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The STC -- this is NO "center" channel speaker!!!
I am pleased to say that the first few STC’s made their way down our production line today. Just for fun, we decided to listen to a pair of them for 2-channel music in our demo room, and……. that is where I have been for that past 4 ½ hours… :D
I am not one to hype a product and many of you will take this as a sales pitch, but I am seriously blown away by the performance of these new speakers. The dynamics are just insane and the speaker’s ability to throw sound not only at you but also around you is seriously startling.
Not only are these the absolute perfect match to the Sierra Towers, but their performance as mains is causing me to re-think everything. Although this is EASILY the absolute best center I have ever heard, I must re-consider our original intention to market this speaker as a “center” Their performance as left/right mains is, quite frankly, astonishing and I can see many people using these as fronts.
I assure you, this was completely unexpected but their performance far exceeds the sum of their parts and for those who don’t yet own Sierra Towers or for those who need something smaller or don’t have the floor space, these absolutely must be seriously considered as mains.
Rather than Sierra Tower Center, how about STC for Sierra Tower Compact, or the CST, Compact Sierra Tower? HST for Horizontal Sierra Tower?
I will post some fun stuff later but it is now nearly 10:00pm PST and I need to get home… after one more not so quick listening session ;)
Wow… sums it up nicely…
The following link can now be used for ordering: Sierra Horizon (STC)
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Re: The STC -- this is NO "center" channel speaker!!!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
davef
Not only are these the absolute perfect match to the Sierra Towers, but their performance as mains is causing me to re-think everything. ... Their performance as left/right mains is, quite frankly, astonishing and I can see many people using these as fronts.
Nice to hear Dave! My concern, though, is that I made the wrong choice ordering the "vertical" Sierra Towers today! :eek:
Please tell me this "center" won't outperform my towers ! ;)
That would be weird!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
davef
Rather than Sierra Tower Center, how about STC for Sierra Tower Compact, or the CST, Compact Sierra Tower? HST for Horizontal Sierra Tower?
"Tower Center" or "Horizontal Tower" is a logical paradox since a tower is a vertical structure.
I'd prefer that "tower" is dropped. Besides, they will probably work great with a Sierra-1 pair as well. How about just Horizontal Sierra, or ... Sierra Horizon ?
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Re: The STC -- this is NO "center" channel speaker!!!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
davef
I am pleased to say that the first few STC’s made their way down our production line today. Just for fun, we decided to listen to a pair of them for 2-channel music in our demo room, and……. that is where I have been for that past 4 ½ hours… :D
I am not one to hype a product and many of you will take this as a sales pitch, but I am seriously blown away by the performance of these new speakers. The dynamics are just insane and the speaker’s ability to throw sound not only at you but also around you is seriously startling.
Not only are these the absolute perfect match to the Sierra Towers, but their performance as mains is causing me to re-think everything. Although this is EASILY the absolute best center I have ever heard, I must re-consider our original intention to market this speaker as a “center” Their performance as left/right mains is, quite frankly, astonishing and I can see many people using these as fronts.
I assure you, this was completely unexpected but their performance far exceeds the sum of their parts and for those who don’t yet own Sierra Towers or for those who need something smaller or don’t have the floor space, these absolutely must be seriously considered as mains.
Rather than Sierra Tower Center, how about STC for Sierra Tower Compact, or the CST, Compact Sierra Tower? HST for Horizontal Sierra Tower?
I will post some fun stuff later but it is now nearly 10:00pm PST and I need to get home… after one more not so quick listening session ;)
Wow… sums it up nicely…
Yesterday I was listening to a Chesky SACD, David Hazeltine Trio "The Jobim Songbook" in plain stereo through my new Towers. I had to make sure it was just stereo because the drum kit was located about 2 feet to the OUTSIDE of the right speaker. I thought "how cool is this?" I can hardly believe the sound stage, and imaging my new Towers produce, it's quite amazing.
I like the name Sierra Horizon posted previously. Waiting patiently for mine, the pair of Towers has quenched my thirst, it's so much easier now LOL!
Jay
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Re: The Tower Discussion Thread!
I just spent about 30 minutes searching through the forum for an answer to this question but couldn't find anything. Forgive me if it's been answered before.
I am considering upgrading my Sierra-1 LCR (+ D15SE) setup with the new Towers. Unbelievably, my wife prefers the looks of the towers to the bookshelf speakers.
The problem is, I have no space for the STC Center. What are your opinions on using the Towers w/ Ribbons with a Sierra-1 NrT center? For my surrounds, I have in-ceiling Sonance S623TR (which Dave recommended as a good choice of in-ceilings to match the Sierra-1s a while back.)
