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Lastest Sierra Tower Status!
I owe everyone a huge thank you for being so patient with us while we prepare for the release of our most exciting product to date. Production of the Sierra Tower has proven to be quite a challenge for us and I have some good news and some bad…
First, the bad…
We were all set to start mass production 2 months ago but at that time we were not aware that several of the components used in the crossover were being sourced from a Japanese company. Our crossover vendor assured us that although the delivery of these parts would be delayed due to the awful situation over there, they would have no problems acquiring them. It turned out that this was not the case and we were offered no assurances or guarantees as to when these necessary parts would be delivered.
With the help of our vendor, we immediately began working on sourcing suitable replacement parts. This took some time as each possible replacement had to be fully evaluated and as many of you know, I would never and have never compromised performance in order to meet a deadline.
And now for the good…
We have selected replacement components for the crossovers and they are now in full production. During this delay and based on feedback and extensive testing, we have also made a few changes to the initial crossover design as well as a mechanical change to the tweeter, all of which have given way to what I consider to be a large increase in performance from the initial prototype pair and the first pair we shipped.
On the crossover, a series component (capacitor) was removed on both the midrange bandpass filter and the tweeter high-pass filter. This had a rather surprising effect on performance as the midrange response is now purer with a bit more warmth and less of an edge. The speaker is now smoother in presentation and the additional warmth that comes through makes it sound slightly less forward. The overall result brings us yet one more step closer to perfect reproduction of the source material.
After a meeting at our facility with our tweeter manufacturer’s (SEAS) head of R&D, who visited us from Norway, we were granted approval of a minor tweak to how an adhesive was being used in the tweeter assembly. It was necessary to obtain this approval prior to implementation in our factory for vendor warranty purposes. The result of this tweak is minor and most likely not audible to most listeners, but it is certainly measurable and provides for a smoother frequency response and more linear off-axis dispersion.
The Sierra Tower sounds extremely balanced, dynamic and “live” – with an incredibly pure and natural sounding midrange. I feel the production delay was actually a blessing in disguise and for those of you patiently waiting; you will be rewarded with performance that actually surpasses all of the initial reports and comments.
And now for the big question, when will we be able to start shipping? ;)
Tweeters, woofers, midrange drivers and port tubes are in stock. Cabinets and crossovers are in full production. Based on the timeline given to us by our cabinet vendor and crossover vendor, we expect to be able to start shipping several pairs per week starting in about 4-5 weeks. For those of you on our pre-order list, expect to see another correspondence from us within 48 hours.
It is important to understand that these speakers are being built-to-order (at least for the first 2 production batches.) For those of you not on our pre-order list but would still like to get in on the first large scale production run, I believe we have 4-5 slots still open but please contact us ASAP.
Please feel free to post your questions and comments and thank you so much for your patience and understanding. Trust me when I say that your patience will be well rewarded with a product that, much like the Sierra-1, will set another standard for performance.
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Re: The Tower Discussion Thread!
I look forward to hearing my towers with the new Crossover! From what you have mentioned, it sounds like a fairly substantial improvement! I hope some of my feedback was helpful! I still enjoy them everyday! I still like that "live" and dynamic sound they produce even over those Salk speakers:p If you were able to smooth out the mids just a touch, better tweeter / mid integration, all without sacrificing accuracy, I will be very pleased:D
One question I had, I know I will be getting the new XO's once they ship, what about the NrT tweak?
Thanks!
B
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Re: The Tower Discussion Thread!
Dave,
Thanks for the update. This has been an interesting lesson in how a product comes to market. A lot of hard work and sleepless nights! This one sentence is why we are so loyal to Ascend. "I would never and have never compromised performance in order to meet a deadline." Too bad more companies don't think this way.
Two questions.
1. Will the color of the finishes be the same as those on the present Sierra's?
2. Will the foam plugs be available if needed for tuning?
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Re: The Tower Discussion Thread!
Congrats, Dave! Sounds like the towers are going to be very popular.
I have a question. Would the tweeter modification be beneficial for the Sierra-1 NrT's? Also, would the crossover mod apply, in any way, to the Sierra-1 NrT crossover as well, e.g. increased performance? Meaning, is there a parallel mod for the Sierra-1 NrT's? Just wondering. Don't mean to open a can of worms because I'm loving the NrT upgrade.
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Re: The Tower Discussion Thread!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
merrymaid520
I look forward to hearing my towers with the new Crossover! From what you have mentioned, it sounds like a fairly substantial improvement! I hope some of my feedback was helpful!
