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billy p
06-17-2011, 11:12 AM
here are some pic's of my New Sierra's...haven't hooked em up yet...as I'm still admiring them...my only complaint so far pertains to the white gloves being a little tight...:D

http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k146/parsal106/th_IMG_0508.jpg (http://s87.photobucket.com/albums/k146/parsal106/?action=view&current=IMG_0508.jpg)
http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k146/parsal106/th_IMG_0509.jpg (http://s87.photobucket.com/albums/k146/parsal106/?action=view&current=IMG_0509.jpg)
http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k146/parsal106/th_IMG_0513.jpg (http://s87.photobucket.com/albums/k146/parsal106/?action=view&current=IMG_0513.jpg)
http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k146/parsal106/th_IMG_0527.jpg (http://s87.photobucket.com/albums/k146/parsal106/?action=view&current=IMG_0527.jpg)http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k146/parsal106/th_IMG_0515.jpg (http://s87.photobucket.com/albums/k146/parsal106/?action=view&current=IMG_0515.jpg)
http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k146/parsal106/th_IMG_0516.jpg (http://s87.photobucket.com/albums/k146/parsal106/?action=view&current=IMG_0516.jpg)


I'll be hooking them up shortly.. I have to calm down a bit before I do...:)

PS: I've ordered some stands so this will be their temporary home until they arrive.

Regards, Bill....:)

Okay...just a bump here... I've hooked them up and listening to some of my favorite tunes...I'm sold...:)

markie
06-18-2011, 06:21 AM
Oooh, very nice! Thanks for the pics. What receiver is that you are using?

Look forward to your review!

billy p
06-18-2011, 07:16 AM
Oooh, very nice! Thanks for the pics. What receiver is that you are using?

Look forward to your review!

It's a Yamaha htr 6190. There is not much more I can say that hasn't already been said! Last night, I listened to some Eagles music from their (Farewell tour 1 dvd) via Pcm with only the Sierra's. One song in particular really caught my attention (One of these nights) I was able to hear all the detail and separation to the extent that it sounded surreal. Having recently seen them live (last summer) it felt that way again last night.:cool:

davef
06-21-2011, 05:58 PM
here are some pic's of my New Sierra's...haven't hooked em up yet...as I'm still admiring them...my only complaint so far pertains to the white gloves being a little tight...:D

http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k146/parsal106/th_IMG_0508.jpg (http://s87.photobucket.com/albums/k146/parsal106/?action=view&current=IMG_0508.jpg)
http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k146/parsal106/th_IMG_0509.jpg (http://s87.photobucket.com/albums/k146/parsal106/?action=view&current=IMG_0509.jpg)
http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k146/parsal106/th_IMG_0513.jpg (http://s87.photobucket.com/albums/k146/parsal106/?action=view&current=IMG_0513.jpg)
http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k146/parsal106/th_IMG_0527.jpg (http://s87.photobucket.com/albums/k146/parsal106/?action=view&current=IMG_0527.jpg)http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k146/parsal106/th_IMG_0515.jpg (http://s87.photobucket.com/albums/k146/parsal106/?action=view&current=IMG_0515.jpg)
http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k146/parsal106/th_IMG_0516.jpg (http://s87.photobucket.com/albums/k146/parsal106/?action=view&current=IMG_0516.jpg)


I'll be hooking them up shortly.. I have to calm down a bit before I do...:)

PS: I've ordered some stands so this will be their temporary home until they arrive.

Regards, Bill....:)

Okay...just a bump here... I've hooked them up and listening to some of my favorite tunes...I'm sold...:)

Looks great so far and welcome to the forum!!!

billy p
02-03-2012, 06:08 PM
Received an unexpected surpise today...I wasn't expecting them until Monday...:o. I've set them up in a zone 2 configuration for music...at some point I'll replace my inwalls with the Sierras across the front but for now this will have to do. Although not an exact match ...they closely match my funkywaves(also stained in espresso) acoustic elegance av12x custom sub.


