Sierra Ribbon Towers and Safe SPL

[racrawford65]

I think this is 660 watts for each speaker not 330.

Also, from the Tower spec page, it's 4 ohms minimum which is different than nominal. If you look at the plot on the measurements page, you'll see impedance looks to be 5 ohms up to 1KHz (with a peak to about 10 between 50 & 90 HZ), and then another peak between 1-3 Khz to about 13 ohms then from 3Khz on up around 8 ohms.

I'd suggest moving closer or, Heaven forbid, turn it down :-)

[curtis]

I usually stay out of thread in regards to "reference level" because the term has lost its meaning, and I don't fully grasp the infatuation with it. Reference level was developed as a movie mixing standard for sound in commercial theaters.

There are even some old forum posts on the internet that has Tomlinson Holman (the TH in THX) stating that reference level in a home theater is too loud because the smaller space. I think he said it should be 4-6 dB lower. Also, reference level in a home theater is the major cause of sibilance. To me, this is clearly audible as you turn up the volume on most movies to "reference".

In fact, as the volume gets louder past a certain point, the worse your ears get at hearing/discerning "quality".

Mixing for a commercial theater vs home is quite different, and I have been told that not many movies are remixed for home release.

As for music, my understanding there isn't a reference level.

OK...off my soapbox.

[Pogre]

Let me simplify then.

I just want to know how loud is too loud for these speakers to handle. A max spl at 1 m would be enough for rme to calculate the rest. Thank you.

[curtis]

Let me simplify then.

I just want to know how loud is too loud for these speakers to handle. A max spl at 1 m would be enough for rme to calculate the rest. Thank you.

I think that would be whatever these two numbers get you at 1 meter:

Maximum Continuous Power*	300 watts
Maximum Short Term Peak Power*	500 watts

[Pogre]

I think that would be whatever these two numbers get you at 1 meter:

Maximum Continuous Power*	300 watts
Maximum Short Term Peak Power*	500 watts

Do you really think 300 watts continuously would be "safe"..?

It's been my experience that continuous power ratings represent more of a melting point than an actual recommended continuous max power. I DO NOT plan to pump 300 watts into any speaker continuously. I'm setting my volume limit on my Marantz so that NO ONE will be able to turn it past what would be "safe" levels. I'm curious what that is and if I'm pushing any limits right now.

Look, I have a big room and like it loud sometimes. I have no problems with my Ultras reaching good spls and quite frankly it was of no concern to me at all with them. They're bigger speakers tho. When I turn the Sierras up to the same volumes I don't like the excursion I'm seeing. Perhaps I'm worrying over nothing. Not sure tho because getting a straight answer is proving to be extremely difficult. I'm still within my return period and some of the replies here have me considering possibly sending the Sierras back. I want speakers that can safely hit higher spl in a large room without worrying about blowing a driver. To that point, the tweeters seem to be handling things very well.

I realize too this is a public forum and I'm not dealing directly with Ascend, so I guess I'm expecting too much. From now on I'll leave the technical questions to people qualified to answer them. I did also send an email to support when I posted this thread so I'll wait for a reply there.

Thank you?

[curtis]

Do you really think 300 watts continuously would be "safe"..?

Honestly, I have no idea, but I also don't have the need.

The wattage are numbers that Ascend has spec'd. If you think they are untrue, then that is another issue.

Here's my take: It is about overall enjoyment. If it worries you, and it isn't something you can adjust your thinking to accommodate, then it detracts from your enjoyment, and you should look for something else.

Another subjective data point: I have been in Ascend's demo room, and have heard a pair of Sierra-2's hit a 102 db peak with an ADA PTM-6150 amp...spec'd at 150wpc. Fullrange.

[Pogre]

Here's my take: It is about overall enjoyment. If it worries you, and it isn't something you can adjust your thinking to accommodate, then it detracts from your enjoyment, and you should look for something else.

Here's my take: The more information I have, the better. Then I can make informed decisions to "adjust my thinking", tho what I'm really doing is adjusting my expectations (and possibly volume levels). Not sure what it is about my thinking that needs adjustment. I just want to protect my new speakers.

The speakers sound wonderful. The only thing detracting from my enjoyment is not knowing. I'm weird like that. I like to know stuff.

[John Galt]

Please let us know what support tells you.

[Pogre]

Please let us know what support tells you.

Will do John. I sent it well into the weekend so I'm guessing I'll hear back sometime tomorrow. I just figured I'd start a thread here too, while waiting for a reply. I think part of the problem is that I'm used to forums with more traffic. On busier forums someone almost always comes along who understands your question(s).