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New: Sierra-2EX V2!!!
We are most pleased to announce the new V2 version of our Sierra-2EX!
Taking full advantage of the most advanced loudspeaker R&D available today, we have developed a new crossover topology to best integrate the RAAL true ribbon tweeter with our EX woofer.
From an objective standpoint, measurements are greatly improved, most specifically in overall directivity and estimated in-room response. In fact, the directivity measurement of the V2 is flat-out remarkable and horizontal dispersion, as indicated in the beamwidth measurement, is class-leading.
From a listening standpoint, the Sierra-2EX V2 sounds more spacious, with slightly warmer and more detailed mids and there is about ½ dB more midbass energy.
While this new crossover is more expensive, we are holding firm on pricing with Sierra-2EX V2 retailing for the same as the original Sierra-2EX at least through this year.
A full suite of Klippel NFS measurements for Sierra-2EX V2 are now published on our main website and customers can now order actual NFS measurements like we offer for the LX.
Please contact us if you would like to upgrade your Sierra-2EX to Sierra-2EX V2.
We continue to be fully committed to providing our customers with the best performing products utilizing the latest and most advanced technologies available today.
Enjoy!!!
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Re: New: Sierra-2EX V2!!!
Wow Dave, Thanks! What a surprise to wake up to! I have the EX and have been considering the LX kit. Now I will be considering this upgrade. Possibly another Christmas upgrade!
A comment from an earlier post comparing the EX and LX stated;
"when the ES is better, it’s 20% better and when the LX is better, it’s 80% better."
I can only imagine that this crossover upgrade may change that percentage to; when the ES is better, it’s 40% better and when the LX is better, it’s 60% better. It may depend on the user’s listening habits..HT, Jazz, Classical, Rock etc..
Very exciting!
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Re: New: Sierra-2EX V2!!!
Dave,
Great news! Although with my new amp, an Orchard Audio Starkrimson Stereo Ultra (see HERE), my 2EX has really opened up in the midrange/mid-bass regions, would be very interesting to hear what further improvements the new xover could make!!! :cool:
Ted
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Re: New: Sierra-2EX V2!!!
Nice review on the amp, Ted.
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Re: New: Sierra-2EX V2!!!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
rifmon
A comment from an earlier post comparing the EX and LX stated;
"when the ES is better, it’s 20% better and when the LX is better, it’s 80% better."
That might have been me—if it wasn't, it's certainly consistent with how I feel about the comparison.
I do think overall one of the things that makes the LX better is overall flatter FR—it doesn't have so much brightness baked in. If the new crossovers in the EX addresses this, well, that'd be something indeed.
I suspect the EX V2 still won't have the slam of the LX—there's only so much the EX woofer can do with that high crossover. Still, would be fun to check it out.
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Re: New: Sierra-2EX V2!!!
Nice statement. I think it was quoted elsewhere too.
What we need now is a person who has both the EX and LX, then to upgrade their EX to the V2 and then do a comparison review! It will be fun and interesting!
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Re: New: Sierra-2EX V2!!!
Thanks Dave - what do you think the cost of upgrading from 2EX to V2 would be? Is the update only a crossover replacement?
Are upgrades being planned to the towers?
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Re: New: Sierra-2EX V2!!!
As to the Towers, Dave had alluded earlier (I recall in the LX thread) that something was in the works and advised not to sell the Towers...
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Re: New: Sierra-2EX V2!!!
Since I've been thinking about whether to upgrade from the S2EX to the Towers, you can see where I'm on the fence waiting to see what happens next ;-)
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Re: New: Sierra-2EX V2!!!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
theophile
Dave,
Great news! Although with my new amp, an Orchard Audio Starkrimson Stereo Ultra (see
HERE), my 2EX has really opened up in the midrange/mid-bass regions, would be very interesting to hear what further improvements the new xover could make!!! :cool:
Ted
More spacious sounding, a bit warmer with more detailed mids, and a slight touch of added midbass :)
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Re: New: Sierra-2EX V2!!!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Blingleberry
Thanks Dave - what do you think the cost of upgrading from 2EX to V2 would be? Is the update only a crossover replacement?