Thanks everyone!
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Re: The STC -- this is NO "center" channel speaker!!!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
petmotel
Yesterday I was listening to a Chesky SACD, David Hazeltine Trio "The Jobim Songbook" in plain stereo through my new Towers. I had to make sure it was just stereo because the drum kit was located about 2 feet to the OUTSIDE of the right speaker. I thought "how cool is this?" I can hardly believe the sound stage, and imaging my new Towers produce, it's quite amazing.
I like the name Sierra Horizon posted previously. Waiting patiently for mine, the pair of Towers has quenched my thirst, it's so much easier now LOL!
Jay
i found the same thing, i finally understand staging! with correct placement of the towers, music, in just stereo mode, fills your ears. i felt like the singer was in front of me (was listening to Michael Buble) and his orchestra was all around him, and you can hear the depth of the music being further back and surrounding him. woah!
cant wait for the rest of my order to come in - STC, 170se's x4, and an f15 sub. woohoo!
Dave, I hope this doesnt mean we should all be considering 3 centers instead of towers.. do i change my order now? doh!
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Re: The Tower Discussion Thread!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
logicology
I just spent about 30 minutes searching through the forum for an answer to this question but couldn't find anything. Forgive me if it's been answered before.
I am considering upgrading my Sierra-1 LCR (+ D15SE) setup with the new Towers. Unbelievably, my wife prefers the looks of the towers to the bookshelf speakers.
The problem is, I have no space for the STC Center. What are your opinions on using the Towers w/ Ribbons with a Sierra-1 NrT center? For my surrounds, I have in-ceiling Sonance S623TR (which Dave recommended as a good choice of in-ceilings to match the Sierra-1s a while back.)
Thanks everyone!
I have the Towers with the RAAL and use the Sierra-1 center with Nrt and it blends well for me. I do of course plan to get the STC (RAAL version) eventually but right now, I am more than happy! We would both have very similar setups, I also have the D15SE, but my surrounds are sierras:p
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Re: The Tower Discussion Thread!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
merrymaid520
I have the Towers with the RAAL and use the Sierra-1 center with Nrt and it blends well for me. I do of course plan to get the STC (RAAL version) eventually but right now, I am more than happy! We would both have very similar setups, I also have the D15SE, but my surrounds are sierras:p
I currently have the same speakers except for the sub (an SVS PC-13 Ultra), waiting on the matching center. The NrT blends seamlessly in my speaker complement. I listen to a lot of multichannel music, the center would definitely draw attntion to itself if it didn't blend well.
Jay
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Re: The Tower Discussion Thread!
I probably missed it, but what are the dimensions and specs for the Sierra Tower Center?
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Re: The Tower Discussion Thread!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
sesquipedalian
I probably missed it, but what are the dimensions and specs for the Sierra Tower Center?
Try here.... http://forum.ascendacoustics.com/sho...&postcount=732
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Re: The Tower Discussion Thread!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Mag_Neato
Thanks. :)
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Re: The STC -- this is NO "center" channel speaker!!!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
davef
Not only are these the absolute perfect match to the Sierra Towers, but their performance as mains is causing me to re-think everything. Although this is EASILY the absolute best center I have ever heard, I must re-consider our original intention to market this speaker as a “center” Their performance as left/right mains is, quite frankly, astonishing and I can see many people using these as fronts.
Intriguing. Pretty hefty stand mounts, particularly if used in a horizontal configuration. What sort of stand would you use? Perhaps two stands on each side to support the speakers?
You're always giving us something new to think about.
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Re: The Tower Discussion Thread!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
petmotel
I currently have the same speakers except for the sub (an SVS PC-13 Ultra), waiting on the matching center. The NrT blends seamlessly in my speaker complement. I listen to a lot of multichannel music, the center would definitely draw attntion to itself if it didn't blend well.
Jay
This is all good to hear. Thanks guys. Does anyone else have an opinion on this?
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Re: The Tower Discussion Thread!
Here is a brief video I took last night showing SPL peaks.
This is using two of the "centers" at 10 feet back coming off a 150 watt amplifier with headroom to spare.
As you can see, we are hitting 110dB peaks with 2-channel music, only 2 speakers, and there is no compression or distortion and bass is extending down to the very low 30's.
No subwoofer connected and the SPL meter used is a professional model and fully calibrated.
http://youtu.be/vY2XV8oqSqE
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Re: The Tower Discussion Thread!
