-
Sierra-2 Upgrade instructions with video!
Sierra-2 Upgrade Instructions
Recommended Tools:
Phillips head screwdriver
1/2" Hex Nut Driver (1/2” socket)
Nail or small, thin-shaft screwdriver
Stubby handled Phillips head screwdriver (short handle)
Included Parts:
Sierra-2 Ribbon Tweeter, Tweeter Gasket and Tweeter Spacer
Sierra-2 Woofer and Gasket
Sierra-2 Crossover
1 Remove the Tweeter Video Link
a) Gently lay the speaker back so the front of the speaker is facing upward.
b) Using the Phillips head screwdriver, carefully remove the (4) screws from around the perimeter of the tweeter and set them aside.
c) Lean the speaker forward and carefully remove the tweeter and gasket from the cabinet.
d) Gently remove each female wire connector from the tweeter’s male terminals. You will need to gently wiggle the connector to remove it from the terminal. Do not apply too much force or you will risk damaging the tweeter and/or the connector itself.
2 Remove the Woofer Video Link
a) Using the Phillips head screwdriver, carefully remove the (4) screws from around the perimeter of the woofer and set them aside.
b) Lean the speaker forward and carefully remove the woofer from the cabinet.
c) Gently remove each female connector from the woofer’s male terminals. You will need to gently wiggle the connector to remove it from the terminal. Do not apply too much force or you will risk damaging the woofer and/or the connector itself.
3 Remove damping material and disconnect the crossover lead wires Video Link
a) Reach inside the cabinet, fold the white Dacron batting material in half and then pull it from the cabinet.
b) Using the 1/2" Hex nut driver, carefully remove the securing nut from each of the two binding posts on the inside of the cabinet and set these aside.
c) Using your fingers, remove the lock washer that is underneath the nut you just removed and set these aside. The crossover lead wires should now be free.
d) Remove the red and black crossover lead wires from the binding post terminals.
4 Remove the old crossover Video Link
a) Examine the crossover board which is secured on the bottom of the speaker cabinet. Locate the (4) securing screws at each corner of the crossover board.
b) Using the stubby handled Phillips head screwdriver, carefully remove each of the (4) screws and set these aside. Please be careful to avoid damaging any of the crossover components.
c) After all (4) screws have been removed, remove the crossover from the speaker cabinet.
5 Install crossover screws Video Link
Using the same screws that you removed from the Sierra-1 crossover, insert these into the (4) screw holes in the Sierra-2 crossover.
6 Install Sierra-2 crossover into speaker cabinet Video Link
a) Look inside the speaker cabinet and find the (4) screw hole inserts on the bottom baffle.
b) Place the Sierra-2 crossover inside the cabinet such that each mounting screw is lined up with each corresponding screw insert. Align the crossover such that the two crossover lead wires are in the back of the cabinet and the woofer and tweeter wires are towards the front of the cabinet.
c) Using the stubby handled Phillips head screwdriver, gently tighten down each mounting screw, making sure that each screw is tightening down in the screw insert. The crossover board must not bend so take your time.
7 Attach crossover lead wires to binding posts Video Link
a) Place the crossover lead wires back onto the binding post terminals. Please make sure to keep red to red and black to black.
b) Install the lock washers that were removed in step 3, part c.
c) Install the nuts that were removed in step 3, part c.
d) On the back of the cabinet, locate the binding posts. Unscrew the plastic knob on both the positive and negative terminals.
e) Insert your nail or thin-shaft screwdriver into the hole in the red positive brass terminal and grasp it there for counterforce while you perform the next step.
f) Using the 1/2” Hex nut driver, tighten down from within the cabinet the securing nut of the red positive terminal. This should be tightened so that the binding posts on the back of the speaker are secure and will not twist or turn, and so that the nail or screwdriver lever remains as close to vertical as possible. Video Link
g) Repeat steps e) & f) for the black negative terminal of the binding post.
h) Inspect the holes in the brass terminals of the binding posts to ensure they are vertical. Once satisfied, rescrew the plastic covers of the binding posts.