554 555

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Just wanna say thanks again to Dave and Dina for putting up with me over the past few weeks...looks like Ascend has gained another loyal and happy returning customer.:D

Regards, Bill...:)

Dark Ranger
02-03-2012, 07:19 PM
:eek: Now that is some quality packing material! You could ship those puppies to Cape Town and back without sustaining damage. Yet another statement of Ascend's commitment to quality.

However, it is of great disappointment to me that Sir Bill posted without mentioning anything about how they sound! :D

You are going to have an awesome weekend. Thanks for sharing!

billy p
02-05-2012, 10:21 AM
:eek: Now that is some quality packing material! You could ship those puppies to Cape Town and back without sustaining damage. Yet another statement of Ascend's commitment to quality.

However, it is of great disappointment to me that Sir Bill posted without mentioning anything about how they sound! :D

You are going to have an awesome weekend. Thanks for sharing!

Sorry about that...I posted some my thoughts at Audioholics moments ago...

I'd like share them here too...:)

This weekend has been kind of whacky…with a lot of things going on which don’t even include our Super Bowl party preparations. I’ve only resided to low volume background music sessions so far and I hope to spend some more time at some point in the upcoming weeks. I've being tinkering with placement as I am currently limited but the obvious strength of the Towers vs. the Sierra 1 is the dedicated mid range even at lower volumes…to me… the vocals sound more defined or lifelike with the Towers seemingly blending perfectly with the rest of the speaker (this is not a knock against the Sierra 1’s) they just lacked that resolution or detail in that one area…IMO. Another thing I quickly noticed was how much more dynamic and with less effort the Towers fill my living room ~2700 cu/ft vs. the smaller speaker. Maybe the position of having the tweeter placement ~2” higher on the Tower vs. using the 1’s on stands had a better feel or presence/airyness about them…likely placebo…but not IMO. Lastly...the Sierra 1's had pretty well controlled & accurate bass and the Towers have the advantage there...not much left to say:D

I know these speaker will do me for a long time to come...I just can't image how much better the RAAL is.....:eek:

No, regrets though...Regards, Bill :)

BTW...Go Giants....:D

Woohoo Giants 21-17...:cool:

Dark Ranger
02-06-2012, 10:55 AM
Hi Bill,

I couldn't resist teasing you a bit. I've enjoyed reading all the feedback on the towers from Ascend customers. I cannot fit the towers in my room, so I'm out of luck for now. Good thing I have a Sierra-1 pair to keep me satisfied. :D

The specs indicate the towers are more sensitive than the bookshelf version, so it's not too surprising to hear they fill the room well. Positioning also strongly influences overall presentation. I'll bet that dedicated midrange really helps flesh out the details. Throw in two "miracle woofers," a NrT, and a drool-inducing array of finish options, and you've got perfection. :cool:

Again, thanks for sharing. I know you'll get many years of enjoyment from those amazing towers.

billy p
04-16-2012, 02:19 PM
Here is my final chapter with respect to my Ascend purchases...that is until Dave decides on designing something even bigger or better....:D.

Being listening to some various music using surround formats and all I can say is the STC is like advertised...Wow...:D.

As you can see in my pics...I'll need to move my display up a few inches but for now it's gonna have to do until I order a new credenza and repair the soon to be holes in my walls from my other speakers...:)

570

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curtis
04-16-2012, 02:33 PM
Nice!!

darkpoet25
04-16-2012, 05:33 PM
:eek: That thing is a freakin' beast.

Dark Ranger
04-16-2012, 05:51 PM
Here is my final chapter with respect to my Ascend purchases...that is until Dave decides on designing something even bigger or better....:D.

