy RC-10's currently). I know the Sierras are effecient 8ohm speakers but I thought I would make sure. I really don't want to mess with an external amp. By the way, I will be doing a 3.1 setup with 3 Sierras and a Rythmik FV12.

Thanks in advance!

bcg27

02-01-12, 08:53 AM

YOTR

02-01-12, 09:10 AM

The yamaha should be fine. Most of the specs posted by receiver companies are misleading if not outright lies, and generally represent what the receiver can power when only two channels are used. The sierras are actually not that efficient but they do have a relatively benign impedance curve, so unless you want to be able to hit reference THX movie levels (in which case sierras probably aren't the best choice from the start) I'm sure the yamaha will be fine. Lots of people (including myself) are using them with mid tier AVRs with good results.

Thanks for the response. I had a Yamaha 667 but got a great deal on the 710 from Electronics Expo (way below msrp), so I decided to jump. I have kids so normally we don't have the volume very high when watching movies. I do like to listen to 2 channel music though (something I rediscovered with my RC-10's) and at times like to crank it up. As long as I can play them reasonably loud without any issues, I will be happy. I don't think I will ever hit THX reference levels with two little ones in the house :). I noticed some people using as little as 65 wpc and having great results with the Sierras. Heck I think I saw one mention of a person using a 22 wpc tube amp and stating they sounded great.

Billy p

02-01-12, 09:36 AM

Thanks for the response. I had a Yamaha 667 but got a great deal on the 710from Eletronics Expo (way below msrp), so I decided to jump. I have kids so normally we don't have the volume very high when watching movies. I do like to listen to 2 channel music though (something I rediscovered with my RC-10's) and at times like to crank it up. As long as I can play them reasonably loud without any issues, I will be happy. I don't think I will ever hit THX reference levels with two little ones in the house :). I noticed some people using as little as 65 wpc and having great results with the Sierras. Heck I think I saw one mention of a person using a 22 wpc tube amp and stating they sounded great.

The only thing you'll notice with the Sierras is having to turn up the volume a bit more compared to the levels you normally listened with the Rc10's. I used my rxv1800 and it easily drove them to deafening levels..just sit back and enjoy your new speakers...:)

YOTR

02-01-12, 09:46 AM

The only thing you'll notice with the Sierras is having to turn up the volume a bit more compared to the levels you normally listened with the Rc10's. I used my rxv1800 and it easily drove them to deafening levels..just sit back and enjoy your new speakers...:)

Thanks! I guess I have been reading a little to much thinking my setup wasn't that great when I see a lot of other users with really expensive receivers compared to mine. I am hoping the Rythmik FV12 matches up with the Sierras nicely. I was going to try and swing the F12 but I don't know if I can justify it for my setup. The FV12 isn't pretty and quite honestly bigger than I wanted (gotta get a gramma pad now as it won't fit on my subdude) but it is $300 bucks cheaper :).

Do I need to buy the Q plugs when I order? My left and right speaker will probably be toed in with at least a foot of room from the the back wall. My center will be on top of a media cabinet, closer to the wall (probably 6-8 inches from it). If they help my situation, I will buy them. If I can save some money, I will wait :).

Now I just have to decide on the TP-24 stands. I am getting the Sierras in Natural Finish and do like the fact that the TP-24 stands lock to the speakers (for my kids). I know they don't match but trying to decide if they would be a better option than a metal stand (wouldn't have to use blu tack either with the ascend stands). They are pretty much the perfect height tweeter wise from my couch. A little lower than what I am used to though (26-28 inches).

cschang

02-01-12, 10:00 AM

Do I need to buy the Q plugs when I order? My left and right speaker will probably be toed in with at least a foot of room from the the back wall. My center will be on top of a media cabinet, closer to the wall (probably 6-8 inches from it). If they help my situation, I will buy them. If I can save some money, I will wait :).