8 Reinstall the damping material Video Link
a) Grab the woofer and tweeter crossover wires and position them so that they hang outside the speaker cabinet.
b) Fold the damping material in half and place it back into the cabinet.
c) Unfold the damping material such that it now covers the internal walls of the cabinet.
9 Install the new tweeter Video Link
IT IS IMPERATIVE TO LEAVE THE PAPER GUARD IN PLACE OVER THE RIBBON DURING THE ENTIRE INSTALLATION PROCESS!!!
a) Grab the red and black crossover wires and insert them through the opening in the shelf brace and then out through the tweeter opening.
b) Gently push the plastic lead covers down the length of the wire exposing the female terminals.
c) Place the tweeter gasket into the tweeter cutout and position it such that all (4) screw holes are aligned.
d) Place the tweeter spacer over the tweeter gasket.
e) As you hold the tweeter with the male terminals facing you and oriented to the bottom of the assembly, you will observe two of the larger male terminals on the tweeter -- you must use the one on the right (This is demonstrated in the video).
f) Using the red and black crossover wires, gently push the female terminals back onto the corresponding male terminals on the new tweeter.
Note: it may be helpful to place a daub of solder on each connection. You may also gently crimp the terminals with pliers. Regardless, you must ensure that the connection is solid before closing up the speaker.
g) Slide the plastic lead covers back over the female terminals.
h) Place the new tweeter back into the speaker cabinet.
10 Install the new woofer Video Link
a) Grab the brown and black crossover wires and pull them outside the speaker cabinet through the woofer opening.
b) Gently push the plastic lead covers down the length of the wire exposing the female terminals.
c) Place the included gasket in the cutout with the holes in the gasket aligned with the screw holes.
d) Using the brown and black wires, gently push the female terminals back onto the corresponding male terminals on the woofer. Note: it may be helpful to place a daub of solder on each connection. 0You may also gently crimp the terminals with pliers. Regardless, you must ensure that the connection is solid before closing up the speaker.
e) Slide the plastic lead covers back over the female terminals.
f) Place the woofer into the speaker cabinet ensuring the screw holes are aligned.
11 Insert the woofer and tweeter securing screws Video Link
a) Using your hands, manipulate the positioning of the woofer and tweeter such that the screw holes in each component align with the screw holes in the loudspeaker cabinet.
b) Insert the (4) woofer mounting screws and (4) tweeter mounting screws. Note, these use the same screws. Hand tighten each screw.
12 Tighten all screws Video Link
a) Using a Phillips head screwdriver, securely tighten down all (8) screws. Do not over tighten!
b) It is now time to remove the paper guard from the ribbon tweeter.
IT IS IMPERATIVE TO GENTLY AND SLOWLY SLIDE THE PAPER GUARD IN THE DIRECTION OF THE ARROW, NOT PULL IT OFF!!!
Failure to follow this instruction can damage the extremely sensitive and thin ribbon.
Congratulations, you are finished!
-
Re: Sierra-2 Upgrade instructions with video!
Outstanding!! Thank you James & Joe! You guys rock! :D
I will watch all of these later tonight when I have more time.
-
Re: Sierra-2 Upgrade instructions with video!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
jamesg
Sierra-2 Upgrade Instructions
....
12 Tighten all screws Video Link
a) Using a Phillips head screwdriver, securely tighten down all (8) screws. Do not over tighten!
b) It is now time to remove the paper guard from the ribbon tweeter.
IT IS IMPERATIVE TO GENTLY AND SLOWLY SLIDE THE PAPER GUARD IN THE DIRECTION OF THE ARROW, NOT PULL IT OFF!!!
Failure to follow this instruction can damage the extremely sensitive and thin ribbon.
Congratulations, you are finished!
What should be a torque to tighten all 8 screws?
