quick visit to Ascend

[curtis]

Hi All,

Myself and another forum member are making a quick visit to Ascend tomorrow (Thursday, March 1st). We plan on being there around 11am.

We are hoping to hear the Horizon and Towers with RAALs.

The shop is also now setup for full 5.1 sound...so that should be nice too. So bring some good Blu-ray stuff if you can.

Hope some of you can make it.

[DavidD]

Hmm. Tempting. I wonder if I can get away from work for a little while. I would love to hear the new center.

[Dark Ranger]

Curtis et. al., enjoy yourselves.

Rest assured that I will be there in spirit. Last night, though, I really wanted to book a plane ticket...

That said, with great power comes great responsibility. You now have a privilege, nay, a duty to provide a thorough and detailed play-by-play of the GTG. Depending on Ascend's policy for flash photography during demonstrations, some pics would be even better. :D

Now I am going to try and convince myself that this visit would have been a complete waste of my time, and that the Towers/Horizon will sound like absolute trash...

...because it's the only way I can get through this day without exploding from envy towards those who will be visiting Ascend. :D


Seriously, enjoy yourselves.

[DavidD]

Hmm. Tempting. I wonder if I can get away from work for a little while. I would love to hear the new center.

I guess it was not to be. I hope you guys had a great time. Maybe I'll get to do this sometime.

[curtis]

David...we had a good time listening to Towers with the RAAL, the STC, and STC's in stereo.

Mitch and I had to leave before the room was setup with Towers w/ RAALs and an STC w/RAAL. The surrounds were CBM-170SEs. A few others were there from the AVS forum that were able to stay and listen to that setup.

[DavidD]

David...we had a good time listening to Towers with the RAAL, the STC, and STC's in stereo.

Mitch and I had to leave before the room was setup with Towers w/ RAALs and an STC w/RAAL. The surrounds were CBM-170SEs. A few others were there from the AVS forum that were able to stay and listen to that setup.

Wow... Now I'm even more disappointed, although I couldn't have stayed too long anyway. What were your impressions?

[curtis]

Pictures from today's visit:

http://changpics.smugmug.com/Other/Ascend-Acoustics-pictures/i-8CVq6wB/0/L/CA03011216510414-L.jpg
Dave got a new TV!

http://changpics.smugmug.com/Other/Ascend-Acoustics-pictures/i-TQxQq8m/0/L/CA03011216511395-L.jpg
Sierra Tower with RAAL tweeter in matte black

http://changpics.smugmug.com/Other/Ascend-Acoustics-pictures/i-ZB77JCn/0/L/CA03011216511876-L.jpg
Sierra Tower Center "Horizon" in expresso

http://changpics.smugmug.com/Other/Ascend-Acoustics-pictures/i-zFgXpDJ/0/L/CA03011216502574-L.jpg
RAAL 70-20XR tweeter (faceplate and body modified for Ascend for mounting purposes)

http://changpics.smugmug.com/Other/Ascend-Acoustics-pictures/i-zZjSPdg/0/L/CA03011216502033-L.jpg
backside of the RAAL

http://changpics.smugmug.com/Other/Ascend-Acoustics-pictures/i-2GK5Gn9/0/L/CA03011216495846-L.jpg
the actual ribbon in the RAAL...it's VERY light.

http://changpics.smugmug.com/Other/Ascend-Acoustics-pictures/i-Lhp397f/0/L/CA03011216500373-L.jpg
backside of the NRT tweeter

http://changpics.smugmug.com/Other/Ascend-Acoustics-pictures/i-mb47W7M/0/L/CA03011216500946-L.jpg
the RAAL and NrT side by side. The RAAL weighs about 4 lbs. The NrT probably weighs 1/4 pound...if that.

[curtis]

Wow... Now I'm even more disappointed, although I couldn't have stayed too long anyway. What were your impressions?
Very simply, the RAAL takes the detail of the speaker to another level...and is smoother than the NrT. I think I am hooked on the RAALs.

The NrT version is a bit brighter. Listened to it in stereo in STC's. Still sound great, but not like the RAAL. I could certainly live with it, and love it...but after hearing the RAAL, I would willing to leave it if I had the extra cash.

The STC "Horizon", as Dave has mentioned, is very dynamic. With some dynamic music, in stereo, there was some "chest thumping" felt. I think this setup would be excellent for HT use, music was great as well. I was only able to hear the NrT version before we left. There were three others that were able to stay and hear a 5.1 setup with Towers w/RAALs, STC with RAAL, with CBM-170SE's as surrounds. They are not Ascend owners, so they don't frequent this forum much.