Now I just have to decide on the TP-24 stands. I am getting the Sierras in Natural Finish and do like the fact that the TP-24 stands lock to the speakers (for my kids). I know they don't match but trying to decide if they would be a better option than a metal stand (wouldn't have to use blu tack either with the ascend stands). They are pretty much the perfect height tweeter wise from my couch. A little lower than what I am used to though (26-28 inches).
For your situation, I would definitely get the Q plugs and experiment (especially with your center channel).

For the stands...how old are your kids, and do they goof around close to where the speakers will be?

YOTR

02-01-12, 10:11 AM

For your situation, I would definitely get the Q plugs and experiment (especially with your center channel).

For the stands...how old are your kids, and do they goof around close to where the speakers will be?

Okay I will definitely pick up the Q Plugs. My kids are 4 and 6 and honestly they rarely get close to the speakers. I have had my RC-10's on metal stands with blu tack for a few months and have never had an issue where they bumped them or anything. Now keeping them back from the wall mounted Kuro is another story :).

Billy p

02-01-12, 10:13 AM

Did you try and experiment with the port plugs provided with your RC10's...I used the plugs from my RC30's & LCR but it altered the sound and I didn't care for them....but if you have placement issues...follow the advice from Curtis and experiment...:)

YOTR

02-01-12, 10:16 AM

Did you try and experiment with the port plugs provided with your RC10's...I used the plugs from my RC30's & LCR but it altered the sound and didn't care for them....but if you have placement issues...follow the advice from Curtis and experiment...:)

Yes I did. I found that I didn't need the plugs on the RC-10's and agree with you that it altered the sound in a way that I didn't care for. I never listened to the RC-LCR without the plugs to be honest. I have had them in from day one because it is only 6-8 inches from the wall. I might have to check that again because I could pull the speaker forward a few inches if needed possibly eliminating the need for the plugs. The Q plugs honestly are not that cheap so maybe I will try the Sierras without them initially and see what they sound like (I am almost positive the center would be the only speaker that might require Q plugs in my setup).

cschang

02-01-12, 11:49 AM

Yes I did. I found that I didn't need the plugs on the RC-10's and agree with you that it altered the sound in a way that I didn't care for. I never listened to the RC-LCR without the plugs to be honest. I have had them in from day one because it is only 6-8 inches from the wall. I might have to check that again because I could pull the speaker forward a few inches if needed possibly eliminating the need for the plugs. The Q plugs honestly are not that cheap so maybe I will try the Sierras without them initially and see what they sound like (I am almost positive the center would be the only speaker that might require Q plugs in my setup).
I used to have my center channel about that close to the wall as well. I found that Q plug A cleaned up the sound noticeably.

My L/R speakers are about 20" or so from the wall, and I use Q plug B in them. While using it took away a little punch, it helped them blend even more seamlessly to the sub.

I got a new TV a year and half ago, so the center channel has been relocated. I now use plug B in the center channel.

joeycannoli

02-01-12, 09:32 PM

HOTDIGITY

02-01-12, 11:29 PM

Can't decide on which size speaker stands to get for the Sierra. What do you all use?

Looking to do either 22 / 26 / 30 inch.

22 is the height of my entertainment stand that holds all of the accessories. Thinking that might be too low though...

I use 30" tall stands from wood technology. They have 3 metal columns and metal top plate. The base is MDF. I have the larger diameter column filled with sand. I believe the model is MU-30.

jbrown15

02-02-12, 01:26 AM

Martycool007

02-02-12, 07:07 AM

Finally got my Sierra-1's set up and have been enjoying the awesome sound these babies put out. I do have some questions I was hoping you guys could help me out with.

First, does anyone know anything about the center channel that is being made to mate with the Sierra-1 towers? Speces, size, price?

Second, what speaker stands do you guys recommend for the Sierra-1's? I ordered some from Elemental Designs but when they came in I was disapointed because they were just flimsy woodend stands. I need some stands that will hold the speakers tight and wont fall over very easily.

