AA Sierra-2EX Monitor Review

[racrawford65]

thanks, Ted. I was able to reorganize my equipment in current entertainment center so no need to use either Rythmik as a shelf.

I've never used any Herbie's products for isolation. I've been using Symposium stuff for several years - was really sold when I put a Segue ISO under my TT and it eliminated all feedback.

[petmotel]

Very nice review, with your credentials I can't think of a more worthy recommendation. Your descriptions put into words exactly what I hear and what I feel when I listen to my EXs which I have in a dedicated stereo bedroom system. I have no pipe organ music, I really can't see the reason to complicate this particular configuration with a sub, and I truly love and appreciate low bass. Again, awesome review, well said!

Jay

[theophile]

Very nice review, with your credentials I can't think of a more worthy recommendation. Your descriptions put into words exactly what I hear and what I feel when I listen to my EXs which I have in a dedicated stereo bedroom system. I have no pipe organ music, I really can't see the reason to complicate this particular configuration with a sub, and I truly love and appreciate low bass. Again, awesome review, well said!

Jay

Thanks Jay, appreciate your nice comments!

Yep, the Sierra-2EX Are Very Special!! However FWIW, adding a sub provided me with three big advantages:

1. Solid 18Hz performance that gives depth, realism and venue ambiance to most acoustical genre.
2. Expands Midrange clarity due to 6" bass driver relieved from full range reproduction.
3. Greatly increases the Main Power amp headroom (with a >50Hz high pass to the 2EX), thus increased dynamic peaks for all music genre.

IMHO, the audible advantages of a well-integrated musical sub with a 2-way stand-mount monitor is Very Noticeable and Appreciated! Thus, with the Sierra-2EX I first experimented with "full range" (no sub). They simply are amazing as they do provide room energizing sound without breaking a sweat and can easily handle dynamic peaks with finesse and grace! They certainly outperform Anything I've heard these past 45 years (as an audiophile with a music degree) in their price range!!

That said, I then incorporated the 12" 500W Axiom powered sub into the mix. I began at the 80Hz high/low pass settings, but eventually settled on a high pass/low pass of 50Hz. This gave me the best integration, seamless hand-off and low bass tonality, as I took full advantage of the 2EX Seas 6" Curvy woofer/mid-bass prowess and speed! I've greatly increased clean, dynamic, effortless peaks in all my music listening, midrange clarity and definition has certainly expanded. Soundstage has opened up and become even better defined and an energized room of 18Hz to 28KHz wall-of-sound allows the speakers to Totally Disappear and immerse my listening experience with all genre of live, realistic Soul Filling Recorded Music!!!

Love the 2EX full range...I do, but a properly integrated sub can bring some nice additional surprises!!

Ted

[curtis]

I am in complete agreement on using a properly integrated sub(s) with any system.

[petmotel]

Ted, you've not written a single thing in this thread I disagree with. I have three different systems with AA speakers, a theater system, a system in a good sized shop building, and a bedroom system. Two of the three have SVS ultras doing exactly as you describe. Maybe down the road I might add a sub to the dedicated stereo system, but it sure ain't a slouch as is!

Jay

[theophile]

Ted, you've not written a single thing in this thread I disagree with. I have three different systems with AA speakers, a theater system, a system in a good sized shop building, and a bedroom system. Two of the three have SVS ultras doing exactly as you describe. Maybe down the road I might add a sub to the dedicated stereo system, but it sure ain't a slouch as is!

Jay

Thanks Jay...Sounds like you have All your spaces Nicely Covered!

Bet a Rythmik L12 would work perfectly with your S-2EX...might have to try "2" for a 2.2 music room myself!!

FWIW, your 2-04-20 Sierra-2EX review inspired me to get my 2EX in March (the sale also had a little to do with that)...Thanks for your detailed and wonderful write up!

Ted

[theophile]

Sierra-2EX...Progress moving forward!!

After my eldest did critical listening to the previous reviewed 2.1 setup (see 1st pic), he noted that the soundstage wasn't as deep and high as the previous S2-NrT listening sessions (I had to agree). The NrT's were tilted back 5 degrees, allowing expansion of the soundstage in my 11ft ceiling, creating a very nice sudo-venue openness and expansion!

However, instead of tilting the 2EX (due to narrower vertical expansion), decided to "finally" relocate the sub cabinet to the left front corner...had to re-tune the sub (LP Crossover to 60hz-Trim to full-Volume reset down to 5-oclock...was at 6-oclock). I dropped (set) the components onto a temporary "mini rack" (step stool-pic #2) and have a nice permanent 4-shelf audio rack on order!!

After all was tuned and complete, The New Sound...well, excuse my Italian, Ho.. Sh..!!! WOW! Sub Bass management has returned to my prior setup (was always happy with it), but the 8" lowering of the component stack has created even better focus, image precision, wider soundstage and a Huge Increase in venue depth and height. But more importantly, warmth/detailed/refined/natural Midrange is showing a Beautiful Renaissance! I am hearing details and low level nuances in all of my music that I never heard before...it is truly Amazing to me and a Very Surprising revelation!

All I can figure is that the component stack I had on top the subwoofer cabinet was causing 2nd reflections and cancellations that diluted the EX mid-woofer Midrange prowess capability?!? Although it was sounding great before the changes, the 2EX has taken a giant leap forward in realistic, live sound presentation that consistently leaves me short of breath and yearning/needing to re-hear my large music genre CD collection!!

Who'd a thunk it! Now to re-spin my 400+ CD's!!!!

Ted