[Dark Ranger]

Pictures from today's visit:

*lots of explicit and revealing photos went here*



Wow, I bet today's demonstration sounded fantastic. I also see that Dave installed some upgrades! I noticed:

- new Samsung TV (what is that, like a 48"?)
- new sleek-looking AV rack
- rearranged components on the AV rack

That STC/Horizon looks amazing. Not 100% sure on the finish either. The first photo makes it look like cherry, but in the third photo it looks more like espresso.

Love the close-ups of the NrT and autographed RAAL tweeter.

THANK YOU FOR THE PICS!:D

[Dark Ranger]

Oh, have you any idea what the little yellow box is in photo #1 and #3?

To me, it looks like the ONE.2 from Virtue Audio, although I could be wrong. :p

[davef]

Fun day today!

Curtis, after you and Mitch left, Sanjay "professionally :D" calibrated the 5.1 system and he then sat me down and played the Alan Parson's quad mix of Dark Side of the Moon... WOW!...


Wow, I bet today's demonstration sounded fantastic. I also see that Dave installed some upgrades! I noticed:

- new Samsung TV (what is that, like a 48"?)
- new sleek-looking AV rack
- rearranged components on the AV rack

That STC/Horizon looks amazing. Not 100% sure on the finish either. The first photo makes it look like cherry, but in the third photo it looks more like espresso.

Love the close-ups of the NrT and autographed RAAL tweeter.

THANK YOU FOR THE PICS!:D

TV is an inexpensive 51" Samsung Plasma.. Decent picture. Rack is from Omnimount. The equipment rack is actually on the side of the room, none of the electronics on the TV rack is actually connected, good place for storage ;)

The finish on the STC is espresso


Oh, have you any idea what the little yellow box is in photo #1 and #3?

To me, it looks like the ONE.2 from Virtue Audio, although I could be wrong. :p

Good guess! Nice little amp -- works well with the Towers, 170's and 340's.

[curtis]

oops...forgot this pic:

http://changpics.smugmug.com/Other/Ascend-Acoustics-pictures/i-dw3bnDr/0/L/CA03011218192928-L.jpg

[curtis]

Fun day today!

Curtis, after you and Mitch left, Sanjay "professionally :D" calibrated the 5.1 system and he then sat me down and played the Alan Parson's quad mix of Dark Side of the Moon... WOW!...
Bummer that we missed it.

Thanks for having us over. It was an "ear" opener!

[Dark Ranger]

Fun day today!

Curtis, after you and Mitch left, Sanjay "professionally :D" calibrated the 5.1 system and he then sat me down and played the Alan Parson's quad mix of Dark Side of the Moon... WOW!...


Bummer that we missed it.

Thanks for having us over. It was an "ear" opener!

Fun days like this can keep one sane and "above water" when the pressures of life threaten to overwhelm. I also think Dave was very gracious to step away from what I know is a busy schedule (no doubt it was good for his sanity, too). ;)

I am so glad that everyone had a good time.


TV is an inexpensive 51" Samsung Plasma.. Decent picture. Rack is from Omnimount. The equipment rack is actually on the side of the room, none of the electronics on the TV rack is actually connected, good place for storage ;)

The finish on the STC is espresso

Good guess! Nice little amp -- works well with the Towers, 170's and 340's.

Thanks for the clarification and additional info. I really like that Omnimount rack.


oops...forgot this pic:

Now that was the money shot I was hoping for, very similar to the demo video posted several weeks ago. Gotta say that is a very unique and interesting arrangement and would deserve a second look in anyone's HT setup. Great conversation starter with your buddies. It really is a tale of Beauty and the Beast.

By the way, the "ghost" in the machine is much more visible in your last photo compared to the first. I wonder who that could be... :p

[curtis]

By the way, the "ghost" in the machine is much more visible in your last photo compared to the first. I wonder who that could be... :p
That is Carl, one of the attendees from the AVS forum and LA Audio/Video Association. When I snapped the picture, he was putting a disc in the CD player.

BTW, I'm impressed with how the iPhone 4S pictures came out using SmugMug's new app.

[davef]

BTW, I'm impressed with how the iPhone 4S pictures came out using SmugMug's new app.

I was wondering how your iPhone pics are so good -- mine are always horrible. What app is that?

[curtis]

I was wondering how your iPhone pics are so good -- mine are always horrible. What app is that?
Search for "SmugMug" in the app store.

If you have a SmugMug account, it is nice because it can automatically upload the pictures. Has nice correction and effect features too.