This would be a crossover change only. We are offering the Sierra-2EX V2 crossovers for $135 each + shipping. There is almost no profit at that price so we will likely have to raise prices at the start of 2023.
I will add this to our site soon to allow for easy purchases.
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Re: New: Sierra-2EX V2!!!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
rifmon
Wow Dave, Thanks! What a surprise to wake up to! I have the EX and have been considering the LX kit. Now I will be considering this upgrade. Possibly another Christmas upgrade!
A comment from an earlier post comparing the EX and LX stated;
"when the ES is better, it’s 20% better and when the LX is better, it’s 80% better."
I can only imagine that this crossover upgrade may change that percentage to; when the ES is better, it’s 40% better and when the LX is better, it’s 60% better. It may depend on the user’s listening habits..HT, Jazz, Classical, Rock etc..
Very exciting!
It very much depends on listening habits and music genres. The S2EX V2 is the more detailed speaker and is best for acoustic music, jazz, most classical. The LX has way more "slam" and much deeper bass and with enough power, can play much louder without strain. The LX is better for rock, dynamic home theater and is the better choice for those who "listen to everything".
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Re: New: Sierra-2EX V2!!!
Sierra-2EX to Sierra-2EX V2 upgrades now available for direct purchase.
Please see here: Sierra-2EX V2
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Re: New: Sierra-2EX V2!!!
Hi Dave,
Do you have any idea when the domestic cabinet will be back in stock? I'm very interested in the Sierra-2EX V2 but would want the domestic cabinet. I currently have Sierra-2s and would assume the Sierra-2EX V2 would be a big improvement. Thanks!
Take care, Bill
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Re: New: Sierra-2EX V2!!!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Billmac58
Hi Dave,
Do you have any idea when the domestic cabinet will be back in stock? I'm very interested in the Sierra-2EX V2 but would want the domestic cabinet. I currently have Sierra-2s and would assume the Sierra-2EX V2 would be a big improvement. Thanks!
Take care, Bill
I believe Dave's domestic cabinet builder fell victim to the current economic conditions and is no longer able to build them. Those who have the domestic cabinets have a high-value commodity!
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Re: New: Sierra-2EX V2!!!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Mag_Neato
I believe Dave's domestic cabinet builder fell victim to the current economic conditions and is no longer able to build them. Those who have the domestic cabinets have a high-value commodity!
Thank you Ed for your reply! That's a bummer. I had a chance to buy a used pair of Sierra-2EXs in satin black with the domestic cabinet for $1100 awhile back. Now I'm really regretting not buying them :-(!
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Re: New: Sierra-2EX V2!!!
Unless you still need the S2's, if they are in domestic cabinets, why not upgrade them?
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Re: New: Sierra-2EX V2!!!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
davef
Sierra-2EX to Sierra-2EX V2 upgrades now available for direct purchase.
Please see here:
Sierra-2EX V2
Will Sierra 2 to Sierra 2EX V2 kits be available?
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Re: New: Sierra-2EX V2!!!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
N Boros
Will Sierra 2 to Sierra 2EX V2 kits be available?
https://ascendacoustics.com/collecti...40053180432438
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Re: New: Sierra-2EX V2!!!
I’ve had the S2 EX v2s for a few weeks now. They replaced standard S2s. They are my living room surround speakers so a direct comparison was not in the cards nor did I have the time:). I did listen to quite a bit of multi channel high res music and they sound fantastic! I also tried some all channel stereo to see how they sound full range.
Overall, very impressed! They sound fuller and more spacious (room filling ) Than the S2s! For movies, the same applies. The sound effects seem to envelope more of the room both wider and taller which is helpful.
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Re: New: Sierra-2EX V2!!!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Mag_Neato
Thanks! Glad I patiently waited.
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Re: New: Sierra-2EX V2!!!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
rifmon
What we need now is a person who has both the EX and LX, then to upgrade their EX to the V2 and then do a comparison review! It will be fun and interesting!
I did a monster review of the EX vs. the LX:
http://byrneweb.com/sunburn/blog/202...ex-comparison/
I will probably upgrade the EXs (because, really, there hasn't been a Sierra bookshelf upgrade I've missed yet, so why start now), but I don't know if I have another review like that in me for a while. It'd be next summer at the earliest.
