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**Official Ascend Acoustics Tower Thread** - Page 23

post #661 of 1437
3/12/12 at 6:32pm
I'm curious as hell to see those centers with Raal in them too..


Djoel
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post #662 of 1437
3/12/12 at 6:41pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Djoel View Post

I'm curious as hell to see those centers with Raal in them too..


Djoel

once mine arrives, ill post some eye candy..but beware it may cause damage..
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post #663 of 1437
3/12/12 at 6:43pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by merrymaid520 View Post

I'm hoping to get a shipping confirmation this week!

makes two of us
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post #664 of 1437
3/12/12 at 6:51pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by mariob33 View Post

once mine arrives, ill post some eye candy..but beware it may cause damage..


Cool looking forward to seeing it..

Djoel
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post #665 of 1437
3/15/12 at 3:59pm
I received my espresso, Raal equipped "Horizon" center on Monday. I endured quite a long wait for this beauty, but I'm sure once the initial rush is over, and they get caught up with demand, this situation will likely not occur again.

After replacing the NrT Sierra with the Horizon, the new center quickly made it's presence known. Although plenty has been discussed concerning the virtues of the Raal vs the NRT tweeter, that wasn't what was the most notable difference between the two speakers. Dynamic impact in movies is quite impressive with this beast of a center, and midrange clarity, and detail in vocals was also immediately discernable. Male dialogue in particular is most impressive.

With multichannel music, the Raal comes more into play, better replicating the finer details present (when there is actually content in the center channel, which is actually not often). As with movie tracks, midrange is richer, more detailed, and dynamic slam is present in spades. I can definitely recommend that if you own the Towers, you will want to anchor the front stage with the Horizon, it's a considerable step up from the Sierra.
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post #666 of 1437
3/15/12 at 4:15pm
UPSanta just dropped off the most amazing looking and sounding (RAAL STC)speaker I have personally owned. Have only had opportunity to digest about 30 minutes (no calibration yet) or so of this speaker and WOW is all I can say. Stay tuned!
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post #667 of 1437
3/15/12 at 7:16pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Pet Motel View Post

I received my espresso, Raal equipped "Horizon" center on Monday. I endured quite a long wait for this beauty, but I'm sure once the initial rush is over, and they get caught up with demand, this situation will likely not occur again.

After replacing the NrT Sierra with the Horizon, the new center quickly made it's presence known. Although plenty has been discussed concerning the virtues of the Raal vs the NRT tweeter, that wasn't what was the most notable difference between the two speakers. Dynamic impact in movies is quite impressive with this beast of a center, and midrange clarity, and detail in vocals was also immediately discernable. Male dialogue in particular is most impressive.

With multichannel music, the Raal comes more into play, better replicating the finer details present (when there is actually content in the center channel, which is actually not often). As with movie tracks, midrange is richer, more detailed, and dynamic slam is present in spades. I can definitely recommend that if you own the Towers, you will want to anchor the front stage with the Horizon, it's a considerable step up from the Sierra.

Quote:
Originally Posted by mariob33 View Post

UPSanta just dropped off the most amazing looking and sounding (RAAL STC)speaker I have personally owned. Have only had opportunity to digest about 30 minutes (no calibration yet) or so of this speaker and WOW is all I can say. Stay tuned!

What the????? You both have RAAL centers and you have not thought about the masses here to snap a pic or two and share with us? Tisk, Tisk, Tisk..........Shame on both of you!

Regards,

RTROSE
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post #668 of 1437
3/15/12 at 7:32pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by RTROSE View Post

What the????? You both have RAAL centers and you have not thought about the masses here to snap a pic or two and share with us? Tisk, Tisk, Tisk..........Shame on both of you!

Regards,

RTROSE

Here are some quicky photo's. I apologize for depriving the masses here of the beauty that is the STC with RAAL. I got so caught up in actually listening to the damn setup that photo's slipped the mind .

edit: added one more photo
LL
LL
LL
LL
LL
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post #669 of 1437
3/15/12 at 7:40pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by mariob33 View Post

Here are some quicky photo's. I apologize for depriving the masses here of the beauty that is the STC with RAAL. I got so caught up in actually listening to the damn setup that photo's slipped the mind .

edit: added one more photo


You are forgiven. That is one nice looking speaker. I hear you on the "getting lose while listening" excuse, I do it all the time. The center does rock doesn't it?

Thanks for sharing.

