RossK
07-02-2009, 03:12 PM
I've listened to my Sierra-1s through a few vintage components and thought that I would give my very short impressions on their sound.
I play mostly through Winamp using an HT Omega Claro Halo sound card via lossless FLAC. I also use an old Technics 1600 mkii turntable at times, Stereo, CD, and XM-Radio through DirecTV.
These are in order from best sounding to worst
Receivers
Pioneer SX-950 Receiver
This receiver will put a smile on your face with about any genre of music on the Sierras. Many people like to brag about the two models above this, but this, in my opinion, has a more refined sound; As well as the models down to the 750.
Realistic STA-2290 Receiver
This receiver, believe it or not, is about equal with the SX-950 and has great synergy with the Sierras. The Realistic is best with the loudness on though, to a little less than 1-watt, and only has two 10k caps versus the Pioneers dual 22k caps. Still though, a really nice amp and very inexpensive.
Pioneer SX-727 Receiver
Nice punchy bass. I actually like the sound of this receiver over that of it's big brother, the SX-828.
Yamaha CR-2020 Receiver
Hollow sounding, or not as full sounding as those above, even though it is the most powerful amp section in the group. It was just missing something with the Sierras. I really didn't like its sound with any of the other speakers that I have either.
Integrated Amps
Pioneer SA-900 Integrated Amp
Really nice, like the two top receivers. I do believe that the bass and treble controls aren't set properly on this amp though (all SA-900s). They should be notched up one or two steps.
Accuphase E-202 Integrated Amp
Some people swear by these amps, but I
found it only okay. Maybe my hearing is flawed.
Yamaha CA-810 Integrated Amp
Sounded hollow like the CR-2020. The variable loudness feature helps. With the loudness on, it sounded much better. I personally thought it sounded better than the CR-2020.
Pioneer SA-9100 Integrated Amp
Really bright. This amp sounds fantastic with Marantz HD770 speakers and Polk RTA11s, but sounds incredibly harsh with the Sierras. This would be the only amp that I wouldn't recommend with the Sierras. All of the others would be worth keeping.
I've only mentioned lower-end vintage components. Those that most can afford.
I'd like to hear other peoples impressions of their vintage gear with the Sierras.
I play mostly through Winamp using an HT Omega Claro Halo sound card via lossless FLAC. I also use an old Technics 1600 mkii turntable at times, Stereo, CD, and XM-Radio through DirecTV.
These are in order from best sounding to worst
Receivers
Pioneer SX-950 Receiver
This receiver will put a smile on your face with about any genre of music on the Sierras. Many people like to brag about the two models above this, but this, in my opinion, has a more refined sound; As well as the models down to the 750.
Realistic STA-2290 Receiver
This receiver, believe it or not, is about equal with the SX-950 and has great synergy with the Sierras. The Realistic is best with the loudness on though, to a little less than 1-watt, and only has two 10k caps versus the Pioneers dual 22k caps. Still though, a really nice amp and very inexpensive.
Pioneer SX-727 Receiver
Nice punchy bass. I actually like the sound of this receiver over that of it's big brother, the SX-828.
Yamaha CR-2020 Receiver
Hollow sounding, or not as full sounding as those above, even though it is the most powerful amp section in the group. It was just missing something with the Sierras. I really didn't like its sound with any of the other speakers that I have either.
Integrated Amps
Pioneer SA-900 Integrated Amp
Really nice, like the two top receivers. I do believe that the bass and treble controls aren't set properly on this amp though (all SA-900s). They should be notched up one or two steps.
Accuphase E-202 Integrated Amp
Some people swear by these amps, but I
found it only okay. Maybe my hearing is flawed.
Yamaha CA-810 Integrated Amp
Sounded hollow like the CR-2020. The variable loudness feature helps. With the loudness on, it sounded much better. I personally thought it sounded better than the CR-2020.
Pioneer SA-9100 Integrated Amp
Really bright. This amp sounds fantastic with Marantz HD770 speakers and Polk RTA11s, but sounds incredibly harsh with the Sierras. This would be the only amp that I wouldn't recommend with the Sierras. All of the others would be worth keeping.
I've only mentioned lower-end vintage components. Those that most can afford.
I'd like to hear other peoples impressions of their vintage gear with the Sierras.