[GirgleMirt]

TV is an inexpensive 51" Samsung Plasma.. Decent picture.
Yeah because your last TV was such a reference... :D I miss the old TV though... Gave style to that room! Oh well.. :o There's just something special about watching a movie on an old CRT that you just don't get with those current TVs, no soul, just something missing.. ;)

Interesting to see the center next to the towers, looks bigger than I thought!

[davef]

Yeah because your last TV was such a reference... :D I miss the old TV though... Gave style to that room! Oh well.. :o There's just something special about watching a movie on an old CRT that you just don't get with those current TVs, no soul, just something missing.. ;)

I assure you, that little 21" TV is not going anywhere! :D I have (3) large flat screens in my home, one for my wife, son and daughter -- although that was never the original intention :o

With the 51" plasma at MY office, I can finally watch what I want to watch :p I should have picked up a 65" though, with a better picture.



Interesting to see the center next to the towers, looks bigger than I thought!

It's a beast and it really likes to show it... Love the dynamics and huge soundstage it throws. Tonight I plan to listen to a full LCR set of them while watching Super 8.

[DavidD]

I assure you, that little 21" TV is not going anywhere! :D I have (3) large flat screens in my home, one for my wife, son and daughter -- although that was never the original intention :o

With the 51" plasma at MY office, I can finally watch what I want to watch :p I should have picked up a 65" though, with a better picture.




It's a beast and it really likes to show it... Love the dynamics and huge soundstage it throws. Tonight I plan to listen to a full LCR set of them while watching Super 8.

Wow...I bet it sounds fabulous.

[billy p]

It's a beast and it really likes to show it... Love the dynamics and huge soundstage it throws. Tonight I plan to listen to a full LCR set of them while watching Super 8.

That train derailment scene certainly is incredible and fun to watch...but I thought you preferred story lines & plot over special effects....:p

[sonicboom]

How about Sierra-1 with RAAL? Is this in the future?

[Sonic Ray]

Cool thread! Are the specs for the STC Horizon listed anywhere? I am supposed to get my Towers and STC Horizon Monday--can't wait. I am, however, starting to wonder about the path not taken (3 Horizons.)

[Dark Ranger]

How about Sierra-1 with RAAL? Is this in the future?

Not surprisingly, this question has come up before. See this link (http://forum.ascendacoustics.com/showthread.php?p=39289&#post39289) for Dave's response.


Cool thread! Are the specs for the STC Horizon listed anywhere? I am supposed to get my Towers and STC Horizon Monday--can't wait. I am, however, starting to wonder about the path not taken (3 Horizons.)

There is no official product page yet for the STC/Horizon. However, according to everything I've read about the Horizon, it uses the same core components as the Sierra Towers. Specifications like FR, sensitivity, impedance, and power handling should be nearly identical to the Tower specs (http://www.ascendacoustics.com/pages/products/speakers/SRT/srtspecs.html). At the moment, Ascend is more focused on fulfilling back-orders and getting the STC delivered to customers. I have no doubt we'll see a dedicated product page in the near future.

Dave posted some measurements of the STC back in October. See here (http://forum.ascendacoustics.com/showthread.php?p=38431#post38431).

See this post (http://forum.ascendacoustics.com/showthread.php?p=39488&#post39488) for his thoughts about Tower vs. Horizon performance, as well as a Horizon setup for L/C/R.

[curtis]

How about Sierra-1 with RAAL? Is this in the future?


Not surprisingly, this question has come up before. See this link (http://forum.ascendacoustics.com/showthread.php?p=39289&#post39289) for Dave's response.
Yes...and the subject came up during our visit.

The picture I posted of the RAAL and NrT side by side really tells the story. The depth of the RAAL is the hindrance to making it an easy swap. The port tube of the current Sierra cabinet would need to be moved, which, in turn, would cause the internals of the cabinet to be re-arranged, which could necessitate a change in the shape of the cabinet.

It is something on Dave's plate to look into since he has gotten some requests for it.

[mziegler]

I, for one, am kind of glad that the current Sierra won't house the RAAL because I would have to upgrade again, which is what my visits to Ascend do to me.

That tweeter is something special. And I'm thinking about actually adding the center speaker to go with my NrT Sierras, if I can actually wedge it into my space.

It is always great to visit.

[sonicboom]

Wondering if the RAALs will do well in HT. How do ribbons compare to domes when the volume gets loud?

[RobH]

For those of us who are out of state and have never visited Ascend, it is great seeing pics of the listening room. Would there happen to be pics of the equipment rack? Would love to see that.
Thanks.

[curtis]

For those of us who are out of state and have never visited Ascend, it is great seeing pics of the listening room. Would there happen to be pics of the equipment rack? Would love to see that.
Thanks.
I didn't even think to take a picture of the rack.