Thanks!

joeycannoli

02-02-12, 07:16 AM

tdogroeder

02-02-12, 07:22 AM

HOTDIGITY

02-02-12, 08:07 AM

These were recommended to me a page back. I am going to grab a set, but just not sure what size to go with

http://www.racksandstands.com/Sanus-Steel-Foundations-Black-26-Speaker-Stand-SF26-b-SY0063.html

Ideally, you want the tweeters at ear level so base the stand height accordingly. I have Wood-Technology MU-30 stands(May even be Metal-Technology?) and they hold Sierra-1 NrT's just fine. With the chair I currently have as my listening seat, the stands could actually be a bit taller though it is a temporary situation.

YOTR

02-02-12, 08:37 AM

Anyone use the Ascend TP-24 stands for the Sierras? I am placing my order today and I was thinking about going that route. I found a few pictures in the Ascend forums but I was wondering (or at least trying to imagine) what the natural finish would look like on the TP-24's. I guess my second choice would probably be the Sanus SF series but I wanted to consider everything.

Billy p

02-02-12, 08:42 AM

So I was hoping some of you could shed some light on the Sierra tower and soon to be release center channel speaker for me. I'm just trying to figure out what speakers I want to go with to upgrade my left, right and center channel speakers in my dedicated theater. I'm looking at some PSB speakers, Paradigm, KEF and Axiom M80 and VP180 center.

I was all set on the Axiom set up till I really started to do some research and there just seems to be such a love hate relationship with that set up. People either love them or hate them. I currently have the QS8 surrounds from Axiom and do quit enjoy them so I'm going to keep those as my surrounds.

I would say that the set up would be used for 85-90% theater use and the rest for music. And the Sierra tower with the new center channel would be right around the max budget that I'd want to spend on three speakers.

Any insight on how the Sierra towers would do in a mostly movie set up and along with how they compare to some of the other speakers I'm looking at would be greatly appreciated!

I've read the last 10pages of the Sierra thread and tried to find reviews on the new towers but it just seems like there's not a lot of reviews on them yet.

Thanks for the input in advance.

I own Axioms & Ascend and prefer the Sierra… I'm basing this on my own comparison of the Sierra 1 NrT, Axiom 22's and my Energy RC30's in home. I took the same approach as you with the Axioms by starting with the surrounds(q4's) and used them with my Energies in a HT setup. Last summer, I decided to order some 22's and Sierras about the same time. In the short time I had with all 3 speakers...I would rate them as follows… Sierras>Energy>Axiom but the latter 2 are more closer than they’re apart IMHO. The Ascend Sierra distinct advantage is their imaging and how they can isolate each note, cymbal or detail not unlike the others but simply do it better…they also have better depth or resolution in the mid range which pushes them further apart…making the others sound thin or “muddy” as some like to say. From your list I would say the Ascends are very strong contenders having only listened to the Psb Image awhile back I like my RC’s better.

On a footnote: The Axiom M80v3 was recently compared to the Monitor 11 in a recent review (soundstage…I believe) and subjectively speaking the Sierra are on another level…currently I am waiting for my Towers to arrive using my Axioms for music and I can really say that... I miss my Sierras!:)

My only knock against the Sierras is they are very revealing in nature ...something I wasn't used to with any of my prior speakers but now I better understand.:D

Just my 2 cents...

cschang

02-02-12, 12:55 PM

Here is a dedicated thread for the ascend towers. You could also call up ascend to get more info on the center channel.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1290568&highlight=ascend
There is also more information available on Ascend's forum.

jbrown15

02-02-12, 05:46 PM

Thanks for the info guys, I didn't realize there was a Sierra tower thread and now I'm a member on the Ascend forum board too.

bob_m10

02-12-12, 01:20 AM

Hi All:

Any Sierra users near CT? Just purchased a set of NHT Classic Three's and would love to have a mini-shoot out before my 30 day trial is over. If interested send me a PM.

