Sierra-2EX to Sierra Diamond conversion?

[Mag_Neato]

Ok, just thought I'd throw this out there......

Dave, just in case any Sierra-2EX owners suddenly wish to empty their wallets, would it be possible to simply replace the EX crossover and RAAL tweeter with the SEAS White Diamond tweeter and corresponding crossover, or is there more to it?

If so, what would be a realistic cost for such a kit?

[billy p]

As they say...if you have to ask how much...you likely can't afford it...lol.
All kidding aside it would be nice to know what that figure is and the likelihood of diminishing returns would apply.

[N Boros]

Ok, just thought I'd throw this out there......

Dave, just in case any Sierra-2EX owners suddenly wish to empty their wallets, would it be possible to simply replace the EX crossover and RAAL tweeter with the SEAS White Diamond tweeter and corresponding crossover, or is there more to it?

If so, what would be a realistic cost for such a kit?

This is actually a really good question. I don’t think I would do it, but it would reduce the upgrade cost only needing to do the crossover and very expensive tweeter.

[racrawford65]

As I recall, thought Dave had made a pair of speakers like this for a customer (S2EX woofer, SEAS Diamond Tweeter) and he may have another personal pair. Similarly, I recall that the Diamond tweeter was a few/several thousand dollars, so likely a very costly upgrade even if only the tweeter/cross-over.

[Mag_Neato]

As I recall, thought Dave had made a pair of speakers like this for a customer (S2EX woofer, SEAS Diamond Tweeter) and he may have another personal pair. Similarly, I recall that the Diamond tweeter was a few/several thousand dollars, so likely a very costly upgrade even if only the tweeter/cross-over.

Yes, those tweeters have a very pricey "MSRP", but I wonder what a "real world" cost for a pair plus the crossovers would be. Dave has always been able to work some of his magic with the cost of the upgrades. Of course, these would be extremely low production given the cost, and I'd imagine the crossover, though the cheapest part of this, would have to be somewhat hand made being such low volume. Dave would likely only be able to provide some sort of volume pricing if he could find enough interested buyers who basically committed to the purchase with a large deposit, etc. prior to Dave ordering parts and building the crossovers.

[N Boros]

Yes, those tweeters have a very pricey "MSRP", but I wonder what a "real world" cost for a pair plus the crossovers would be. Dave has always been able to work some of his magic with the cost of the upgrades. Of course, these would be extremely low production given the cost, and I'd imagine the crossover, though the cheapest part of this, would have to be somewhat hand made being such low volume.

The tweeters were $6800 retail when the diamond tweeter development thread started several years ago. It is going to cost more than that.

[petmotel]

The tweeters were $6800 retail when the diamond tweeter development thread started several years ago. It is going to cost more than that.

The problem is that realistically, for the type of music I listen to, I'm not sure I'd prefer it to the ribbon. It would be a pretty long hike for me to visit the Ascend showroom to demo those beauties. Plus, if it turned out to be a must have, I'd have to mortgage the house to refit the full theater complement.

Jay

[davef]

As I recall, thought Dave had made a pair of speakers like this for a customer (S2EX woofer, SEAS Diamond Tweeter) and he may have another personal pair. Similarly, I recall that the Diamond tweeter was a few/several thousand dollars, so likely a very costly upgrade even if only the tweeter/cross-over.

We actually made several pairs of Sierra-2EX diamonds for customers, and one pair of diamond towers. I think the way the economy is going, the market for such expensive speakers is shrinking.

[racrawford65]

Thanks for clarifying/confirming, Dave.

As it is possible to upgrade the S2EX to the Diamond Tweeter, assuming that it would also be possible with the RAAL Towers, albeit at a substantial cost considering the Tweeter cost - correct?

[N Boros]

Thanks for clarifying/confirming, Dave.

As it is possible to upgrade the S2EX to the Diamond Tweeter, assuming that it would also be possible with the RAAL Towers, albeit at a substantial cost considering the Tweeter cost - correct?

I recall that the standard done tweeter can’t just have the Raal ribbon tweeter swapped in, unless you have some woodworking skills. If the diamond tweeter is the same for the bookshelf and tower, I don’t think it would fit the tower, if it is replacing the Raal ribbon tweeter.