Page 2 of 2 FirstFirst 12
Results 11 to 16 of 16

Thread: Sierra-2 or Towers w/ Raal. Totally confused and overwhelmed....

  1. #11
    Join Date
    Nov 2014
    Posts
    13

    Default Re: Sierra-2 or Towers w/ Raal. Totally confused and overwhelmed....

    I realize that this thread was started a year ago, but I wanted to provide a quick opinion since I have owned and listened to both the Sierra 2s and Sierra RAAL Towers in the exact same room with the same gear connected to both of them. I only have about 25 hours of time with the Towers thus far, so I wouldn't consider break-in complete since Dave has indicated things are settled after about 50 hours. However, I can't imagine them sounding much different than they do now, but only time will tell.

    Anyway, the Sierra 2s are EXCELLENT speakers. I was truly blown away by them. I was so impressed by them that I decided to upgrade to the RAAL Towers figuring that if Dave can make a bookshelf sound that good, then his towers ought to be the end-all of speakers. So, are the Towers "better" than the Sierra 2s? Yes. They definitely are. The sound is even more natural than that of Sierra 2s (the Towers "disappear" more often during listening sessions than the Sierra 2s did). Additionally, the whole soundstage is larger/wider with the Towers. I have dual Rythmik FV15HPs, so the difference in bass extension/output between the two is negligible. Now for the important question: Are the Towers worth the difference in price? Well, that obviously depends on how much disposable income you have, but I would say that for the average middle class person, yes, the price difference is worth it, but just barely so. Now, if you can't have a sub for whatever reason, then the towers are definitely worth the extra cost. Honestly, I might have considered going back to the Sierra 2s to reinvest the price difference in acoustic treatments/vacations/beer/etc, but since I have the Horizon RAAL for a center, the thought didn't even cross my mind. The front soundstage is SEAMLESS with movies. Could you get away with Sierra 2s all across the front? Absolutely. However, the Horizon RAAL is much better as a center channel, which is the most crucial speaker for HT. So, in my opinion, if you are going the combined HT and 2-channel stereo route, the Towers are definitely worth the increased cost. If you can't have a sub for whatever reason, and are going with a pure stereo setup, the Towers are once again definitely worth the extra cost. With a pure stereo setup, and a subwoofer, the Towers are just barely worth the extra cost (assuming "middle class" income). In summary, the Towers are worth it in every situation! However, in the last situation, I wouldn't hesitant to purchase the Sierra 2s. In fact, that's the route I would take.

    This goes without saying, but everything above is just one average man's opinion. Additionally, the lack of specific listening comments regarding the two was intentional. I have not spent enough time with either to give a proper breakdown by each attribute. However, I feel confident providing the general conclusion listed above. I hope this helps those on the fence!

  2. #12
    Join Date
    Aug 2003
    Location
    USA
    Posts
    5,538

    Default Re: Sierra-2 or Towers w/ Raal. Totally confused and overwhelmed....

    Quote Originally Posted by Chipless View Post
    I realize that this thread was started a year ago, but I wanted to provide a quick opinion since I have owned and listened to both the Sierra 2s and Sierra RAAL Towers in the exact same room with the same gear connected to both of them. I only have about 25 hours of time with the Towers thus far, so I wouldn't consider break-in complete since Dave has indicated things are settled after about 50 hours. However, I can't imagine them sounding much different than they do now, but only time will tell.