Regards,

RTROSE
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post #670 of 1437
3/15/12 at 8:24pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by RTROSE View Post

What the????? You both have RAAL centers and you have not thought about the masses here to snap a pic or two and share with us? Tisk, Tisk, Tisk..........Shame on both of you!

Regards,

RTROSE

Last time I tried to upload pictures taken with my Nikon the file sizes were too large, and it wouldn't accept them. I like high resolution stuff, sue me !

Mine looks pretty much like mariob33's, except my 51" Samsung plasma is sitting right on top of the speaker. Perfect fit too!
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post #671 of 1437
3/15/12 at 8:45pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Pet Motel View Post

Last time I tried to upload pictures taken with my Nikon the file sizes were too large, and it wouldn't accept them. I like high resolution stuff, sue me !

Mine looks pretty much like mariob33's, except my 51" Samsung plasma is sitting right on top of the speaker. Perfect fit too!

Put them on a photo sharing site, and link to them here.
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post #672 of 1437
3/15/12 at 9:17pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Pet Motel View Post


Last time I tried to upload pictures taken with my Nikon the file sizes were too large, and it wouldn't accept them. I like high resolution stuff, sue me !

Mine looks pretty much like mariob33's, except my 51" Samsung plasma is sitting right on top of the speaker. Perfect fit too!

A little trick my daughter taught me to scale pics down easily..right click on photos you want, do attach to email pick small. When it attaches to the email client on a windows pc just select and copy the photos put in a folder and they will upload to the site ok. I use a Sony nex5 and they are ok..
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post #673 of 1437
3/16/12 at 8:04am
Thread Starter 
Mario,
Nice pics! I am glad you are enjoying the new RAAL Center. From the sounds of it, the vocals and dynamics really stand out. I really hope mine ships soon
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post #674 of 1437
3/16/12 at 8:31am
Quote:
Originally Posted by merrymaid520 View Post

Mario,
Nice pics! I am glad you are enjoying the new RAAL Center. From the sounds of it, the vocals and dynamics really stand out. I really hope mine ships soon

The vocals are on another level. A perfect demo item to use for these in a HT setting is transformers revenge of the fallen. You can so clearly hear the voices it's amazing. My wife even made a comment around how she never realized how baritone a voice Optimus had. In my setup with the deftech's prior the voices would get a little overshadowed by the action sounds not so with the STC. It's just amazing clarity

I am so enamored with what I am hearing and feeling with this speaker that a tri-configuration LCR of STC's maybe in my future for my main HT. This really is more than just a center channel.
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post #675 of 1437
3/16/12 at 9:20am
Quote:
Originally Posted by mariob33 View Post

The vocals are on another level. A perfect demo item to use for these in a HT setting is transformers revenge of the fallen. You can so clearly hear the voices it's amazing. My wife even made a comment around how she never realized how baritone a voice Optimus had. In my setup with the deftech's prior the voices would get a little overshadowed by the action sounds not so with the STC. It's just amazing clarity

I am so enamored with what I am hearing and feeling with this speaker that a tri-configuration LCR of STC's maybe in my future for my main HT. This really is more than just a center channel.

This is all wishful thinking on my part anyway since the STC with the RAAL's is over my budget but assuming that these were used for L/R, could they be oriented vertically? I know Dave said you could do that with the regular tweeter, but what about the RAAL? Would that have to be reoriented in the cabinet? There would be no room for me to use them horizontally.

Also - how does the bass of the STC compare to the tower? For music would a sub be necessary?
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post #676 of 1437
3/16/12 at 9:25am
Man I'm getting Larger center envy , Mario the HTC center doesn't look dangerously huge in your set up, what size is you Telly?

Man you just echo exactly what other people have been saying about the center. Great to hear you're enjoying it..

Djoel
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post #677 of 1437
3/16/12 at 10:38am
Quote:
Originally Posted by monkuboy View Post

This is all wishful thinking on my part anyway since the STC with the RAAL's is over my budget but assuming that these were used for L/R, could they be oriented vertically? I know Dave said you could do that with the regular tweeter, but what about the RAAL? Would that have to be reoriented in the cabinet? There would be no room for me to use them horizontally.

Also - how does the bass of the STC compare to the tower? For music would a sub be necessary?

Incredible!! I am playing some Alicia Keys right now with only the STC and towers and my opinion is that the BASS of the STC is what's the word I am looking for ah "bigger" and more "accurate" than expected. I actually prefer its low reproduction versus the towers. Which to me are a little more relaxed. Nice and deep with enough thump to cause me to keep walking over to make sure that my sub is really off.