-
Re: Sierra-2 Upgrade instructions with video!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
rkoaudio
What should be a torque to tighten all 8 screws?
Hi rkoaudio, since there is no universal standard for power drill torque, I can't give you an exact setting. It simply depends on the drill. The amount of torque you should use should be sufficient to completely tighten the screws without allowing the screw to spin in the pilot hole. I suggest you start off with minimum torque and then gradually increase the torque until the screw is almost entirely flush, then finish tightening by hand only, no power.
-
Re: Sierra-2 Upgrade instructions with video!
Thanks for the video tutorials, James & Joe!
I was wondering if the upgrade kits included new gaskets. That answers that.
Are the kits shipping out this week? Can't wait to hear the reports of their performance compared to the Standard & NrT Sierra's!
-
Re: Sierra-2 Upgrade instructions with video!
If the ribbon is that fragile, is it recommended to keep the speaker grilles on? I'm not talking about careless finger pokes, but if I walk by and my shirt grazes the thing, could it get damaged?
-
Re: Sierra-2 Upgrade instructions with video!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Mag_Neato
Thanks for the video tutorials, James & Joe!
Are the kits shipping out this week? Can't wait to hear the reports of their performance compared to the Standard & NrT Sierra's!
Hi Ed, the fully-assembled Sierra-2s are shipping starting tomorrow December 17th! The Sierra-2 upgrade kits will begin shipping on Wednesday December 18th.
-
Re: Sierra-2 Upgrade instructions with video!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
pj-
If the ribbon is that fragile, is it recommended to keep the speaker grilles on? I'm not talking about careless finger pokes, but if I walk by and my shirt grazes the thing, could it get damaged?
Hi pj, while the ribbon itself is delicate, it is protected behind a metal mesh screen and cannot be directly contacted. The danger to the ribbon is in being affected by a vacuum as the protective paper cover is removed. If the paper cover is simply pulled off, the force of the vacuum has been shown to potentially damage the ribbon. If one is careful to slide the paper cover off, then there is no risk to the ribbon. Once the cover is slid off the tweeter, you can choose to keep the grilles on or off.
-
Re: Sierra-2 Upgrade instructions with video!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
jamesg
Hi pj, while the ribbon itself is delicate, it is protected behind a metal mesh screen and cannot be directly contacted. The danger to the ribbon is in being affected by a vacuum as the protective paper cover is removed. If the paper cover is simply pulled off, the force of the vacuum has been shown to potentially damage the ribbon. If one is careful to slide the paper cover off, then there is no risk to the ribbon. Once the cover is slid off the tweeter, you can choose to keep the grilles on or off.
Good to know, James. Maybe an extra video showing the paper cover being correctly removed would be a good idea?
-
Re: Sierra-2 Upgrade instructions with video!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
jamesg
Hi Ed, the fully-assembled Sierra-2s are shipping starting tomorrow December 17th! The Sierra-2 upgrade kits will begin shipping on Wednesday December 18th.
Woohoo! I can't wait. :)
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Mag_Neato
Good to know, James. Maybe an extra video showing the paper cover being correctly removed would be a good idea?
My Sierra Horizon had this same paper cover over the RAAL 70-20XR when I received it back in April 2012. I just pulled off the paper cover slowly in the direction of the arrow.
The idea is to avoid lifting it straight up in a way that could create a vacuum. So for example, if the loudspeaker is laying on its back and the tweeter is facing straight up, you wouldn't want to lift it straight upwards (12 o'clock), but rather you'd slide it off at a 90 degree angle (9 o'clock or 3 o'clock).
In other words, slide it off in the direction of the arrow. :)
-
Re: Sierra-2 Upgrade instructions with video!
So for the center channel you'd have the arrow facing towards the ground right? Do you need to do something similar for the woofer?
-
Re: Sierra-2 Upgrade instructions with video!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
JustABrah
So for the center channel you'd have the arrow facing towards the ground right? Do you need to do something similar for the woofer?