The rack housed the following:
Rotel pre/pro (I want to say the model is the 1065, but not sure)
ADA 6150 power amp
Onix CD player
Samsung Blu-ray player

[Dark Ranger]

That tweeter is something special. And I'm thinking about actually adding the center speaker to go with my NrT Sierras, if I can actually wedge it into my space.

I know of only a few people (on this forum anyway) that will have the Sierra-1 L/R with STC/Horizon Center. Dave even mentioned he's going this route since the Towers won't fit in his family room.

Like you, I am planning to grab the Horizon for center duties. Whereas you have the NrT upgrade in your Sierras, I'm still kicking it with the original tweeters. For now, I am the only one (that I'm aware of) who will be using the Horizon/RAAL with stock Sierras. Very curious how this will turn out...


Wondering if the RAALs will do well in HT. How do ribbons compare to domes when the volume gets loud?

"I believe for loud and dynamic home theater, most rock and hip hop -- the NrT will probably be preferred" (davef, 2011 (http://forum.ascendacoustics.com/showthread.php?p=38733#post38733)).

According to the measurement data (http://forum.ascendacoustics.com/showthread.php?p=38721#post38721), the RAAL offers improvements over the NrT, but like most things in life, it is personal preference that drives many of our decisions. The general consensus around here is to grab the ribbon upgrade for critical listening requirements or if one wants "absolute timbral accuracy" (davef, 2011 (http://forum.ascendacoustics.com/showthread.php?p=38325#post38325)).




I didn't even think to take a picture of the rack.

The rack housed the following:
Rotel pre/pro (I want to say the model is the 1065, but not sure)
ADA 6150 power amp
Onix CD player
Samsung Blu-ray player

Well, I guess that means you'll just have to go back to Ascend! :D

[petmotel]

David...we had a good time listening to Towers with the RAAL, the STC, and STC's in stereo.

Mitch and I had to leave before the room was setup with Towers w/ RAALs and an STC w/RAAL. The surrounds were CBM-170SEs. A few others were there from the AVS forum that were able to stay and listen to that setup.

I'm curious as to how this arrangement sounded with multi channel music. I tried a Sierra NrT front stage with Mirage bipolar surrounds before I got the Towers. It seemed OK for movies, but didn't do well with music when the surrounds were fed a full range task (in other words, not just ambience).

Now I'm using the NrTs for surrounds (and center until the Horizon arrives), and it sounds incredible, but I would like to set up a second system in a different building, and I'm thinking of using the NrTs as mains. I would not be willing to sacrifice the sound quality of the surround music system, which is why I ask the question.

Jay

[curtis]

I'm curious as to how this arrangement sounded with multi channel music. I tried a Sierra NrT front stage with Mirage bipolar surrounds before I got the Towers. It seemed OK for movies, but didn't do well with music when the surrounds were fed a full range task (in other words, not just ambience).

Now I'm using the NrTs for surrounds (and center until the Horizon arrives), and it sounds incredible, but I would like to set up a second system in a different building, and I'm thinking of using the NrTs as mains. I would not be willing to sacrifice the sound quality of the surround music system, which is why I ask the question.

With the mix of RAAL and NrT tweeters, I could certainly tell the difference.

If multi-channel music is a priority, I would go all RAAL or all NrT(or Seas).

[petmotel]

With the mix of RAAL and NrT tweeters, I could certainly tell the difference.

If multi-channel music is a priority, I would go all RAAL or all NrT(or Seas).

Multi channel music is indeed the priority, however I don't have enough room for another set of RAAL Towers as surrounds. I'm certainly not inclined to rid myself of the RAAL Towers, or the forthcoming RAAL equipped Horizon.

I have played a ton of stuff with the system as it is currently configured, and the NrTs actually acquit themselves quite admirably in their role as surrounds. Guess I'll be content until such time that Ascend releases a ribbon equipped bookshelf, or my listening area somehow expands.

I do believe that surrounds being placed to the side, and slightly behind the main listening position might be more forgiving as compared with the front stage. Even when the main fronts are mixed with the surrounds to image an instrument between them, it has integrated quite seamlessly. Would it sound better if the Sierras were ribbon equipped? One would be hard pressed to believe it would not, would it be much? Such are the dilemmas of OCD afflicted folks :D.

Jay

[davef]

Wondering if the RAALs will do well in HT. How do ribbons compare to domes when the volume gets loud?

Quite well actually... Very smooth and non-fatiguing presentation. With regard to loudness, these ribbons behave extremely well at loud volumes and I have yet to damage one. In our well damped listening room and at about ten feet back, we were easily hitting 105dB peaks without even a hint of compression...