WHAT??! Say it ain't so! :D

Thanks for the pics. I think you made the right decision regarding the tweeter. :)

Just don't ever turn your back on the STC...I hear it eats other speakers for breakfast!

billy p
04-17-2012, 01:12 PM
Okay... my wife finally saw the new ginormous centre channel (she was working last evening) that she actually cursed this morning...but in a good kind of way...:D

Oh well...it will eventually grow on her, just like my sub did....:)

Sure looks big compared to my Yammy rxv1800...:cool:

curtis
04-17-2012, 01:23 PM
If we stop seeing posts by you, should we question your wife and call the authorities? :)

billy p
04-17-2012, 01:30 PM
If we stop seeing posts by you, should we question your wife and call the authorities? :)

Nah...:D...She is very understanding but really could careless about this crazy hobby of ours...:)

curtis
04-17-2012, 02:30 PM
Nah...:D...She is very understanding but really could careless about this crazy hobby of ours...:)
Oh...if that is the case, don't you want some Towers for surrounds? :)

billy p
02-20-2013, 04:34 PM
Hey Gents....I just placed an order for some custom painted htm200se in espresso. Having seen some recently posted pictures of custom painted designs peaked my interest. My hope here is they'll closely resemble my other speakers...I know the finished mdf will not look exactly the same as the bamboo but so long as its close... I'll be happy. I've also had discussions with Dave about going with the RAAL for my STC when they come available.

Dark Ranger
02-20-2013, 08:46 PM
Sah-weet!! :D

Custom-painted espresso HTM-200 SE? You just made me drool all over my keyboard. Under normal circumstances, I'd make you buy me a new keyboard, but I'll accept pics of your new speakers as fair compensation.

billy p
02-20-2013, 09:23 PM
Thanks Jacob....well I'd blame Veda...because when I saw those blue cbm170's posted not long ago....those little tiny gears in my noggin starting moving. I'm excited to see them as well and I'll post pics once they arrive...:cool:

billy p
04-25-2013, 02:43 PM
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Just listening to some City and Colour at the moment...Dallas Green has a wonderful voice....with the RAAL it sounds very smooth...I'll do some critical listening over the next several days and offer my 2 cents.

Btw what you guys think about my 200se in espresso.

curtis
04-25-2013, 02:57 PM
Btw what you guys think about my 200se in espresso.
They look like they match very nicely!

Interested in your thoughts of the Horizon and how everything works together.

darkpoet25
04-25-2013, 04:02 PM
Wow, those HTM-200's look amazing in Espresso. How long did it take for them to arrive?

billy p
04-25-2013, 08:23 PM
Wow, those HTM-200's look amazing in Espresso. How long did it take for them to arrive?

I had to wait for the current run of Sierra cabinets to be stained at the vendors...all told... ~4 weeks...another week with UPS Canada...Now I have to figure out a method for mounting the 200's...my current brackets won't work and I must find some time to rerun ARC as we've also replaced some of our furniture.

JustABrah
04-25-2013, 09:36 PM
Are you noticing a big difference with the raal from the NrT? I'm jelly of your 200s, they look great, your setup looks great! are you going to send your towers to cali for some upgrade surgery?

How you liking the 200s as rears?

Dark Ranger
04-26-2013, 09:54 AM
Hi billy p,

Those Espresso 200s look fantastic! I know they appear much better in person. I've got four of those in my HT (regular finish) and they are quite remarkable. Enjoy them and the new RAAL Horizon. Curious what you think of the new tweeter. :)

billy p
04-27-2013, 08:03 AM
Thus far having listened to mostly music and a couple of movies...the RAAL is able to establish itself apart from the NrT dome…with the latter being a tad more aggressive and the RAAL sounding more composed. With music the transients seem to be more fluid or graceful giving the listener a more lifelike feel…I was using the STC in a vertical alignment along with my NrT Towers. When I switched it back to its side for movies the dialogue seems to pop and sounded very coherent please understand I am going by memory here and not able to compare directly. Fwiw…both movies viewed where non action or really dynamic in nature.
So yeah…the difference between the RAAL and the NrT dome are subtle but present and really depends on what the listener wants…I think for now my current setup with the NrT Towers and RAAL centre will be a very good fit for a long time to come.