It doesn't matter how the speaker is oriented--right-side up, on its back, laying on its side--just slide off the paper strip slowly in the direction of the arrow. I can't find a way to explain it any better.
The woofer doesn't require this precaution.
Tell you what, I'll post a short video of how to remove the paper strip when I get my upgrade kits (assuming Ascend doesn't eventually add one due to popular request). :) My kits were pre-ordered only a few hours after Dave posted the pre-order link, so I should be in the first shipment.
-
Re: Sierra-2 Upgrade instructions with video!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Dark Ranger
It doesn't matter how the speaker is oriented--right-side up, on its back, laying on its side--just slide off the paper strip slowly in the direction of the arrow. I can't find a way to explain it any better.
The woofer doesn't require this precaution.
Tell you what, I'll post a short video of how to remove the paper strip when I get my upgrade kits (assuming Ascend doesn't eventually add one due to popular request). :) My kits were pre-ordered only a few hours after Dave posted the pre-order link, so I should be in the first shipment.
No I'm not talking about taking the paper off, my center is on its side so the tweeter needs to be flipped just making sure that in that setup the arrow on the tweeter should be facing the floor or if it matters.
-
Re: Sierra-2 Upgrade instructions with video!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
JustABrah
No I'm not talking about taking the paper off, my center is on its side so the tweeter needs to be flipped just making sure that in that setup the arrow on the tweeter should be facing the floor or if it matters.
Yes, arrow facing the floor is always correct. You want the tweeter to be vertical, always. So, if it's the Center speaker version, and the cabinet is rotated 90 degrees, you need to rotate the tweeter 90 degrees within the cabinet so that the tweeter is still vertical :)
-
Re: Sierra-2 Upgrade instructions with video!
Hah...for the sake of a 100 bucks I'd sooner send them back and let Ascend handle the changes. Those videos were nice but you can see those dudes could do that switch blindfolded...:D
-
Re: Sierra-2 Upgrade instructions with video!
I guess it comes down to personal comfort, skill, and patience. One nice thing about sending the speaker in for the upgrade is that they will be matched, tested, and shipped back with a renewed warranty. That would be a great incentive for some.
Last night I finally had a chance to watch all the videos. It's a straight-forward upgrade. My biggest piece of advice is to take your time. I know we want to listen to them ASAP, but this component swap happens only once. Make sure it's right, take your time, and try to enjoy the process. I love doing stuff like this anyway, so that makes it even better.
I'm definitely looking forward to upgrading my pair!
-
Re: Sierra-2 Upgrade instructions with video!
The upgrade process is not a big deal, especially if you have the later(Not 1st gen. Sierra-1) cabinets. The 1st gen cabinets have different crossover mounting hole locations and you must use self-tapping wood screws to mount the new crossover board. Also the 1st gen cabinets used fiberglass insulation encased in black mesh netting.
-
Re: Sierra-2 Upgrade instructions with video!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Dark Ranger
I guess it comes down to personal comfort, skill, and patience. One nice thing about sending the speaker in for the upgrade is that they will be matched, tested, and shipped back with a renewed warranty. That would be a great incentive for some.
Last night I finally had a chance to watch all the videos. It's a straight-forward upgrade. My biggest piece of advice is to take your time. I know we want to listen to them ASAP, but this component swap happens only once. Make sure it's right, take your time, and try to enjoy the process. I love doing stuff like this anyway, so that makes it even better.
I'm definitely looking forward to upgrading my pair!
Do you guys see any reason why technically it would be better to send the pair for the upgrade to be done at Ascend other than peace of mind?
I assume that if we get kit to do the upgrade ourselves, the crossovers have to be somehow tested against some reference so that under the same conditions, a factory upgraded pair would not sound any better than a home based pair, right?