Thanks Bob

leo95se

02-12-12, 01:38 AM

Hi All:

Any Sierra users near CT? Just purchased a set of NHT Classic Three's and would love to have a mini-shoot out before my 30 day trial is over. If interested send me a PM.

Thanks Bob

I'm in ct and have towers. Just ordered the rest of my setup, and it should be here in 1-2 weeks. My room isnt done, though, so the towers are with my existing stuff in my living room.

bob_m10

02-12-12, 08:50 AM

I'm in ct and have towers. Just ordered the rest of my setup, and it should be here in 1-2 weeks. My room isnt done, though, so the towers are with my existing stuff in my living room.

Thanks, the towers would be fun to hear but a bit overkill aginst the Three's I would think. Sounds like you will have a great setup. Bob

joeycannoli

02-22-12, 07:18 AM

I have a pair of Sierra-1's that i am interested in letting go. They are Piano Black purchased in 2009. 1 small blemish on one from shipping. I am extremely anal and the blemish bothers me.

Shoot me a PM if interested.

zheka

02-24-12, 11:42 AM

I have these and like them very much

http://www.amazon.com/Vantage-Point-SSB-30BB-Adjustable-Bookshelf/dp/B0006G1IJ0/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1330105005&sr=8-4

what sets them apart is that the height can be adjusted in 1" increments from 24" to 30".

the only downside is that the top plate is small but can be tweaked with custom plate:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-media/product-gallery/B0006G1IJ0/ref=cm_ciu_pdp_images_0?ie=UTF8&index=0

Can't decide on which size speaker stands to get for the Sierra. What do you all use?

Looking to do either 22 / 26 / 30 inch.

22 is the height of my entertainment stand that holds all of the accessories. Thinking that might be too low though...

cschang

04-17-12, 06:09 PM

Ascend

04-17-12, 09:12 PM

For those of you in the Los Angeles area, the LA Audio/Video group is having a listening session tour this Saturday. First stop is my livingroom and my Ascends.

The rest of the listening will be at homes with dedicated HTs (no Ascends)....some pretty nice ones too!

More info here:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=21900326#post21900326

Sounds like fun, if anyone is interested I could open the shop down here for your group. I believe I have an early little league game to attend but I should be free from noon to around 6pm.

cschang

04-17-12, 10:35 PM

Sounds like fun, if anyone is interested I could open the shop down here for your group. I believe I have an early little league game to attend but I should be free from noon to around 6pm.
A schedule has been setup...and I got the first slot at 10am.

The rest of the homes are in the LA area (mostly South Bay).

I'd like to go down your way and listen to the Towers some more, and the STC with the RAAL since I didn't get a chance to do that last time. I'll talk to the guys this weekend and see if we can get a group down there.

numsixof1

05-03-12, 07:52 PM

Quick question out there for the sierra owners.

In my HT setup the center channel sits close to the wall on a shelf. The sierra-1 center would literally be an inch off the wall max. Not really anything I can do about it. The L/R mains can hit the 18in mark OK as they'll be on stands.

The sierras are ported but from what I've read the Q-Plugs seem to work well in situations such as this. I'll be using a subwoofer (probably an outlaw lfm-1 as its on sale) with the speakers anyway. Will plugging the port on the center cause that much of an issue sound wise? I was also looking at the CMT-340s but they are also ported without the plug option.

The reviews on the ascend board seem positive but was wondering what the consensus was here. thanks!

HOTDIGITY

05-03-12, 11:44 PM

RicardoJoa

05-04-12, 12:10 AM

For 1" of clearance I'd use Q-Plug A. It is the closed ended plug and has a steep rolloff of the bass, designed specifically for your situation as well as placing the Sierra within a cabinet or shelf unit.
Actually it is less steep. 12 vs 24 db/ octave. And it has -3 db at 60 hz versus 44 hz. This plug should be aproppriared in this case.

