To RAAL or not to RAAL..that is the question.

[Brannigan]

It might already be too late and I probably won't change my mind, but is there any reason to go with basic sierra towers over the RAAL tweeter version aside from price? I ran into some random posts about the nrt being better if you watch movies a lot. I do both but music is the priority. I already ordered the RAAL towers this morning but they haven't made them yet. Should I prefer the nrt or stay with the ribbon? I don't care about the money but I need the speakers to be good for both uses. Hopefully Davef will chime in? Hopefully somebody will tell me the RAAL is superior in every conceivable way so I can sleep better at night.

[Dark Ranger]

Step 1: Read this.

Step 2: Relax and exhale a long breath.


My suggestion: keep the RAAL upgrade. It is exceptional, especially if you care about music. The bit about the NrT being better for HT wasn't a sweeping statement. Some prefer the sharper attack and extra energy from the NrT, especially in HT.

For what it's worth, I have the RAAL in my Horizon. No regrets. It is absolutely the best tweeter I've ever heard for both music and movies. If I had space for the Sierra Towers, I'd get the RAAL in those, too.

[curtis]

Also read this:

http://forum.ascendacoustics.com/sho...00&postcount=8

[Brannigan]

I feel better. Thanks guys. I probably won't sleep any better though. Now I'm too excited.

[sourbeef]

I have been having the same decision making to do. I listen to HT more than music about 95/5, so I was at one point considering the NRT cones instead of RAAL in the towers....but the more I thought about it, I thought well I will always wonder what could have been IF I only got the RAAL....I don't think it would be worth that kind of nagging...so it will be RAAL for me unless someone can give me a very good reason to stick with the NRT cones.....by the way, I am planning on the new Horizon at some point too which I will definately get the RAAL ribbon for the superior dialogue qualities of it. Starting to get excited about this purchase though I have not pulled the trigger yet....they better not sell out of that piano black either at the discount price

[Brannigan]

I'll let you know how they are with movies as soon as possible.

[sourbeef]

I'll let you know how they are with movies as soon as possible.

Thanks, and by the way, I just ordered the piano black towers with the RAAL .

[Dark Ranger]

sourbeef,

Congrats!! I'm a big fan of the piano black myself. You're gonna have sonic nirvana.


Brannigan,

I think you'll be quite surprised with how the RAALs handle movies, especially with low volume stuff. I occasionally watch movies at low volumes to avoid disturbing anyone at late hours. The ribbon tweeter (combined with the dedicated mid-range) is fantastic and I no longer have to strain to hear the dialog. It's very articulate and well-balanced. And when the going gets loud, the RAAL can keep up.

[Brannigan]

That's good to know. I wasn't sure if the raal would peter out at high volume compared to the other drivers. No idea why I would think that it would, I just have no idea what ribbons are like.

[Brannigan]

Thanks, and by the way, I just ordered the piano black towers with the RAAL .

NOICE! We can exchange opinions very soon if all goes well. I'm not currently capable of imagining better sound than I'm getting from my sierra 1 and rythmik sub so if the ribbon towers blow this setup out of the water they must be out of this world. I have no clue what to expect but I'm psyched! Something that I know I've always wanted was to be able to crank music without it sounding peak-ey but still being detailed. If the ribbon is that smooth then it sounds like I'm headed in the right direction.