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Re: New: Sierra-2EX V2!!!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
SunByrne
I did a monster review of the EX vs. the LX:
http://byrneweb.com/sunburn/blog/202...ex-comparison/
I will probably upgrade the EXs (because, really, there hasn't been a Sierra bookshelf upgrade I've missed yet, so why start now), but I don't know if I have another review like that in me for a while. It'd be next summer at the earliest.
It is your duty! :)
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Re: New: Sierra-2EX V2!!!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
SunByrne
I did a monster review of the EX vs. the LX:
http://byrneweb.com/sunburn/blog/202...ex-comparison/
I will probably upgrade the EXs (because, really, there hasn't been a Sierra bookshelf upgrade I've missed yet, so why start now), but I don't know if I have another review like that in me for a while. It'd be next summer at the earliest.
That was a great review. An additional review for the v2 will be greatly appreciated if, or whenever you get to it..
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Re: New: Sierra-2EX V2!!!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Billmac58
Hi Dave,
Do you have any idea when the domestic cabinet will be back in stock? I'm very interested in the Sierra-2EX V2 but would want the domestic cabinet. I currently have Sierra-2s and would assume the Sierra-2EX V2 would be a big improvement. Thanks!
Take care, Bill
Hey Bill - hope all is well!
Unfortunately, unless things take a drastic change for the better in this current economy - manufacturing speaker cabinets here in the US has now become next to impossible. This is due to several reasons.
Most importantly, costs - labor, lumber and paint costs are now 3-4 times what they were 18 months ago. We would have to charge nearly double the old prices for domestic cabinets to remain even somewhat profitable. ( no one is going to pay that )
Secondly, California environmental policies have gone a bit crazy - every paint / dye we used had to be reformulated to meet these new standards and, to be honest, the quality is simply horrible now.
Lastly, due to continuing supply chain issues and massive labor shortages, our quoted lead times went from 3-4 months to 1 year. Sadly, we can't operate with 1 year lead times - I am not sure any company could.
I do hope things change for the better, I would love to build our cabinets here again - we invested heavily in building cabinets here, it is shocking to me how in the course of about a year - everything changed. In my near 40-years in this industry, I have never experienced anything like this before.
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Re: New: Sierra-2EX V2!!!
Yeah, it seems to be the State of the Union here (cost increases, labor shortages, etc.). I think Europe is in even worse shape - almost time to buy euros (down around 10% and almost on par at 1.03 to 1) and/or British pounds (similarly, down around 30% at 1.09 to 1) as both are beaten up pretty heavily versus the dollar. Brazilian reals are even a better bargain (5.1 vs typical 2 or 2.5 to 1) - so much that we bought some land in Brazil as a currency play.
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Re: New: Sierra-2EX V2!!!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
davef
It very much depends on listening habits and music genres. The S2EX V2 is the more detailed speaker and is best for acoustic music, jazz, most classical. The LX has way more "slam" and much deeper bass and with enough power, can play much louder without strain. The LX is better for rock, dynamic home theater and is the better choice for those who "listen to everything".
I currently have S2EX up front and Luna's as surrounds and am considering either V2 or LX. I listen to everything from classical to Porcupine Tree. I can only use my Denon X4500H to power all five speakers. Would that be enough power at 10 feet away to experience the benefits of the LX? I only listen at moderate to loud volumes, nothing crazy. Whereas before it seemed almost everyone preferred the LX, does the V2 close the gap some?
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Re: New: Sierra-2EX V2!!!
Is there any benefit to using the 2EX cross over on an S2 and it's original woofer?
If I upgrade to V2, I can give the old crossovers to my brother, who I gave a pair of original S2's to.