I asked Dave if there is an additional cost other than shipping for sending the pair to factory for upgrade. Still haven't had any response, but they should be super busy filling out orders for the Sierra-2 and the upgrade kits, etc. Its understandable... In another note, its amazing how they are so successful without doing any kind of marketing whatsoever!
-
Re: Sierra-2 Upgrade instructions with video!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
eliwankenobi
Do you guys see any reason why technically it would be better to send the pair for the upgrade to be done at Ascend other than peace of mind?
I assume that if we get kit to do the upgrade ourselves, the crossovers have to be somehow tested against some reference so that under the same conditions, a factory upgraded pair would not sound any better than a home based pair, right?
I asked Dave if there is an additional cost other than shipping for sending the pair to factory for upgrade. Still haven't had any response, but they should be super busy filling out orders for the Sierra-2 and the upgrade kits, etc. Its understandable... In another note, its amazing how they are so successful without doing any kind of marketing whatsoever!
All parts need to be tested by the manufacturer prior to shipment. Otherwise it could be quite expensive if problems are found by the end customer (Ascend). I assume, Ascend also does limited retesting just to make sure dead part is not installed into cabinet. Again, it would be quite expensive to swap parts if end testing shows problem
(assembly cost).
As far as matching goes. All parts need to follow one of the sigma processes. This guaranties, that after assembly, speaker will have all parameters within a spec.
There should be no difference if kit is installed by Ascend or customer.
The only reason to send speaker to Ascend would be if individual doesn't feel comfortable doing it himself. Different people have different skills and comfort level. Not to mention if someone accidental pokes a hole in the woofer with a screwdriver ... well it will not be covered by Ascend warranty.
Keep in mind that Ascend assembles a lot of speakers a day. This is why end testing is necessary - it just helps making sure no step was accidentally skipped or done incorrectly (swapped terminals etc)
If you install your own kit, there is no rush. You can double and triple check all steps. Something that would be counterproductive in the industrial environment is perfectly fine for DIY.
-
Re: Sierra-2 Upgrade instructions with video!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
eliwankenobi
Do you guys see any reason why technically it would be better to send the pair for the upgrade to be done at Ascend other than peace of mind?
Along with what rkoaudio said regarding comfort level and skill, one nice thing about letting Ascend do the upgrade is that your 7-year warranty is renewed. Plus, you can get printed measurements of the speaker's frequency response.
The components themselves are built within tight tolerances. IMO, there should be no audible differences between a DIY Sierra-2 pair and a factory-assembled Sierra-2 pair. Dave's been down this road before with the NrT upgrade. :)
-
Re: Sierra-2 Upgrade instructions with video!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Dark Ranger
Along with what rkoaudio said regarding comfort level and skill, one nice thing about letting Ascend do the upgrade is that your 7-year warranty is renewed. Plus, you can get printed measurements of the speaker's frequency response.
My assumption was that warranty would restart regardless if it was done by Ascend or as DIY?
-
Re: Sierra-2 Upgrade instructions with video!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Dark Ranger
Woohoo! I can't wait. :)
My Sierra Horizon had this same paper cover over the RAAL 70-20XR when I received it back in April 2012. I just pulled off the paper cover slowly in the direction of the arrow.
The idea is to avoid lifting it straight up in a way that could create a vacuum. So for example, if the loudspeaker is laying on its back and the tweeter is facing straight up, you wouldn't want to lift it straight upwards (12 o'clock), but rather you'd slide it off at a 90 degree angle (9 o'clock or 3 o'clock).
In other words, slide it off in the direction of the arrow. :)
Thanks for helping explain Dark Ranger, I couldn't have said it better.
-
Re: Sierra-2 Upgrade instructions with video!
Does anyone know how much it costs to upgrade a standard Sierra-1 to the Sierra-2?
-
Re: Sierra-2 Upgrade instructions with video!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
kinggimp82
Does anyone know how much it costs to upgrade a standard Sierra-1 to the Sierra-2?
Are you talking about DIY upgrade kits or something like a complete trade-in?