Dave,
You are making it difficult for me not to order the STC RAAL after reading your recent posts. Just bought a new place so I need to resist the urge to upgrade:)
Might you be able to shed light on any differences in sound between the STC and the Towers for 2ch listening?
Thanks.
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Re: The Tower Discussion Thread!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
davef
Here is a brief video I took last night showing SPL peaks.
This is using two of the "centers" at 10 feet back coming off a 150 watt amplifier with headroom to spare.
As you can see, we are hitting 110dB peaks with 2-channel music, only 2 speakers, and there is no compression or distortion and bass is extending down to the very low 30's.
No subwoofer connected and the SPL meter used is a professional model and fully calibrated.
http://youtu.be/vY2XV8oqSqE
Dave,
I hate to break it to you...but you really need to upgrade that TV :D
In all seriousness, that's some output! I also am curious - if one had the space for either the tower or the compact tower, would you necessarily recommend one over the other? What would the benefits be to running three compact towers across the front versus the "normal" pair of vertical towers and a "center" setup?
PS: Not the music I thought you'd be auditioning with. Hilarious :)
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Re: The Tower Discussion Thread!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Jonnyozero3
Dave,
I hate to break it to you...but you really need to upgrade that TV :D
...
LOL. I read that line before I watched the youtube clip. After watching the clip, I see exactly what you mean.
Dave, damnit, stop taunting me with reports of how good the STC sounds. :D But seriously, I'm glad to hear that you are so happy with it. I love my Sierra Towers, but the STC is the one piece I've been waiting for to complete my home theater upgrade.
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Re: The Tower Discussion Thread!
STC as mains - visually reminiscent of the old **** 901s, though it seems that's where the similarities end.
and adding in another variable, i wonder how well it would work to orient the STCs vertically instead of horizontally.
now what page did i see those off-axis measurements on....
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Re: The Tower Discussion Thread!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
dittomusik
STC as mains - visually reminiscent of the old **** 901s, though it seems that's where the similarities end.
and adding in another variable, i wonder how well it would work to orient the STCs vertically instead of horizontally.
now what page did i see those off-axis measurements on....
Sounds like a good time to post a page for the "Sierra Horizon" ;):D.
PS, that is after mine has shipped LOL!
Jay
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Re: The Tower Discussion Thread!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
dittomusik
STC as mains - visually reminiscent of the old **** 901s, though it seems that's where the similarities end.
and adding in another variable, i wonder how well it would work to orient the STCs vertically instead of horizontally.
now what page did i see those off-axis measurements on....
Thats a good point.
Using the STC as main vertically will put the tweeter and midrange side by side. Really cant imaging how it sound.
Or did Dave actually did not meant to orient the STC vertically and leave it as horizontally?
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Re: The Tower Discussion Thread!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
RicardoJoa
Thats a good point.
Using the STC as main vertically will put the tweeter and midrange side by side. Really cant imaging how it sound.
Or did Dave actually did not meant to orient the STC vertically and leave it as horizontally?
At the end of Dave's video, you can see the speakers. He oriented them horizontally.
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Re: The Tower Discussion Thread!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
DavidD
At the end of Dave's video, you can see the speakers. He oriented them horizontally.
thanks,
i actually missed the video.
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Re: The Tower Discussion Thread!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Jonnyozero3
Dave,
I hate to break it to you...but you really need to upgrade that TV :D
Don't tell anyone, but that's the "secret room" where Dave can get some well-deserved downtime. I hear he enjoys watching the VHS cuts of "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" and "Back to the Future" on that old CRT. :eek:
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Jonnyozero3
PS: Not the music I thought you'd be auditioning with. Hilarious :)
You and I both, buddy. It seems that Dave has an "inner gangsta." :D
Playfulness aside, I'm pretty excited to read the latest on the STC (or Sierra Horizon, whatever it ends up as). I was curious how much the smaller enclosure would "handicap" the overall synergy compared to the full-size towers. Apparently it's not an issue.
When I first read about the STC (or monster center as it was known then), I had the idea about flipping the cabinets 90 degrees and using them as mains. If the new center provides nearly identical performance as the towers, that might be an awesome way to upgrade from Sierra-1 for those with space constraints.
Maybe I'm off-base, but my only real concern with the vertical orientation was dispersion characteristics since it was originally designed to be used horizontally. I did find it curious that Dave mounted the speakers in their intended horizontal position. Before the video, I expected to see them configured vertically.
Anyway, I think it's a great idea to consider the STC as more than just a center.