One thing that im struggling with now is that the combination of the towers and STC is bringing out everything that's wrong with my subwoofer. My room is troublesome at best (25x16 with 16' cathedral ceiling) but with my old setup the SVS PB1-ISD seemed to be fine. I now find myself needing something that hits a little lower and more accurate. I am going to try treatments but I may need to either move the Ultra 13 into this area or look for something new. Any recommendations. My main need is HT but 25% 5 channel music as well.
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post #678 of 1437
3/16/12 at 10:44am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Djoel View Post

Man I'm getting Larger center envy , Mario the HTC center doesn't look dangerously huge in your set up, what size is you Telly?

Man you just echo exactly what other people have been saying about the center. Great to hear you're enjoying it..

Djoel

the TV is a 60 inch Pioneer 141-FD. The center is tall enough where the bottom black bezel is covered completely but doesn't extend to the actual screen. If you notice the big spot on the bottom of the stand, I originally planned to put it there. I assumed it would be too large to fit on top shelf but after putting it there it was fine. I think Dave was right that stand he was using made it look huge.
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post #679 of 1437
3/16/12 at 10:48am
Thread Starter 
Mario,
In regards to the sub, try a Rythmik. I also came from a SVS Ultra and the bass on the SVS is very "sloppy" in comparison. The Rythmiks dig deeper and are much more articulate in terms of music representation. I was worried initially that I would lose output, not the case (i have the D-15SE).

Quote:
Originally Posted by mariob33 View Post

Incredible!! I am playing some Alicia Keys right now with only the STC and towers and my opinion is that the BASS of the STC is what's the word I am looking for ah "bigger" and more "accurate" than expected. I actually prefer its low reproduction versus the towers. Which to me are a little more relaxed. Nice and deep with enough thump to cause me to keep walking over to make sure that my sub is really off.

One thing that im struggling with now is that the combination of the towers and STC is bringing out everything that's wrong with my subwoofer. My room is troublesome at best (25x16 with 16' cathedral ceiling) but with my old setup the SVS PB1-ISD seemed to be fine. I know find myself needing something that hits a little lower and more accurate. I am going to try treatments but I may need to either move the Ultra 13 into this area or look for something new. Any recommendations. My main need is HT but 25% 5 channel music as well.
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post #680 of 1437
3/16/12 at 10:54am
It would be nice if Dave booked an exhibit room at the upcoming T.H.E. Show in Newport Beach this June. His warehouse isn't that far from me (like about 60 miles) but I can't get over there during the weekdays.
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post #681 of 1437
3/16/12 at 11:05am
Quote:
Originally Posted by merrymaid520 View Post

Mario,
In regards to the sub, try a Rythmik. I also came from a SVS Ultra and the bass on the SVS is very "sloppy" in comparison. The Rythmiks dig deeper and are much more articulate in terms of music representation. I was worried initially that I would lose output, not the case (i have the D-15SE).

I might need to give Dave a call.
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post #682 of 1437
3/16/12 at 11:42am
Quote:
Originally Posted by mariob33 View Post

the TV is a 60 inch Pioneer 141-FD. The center is tall enough where the bottom black bezel is covered completely but doesn't extend to the actual screen. If you notice the big spot on the bottom of the stand, I originally planned to put it there. I assumed it would be too large to fit on top shelf but after putting it there it was fine. I think Dave was right that stand he was using made it look huge.

Yeah after a second look, and not being captivated by the STC, I made out the make and the size of the PDP..
I have a 64" now, I'll just continue with the slimmer center, and if I feel it doesn't fit well (sound wise) I'll look into the beast.

I have a B&W HTMS3 I think it's over 12. inches talk with the tweeter on top! I think the STC is 14" tall?


Djoel
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post #683 of 1437
3/16/12 at 12:02pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Djoel View Post


Yeah after a second look, and not being captivated by the STC, I made out the make and the size of the PDP..
I have a 64" now, I'll just continue with the slimmer center, and if I feel it doesn't fit well (sound wise) I'll look into the beast.

I have a B&W HTMS3 I think it's over 12. inches talk with the tweeter on top! I think the STC is 14" tall?

Djoel

It's actually slightly over 11.
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post #684 of 1437
3/16/12 at 12:10pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Djoel View Post

Yeah after a second look, and not being captivated by the STC, I made out the make and the size of the PDP..
I have a 64" now, I'll just continue with the slimmer center, and if I feel it doesn't fit well (sound wise) I'll look into the beast.

