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**Official Ascend Acoustics Tower Thread** - Page 21

post #601 of 1437
2/29/12 at 9:40pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ascend View Post


Your center is being built today and scheduled to ship tomorrow Yours was one of the last ordered so we expect to have all dome "horizon" orders fulfilled by tomorrow, or Wednesday at the latest.

Ribbons are due in this week!!!

Hmmm... Did you get our email response? I believe we have a HGB Horizon with RAAL on hold for you.

Finally hit home soil and job one was get payment to Dave for the STC..done now listen to Towers until movie watching can begin...thanks Dave/Dina for all your patience and efforts.
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post #602 of 1437
3/1/12 at 11:52am
There isn't a Dark Cherry finish with the Towers, just the monitors right? So one can't really match those two up in a system.

Djoel
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post #603 of 1437
3/1/12 at 12:30pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Djoel View Post

There isn't a Dark Cherry finish with the Towers, just the monitors right? So one can't really match those two up in a system.

Djoel


There is a Satin Dark Cherry finish for the Towers and a Dark Cherry for the monitors. The best way to verify for sure if they match or not is to give Ascend a call. You could email as well, but right now calling is a faster way to get an answer.

Regards,

RTROSE
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post #604 of 1437
3/1/12 at 12:44pm
Little non sequitur here: has anyone heard from Grandarf lately? Whatever happened to that guy?
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post #605 of 1437
3/1/12 at 2:25pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by RTROSE View Post

There is a Satin Dark Cherry finish for the Towers and a Dark Cherry for the monitors. The best way to verify for sure if they match or not is to give Ascend a call. You could email as well, but right now calling is a faster way to get an answer.

Regards,

RTROSE

Thanks didn't see a Tower in that finish..Just the monitor.

Djoel
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post #606 of 1437
3/1/12 at 2:57pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Djoel View Post

Thanks didn't see a Tower in that finish..Just the monitor.

Djoel

There are standard finishes for the Towers as well as custom finish options. Got another idea? Dave is always open to ideas, whether or not it's possible, or practical might be a different matter. I'll bet ya could have a hot rod style flame job if ya wanted to pay for it LOL. I think a little art deco with matching grilles would be a nice touch !
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post #607 of 1437
3/1/12 at 5:13pm
Pictures from today's visit:


Dave got a new TV!


Sierra Tower with RAAL tweeter in matte black


Sierra Tower Center "Horizon" in expresso


RAAL 70-20XR tweeter (faceplate and body modified for Ascend for mounting purposes)


backside of the RAAL


the actual ribbon in the RAAL...it's VERY light.


backside of the NRT tweeter


the RAAL and NrT side by side. The RAAL weighs about 4 lbs. The NrT probably weighs 1/4 pound...if that.
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post #608 of 1437
3/1/12 at 5:30pm
Very simply, the RAAL takes the detail of the speaker to another level...and is smoother than the NrT. I think I am hooked on the RAALs.

The NrT version is a bit brighter. Listened to it in stereo in STC's. Still sound great, but not like the RAAL. I could certainly live with it, and love it...but after hearing the RAAL, I would willing to leave it if I had the extra cash.

The STC "Horizon", as Dave has mentioned, is very dynamic. With some dynamic music, in stereo, there was some "chest thumping" felt. I think this setup would be excellent for HT use, music was great as well. I was only able to hear the NrT version before we left. There were three others that were able to stay and hear a 5.1 setup with Towers w/RAALs, STC with RAAL, with CBM-170SE's as surrounds. They are not Ascend owners, or visit this sub-forum much, but are on the Los Angeles Home Theater Group Meet sub-forum...sdurani, ivanpino, and fookoo_2010.
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post #609 of 1437
3/1/12 at 5:34pm
Wow, I knew that the Horizon was big, but seeing it next to the towers gives me another perspective. I can't wait to get my center.

I'm happy to get the photos of your visit, but how about some first hand impressions of what you heard.

Glad to see that Dave finally broke into the flat panel world, tube TV's are so 20th century! Thou I am diggin the VCR.

Ok, I know that it is subjective, but while the ribbon is "da Bomb" it looks "mechanical" in such a beautiful enclosure. The dome tweeter is better looking and fits the look of the enclosure better. I know this shouldn't matter, just an observation.

Regards,

RTROSE
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post #610 of 1437
3/1/12 at 6:13pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by RTROSE View Post

Glad to see that Dave finally broke into the flat panel world, tube TV's are so 20th century! Thou I am diggin the VCR.

Yeah...i noticed that stuff under the center. That stuff was not what we used for listening though.
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post #611 of 1437
3/1/12 at 6:14pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Pet Motel View Post

There are standard finishes for the Towers as well as custom finish options. Got another idea? Dave is always open to ideas, whether or not it's possible, or practical might be a different matter. I'll bet ya could have a hot rod style flame job if ya wanted to pay for it LOL. I think a little art deco with matching grilles would be a nice touch !