As always, a big thanks to Dave for keeping us in the loop and tempting us with new things to spend our money on. :D
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Horizon compared to Tower
Differences I can think of:
front slotted ports rather than round rear port.
driver placements
cabinet shape, and orientation
Total cabinet volume? (don't know)
Midrange compartment volume? (don't know, probably not due to T/S parameters)
Crossover (don't know, again, probably not)
By the looks of things, doesn't seem like there would be more than a smidge of a difference between the sound/performance between them.
If I were to guess, Dave will have an answer before long. What I would like to know is exactly how much of a difference is there?
Jay
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Re: Sierra Horizon (Sierra Tower Center)
pulled out the measuring tape to see if i have room for the Horizon even in vertical orientation (assuming that vertical is as good as horizontal).
screen is just shy of 9' wide, room is 11'2", Horizon is 11" height (or width in this theoretical vertical orientation). hmmm, that's pretty tight - about 1" on each side!
the screen is only up during movies so most of the time it wouldn't be a problem.
does anyone remember where Dave's post of the measurements (off-axis performance etc) is? it was accompanied by a picture of the test setup showing how ridiculously far off-axis the mic was for part of the test.
maybe i just haven't gone back far enough in the Tower thread...?
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Re: Sierra Horizon (Sierra Tower Center)
Quote:
Originally Posted by
dittomusik
does anyone remember where Dave's post of the measurements (off-axis performance etc) is? it was accompanied by a picture of the test setup showing how ridiculously far off-axis the mic was for part of the test.
maybe i just haven't gone back far enough in the Tower thread...?
Ask, and ye shall receive. :D
http://forum.ascendacoustics.com/sho...8431#post38431
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Re: Sierra Horizon (Sierra Tower Center)
cheers Jacob.
no vertical off-axis response in those graphs, perhaps will have to wait for Mr. Dave to give his thoughts on the matter.
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Re: The Tower Discussion Thread!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
davef
Here is a brief video I took last night showing SPL peaks.
Hey Dave, what album and song is that?
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Re: Sierra Horizon (Sierra Tower Center)
I'm waiting patiently for my center (Horizon?) to ship, but in the meantime I have been enjoying listening to my towers. As good as my towers are (with the standard tweeter) sounds like the center is equal to or better than the towers. I really don't have the setup to use three Horizon across the front, but someone who had the space the Horizon's seem like the way to go.
Very impressive video. I have been following the development of the towers and center but have not or did not see a similar video for the towers. Would be nice to see that as a comparison, and would give Dave an excuse for some more "private time" in his secret/special room. :D
I'm more excited than ever to get my center so I can experience it for myself (instead of Dave having all the fun).
Dave what equipment were you using for that video? Amp/receiver, transport, etc. Just curious.
Regards,
RTROSE
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Re: The Tower Discussion Thread!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Jonnyozero3
Hey Dave, what album and song is that?
I'm not Dave, but I can answer your question. :p
Artist: The Black Eyed Peas
Album: THE E.N.D. (Energy Never Dies)
Track: Boom Boom Pow
Amazon link: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00192IV0O
Black Eyed Peas VEVO: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4m48GqaOz90
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Re: The Tower Discussion Thread!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Dark Ranger
Nice try, Dave's hidden forum account.
Just kidding, Thanks!
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Re: Sierra Horizon (Sierra Tower Center)
@ Jonnyozero3,
Ha! You flatter me beyond comprehension. There's only one important difference between Dave and I: he's really, really good-looking!* :D
*I have no idea if this is true. :p
Quote:
Originally Posted by
rtrose
I'm waiting patiently for my center (Horizon?) to ship, but in the meantime I have been enjoying listening to my towers. As good as my towers are (with the standard tweeter) sounds like the center is equal to or better than the towers. I really don't have the setup to use three Horizon across the front, but someone who had the space the Horizon's seem like the way to go.
We should get clarification on this at some point. However, from everything I've read, the technical specifications are virtually identical to the towers. Same components, etc. So, theoretically, performance with one shouldn't be better than the other.
I might be talking out my well-formed derriere, but I could understand differences in imaging/soundstage projection between the vertical Tower and the horizontal, uh, Horizon, rather than overall sound quality. Also, the driver arrangement differs between the two models, so I wouldn't be surprised if this contributes to imaging differences.
Quote:
Originally Posted by
rtrose
Dave what equipment were you using for that video? Amp/receiver, transport, etc. Just curious.