I have a B&W HTMS3 I think it's over 12. inches talk with the tweeter on top! I think the STC is 14" tall?


Djoel

The Horizon is only 11" tall, 23" wide, and 13" deep (with grille on).
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post #685 of 1437
3/16/12 at 1:44pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by mariob33 View Post

It's actually slightly over 11.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Pet Motel View Post

The Horizon is only 11" tall, 23" wide, and 13" deep (with grille on).

Thanks guys, man pictures over the internet can look deceptively, deceiving.
Passed center which I've had have put me in a bind, sounds like I have enough clearance.

Djoel
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post #686 of 1437
3/16/12 at 1:55pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by merrymaid520 View Post

Mario,
Nice pics! I am glad you are enjoying the new RAAL Center. From the sounds of it, the vocals and dynamics really stand out. I really hope mine ships soon

Your cabinet is due here late next week. We were short on ribbon tweeter cutout cabinets so our cabinet maker is handling this for us. I promise you will have it soon

Quote:
Originally Posted by mariob33 View Post

The vocals are on another level. A perfect demo item to use for these in a HT setting is transformers revenge of the fallen. You can so clearly hear the voices it's amazing. My wife even made a comment around how she never realized how baritone a voice Optimus had. In my setup with the deftech's prior the voices would get a little overshadowed by the action sounds not so with the STC. It's just amazing clarity

I am so enamored with what I am hearing and feeling with this speaker that a tri-configuration LCR of STC's maybe in my future for my main HT. This really is more than just a center channel.

Quote:
Originally Posted by mariob33 View Post

Incredible!! I am playing some Alicia Keys right now with only the STC and towers and my opinion is that the BASS of the STC is what's the word I am looking for ah "bigger" and more "accurate" than expected. I actually prefer its low reproduction versus the towers. Which to me are a little more relaxed. Nice and deep with enough thump to cause me to keep walking over to make sure that my sub is really off.

One thing that im struggling with now is that the combination of the towers and STC is bringing out everything that's wrong with my subwoofer. My room is troublesome at best (25x16 with 16' cathedral ceiling) but with my old setup the SVS PB1-ISD seemed to be fine. I now find myself needing something that hits a little lower and more accurate. I am going to try treatments but I may need to either move the Ultra 13 into this area or look for something new. Any recommendations. My main need is HT but 25% 5 channel music as well.

Your reaction to the Horizon perfectly echoes my initial reaction Vocals and dynamics are simply astounding. I am bummed though because there is no way I can fit one in the system in my home so I have now been watching movies at the office
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post #687 of 1437
3/16/12 at 2:00pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by monkuboy View Post

It would be nice if Dave booked an exhibit room at the upcoming T.H.E. Show in Newport Beach this June. His warehouse isn't that far from me (like about 60 miles) but I can't get over there during the weekdays.

Maybe next year but considering my kids' little league, jiu jitsu, dance and homework ---weekends are my very much needed days off

That said, we would be happy to accommodate a demo for you on a weekend. Just let us know...
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post #688 of 1437
3/16/12 at 2:02pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by monkuboy View Post

It would be nice if Dave booked an exhibit room at the upcoming T.H.E. Show in Newport Beach this June. His warehouse isn't that far from me (like about 60 miles) but I can't get over there during the weekdays.

Dave has had GTG's in the showroom on weekends before. We just need to schedule, and have a decent group.
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post #689 of 1437
3/16/12 at 2:09pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by cschang View Post

Dave has had GTG's in the showroom on weekends before. We just need to schedule, and have a decent group.

I much prefer inviting people here as opposed to shows... So much stress at shows, no one can ever really sit back, relax and simply enjoy (myself included)

Again, we are always happy to have people here. Great new Vietnamese restaurant just opened up nearby too
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post #690 of 1437
3/16/12 at 3:12pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ascend View Post

I much prefer inviting people here as opposed to shows... So much stress at shows, no one can ever really sit back, relax and simply enjoy (myself included)

Again, we are always happy to have people here. Great new Vietnamese restaurant just opened up nearby too

Well actually I'd be sort of afraid to come to the showroom because then I might actually be outside a little while later trying to figure out how to fit those boxes in my car and how Mrs. Monku would be giving me that questioning stare down when I got home.

I agree, those shows are really not a good place to really evaluate anything critically. If there is any sort of weekend GTG coming up I know it would be worth the drive for me to head down to San Clemente.
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