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Thread: Preamp/Amp Suggestion for Sierra 2

  1. #11
    Join Date
    Dec 2013
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    360

    Default Re: Preamp/Amp Suggestion for Sierra 2

    Quote Originally Posted by JC1 View Post
    I have an older but awesome Parasound HCA-1205A amp, 5 channels conservatively rated 140 watts per and I want to get 3 Sierra 2's LCR, and Luna surrounds. Parasound enough to drive these babies? I know it drives my Def Techs really, really well now.
    That Parasound should be just fine for the Sierra-2.

  2. #12
    Join Date
    Aug 2017
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    85

    Default Re: Preamp/Amp Suggestion for Sierra 2

    Yeah I thought so. Parasound rocks, they don't design garbage at any price point. I just talked to a guy that gave some serious praise to the Sierra 2's and the RAAL Ribbon tweeter. I gotta hear these speakers. First order is going to be 3 Sierra 2's LCR.

  3. #13
    Join Date
    Aug 2003
    Location
    Manhattan Beach, California
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    7,032

    Default Re: Preamp/Amp Suggestion for Sierra 2

    Quote Originally Posted by JC1 View Post
    I have an older but awesome Parasound HCA-1205A amp, 5 channels conservatively rated 140 watts per and I want to get 3 Sierra 2's LCR, and Luna surrounds. Parasound enough to drive these babies? I know it drives my Def Techs really, really well now.
    Quote Originally Posted by mikesiskav View Post
    That Parasound should be just fine for the Sierra-2.
    Yeah...Mike is right, the Parasound will be fine.

    I use an ATI 1505, which is 150wpc. No issues.

    Ascend speakers are all easy to drive.
    -curtis

  4. #14
    Join Date
    Jun 2016
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    New Hampshire
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    23

    Default Re: Preamp/Amp Suggestion for Sierra 2

    I have an ATI 1505 also, but one channel is dead. I was thinking of trying Class D Audio for a light weight amp that seems to get great reviews. Also looking at Schiit too for pre and amp. Sounds like just need to be careful if WPC is high but no issues. Seems like there are too many good choices!

  5. #15
    Join Date
    Aug 2003
    Location
    USA
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    5,538

    Default Re: Preamp/Amp Suggestion for Sierra 2

    Quote Originally Posted by PoppaOptic View Post
    I have an ATI 1505 also, but one channel is dead. I was thinking of trying Class D Audio for a light weight amp that seems to get great reviews. Also looking at Schiit too for pre and amp. Sounds like just need to be careful if WPC is high but no issues. Seems like there are too many good choices!
    I generally don't recommend Class D amps with our RAAL ribbon based speakers, the speakers are just too revealing of class D switching noise. Stick with class A/B - or get the ATI amp fixed
    .
    .
    .
    Good Sound To You!

    David Fabrikant
    www.ascendacoustics.com

  6. #16
    Join Date
    Aug 2017
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    85

    Default Re: Preamp/Amp Suggestion for Sierra 2

    Thanks, I thought so, just wanted to see what Ascend owners thought. I have been reading incredible things about Ascend and the Sierra 2's in particular. I haven't seen or read a bad thing. I can't wait to make my first purchase of 3 Sierra 2's! I mean the way people talk about them is quite crazy. Things like "these are the best speakers, period". I mean that is serious praise.

  7. #17
    Join Date
    Jun 2016
    Location
    New Hampshire
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    23

    Default Re: Preamp/Amp Suggestion for Sierra 2

    Quote Originally Posted by davef View Post
    I generally don't recommend Class D amps with our RAAL ribbon based speakers, the speakers are just too revealing of class D switching noise. Stick with class A/B - or get the ATI amp fixed
    Thanks for the helpful info!

    Based on this it would seem the Emotiva might not be the best choice since it uses a switch mode power supply. I do like the ATI amp but it seems cost prohibitive to fix. None of the local shops want to tackle the job and the cost to ship the amp from New Hampshire to California was very high. I think I'll recheck the shipping costs again though.

  8. #18
    Join Date
    Jun 2016
    Location
    New Hampshire
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    23

    Default Re: Preamp/Amp Suggestion for Sierra 2

    Quote Originally Posted by JC1 View Post
    Thanks, I thought so, just wanted to see what Ascend owners thought. I have been reading incredible things about Ascend and the Sierra 2's in particular. I haven't seen or read a bad thing. I can't wait to make my first purchase of 3 Sierra 2's! I mean the way people talk about them is quite crazy. Things like "these are the best speakers, period". I mean that is serious praise.
    You can't go wrong with the Sierra 2! My first set of speakers from Ascend was the Sierra 1 (L/R/C) and the sound was definitely a step up from my NHT speakers. Like you I kept seeing the great reviews on the Sierra 2 and the RAAL tweeter. I wasn't sure the change would be noticeable. After I played the first CD once they were setup it was obvious the detail and clarity was a lot better. Plus the bass is very musical for a bookshelf. I can't say enough about them! Once i get a new Amp I plan to upgrade my 3 Sierra 1 to Sierra 2 then have a 5-way system for music and HT with Sierra 2. That will be amazing!

  9. #19
    Join Date
    Apr 2010
    Location
    Just outside Pearland, TX
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    301

    Default Re: Preamp/Amp Suggestion for Sierra 2

    Quote Originally Posted by PoppaOptic View Post
    Thanks for the helpful info!

    Based on this it would seem the Emotiva might not be the best choice since it uses a switch mode power supply.
    Totally different than the switching Dave is talking about with a Class D amp. Emotiva should be fine.
    Luna Duo V2 LR, Titan Horizon V2, and Rythmik L22 & L12 in HT, Sierra-LXs in study, S-2EXs and Duo V2 C in bedroom, S-1 NrTs in dining room, S-1s at work, HTM-200s in kitchen. Brother owns CMT-340s and dad has a pair of CBM-170s.

  10. #20
    Join Date
    Jun 2016
    Location
    New Hampshire
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    23

    Default Re: Preamp/Amp Suggestion for Sierra 2

    Quote Originally Posted by SunByrne View Post
    Totally different than the switching Dave is talking about with a Class D amp. Emotiva should be fine.
    Thanks for the clarification. Emotiva stays on my short list in that case.

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