Thanks Jay I wasn't aware of the custom finish thing from Ascend. Now you're talking, red, and yellow flames on black satin. Love it...

I gotta say something that might shock a few people that might know me.
Ah I think that center is just too big for me


Djoel
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post #612 of 1437
3/1/12 at 6:20pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Djoel View Post


I gotta say something that might shock a few people that might know me.
Ah I think that center is just too big for me

Djoel

Me too. I have towers on their way, but the Horizon looks GIGANTIC. My wife would certainly not go for it.

I'm hoping my RAAL towers pair well with my Sierra-1 NrT center, which fits perfectly in my setup.
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post #613 of 1437
3/1/12 at 6:24pm
oops...forgot this pic:

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post #614 of 1437
3/1/12 at 6:26pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by logicology View Post

I'm hoping my RAAL towers pair well with my Sierra-1 NrT center, which fits perfectly in my setup.

It will sound good.

But from what I heard today, the dynamics of the STC are outstanding, and that is what the Sierra-1 NrT center will lack compared to the Towers. The RAAL vs NrT may be noticeable as well in an HT setting.
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post #615 of 1437
3/1/12 at 6:38pm
Holy mother that thing is huge..I'm not sure I have enough room under my TV to fit it..I was thinking it was similar in I've to the deftech 3000 but it appears about 6 inches taller..no sneaking that by the wife..
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post #616 of 1437
3/1/12 at 6:50pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by cschang View Post

It will sound good.

But from what I heard today, the dynamics of the STC are outstanding, and that is what the Sierra-1 NrT center will lack compared to the Towers. The RAAL vs NrT may be noticeable as well in an HT setting.

Curtis, so are you saying even HT setup can benefit from RAAL over NrT?
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post #617 of 1437
3/1/12 at 7:16pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by avsnoob10 View Post

Curtis, so are you saying even HT setup can benefit from RAAL over NrT?

The RAAL tweeter is more revealing/detailed than the NrT tweeter. I do think that can be a benefit for HT. For music, it is definitely a benefit.
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post #618 of 1437
3/1/12 at 7:30pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by mariob33 View Post

Holy mother that thing is huge..I'm not sure I have enough room under my TV to fit it..I was thinking it was similar in I've to the deftech 3000 but it appears about 6 inches taller..no sneaking that by the wife..

That TV stand does make the center look huge. It is really only 2.7" higher than the Def Tech 3000 center but also 2" less width and 3 1/2" less depth. Chest pounding dynamics though
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post #619 of 1437
3/1/12 at 7:38pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ascend View Post


That TV stand does make the center look huge. It is really only 2.7" higher than the Def Tech 3000 center but also 2" less width and 3 1/2" less depth. Chest pounding dynamics though

Whew..that's a saving grace. I can't wait
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post #620 of 1437
3/1/12 at 7:48pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by avsnoob10 View Post

Curtis, so are you saying even HT setup can benefit from RAAL over NrT?

The ribbon is very smooth and polite in a home theater environment, even though it is more detailed with better extension. The dome is more lively and while I prefer the ribbons for music, even after today's sessions, I prefer the more lively sound of our domes for home theater. It all comes down to personal preferences.
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post #621 of 1437
3/1/12 at 7:51pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ascend View Post


The ribbon is very smooth and polite in a home theater environment, even though it is more detailed with better extension. The dome is more lively and while I prefer the ribbons for music, even after today's sessions, I prefer the more lively sound of our domes for home theater. It all comes down to personal preferences.

Dave,

If usage is 60/40 HT would you go all dome? Questioning if I really need the RAAL for the center?
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post #622 of 1437
3/1/12 at 7:55pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ascend View Post

The ribbon is very smooth and polite in a home theater environment, even though it is more detailed with better extension. The dome is more lively and while I prefer the ribbons for music, even after today's sessions, I prefer the more lively sound of our domes for home theater. It all comes down to personal preferences.

One thing is for sure, the "chest thump" of the STC, is better for HT.
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post #623 of 1437
3/1/12 at 8:05pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by mariob33 View Post

Dave,

If usage is 60/40 HT would you go all dome? Questioning if I really need the RAAL for the center?

If my priority was towards home theater, I would go left/right domes with RAAL center (if my budget would allow) I know that seems like a mismatch -but-, the RAAL ribbon has more linear horizontal dispersion than the dome (big advantage for the center) and dialogue is smoother and more natural sounding, never harsh or fatiguing. Timbre matching is excellent.

I am actually watching Kung Fu Panda 2 with dome towers and the RAAL center right now (kids are here at the office with me now) This combination is excellent -- lively enough to satisfy that requirement while also giving me some of that RAAL magic for dialogue.

