**Official Ascend Acoustics Tower Thread** - Page 4

Originally Posted by avsnoob10

Thanks "Grandarf".

Someone who already auditioned new towers and Paradigm Studio 60s can compare them? I know Studio 60s are 2 1/2-way vs new Sierra towers, a true 3-way design.

Originally Posted by Grandarf

np, "avsnoob10"

I haven't heard the Sierra towers, but years ago, in the days of old, when the 340SEs were the top Ascend dogs, I think they compared favorably to the Studios of then (clicky!). The original Sierras were said to fare quite well vs the more expensive Signatures 2 (http://forum.ascendacoustics.com/showthread.php?t=3136), so everything said, with the new NrT upgrade and the new dedicated mids of the Sierra towers, I'd be very surprised if the Ascend towers didn't fare well against the Paradigm Signature line, let alone compare very favorably to the Studio line...

By all accounts, the NrT towers are a step above the bookshelves, adds a new layer of detail/transparency/realism/imaging/etc because of that mid... Not to mention probably superior bass from the twin woofers, really, can't go wrong Ascend imho... All of their products were always top notch, offered great bang for the buck, these towers should be no different...

I'd be curious to see the shipping to Canada though... But don't think I'll be getting a pair, the Sierras NrT upgrade should satisfy my upgradetitis for a while, and I already have way too many speakers! But if I was looking for a pair, these would probably be it, if as reported they're anything like the 340SE and Sierras, which I Both own and was impressed by! Still, upgrade cost would probably offset the sound quality improvement. Which is a bit my issue with Sierras NrTs: 300$ wasn't a lot of money for an upgrade, (plus will probably salvage old tweeter/crossover in a DIY projet), but spending 2500 for towers (ship, taxes,brokerage, etc.) for an upgrade, is quite a bit more expensive... But if I had no speakers, or crap speakers, then I'd most definitely go for it. Or maybe if they were in a bigger room or something...

But yeah, heard way too many speakers (going audio shows and stuff), super expensive towers can definitely 'do more' than the Sierra bookshelves, but they cost a lot more too... I don't doubt that the Ascend Sierra NrT towers are a relatively cheap way to get there, as were 340SEs & Sierras to their relative speaker comparisons... Getting a significant upgrade from NrT Sierras would probably cost a bundle...

Originally Posted by merrymaid520

Hey Patrick,
We definitely have compared our share of different makes and models. I look forward to comparing the ascend towers against the sigs as well as the ST RT's if nuance will transport them again. Maybe I can bring my towers to your place Patrick so we can compare tower to tower! It will be quite the shootout!

Originally Posted by avsnoob10

Thanks "Grandarf".

Someone who already auditioned new towers and Paradigm Studio 60s can compare them? I know Studio 60s are 2 1/2-way vs new Sierra towers, a true 3-way design.

Originally Posted by cschang

Not realistic? I what terms?

Originally Posted by mziegler

I read that thread about a week ago. Move two of those subs into my room and plaster starts cracking and falling. Must be kind of frustrating for you when it comes to explosions, but I'm sure your system is incredible.

Since your comments have always been quite judicious I look forward to hearing your impressions of the the tower. Have you heard the Nrt yet? Impressions?

Originally Posted by merrymaid520


Curtis,

I have to agree with Patrick in regard to specifically comparing the sierras to the Sig 2's (not the studios). The Sigs had that extra top end detail and smoothness without any harsh sounds or sibilance. The Be tweeter was definitely a noticeable step up in all ways, the mids were a little better as well, and the bass was pretty close. As for the sierras and studio line, IMHO, the studios were a bit harsh to me on some material, although a bit more detail crept through while listening at times. The sierras were smoother(more neutral) all around with a better midrange again in my opinion. I also think the bass was better with the sierras too. Its almost like the sierras fit right in between the two Paradigm lines (of course not factoring in the Nrt upgrade which is TBD).

Originally Posted by merrymaid520

It shall give us all something to do this winter

November 12, 2007

I read your review of the Ascend Sierra-1 speakers in the October edition of SoundStage! A/V with great interest. I had auditioned the Paradigm Signature S2 speaker that you currently own and referred to in your article. I was very impressed with its performance; it was clearly my favorite from among the speakers I considered. The $2000 price tag was a bit beyond the reaches of my budget, but because of its outstanding performance, I was thinking it might be worth the stretch.

It sounds from your review like these Ascends are also quite impressive at a substantially lower price. Q: What, if anything, do you sacrifice with the Sierra vs. the performance of the Paradigm? If it's not all that much, it may be nice to make the stretch toward the less-expensive alternative. Any information would be appreciated.

I really appreciate the quality and clarity of your writing -- free of jargon and techno-speak. It's a pleasure to read.

James Winarski

A: I’m glad you enjoy the reviews. First, though, I must say that my remarks are confined to the original Paradigm Signature S2, not the new v.2 model, which I don’t have experience with -- at least yet.

In terms of value, the Sierra-1 comes out ahead. It does a lot of things that the S2 does, but at a fraction of the price. For example, they’re both very refined-sounding speakers and quite neutral from head to toe. Bass extension is comparable, although I’d say that the S2 comes out a little ahead in that regard. Resolution through the Sierra-1 is extraordinary, and easily the equal of the S2. Therefore, if you want most of what something like the S2 gives you, the Sierra-1 accomplished all that at less than half the price.

Still, it’s not the S2. The S2 looks nicer and seems built to a higher standard. As I mentioned, the S2 also seems to go a little deeper in the bass, but what I didn’t mention yet is that the S2 can also play considerably louder -- you can really hammer at them with quite a bit of power and they stay clean.

So, in a nutshell, if cost is a strong consideration, definitely look at the Sierra-1. It gets you most of the way there, which seems to be Ascend’s mandate when creating new speakers. If cost is no consideration -- and it isn’t for some – the Signature S2 is still a very good choice.

...Doug Schneider

Originally Posted by merrymaid520

Dave is inspecting the cabinets next week before finishing, once they are painted, its easy going from there. I would guess 2 weeks give or take?

Originally Posted by cschang

Thanks Patrick and Brandon....I was just wondering what "not realistic" meant.

BTW...the reviewer also posted an answer to a question about the Sierra's vs the Sigs (ver. 1) in letters to the editor page.

http://www.soundstageav.com/audiovideoanswers.html

Originally Posted by merrymaid520

Good point he made about the power handling and loudness comparo, which is always of top importance to me, not everyone, as we pushed the limits pretty hard with my 500w Ice power amp, and both the ST's and Sierra's gave up the farm much earlier then the Paradigms....