Thx
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Re: New: Sierra-2EX V2!!!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
davef
More spacious sounding, a bit warmer with more detailed mids, and a slight touch of added midbass :)
I have a pair of Sierra 2's and I am trying to decide between an LX upgrade kit or a 2 EX V2 upgrade kit. I love the Sierra 2's, since they allow me to enjoy music and home theater at healthy volumes without producing listening fatigue. With my previous pair of speakers my ears would be ringing the rest of the day if I simply watched a movie at -30dB for 2 hours. Now with the Sierra 2's I can do movie marathons at -20dB to -15dB without any such listening fatigue! For my listening habits it is 95% home theater and 5% blu-ray concert videos. Would you suggest sticking with the ribbon tweeter and upgrading to the 2 EX V2? Or will the LX also be fine as far as not giving me listening fatigue? I'm not sure what is wrong with my ears, but the Sierra 2's have seemed to fix the problem and I don't want to upgrade and end up with listening fatigue all the time.
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Re: New: Sierra-2EX V2!!!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
curtis
It is your duty! :)
I'm gonna need a few more hours in the day for a review at that level to be viable any time in the near future... :(
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Re: New: Sierra-2EX V2!!!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
N Boros
Or will the LX also be fine as far as not giving me listening fatigue?
Only you know for sure how your ears will respond, so my experience may not match yours. For me, the LX domes are the first metal domes I've ever heard that didn't give me at least some level of listening fatigue. I have some PSBs with aluminum domes that do quite well, but even with those I notice a little ringing if I listen too loud for too long. I listened long and loud to the LXs as part of that review before I made them my main daily speakers and so far all is well.
Personally, for HT I definitely think the LXs are the better speaker than the EX V1, but I haven't heard the V2 yet.
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Re: New: Sierra-2EX V2!!!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
N Boros
I have a pair of Sierra 2's and I am trying to decide between an LX upgrade kit or a 2 EX V2 upgrade kit.
I thought LX's were a totally different series with different cabinets but just realized that's wrong and there are two choices to upgrade an S2.
Probably this is a Dave question but why would someone upgrade a S2 or S2EX to an LX? What's the criteria for deciding to go from an S2EX to an LX instead of a V2?
I saw your answer re Rock then LX vs Jazz&classical then V2, but honestly speaking, that's extremely subjective. If most of my music is rock&jazz&classical&electronic what then?
I suppose for marketing purposes choices are good, but to me if one sounds better and is measurably better, then the other is obsolete.
FWIW, I'll try the V2 upgrade because a) I'm already invested in the S2EX and b) I'm somewhat skeptical. Also, if the V2 crossovers are of value to an original S2, then I can give the old crossovers to my brother.
Thx :-)
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Re: New: Sierra-2EX V2!!!
After considering either a V2 crossover upgrade or the LX change for my Sierra 2 EX, I'm beginning to realize that these new versions present a different experience. Dave's statement : "More spacious sounding, a bit warmer with more detailed mids, and a slight touch of added midbass"
Its not really a case of which is better but that they have different strengths.. The LX has more bass and slam and room filling vertical response while the EX V2 presents a spacious warm sound with more detailed and added midbass.
Choices are good!
We're all waiting to hear first-hand impressions from people's living rooms!
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Re: New: Sierra-2EX V2!!!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
SunByrne
I'm gonna need a few more hours in the day for a review at that level to be viable any time in the near future... :(
I think we'd be happy with a few thoughts about the differences with the EX-V2s when you get them. Thanks for what you've already done
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Re: New: Sierra-2EX V2!!!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
SunByrne
Only you know for sure how your ears will respond, so my experience may not match yours. For me, the LX domes are the first metal domes I've ever heard that didn't give me at least some level of listening fatigue. I have some PSBs with aluminum domes that do quite well, but even with those I notice a little ringing if I listen too loud for too long. I listened long and loud to the LXs as part of that review before I made them my main daily speakers and so far all is well.
Personally, for HT I definitely think the LXs are the better speaker than the EX V1, but I haven't heard the V2 yet.
My speakers prior to having Sierra 2s were Axiom Audio M22s. It was unpleasant listening at -30dB and I ended up the last couple of years using closed captions and doing only -35 to -40dB. Then I sold them along with the VP150 and QS8 surrounds, after realizing that having speakers I can’t actually listen to is a waste. Fortunately I was able to sell them for just about enough to cover the cost of the Sierra 2s. I couldn’t be happier with listening fatigue being gone mostly.