I still need to REQ my setup I'll see if anythings changes...my 200s are not even connected...I am still trying to figure out the best possible way to do so. Once I've completed ARC with everything running to its full potential and watch some real action flicks I'll post some thoughts...:)

JustABrah
04-27-2013, 09:08 PM
Do you find arc makes a lot of a difference?

billy p
11-05-2013, 09:02 AM
After doing some research on what sub I'll be moving to next & carefully taking into consideration other manufacturer like Rythmik, Funk, PSA & the SubM….I decided to go with a dual opposed desgin. The simple fact in coming to this decision was Dual opposed technology are often more efficient, conform to smaller enclosures designs (which was 1 of 2 determining factor in my case) because they only need to be as larger as single driver unit. Having the added driver helps to absorbs any vibration with any residual air build up found inside the box allowing it to escape via their respective cones. These sound wave cancellations help smooth out the in-room response giving the sub a overall tighter and cleaner sound.

I know, I wanted to go this route from a prior GTG having heard another members duals x2. Another reason for changing my sub was I wanted something that would closely match my Ascend LRC. Both…Seaton & Funk have these options but would stretch my budget to its upper limits. And, Rythmik…well they don’t have the finish options I wanted….I know Salk builds custom subs using the Rythmik drivers but going with Salk would be sacrilegious…being an Ascend owner…IMO….So….I decided on the PSA XS30. When I order it (months end) and all goes well…I could add a second unit down the road with 2 xs30s likely rivaling a single SubM for about the same cost.


Anyhow....here is a pic of the samples PSA sent me the Cordovan Cherry is the left sample, middle is the PSA espresso and American cherry is to the right. The cordovan cherry was the 2nd determining factor!


http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k146/parsal106/900x900px-LL-cb752983_IMG_06011_zps179e0bb7.jpg (http://s87.photobucket.com/user/parsal106/media/900x900px-LL-cb752983_IMG_06011_zps179e0bb7.jpg.html)

curtis
11-05-2013, 11:49 AM
Very interesting choice...and I look forward to your impressions.

Dark Ranger
11-05-2013, 10:35 PM
Same here, let us know what you think! I've read good things about PSA subwoofers, so I don't think you'll be too disappointed from a performance standpoint. The matching finish is definitely an incentive. :)

billy p
11-05-2013, 11:13 PM
Thanks gents....I know, when I first heard about Ascend....I was very intrigued with their products, especially when the Sierra 1 was released....but I took a 4yrs pass until I decided to try them out. Lets just say...I shouldn't have waited so long...lol. It sounds like PSA are striving to do things right from the outset...I know they had some issues early but have since righted the ship...I do know...I'm not going ported this time around and outside of the Traix...the XS30 is my only choice & my next priority.

Fwiw...My last sub was built by Nathan Funk at funywaves...at the time little ws known about him or his designs but I trusted my instincts and dealt with him....with NO regrets....same things with Ascend... so now...off to PSA...I go.

Fingers crossed...Bill...:)

billy p
12-09-2013, 07:35 PM
Okay...the Svs PB13U is here...I ran a quick set-up with my avr and I'll try to get familiarized over the next several days, I'll likely EQ some this weekend time permitting. Just off the bat the most noticeable thing with the 13U driver is it hardly even moves...I noticed awhile back with the pb13u and again tonight with the sb13...it's beastly...lol.

Just waiting upon my XS30... it should be shipping out by Wednesday at the latest...this is gonna be a lot of work with the holidays coming up and family plans but I'll have the Svs for the next several months. Anyhow...I'll need to download the manual to figure out all the DSP setting & controls...the member whom loaned me the sub forgot to pack em'....lol.

Cheers, gents


987988989990

JustABrah
12-09-2013, 08:05 PM
I almost bought this sub today! Its was that or the Sierra-2 LCR upgrade kit and I went with the S2 upgrade and a sub in the new year, love the look of this sub and fiberglass woofers are very easy on the eyes. Have fun with the subs! Looking forward to this.

billy p
12-09-2013, 08:28 PM
I almost bought this sub today! Its was that or the Sierra-2 LCR upgrade kit and I went with the S2 upgrade and a sub in the new year, love the look of this sub and fiberglass woofers are very easy on the eyes. Have fun with the subs! Looking forward to this.