I'd be interested to hear this info, too. I think it would be a good reference point for customer expectations, as well as great info for those of us with insatiable curiosity. :D
Slightly off-topic: I really enjoyed that demo video as well, although that song has been stuck in my head for the past couple of days. I attended a wedding yesterday, and a one point I found myself thinking about the Horizon. I know, I know...I'm a bad person. :cool:
Definitely a cool demo track. Saint-Saëns' Symphony No. 3 just wouldn't have had the same effect!
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Re: Sierra Horizon (Sierra Tower Center)
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Re: Sierra Horizon (Sierra Tower Center)
Quote:
Originally Posted by
GirgleMirt
Looks good! How much? :p
This is the latest pricing info I could find (as of Dec 2, 2011):
Quote:
Originally Posted by
davef
Pricing for the STC has been determined.
Base price (black matte / natural) = $998 + $48 domestic ground shipping
Standard premium finishes (espresso, dark cherry) = $1048 + shipping
Custom finishes available but need to be quoted.
Optional RAAL ribbon tweeter upgrade: $350
Due to the complexity in building this cabinet, these prices should be considered pre-order pricing. Once this initial batch is sold, pricing will be increased by a minimum of $50, possibly more depending on the finish.
Complete post here.
I know neodymium prices went nuts last year. It must be really difficult to control costs and balance profit margins in this economy. :(
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Re: Sierra Horizon (Sierra Tower Center)
My black matte center was the 998 + shipping. The center is right at 50.00 higher than the per speaker price of the towers. From what I have been able to determine the center is well worth the price, I know from listening to my towers that they are certainly worth the price of admission for sure.
Regards,
RTROSE
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Re: Sierra Horizon (Sierra Tower Center)
I'm liking the idea of STC's as fronts. Although I would definitely feel more comfortable owning as such with some additional support of sorts, something like 2-3 mounts, as opposed to just 1. That's an expensive purchase to be knocked off axis so easily, or even readily damaged another way.. :(
Thinking heavily compounding a few TP-24 mounts with sand and adding some blu-tack, neither STC will be going anywhere then :P. Not to mention the acoustics will be helped by having a more solidified base underneath. I'm remembering awhile back how my 340 SE's had more of a hollow sound without any sand when I first used them, sounded odd. But, no problem anymore :)
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Re: Sierra Horizon (Sierra Tower Center)
Quote:
Originally Posted by
makutaku
Nice to hear Dave! My concern, though, is that I made the wrong choice ordering the "vertical" Sierra Towers today! :eek:
Please tell me this "center" won't outperform my towers ! ;)
That would be weird!
"Tower Center" or "Horizontal Tower" is a logical paradox since a tower is a vertical structure.
I'd prefer that "tower" is dropped. Besides, they will probably work great with a Sierra-1 pair as well. How about just Horizontal Sierra, or ... Sierra Horizon ?
LOVE the name Sierra Horizon and we will -slowly- move towards this new name and making these available for sale as both singles (for center channel duty) and mains. Right now we need to focus on fulfilling all of the backorders.
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Jonnyozero3
Dave,
I hate to break it to you...but you really need to upgrade that TV :D
In all seriousness, that's some output! I also am curious - if one had the space for either the tower or the compact tower, would you necessarily recommend one over the other? What would the benefits be to running three compact towers across the front versus the "normal" pair of vertical towers and a "center" setup?
PS: Not the music I thought you'd be auditioning with. Hilarious :)
You guys are too much. I use that old 20" as the monitor for the Rotel pre-processor. I can't change various menu settings without it :eek: Up to now our demo room has been strictly two channel but we are now gearing up for a complete 5.1 system and there is a 51" Samsung Plasma on the other side of the room waiting to be taken out of the box. Just waiting on Omnimount to send us the TV stand we ordered many weeks ago :cool:
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Re: Sierra Horizon (Sierra Tower Center)
The center is now available in our shopping cart for ordering... Please check the first post in this thread.
Thanks!
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Re: Sierra Horizon (Sierra Tower Center)
Quote:
Originally Posted by
davef
LOVE the name Sierra Horizon and we will -slowly- move towards this new name and making these available for sale as both singles (for center channel duty) and mains.
That's awesome! Now I can say I chose the name of a great speaker!
Now I am "forced" to call you and buy one, specially as I never had a center speaker yet :o ...
But be advised that I will ask for a special privilege for having come up with this most amazing name! ;)
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Re: Sierra Horizon (Sierra Tower Center)
The Sierra Horizon would go well with the Sierra Vertex.
...or Sierra Apex
...or Sierra Summit
:cool:
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Re: Sierra Horizon (Sierra Tower Center)
Will there be discounted pricing for Sierra Horizon sold in pairs? Or is it the price of two centers?