I have CMT 340s, and HTM 200 surrounds in a different room and they are not as easy on my ears as the Sierra 2s. Nowhere near as bad as the Axiom speakers, but I need to be a little more cautious with the volume than the Sierra 2s. -30 dB is fine with the SE series speakers for much of the day. With Sierra 2s I can do -20dB movie marathons and things are fine.
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Re: New: Sierra-2EX V2!!!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Blingleberry
I thought LX's were a totally different series with different cabinets but just realized that's wrong and there are two choices to upgrade an S2.
Probably this is a Dave question but why would someone upgrade a S2 or S2EX to an LX? What's the criteria for deciding to go from an S2EX to an LX instead of a V2?
I saw your answer re Rock then LX vs Jazz&classical then V2, but honestly speaking, that's extremely subjective. If most of my music is rock&jazz&classical&electronic what then?
I suppose for marketing purposes choices are good, but to me if one sounds better and is measurably better, then the other is obsolete.
FWIW, I'll try the V2 upgrade because a) I'm already invested in the S2EX and b) I'm somewhat skeptical. Also, if the V2 crossovers are of value to an original S2, then I can give the old crossovers to my brother.
Thx :-)
Per Dave earlier in this thread:
“ It very much depends on listening habits and music genres. The S2EX V2 is the more detailed speaker and is best for acoustic music, jazz, most classical. The LX has way more "slam" and much deeper bass and with enough power, can play much louder without strain. The LX is better for rock, dynamic home theater and is the better choice for those who "listen to everything".”
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Re: New: Sierra-2EX V2!!!
The V2 crossovers for my Sierra 2EX pair that I use for surrounds arrived Wednesday. I hope to be able to install them this weekend. If this V2 upgrade is as good as the Luna V2 upgrade, it will be worth it. The Sierra 2 EXs measured well before, so my guess is the difference won't be as "drastic" as I noticed with the Lunas. The Lunas were noticeably warmer, had better/smoother horizontal dispersion, and were significantly cleaner than the pre-V2 version when I use them as mains in a bedroom stereo setup.
My initial expectation would be for those that really like their Sierra 2 EX speakers, this has a lower cost of admission than the LX upgrade. I think this would help add even more polish to the already great performance of the EX series.
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Re: New: Sierra-2EX V2!!!
I use my 2EX with a SVS SB2000 Pro sub crossed over at 80 Hz. I listen to rock, some jazz and pop, and classical. I also use it for movies/video in a 2.1 configuration. Will I see a benefit with the V2 upgrade?
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Re: New: Sierra-2EX V2!!!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
curtis
Per Dave earlier in this thread:
“... The LX is better for rock, dynamic home theater and is the better choice for those who "listen to everything".”
Thx Curtis. I guess I'm still going to stick with the S2EX upgrade path because I've already spent the ~$800 to upgrade them to S2EX so another $250 I can live with. I'm more interested in seeing what upgrades are proposed for the towers as I've always had a little envy for them.
My taste for bass might be slightly different than most. First I live in an apartment but also I've played drums for 45 years and have had enough bass for 10 lifetimes! Maybe I developed PTSD from my wife by association but when I hear giant explosions in movies I always have to turn that crap down. lol
I even had a lovely rythmic sub that I kept turning down until I realized I was barely even using it so I sold it. Esp after upgrading from S2 to S2EX, which gave me enough bass for my tastes.
Anyhow, the V2 upgrade's been ordered and we'll see how it goes.
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Re: New: Sierra-2EX V2!!!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Blingleberry
Thx Curtis. I guess I'm still going to stick with the S2EX upgrade path because I've already spent the ~$800 to upgrade them to S2EX so another $250 I can live with. I'm more interested in seeing what upgrades are proposed for the towers as I've always had a little envy for them.
My taste for bass might be slightly different than most. First I live in an apartment but also I've played drums for 45 years and have had enough bass for 10 lifetimes! Maybe I developed PTSD from my wife by association but when I hear giant explosions in movies I always have to turn that crap down. lol
I even had a lovely rythmic sub that I kept turning down until I realized I was barely even using it so I sold it. Esp after upgrading from S2 to S2EX, which gave me enough bass for my tastes.
Anyhow, the V2 upgrade's been ordered and we'll see how it goes.
I think it’s a no lose situation.
Enjoy!