Yup that would be a worthwhile upgrade as well...likely cheaper too!:)

Congrats...I can't wait for those pics and measurements tomorrow...:cool:

billy p
12-11-2013, 01:47 PM
Just a quick synopsis on the SB13u.

It's one impressive sub. Just playing some of my music playlists through my apple tv so far. The sub has worked flawlessly....very articulate, in such a way...it can carry its own tune. Kick drum is especially tight and powerful...comes to a stop with no drag, whatsoever. One of my favorite songs I like to demo...comes from APC and the song is called "The Noose"....the song itself is layered but gets louder and louder with some excellent punchy bass peaks that kick in around the midway point and sb13u handles them with ease and precision. Right now I am still listening to it without REQ just to busy around here to set up a mic...but I plan to REQ this weekend...if I have the house to myself for any length of time.

Anyways...I'll add some more once I have both subs at my disposal...for now...back to our regularly scheduled programming on waiting for any news on the Sierra 2's.:D

Cheers, Bill

JustABrah
12-17-2013, 05:28 PM
So how's the sb13 treating you? How's it doing with movies?

billy p
12-17-2013, 06:11 PM
So how's the sb13 treating you? How's it doing with movies?

Very impressed...I ran ARC over the weekend...its pretty flat down to 20hz with room gain. After EQ we watched OHF on Netflix that afternoon and later that evening we watched Man Of Steel on BRD. Both movies where a lot of fun and the sb13 dug deep & loud...notwithstanding its size...I'm not sure were some would grade those 2 flicks but both had a ton of LFE. Anyhow...the XS30 should arrive tomorrow ~ noon-5pm. Things are getting close to Xmas now but I'll continue to take some notes and do a brief summary.

Good luck with your Sierra 2upgrade procedure...I was just kidding about the 100 bucks...:D

Re, Bill...:)

Here are the graphs...orange calculation chart below was taken with my FA av12x for comparison. Same sub location...the FA was a much larger ported design.

http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k146/parsal106/ARCSB13uwCC_zps76f7c219.png (http://s87.photobucket.com/user/parsal106/media/ARCSB13uwCC_zps76f7c219.png.html)

http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k146/parsal106/th_av12x_zps1dbc712d.png (http://s87.photobucket.com/user/parsal106/media/av12x_zps1dbc712d.png.html)

JustABrah
12-20-2013, 08:01 PM
So now you have over $3000 just in subs in your room :eek:

Is one or the other jumping out as the better sub? I have both of these on my short list, SV13 Ultra I can take advantage of their one year trade up, but that XS30 seems like the sub I'm looking for, lots of chest punching and room shaking.

How big is your room? Any luck with EQing them together?

billy p
12-20-2013, 09:42 PM
So now you have over $3000 just in subs in your room :eek:

Is one or the other jumping out as the better sub? I have both of these on my short list, SV13 Ultra I can take advantage of their one year trade up, but that XS30 seems like the sub I'm looking for, lots of chest punching and room shaking.

How big is your room? Any luck with EQing them together?Yup the XS 30 has a significant advantage between 20-100hz..when I listen to each individual sub...I notice the difference but when both are playing not as much!

I will say this when I listen more keenly in trying to hear their differences, the sb13 seems more defined or controlled and accentuates each note when playing the same source...the PSA on the other hand is not quite as detailed but it certainly plays with more oomph or impact and plays louder.

My guess here is because the power x driver in the XS30 is much more sensitive therefore needing less power to reach its full potential. I have tried to level match both subs to within 1-2dbs of each other to compensate with my RSM. By upping the gain control on the Svs it helps play closer to the xs30 levels and allows it to pressurize the room with less effort.

I'll try and watch some movies...I have on tap....but with certain music...the Svs definitely sound better because of its ability to define and play each note but some songs like "Sail" from AWOLNATION I like the xs30 ability to pound into my chest with authority. One of the reasons, I bought it...:D.


Oh..btw...room is ~2700^ft or 20x15 with 9' ceilings...main floor is more than...double that. With both subs level matched closely...I'll use ARC to measure both...since it can only measure for 1 sub.