Upgrade kits are $388 each (one kit per speaker). An upgrade kit contains a woofer, a tweeter, and a crossover.
For original/standard Sierra-1s, you'll also get a $31 refund (per speaker) for sending back the old parts (woofer + tweeter + crossover).
See this post from Dave for more details. The PDF document covers all the pricing and finish options.
-
Re: Sierra-2 Upgrade instructions with video!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
rkoaudio
My assumption was that warranty would restart regardless if it was done by Ascend or as DIY?
The DIY approach relies on the customer's skill and expertise to perform the upgrade. It's a straightforward process, but mistakes could still happen. Quite simply, Ascend cannot ensure the final product is "perfect" even with pre-testing the individual parts.
In contrast, sending the entire speaker to Ascend ensures that each component is installed correctly. The speaker can be fully tested to verify performance. The recertified speakers are then shipped to the customer and are essentially like buying a brand new product.
I would be very surprised if this time was different. Previous upgrades like Sierra-1 standard to NrT worked the same way, as well as the Classic to SE upgrades. Actually, if memory serves, the SE upgrade virtually required the customer to send back the speakers. I think a few folks may have done the upgrade themselves, but most were done at the Ascend factory.
-
Re: Sierra-2 Upgrade instructions with video!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Dark Ranger
The DIY approach relies on the customer's skill and expertise to perform the upgrade. It's a straightforward process, but mistakes could still happen. Quite simply, Ascend cannot ensure the final product is "perfect" even with pre-testing the individual parts.
In contrast, sending the entire speaker to Ascend ensures that each component is installed correctly. The speaker can be fully tested to verify performance. The recertified speakers are then shipped to the customer and are essentially like buying a brand new product.
I would be very surprised if this time was different. Previous upgrades like Sierra-1 standard to NrT worked the same way, as well as the Classic to SE upgrades. Actually, if memory serves, the SE upgrade virtually required the customer to send back the speakers. I think a few folks may have done the upgrade themselves, but most were done at the Ascend factory.
Do you know if there was a labor cost in addition to the cost of shipping and the upgrade kits themselves?
-
Re: Sierra-2 Upgrade instructions with video!
Anyone get their shipping tracking info yet?
-
Re: Sierra-2 Upgrade instructions with video!
To answer a few questions
Quote:
Originally Posted by
rkoaudio
My assumption was that warranty would restart regardless if it was done by Ascend or as DIY?
If we do the upgrade for you, your warranty on the speakers will reset. We also include an appropriate "Sierra-2" serial number on the speakers, since we will be able to test and re-certify the speakers. If taking DIY approach, you will receive a Sierra-2 product label but we will not include a new serial number since we can not re-certify the speakers. For the DIY upgrade kit, the warranty on the speakers will not reset and the components will be covered for manufacturing defects only.
Quote:
Originally Posted by
eliwankenobi
Do you know if there was a labor cost in addition to the cost of shipping and the upgrade kits themselves?
We would normally charge a $55 labor charge on top of the upgrade kit costs and shipping for those customers who would like us to handle the upgrade. We are going to temporarily waive the labor charge so the only additional costs for having us do the upgrade will be shipping (both ways) and new packaging material, if necessary.
Hope this makes sense.
-
Re: Sierra-2 Upgrade instructions with video!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
davef
To answer a few questions
If we do the upgrade for you, your warranty on the speakers will reset. We also include an appropriate "Sierra-2" serial number on the speakers, since we will be able to test and re-certify the speakers. If taking DIY approach, you will receive a Sierra-2 product label but we will not include a new serial number since we can not re-certify the speakers. For the DIY upgrade kit, the warranty on the speakers will not reset and the components will be covered for manufacturing defects only.
We would normally charge a $55 labor charge on top of the upgrade kit costs and shipping for those customers who would like us to handle the upgrade. We are going to temporarily waive the labor charge so the only additional costs for having us do the upgrade will be shipping (both ways) and new packaging material, if necessary.
