plan to order Sierras -- one question

[powerdog]

Hi, I've been very impressed by the reviews of the Sierra-1, and almost ready to order those for LRC in a 5.1 system.

My receiver is a Denon 3803 (no HDMI, but optical), and I"m replacing a Polk RM6600 surround set. I'm using a Panny BR player for BR discs and DVDs, and it's connected directly to my plasma with HDMI.

My HT room is also my office. Approx 1200 sq. ft, with carpet, couch, computer equipment, bookshelves. (I'm attaching a sketch, in case it's any help.)

I'm equally interested in video and music.

I'm thinking of staying with the Polk 10" sub I already have, and just need to decide on the surrounds. I'm guessing a second set of Sierras is overkill, so my question is: the 170 or the 200?

Thanks for any help!

[Sam AV]

I asked Dave F a similar question (except I'm gonna be using 340SEs in the front) and he said that if you are listening to a lot of multi-channel audio, it was better to go with the 170s than the 200s, but there wasn't lots of difference if just for HT.

[powerdog]

Do most people with Sierras in front use a lower-end speaker in back, as I'm planning to do?

[BradJudy]

Do most people with Sierras in front use a lower-end speaker in back, as I'm planning to do?

I'm using Sierra mains with CBM-170 rears (original, not SE). I'm happy with the results.

[Sam1000]

Im using the HTM-200 for the rears. It workd quite well and since 200s are sealed, the setup is a little easier as well. I have seen 170s, they look bigger than in pictures:-)
But, as someone said, if you listen to a lot of multi channel music, then 170 might be a better speaker for that application. Although, I have a few multi channel SACDs, I still prefer music in 2 Ch. mode. SACDs in multi channel sounds great as well with 200s in the back. I cross over 200s(SE) at 80.

[powerdog]

Here's another question for you: are the metal stands sold on the Ascend website for the 340 appropriate for the Sierra?

Also, how do you keep the speakers from being knocked off?

[curtis]

Here's another question for you: are the metal stands sold on the Ascend website for the 340 appropriate for the Sierra?

Also, how do you keep the speakers from being knocked off?
The TP24 stands are not metal, they are made of MDF. Yes, they will work with the Sierra.

The Sierra has a ¼” x 20 insert to attach it to the TP24 via a backplate.

If you mean the SP30 stand, those will work with the Sierra as well, but there is no attaching mechanism. You would want to use something like earthquake putty if you wanted to attach them to the stand.

[powerdog]

What's this in the Sierra specs page?

(1) ¼” x 20 inserts for mounting to stands

[curtis]

What's this in the Sierra specs page?

(1) ¼” x 20 inserts for mounting to stands
That is the insert to use with the TP24 stands like I mentioned.

[powerdog]

I guess if it takes a standard machine screw, there must be something you could rig up for the other stand. But I'll look up the earthquake putty, too.

[jr1414]

Where does one find earthquake putty? Is there any risk of it damaging the PB finish?

[curtis]

I guess if it takes a standard machine screw, there must be something you could rig up for the other stand. But I'll look up the earthquake putty, too.
You probably could put something together very easily. I had custom stands made for my 340's, and JasonColeman made matching bamboo stands for me and other Sierra owners. In both cases, I asked that the threaded insert be utilized.


Where does one find earthquake putty? Is there any risk of it damaging the PB finish?
I don't think so. It is not a permanant solution/adhesive. I'd call Ascend and ask. You can find earthquake putty or stuff like it at hardware stores. Sometimes called Blu-Tak, and I have also seen Yellow-tack.

Wow...there is also a Wiki page for Blu-Tack:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blu_Tack

[powerdog]

Both Amazon and eBay have it, either called earthquake or museum putty. Reviews on Amazon say it doesn't harm or discolor surfaces.

[jr1414]

Thanks. Not many earthquakes here in NY.

[powerdog]

Nor in Vermont, but in my office/HT room, plenty of clumsiness.

[o0Lo0P0o]

Powerdog, I have the TP-24 stands for my sierra's and they work out well for them. I use the SP-30's in the rear with the 4 foam pads in the corners and then a tiny bit of earthquake putty on the other four sides. It holds the CBM-170's pretty firm.