JustABrah
12-20-2013, 10:55 PM
So do you feel the SVS lacks that punch and room shaking for movies? Thanks for the feed back, It's really helpful.

billy p
12-21-2013, 08:13 AM
So do you feel the SVS lacks that punch and room shaking for movies? Thanks for the feed back, It's really helpful.The Svs...is only about a 17" cube the PSA is much larger and the cabinet volume alone will make all the difference. So, I wouldn't say it lacks any punch but rather its limited because of its size. One thing for sure, you'll likely not see or buy a better built sub in its price range... outside of maybe the Rythmik F15.

I have them stacked in the same location as my last sub....but lifting that sucker & trying to gently place it on top of my sub, was no easy feat...I'll tell ya! The ultra driver is massive and most of the weigh is centered there...much like the AE driver in my last sub. The PSA is bigger, heavier but the weight seems more balanced and easier to move imho...:p.


added pic










1012

billy p
08-23-2020, 10:16 AM
My new in-walls are MA CP WT260s... they've replaced my 200se( espresso for sale btw).
The 260s have boundary adjustment, HPF options, pivoting tweeter and are sealed units.

Once our Reno is complete...I'll post some thoughts on switching to in-walls and how this change effected the overall perceived tonal balance or not. I know most of you will be skeptical....but in the end the switch gives me a path to future Atmos and the clean look I was trying to achieve.



1976

1977

1978

curtis
08-23-2020, 11:04 AM
My new in-walls are MA CP WT260s... they've replaced my 200se( espresso for sale btw).
The 260s have boundary adjustment, HPF options, pivoting tweeter and are sealed units.

Once our Reno is complete...I'll post some thoughts on switching to in-walls and how this change effected the overall perceived tonal balance or not. I know most of you will be skeptical....but in the end the switch gives me a path to future Atmos and the clean look I was trying to achieve.


Looking forward to your impressions.

Mag_Neato
08-24-2020, 04:24 AM
My new in-walls are MA CP WT260s... they've replaced my 200se( espresso for sale btw).
The 260s have boundary adjustment, HPF options, pivoting tweeter and are sealed units.

Once our Reno is complete...I'll post some thoughts on switching to in-walls and how this change effected the overall perceived tonal balance or not. I know most of you will be skeptical....but in the end the switch gives me a path to future Atmos and the clean look I was trying to achieve.



1976

1977

1978

No skepticism here, I have in-walls for my 5.2.2 Atmos HT and they sound great! I am,however, using dual Rythmik LV12F's and they sound great, especially for their price.

billy p
08-24-2020, 05:14 AM
No skepticism here, I have in-walls for my 5.2.2 Atmos HT and they sound great! I am,however, using dual Rythmik LV12F's and they sound great, especially for their price.


Thanks... I first did inwalls about 10yrs ago... eventually lead me switch completely to Ascend.

Today newer architectural designs...are much better thought out with directional baffles, pivoting tweets and phase compensation for wall placement so the sound radiates into the seating area vs. directly into a void in the room itself.

Reflecting back I was more about the overall sound hence my switch towards
traditional designed speakers....as I've aged I am more about aesthetics within my home but won't go so far to switch out my mains....that's for certain.

Mag_Neato
08-24-2020, 05:44 AM
Thanks... I first did inwalls about 10yrs ago... eventually lead me switch completely to Ascend.

Today newer architectural designs...are much better thought out with directional baffles, pivoting tweets and phase compensation for wall placement so the sound radiates into the seating area vs. directly into a void in the room itself.

Reflecting back I was more about the overall sound hence my switch towards
traditional designed speakers....as I've aged I am more about aesthetics within my home but won't go so far to switch out my mains....that's for certain.

Yes, aesthetics was a key consideration, especially with building a new house. That said, I do my serious music listening in my dedicated 2.1 channel room above the garage, where my Sierra-2EX's & sealed Rythmik sub are hooked up to a separates system. I have complete freedom to set things up how I want in there.