Originally Posted by
N Boros
I can answer you question in terms of bookshelf speakers. For about 8 or 9 years I owned the Axiom M22s for fronts, VP150 as center and QS8s as surrounds. These were a huge step up in performance from my **** Acoustimass tiny satellite speakers. After a few years I noticed that my ears would ring after watching a movie at -30 or -35 dB. About 4 years ago I finally isolated the Axiom speakers as one of the main culprits. I didn't listen to anything in my car or elsewhere and just watching a 2 hour movie was enough for my ears to be ringing like I just came from a live concert. So I sold them on eBay and upgraded to some Sierra 2s.
The sound of the M22s is very close to that of the M60s and the Sierra 2s are very close to the Sierra towers with the RAAL ribbon tweeter. I can't say that my fatigue is 100% gone, but it has been significantly improved. I think that I have some mild tinnitus. I've read recently that doing a high magnesium diet for several months might help. Anyways, there wasn't just an improvement in listening fatigue. These Ascend speakers are better than my previous Axiom speakers in just about every regard: Imaging, depth of soundstage, transient response, and wider horizontal dispersion. You read this all the time in speaker reviews, but switching to the Ascend speakers I could easily pick up new details and sounds within commonly known sources regularly. I was nearly done with my surround sound system when I had the Axioms. Selling them only allowed me to the Sierra 2s as my front speakers. I am very happy with the trade. I plan to expand to a full 7 speaker Ascend surround setup and get some neutral in ceiling speakers for a full Atmos setup.
I guess I've even drank the Koolaid on Rythmik as well. I A/Bd letting a 50 and 80 Hz crossover on my Sierra 2s. It is a noticeable difference between the bass on some tracks with letting the Sierra 2s handle those frequencies vs. my Outlaw subwoofer. I can hear details that were smeared by the Outlaw subwoofer, showing me just how special the woofer is in the Sierra 2s, when the tweeter usually is what is talked about most. The midrange and bass is just as good as the highs. It is a very balanced speaker. I now need to upgrade my Outlaw sub to a Rythmik, so that I get a good match with my Sierra 2s. Hope that helps. Good luck.