Sierra vs 340 for LRC?

[cslewis]

Hello all,

I'm about to purchase new speakers and am trying to decide between the new Sierra's across the front, or 340s (with 170's in the rear in either scenario).

The room they'll be in is about 15 x 12, however, the right "wall" (on the 12 foot side) is a bar that looks into the kitchen, and there is a nice opening in the right corner to the rest of the apartment that will help leak the sound over there.

With that said, I'll probably be doing ~ 70% music listening, and 30% HT. Or maybe 60/40. Regardless, the music aspect is more important than the movie sound. Whichever I get would most likely be powered by a new Onkyo 605.

Are the Sierras overkill in this situation? I know I can't go wrong either way, because my current speakers are iPod headphones and laptop speakers, so anything is going to sound better than what I have right now!

Any help / suggestions is most appreciated! Thanks!

[Mag_Neato]

If cost is not a problem, the Sierra-1's are my choice. Going from classic 170's to these has been a quantum leap in performance. Not that the 170's ever disappointed me, but I can never go back now.

I was watching a movie last night with a friend. I only have two Sierras with a B&W center.....no surrounds hooked up and no sub, Sierras running full range. There was a scene with thunder. My friend was startled and thought a thunderstorm was outside! The impact from the Sierras is something that needs to be experienced.

[muzz]

Sierras look better
Sierras are smaller
Sierras go deeper
I'd personally go Sierra myself

As stated, the 170/340 are both very capable speakers, and produce great sound, but the Sierra just sounds better to me.

You didn't mention a sub, I ASSUME you are going to use one, since you are installing 170 surrounds.

The Sierras can be used full range for MUSIC if ya don't have a sub right now, where as the others, rely on a sub more so.

[cslewis]

Thanks for the advice. You are correct about the sub, just don't know which one yet! Sounds like Sierra is definitely the way to go. I'll give it another day or two of thought though.

Does the stand for the 340's work with the Sierras as well? I didn't see any stands on the website for the Sierra.

[curtis]

Does the stand for the 340's work with the Sierras as well? I didn't see any stands on the website for the Sierra.

Yes they do. There are also many other stands that will work with them.

[Blue Dude]

How would you go about securing the Sierra's to a stand other than the 340 stand? I can't figure out how it's done and I am uncomfortable with buying stands without knowing this first.

[curtis]

How would you go about securing the Sierra's to a stand other than the 340 stand? I can't figure out how it's done and I am uncomfortable with buying stands without knowing this first.

You can use something like earthquake putty or Blu-tak.

[merrymaid520]

Hello everyone,

I have been a loyal ascend fan for quite some time but do not frequent the board often. I have follwed the path of upgrading starting from the 340 CMT's across the front with 170's for surrounds to the newer 340 SE's across the front now. Now I have ordered the new Sierras and am selling my 340 SE's on audiogon. Just wondering other than bass extension, will I notice a greater sonic improvement/difference from the "classic" 340's to the SE's or from the SE's to the Sierra's? When I received the SE's, I definately notice better bass and smoother higher frequencies when played louder over the originals.

Just curious, is all!

Thanks guys,
Brandon

[Mike^S]

I think there is an improvement across the board with the Sierras. It isn't just the bass. The highs and mids are improved as well although they may be less noticeable than the bass.

[curtis]

I think there is an improvement across the board with the Sierras. It isn't just the bass. The highs and mids are improved as well although they may be less noticeable than the bass.

Agreed.