Hope this makes sense.
Thanks Dave
waiving the $55 fee sounds tempting for sure. I will need to check shipping costs and see if it makes sense on my part to do so.
-
Re: Sierra-2 Upgrade instructions with video!
The shipping adds to the cost, for sure, but having Ascend handle the upgrade also adds more waiting time to actually listening to and enjoying the Sierra-2! For me it would be a no-brainer since I enjoy doing the work myself. You get to "know" the speaker more intimately after the operation!
-
Re: Sierra-2 Upgrade instructions with video!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
davef
To answer a few questions
If we do the upgrade for you, your warranty on the speakers will reset. We also include an appropriate "Sierra-2" serial number on the speakers, since we will be able to test and re-certify the speakers. If taking DIY approach, you will receive a Sierra-2 product label but we will not include a new serial number since we can not re-certify the speakers. For the DIY upgrade kit, the warranty on the speakers will not reset and the components will be covered for manufacturing defects only.
Hope this makes sense.
I guess I should have been more clear about my interpretation of the warranty reset.
What I was assuming, was a warranty on the new parts. Obviously, you cannot be responsible for mishandling, incorrect installation etc. by DIY person.
But I guess your interpretation of the warranty is important, so nobody gets wrong ideas later on.
-
Re: Sierra-2 Upgrade instructions with video!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Mag_Neato
Good to know, James. Maybe an extra video showing the paper cover being correctly removed would be a good idea?
Very good idea, and I am working on it as we speak....
-
Re: Sierra-2 Upgrade instructions with video!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
JustABrah
So for the center channel you'd have the arrow facing towards the ground right? Do you need to do something similar for the woofer?
Yes, that is correct. The tweeter must always be oriented "vertically," that is, with the ribbon running long-ways from top to bottom. This is true whether a main or center. The woofer has no orientation, it is omnidirectional.
-
Re: Sierra-2 Upgrade instructions with video!
Hi everyone,
I just wanted to post a piece of information which could help some of those who wish to perform the upgrade on the 1st generation Sierra-1 cabinets.
First of all, yes, I did the Sierra-2 upgrade to my already NrT-upgraded Sierra-1's. Christmas was better than planned!
Having done the NrT upgrade to my 1st gen cabinets, the issue of the different crossover board mounting hole pattern had already been addressed. Also, I had replaced the original fiberglass in black mesh netting bags with Dacron material as in the videos.
The issue I had this time was that the woofer recess cutout in the baffle was too small for the new woofer's mounting flange diameter.....by a pretty good margin(1-2mm). After speaking with Dina on the phone she suggested sanding the surface to open it up. The final option would be to send the speakers to Ascend and have them do it as they could address that issue. I was already in the DIY state of mind so there was no way I was going to let this stop me!
After sanding and sanding and sanding, the woofer still would not fit. The opening had actually become truncated, or chamfered, from the top down to the flange mounting surface, so while the woofer flange fit into the opening near the top, it did not fit as the inside diameter became smaller towards the bottom. I had a drill-powered flapping wheel on hand, which is a wheel made up of strips of sandpaper bonded to a center hub. I tried to straighten the sides with this but it did not prove very effective. I ended up using a utility knife and applying a score-and-carve method around the diameter where the side meets the mounting surface. I was able to open up the base of the cutout enough o allow the new woofer to fit.
This was very time consuming and resulted in several scuffs/scratches in the cabinet finish. At this point I was a little aggravated. I would suggest anyone with the early cabinets who are thinking of the upgrade to consider their woodworking skill level and comfort level of modifying these cabinets before deciding whether to do it themselves or having Ascend do it.
Other than that, the -2's sound absolutely amazing!!
-
Re: Sierra-2 Upgrade instructions with video!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Mag_Neato
Hi everyone,
I just wanted to post a piece of information which could help some of those who wish to perform the upgrade on the 1st generation Sierra-1 cabinets.