    Anyway, the Sierra 2s are EXCELLENT speakers. I was truly blown away by them. I was so impressed by them that I decided to upgrade to the RAAL Towers figuring that if Dave can make a bookshelf sound that good, then his towers ought to be the end-all of speakers. So, are the Towers "better" than the Sierra 2s? Yes. They definitely are. The sound is even more natural than that of Sierra 2s (the Towers "disappear" more often during listening sessions than the Sierra 2s did). Additionally, the whole soundstage is larger/wider with the Towers. I have dual Rythmik FV15HPs, so the difference in bass extension/output between the two is negligible. Now for the important question: Are the Towers worth the difference in price? Well, that obviously depends on how much disposable income you have, but I would say that for the average middle class person, yes, the price difference is worth it, but just barely so. Now, if you can't have a sub for whatever reason, then the towers are definitely worth the extra cost. Honestly, I might have considered going back to the Sierra 2s to reinvest the price difference in acoustic treatments/vacations/beer/etc, but since I have the Horizon RAAL for a center, the thought didn't even cross my mind. The front soundstage is SEAMLESS with movies. Could you get away with Sierra 2s all across the front? Absolutely. However, the Horizon RAAL is much better as a center channel, which is the most crucial speaker for HT. So, in my opinion, if you are going the combined HT and 2-channel stereo route, the Towers are definitely worth the increased cost. If you can't have a sub for whatever reason, and are going with a pure stereo setup, the Towers are once again definitely worth the extra cost. With a pure stereo setup, and a subwoofer, the Towers are just barely worth the extra cost (assuming "middle class" income). In summary, the Towers are worth it in every situation! However, in the last situation, I wouldn't hesitant to purchase the Sierra 2s. In fact, that's the route I would take.

    This goes without saying, but everything above is just one average man's opinion. Additionally, the lack of specific listening comments regarding the two was intentional. I have not spent enough time with either to give a proper breakdown by each attribute. However, I feel confident providing the general conclusion listed above. I hope this helps those on the fence!
    Excellent post! This will definitely help customers decide.

    Thanks!
    .
    .
    .
    Good Sound To You!

    David Fabrikant
    www.ascendacoustics.com

  3. #13
    Join Date
    Jun 2012
    Posts
    48

    Default Re: Sierra-2 or Towers w/ Raal. Totally confused and overwhelmed....

    Dave, I'd like to get the Sierra 2. Have emailed Dina twice with no reply yet. Can you please check? Thanks.

  4. #14
    Join Date
    Aug 2003
    Location
    Manhattan Beach, California
    Posts
    7,032

    Default Re: Sierra-2 or Towers w/ Raal. Totally confused and overwhelmed....

    Quote Originally Posted by Veda View Post
    Dave, I'd like to get the Sierra 2. Have emailed Dina twice with no reply yet. Can you please check? Thanks.
    Hey Veda...Ascend has been doing year end inventory, so they are backed up on email.
    -curtis

  5. #15
    Join Date
    Jun 2012
    Posts
    48

    Default Re: Sierra-2 or Towers w/ Raal. Totally confused and overwhelmed....

    Quote Originally Posted by curtis View Post
    Hey Veda...Ascend has been doing year end inventory, so they are backed up on email.
    Noted. Actually as time goes by I may just get another RAAL Towers in addition to the Sierra 2. Will see the audition against a Veracity ST this weekend.

  6. #16
    Join Date
    Dec 2013
    Posts
    32

    Default Re: Sierra-2 or Towers w/ Raal. Totally confused and overwhelmed....

    I figured I would give an update.

    I bought the RAAL towers and RAAL Horizon center for my front soundstage. So far I have also bought a pair of CBM 170-SE's for side surrounds as well. All of the speakers sound great. If I had the space and cash I would have towers all the way around, but I am happy with the CBM's.

    I am hoping my wife buys me another pair of CBM's for my birthday to finish out my system, but that is doubtful; especially since the sale price is over.

    The CBM's have had me thinking somebody was in the room with me when I heard voices on them in my video games; they really are that natural. I have no experience with the Sierras or CMT's though to compare.

    I went to a movie tonight at a really nice theater and I am certain my speakers sound way better. No more movies at the theater for me. I will wait for movies to come out on blu-ray so they can sound every bit as good as they are supposed to.

    I am super anxious for my last two speakers to finish my system and have tried to find used ones so I don't have to wait as long saving up money, but nobody seems to want to part with their Ascend Acoustics speakers.

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •