Seeking: Audition/comparison (Sierra 2 against my current speakers) - Charlotte, NC

[amatuerholic]

Hi all,

I currently have a pair of Scansonic MB-2.5s but might need to downsize in the future to some bookshelf speakers. Does anyone in the area have Sierra 2s that would be willing to let me bring my speakers over for a comparison?

I'd like to see what I have to lose/gain if I made the transition.

Thanks!

(I know I have few posts here, but I have many more on AVSforum under the same name)

[Mag_Neato]

Ain't those purdy!!

Looks like a good bit of their cost goes to the cabinet materials & cosmetics.

Ascend puts the bulk of their cost into the components that matter the most.....drivers & crossovers. The Bamboo cabinets provide a rock solid acoustically inert foundation without an ultra high price tag.

I'd bet you'd be pleasantly surprised at the performance of the Sierra-2's!

[amatuerholic]

I chuckled at your remark, as it implies that Scansonic spends money on cabinets and cosmetics instead of drivers and crossovers.

That being said, I expressed interest in a comparison because I look forward to trying a pair of Ascend speakers at some point. Initially, I considered the Sierra Lunas (along with a subwoofer), and a few here have indicated that they had trouble hearing a difference between the Lunas and Sierra 2s side-by-side. I decided against the Lunas however, as I'm looking for a convenient form factor now but will continue to use these speakers in a larger room as mains in the future.

I imagine that even when crossed over at 80hz, the smaller driver of the Lunas would limit max SPL compared to the Sierra 2s.

[Mag_Neato]

I chuckled at your remark, as it implies that Scansonic spends money on cabinets and cosmetics instead of drivers and crossovers.

Not meant to imply that at all, sorry for any confusion. The Scansonic drivers appear to be high quality as well.

What I was attempting to say is: Don't let the modest looks and price of the Sierra-2's lead you to believe they are not at the same level as speakers priced much higher, often at 2X the price. Dave's relationships with other professionals in the audio industry have allowed him to bring high-end, Mercedes-Benz sound to GM/Ford prices.

I am interested in your thoughts once you do any sort of comparison.

[curtis]

Dave's relationships with other professionals in the audio industry have allowed him to bring high-end, Mercedes-Benz sound to GM/Ford prices.
.
Unless it's a Ford GT40. 😜

[amatuerholic]

Not meant to imply that at all, sorry for any confusion. The Scansonic drivers appear to be high quality as well.

What I was attempting to say is: Don't let the modest looks and price of the Sierra-2's lead you to believe they are not at the same level as speakers priced much higher, often at 2X the price. Dave's relationships with other professionals in the audio industry have allowed him to bring high-end, Mercedes-Benz sound to GM/Ford prices.

I am interested in your thoughts once you do any sort of comparison.

Well now I feel terrible for reading it the wrong way; apologies for misinterpreting!

I'll definitely post an update if anyone in my area has a pair to demo against. It's not really a true "shootout" per say, as the towers will almost definitely need to go in the next couple years. And in regards to the cosmetics (of the Seirras), I always thought they were finished quite nicely.

[SunByrne]

I always think the Sierra-1s are really pretty will the grilles off. Unfortunately, I don't think the ribbons are nearly as aesthetic and so when I eventually get around to upgrading to S2s I'll probably go with the grilles on.

[Roen]

I always think the Sierra-1s are really pretty will the grilles off. Unfortunately, I don't think the ribbons are nearly as aesthetic and so when I eventually get around to upgrading to S2s I'll probably go with the grilles on.

I will belong to another camp; I love the look of the ribbons and run all my speakers naked.

[amatuerholic]

If there's no audible difference, I'd run them covered for the sake of protection (from dust and curious fingers). If there is an audible difference (there isn't one from what I understand), magnetic grills would be very nice for easy removal while alleviating concerns about broken pegs, not to mention a cleaner look

[amatuerholic]

So, no one in the Charlotte area then?

[enricoclaudio]

So, no one in the Charlotte area then?

Best thing you can do is order a pair of Sierra 2s and audition at your home, in your room with your equipment. You have 30 days to try them, If you don't like them, then send them back to Ascend for a full refund minus return shipping which is $36.

[amatuerholic]

Yeah. I mean, $36 is still $36 (not tons, but I hate spending money when it can be avoided). Guess I might end up doing that when I'm closer to a buying time next year