First of all, yes, I did the Sierra-2 upgrade to my already NrT-upgraded Sierra-1's. Christmas was better than planned!
Having done the NrT upgrade to my 1st gen cabinets, the issue of the different crossover board mounting hole pattern had already been addressed. Also, I had replaced the original fiberglass in black mesh netting bags with Dacron material as in the videos.
The issue I had this time was that the woofer recess cutout in the baffle was too small for the new woofer's mounting flange diameter.....by a pretty good margin(1-2mm). After speaking with Dina on the phone she suggested sanding the surface to open it up. The final option would be to send the speakers to Ascend and have them do it as they could address that issue. I was already in the DIY state of mind so there was no way I was going to let this stop me!
After sanding and sanding and sanding, the woofer still would not fit. The opening had actually become truncated, or chamfered, from the top down to the flange mounting surface, so while the woofer flange fit into the opening near the top, it did not fit as the inside diameter became smaller towards the bottom. I had a drill-powered flapping wheel on hand, which is a wheel made up of strips of sandpaper bonded to a center hub. I tried to straighten the sides with this but it did not prove very effective. I ended up using a utility knife and applying a score-and-carve method around the diameter where the side meets the mounting surface. I was able to open up the base of the cutout enough o allow the new woofer to fit.
This was very time consuming and resulted in several scuffs/scratches in the cabinet finish. At this point I was a little aggravated. I would suggest anyone with the early cabinets who are thinking of the upgrade to consider their woodworking skill level and comfort level of modifying these cabinets before deciding whether to do it themselves or having Ascend do it.
Other than that, the -2's sound absolutely amazing!!
This is a bit worrying.
I have Sierra 1's that were part of the first batch of Espresso cabinets. Has anyone else upgrading from older Sierras had this problem?
-
Re: Sierra-2 Upgrade instructions with video!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
pj-
This is a bit worrying.
I have Sierra 1's that were part of the first batch of Espresso cabinets. Has anyone else upgrading from older Sierras had this problem?
Expresso cabinets came long after the first generation of cabinets.
When the Sierra-1 was first available (late 2006/early 2007), the only cabinet choices were piano black and natural.
-
Re: Sierra-2 Upgrade instructions with video!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
curtis
Expresso cabinets came long after the first generation of cabinets.
When the Sierra-1 was first available (late 2006/early 2007), the only cabinet choices were piano black and natural.
Oh ok. I was aware of the cabinet timeline, but wasn't sure how the "generations" were defined.
-
Re: Sierra-2 Upgrade instructions with video!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Mag_Neato
Hi everyone,
After sanding and sanding and sanding, the woofer still would not fit. The opening had actually become truncated, or chamfered, from the top down to the flange mounting surface, so while the woofer flange fit into the opening near the top, it did not fit as the inside diameter became smaller towards the bottom. I had a drill-powered flapping wheel on hand, which is a wheel made up of strips of sandpaper bonded to a center hub. I tried to straighten the sides with this but it did not prove very effective. I ended up using a utility knife and applying a score-and-carve method around the diameter where the side meets the mounting surface. I was able to open up the base of the cutout enough o allow the new woofer to fit.
Have you considered using router with appropriate bit? It looks like a prefect candidate for such a job. Manual sanding is just too difficult to control, unless you are doing it on the regular basis.
-
Re: Sierra-2 Upgrade instructions with video!
Not investing in a router and bit to use once. If I had one then it would have made a difference for sure. Like I said, if you feel up to it and have the right tools then definitely go for the upgrade. They sound incredible!
-
Re: Sierra-2 Upgrade instructions with video!
Hello!
I hope DaveF or somebody from Ascend can answer this.
Is there a specific torque specification for tightening the screws?
I see in the video that the screws are tightened with a torque screw driver and also have one and would like what would be the specific in-lb setting so as to get them as close to factory as possible..
Thanks