Martycool007

05-06-12, 11:58 AM

Billy p

05-06-12, 03:21 PM

Others may or may not...agree but having owned the Sierra 1 NrT's for about 6 months before I switched to the Towers...your last 2 assumptions are certainly correct but moreso throughout the mid range area is what separates them apart. The towers just seem to have a much larger presence/feel about them and fill the my room(~2800^3) with less strain or effort. I found having the dedicated mid range in the Tower helps it open up the top end even more vs. the Sierra 1's.... giving more of a pinpoint or accurate soundfield.....the 1's weren't slouchs in that department....either but the Towers are IMO a better balanced speaker, for sure...:)

Does anyone know how a pair of Sierra-1 Nrt's would compare in sound quality and general overall sound to the Sierra Towers? I would expect the top end (being that they both share the same Nrt tweeter) to be equal on both. I would also assume that both of these speakers would be equally revealing, as well as having an equal sound stage and imaging characteristics, and also, I would expect that they would both provide equal detailing. I would also assume that the main differences in sound quality between the two, is in the bass responce and possibly in the mid range. Are my assumptions correct?

Pet Motel

05-06-12, 04:31 PM

Does anyone know how a pair of Sierra-1 Nrt's would compare in sound quality and general overall sound to the Sierra Towers? I would expect the top end (being that they both share the same Nrt tweeter) to be equal on both. I would also assume that both of these speakers would be equally revealing, as well as having an equal sound stage and imaging characteristics, and also, I would expect that they would both provide equal detailing. I would also assume that the main differences in sound quality between the two, is in the bass responce and possibly in the mid range. Are my assumptions correct?

In theory, our goals for this loudspeaker were quite simple, create a compact floorstanding loudspeaker with performance that rivals and even surpasses some of the most highly regarded loudspeakers at any price. Our Sierra-1 bookshelf has proven to be a huge success and has far exceeded our expectations with regard to happy customers and positive reviews. Thousands of pairs later, there can be no doubt that our design formula works so our direction was clear – turn the Sierra-1 into a full range floorstanding loudspeaker while also improving upon every performance aspect.

A full 2 ½ years later, we are proud to formally introduce our flagship product ...

Featuring our exclusive fully custom neodymium ring magnet tweeter built for us by SEAS, the NrT provides high frequency extension to 28kHz with exceptional transient response. It provides crisp and airy highs with effortless dynamics and many layers of detail.

Our midrange driver is housed in its own dedicated critically damped sealed enclosure within the cabinet and is designed to reproduce the critical midrange response. By isolating the midrange from the rest of the drivers, intermodulation distortion is greatly reduced and detail and separation between individual instruments is greatly improved.

Our dual 5 ¼” long throw woofers handle the low end but don’t let the small size fool you, these woofers provide exceptionally tight and accurate bass reproduction well into the mid 30Hz range. Bass and mid-bass response are well balanced with surprising punch. The woofers hit hard and dig deep when required, but due to low stored energy and very low inductance levels, they can also be detailed and subtle when need be, without glossing over the subtle notes that large diameter higher mass woofers can often miss.

The above quote is a cut and paste from the Ascend website. Marketing hype can often times be misleading at best, or downright BS depending on the company. Ascend is not one of those types of companies, everything in the above quote is true, and accurate. Dave is not one given to exaggeration, he is as open, honest, and fully transparent a soul as exists in the speaker industry.

Being a three way design, with a great amount of attention bestowed upon the midrange in particular compared to the Sierras, this would be the area that most separates the two speaker lines. Also worth mentioning, with about three times the total volume, and driver area compared to the Sierras, dynamic capabilities of the Towers also exceeds the Sierras by a fair margin IMHO. Coupled with a good sub (or multiples depending on room size) providing the lowest frequencies, they do an awesome job with movie soundtracks.