I think you are making a good choice. It is not a problem if you would like to change to the dome but you need to let us know ASAP as your cabinet is scheduled to be cut for the RAAL tomorrow. Once cut, there is no turning back...
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post #624 of 1437
3/1/12 at 8:16pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ascend View Post


If my priority was towards home theater, I would go left/right domes with RAAL center (if my budget would allow) I know that seems like a mismatch -but-, the RAAL ribbon has more linear horizontal dispersion than the dome (big advantage for the center) and dialogue is smoother and more natural sounding, never harsh or fatiguing. Timbre matching is excellent.

I am actually watching Kung Fu Panda 2 with dome towers and the RAAL center right now (kids are here at the office with me now) This combination is excellent -- lively enough to satisfy that requirement while also giving me some of that RAAL magic for dialogue.

I think you are making a good choice. It is not a problem if you would like to change to the dome but you need to let us know ASAP as your cabinet is scheduled to be cut for the RAAL tomorrow. Once cut, there is no turning back...

Nope, keep the RAAL I am sure I will not be dissatisfied. I have a few movies in the wait position for the arrival of the STC. Now, what we need you to get working on are some STSurrounds. I hate to think of Sierra1s handling surround duty.
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post #625 of 1437
3/1/12 at 8:16pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by cschang View Post

One thing is for sure, the "chest thump" of the STC, is better for HT.


I bet it wont hurt in the Hi Rez / Multi Ch music department either

Djoel
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post #626 of 1437
3/1/12 at 8:17pm
I might just have to flip a coin when the time comes....
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post #627 of 1437
3/1/12 at 8:40pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by mariob33 View Post

Nope, keep the RAAL I am sure I will not be dissatisfied. I have a few movies in the wait position for the arrival of the STC. Now, what we need you to get working on are some STSurrounds. I hate to think of Sierra1s handling surround duty.

I will have the towers and the center all with the dome, with 170's as side and rear surrounds. I'll be interested in your thoughts and opinions to the RAAL in your center. I am using one of my 170's as my center and I can tell you that the 170 is no slouch in that department so I am really looking forward to what the Horizon can do.

As for the aforementioned STSurrounds, I can tell you that while an interesting concept I already feel guilty for using the 170's as surrounds as they are complete overkill for that duty. I almost feel like I have demoted them from their prior greatness. As for the Sierra 1's for surround duty, man talk about overkill. Although I am coming from about 90% TV and Movies, so I could understand if your focus is music or hard core multi channel listening. Still though I am still thinking that my setup will be killer for sure. No looking back, no buyers remorse, and no upgradeitis (yet).

Regards,

RTROSE
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post #628 of 1437
3/1/12 at 9:52pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by RTROSE View Post

I will have the towers and the center all with the dome, with 170's as side and rear surrounds. I'll be interested in your thoughts and opinions to the RAAL in your center. I am using one of my 170's as my center and I can tell you that the 170 is no slouch in that department so I am really looking forward to what the Horizon can do.

As for the aforementioned STSurrounds, I can tell you that while an interesting concept I already feel guilty for using the 170's as surrounds as they are complete overkill for that duty. I almost feel like I have demoted them from their prior greatness. As for the Sierra 1's for surround duty, man talk about overkill. Although I am coming from about 90% TV and Movies, so I could understand if your focus is music or hard core multi channel listening. Still though I am still thinking that my setup will be killer for sure. No looking back, no buyers remorse, and no upgradeitis (yet).

Regards,

RTROSE

When my RAAL equipped Horizon arrives, I'll be all three ribbon equipped in front, with 2 Sierra NrTs for surrounds. I'm about 80/20 music/HT, a good multi-mix SACD envelops the listener in an amazingly realistic environment. I was using Mirage dipoles originally for surrounds, they didn't cut it for music, but not too bad for HT use. Can't wait to hear the Horizon fill the center.

It's been a full three months now since I ordered my speakers, seeing all those centers, and the RAAL tweeter is lifting my spirits! Should be shipping very soon. Patience now is about the same thickness as that RAAL ribbon .
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post #629 of 1437
3/2/12 at 12:58am
Quote:
Originally Posted by cschang View Post



Sierra Tower Center "Horizon" in expresso

The finish of the Espresso Horizon you posted, looks different (lighter) from the veneer of the Espresson Tower shown in the site:



Why the discrepancy ? Camera settings ?
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post #630 of 1437
3/2/12 at 1:47am
Quote:
Originally Posted by makutaku View Post

The finish of the Espresso Horizon you posted, looks different (lighter) from the veneer of the Espresson Tower shown in the site:



Why the discrepancy ? Camera settings ?

You are comparing pictures taken with an iPhone under flourescent lighting to pictures taken with a Canon 30d with an "L" series lens under controlled lighting. In the iPhone pic of the center, there is a very sharp yellow tinge to the picture which is washing out the actual color of the center.

See the pic in this post: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...2#post21721892

Exact same speaker, same iPhone, but this time it got the white balance correct

Also, I should mention that no veneers are used.

Hope this helps!
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