Brandon,
Your feedback was very valuable!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
merrymaid520
I still enjoy them everyday! I still like that "live" and dynamic sound they produce even over those Salk speakers:p If you were able to smooth out the mids just a touch, better tweeter / mid integration, all without sacrificing accuracy, I will be very pleased:D
Let me just say that you will be VERY pleased :p Removal of these bothersome capacitors actually improves transient response as well so the speakers will sound even more dynamic and live.
Quote:
Originally Posted by
merrymaid520
One question I had, I know I will be getting the new XO's once they ship, what about the NrT tweak?
We can mod your tweeters. Actually, if you want to send back the original crossovers now (as opposed to us shipping you a new set when they are availalbe) we can bring them up to date and take care of the tweeter mod as well. It is going to take some work on your end though and some soldering will be required in either case.
Let me know either way...
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Re: The Tower Discussion Thread!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
TomK
Dave,
Thanks for the update. This has been an interesting lesson in how a product comes to market. A lot of hard work and sleepless nights! This one sentence is why we are so loyal to Ascend. "I would never and have never compromised performance in order to meet a deadline." Too bad more companies don't think this way.
Two questions.
1. Will the color of the finishes be the same as those on the present Sierra's?
2. Will the foam plugs be available if needed for tuning?
Thanks Tom... This has indeed been the most challenging product in my long career in this industry. I can't wait to get these speakers into our customers homes!
Here are finish options and pre-order pricing as posted a while back:
Natural finish (identical to Sierra-1) = $1898/pr + shipping (with satin black base)
Black Sand Finish (this is a textured black matte paint, extremely durable and very attractive) = $1898/pr + shipping (with black sand base)
Espresso (with a satin sheen, not as glossy as the Sierra-1 but same hue) = $1998/pr + shipping (with satin black base)
Dark Cherry (with same satin sheen, not as glossy as the Sierra-1 but same hue) = $1998/pr + shipping (with satin black base)
Satin Black = $1998/pr + shipping (with satin black base)
High Gloss Black (high gloss but not a true mirror finish) = $1998/pr + shipping (with high gloss base)
True Piano Black (mirror quality finish) = $2598 + shipping (with piano black base)
Quote:
2. Will the foam plugs be available if needed for tuning?
Yes...
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Re: The Tower Discussion Thread!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
davef
Brandon,
Your feedback was very valuable!
Let me just say that you will be VERY pleased :p Removal of these bothersome capacitors actually improves transient response as well so the speakers will sound even more dynamic and live.
We can mod your tweeters. Actually, if you want to send back the original crossovers now (as opposed to us shipping you a new set when they are availalbe) we can bring them up to date and take care of the tweeter mod as well. It is going to take some work on your end though and some soldering will be required in either case.
Let me know either way...
Very exciting news! I cant wait for the Sierra Tower 2.0:)
I can send in the old XO and Tweeters this week. If you can shoot me an email with specific directions on Tweeter and XO removal, that would be appreciated so I don't mess anything up. As for re-installing, my father in law can handle the soldering...again just let me know the specifics!
Thanks for taking the parts in early, much appreciated as usual!
Brandon
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Re: The Tower Discussion Thread!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Mag_Neato
Congrats, Dave! Sounds like the towers are going to be very popular.
I have a question. Would the tweeter modification be beneficial for the Sierra-1 NrT's? Also, would the crossover mod apply, in any way, to the Sierra-1 NrT crossover as well, e.g. increased performance? Meaning, is there a parallel mod for the Sierra-1 NrT's? Just wondering. Don't mean to open a can of worms because I'm loving the NrT upgrade.
The Sierra-1 NrT crossover is entirely different and uses a different crossover point and filter slope in order to provide the best integration with the Sierra-1 woofer. The changes to the Tower crossover would not benefit the Sierra-1 NrT -- they would actually not work well and the critical integration between woofer and tweeter would be compromised.
The modification to the tweeter is something I would have to test out with the Sierra-1 NrT as it mostly affects dispersion and off-axis response and is something that is more measured than heard. The Sierra-1 and the Sierra Tower have different dispersion characteristics.
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Re: The Tower Discussion Thread!
Great news Dave, thanks for the update. I know this is selfish, but I won't be home for about 4-5 weeks, so this works out PERFECTLY for me :) Hooray! :P
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Re: The Tower Discussion Thread!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
davef
The Sierra-1 NrT crossover is entirely different and uses a different crossover point and filter slope in order to provide the best integration with the Sierra-1 woofer. The changes to the Tower crossover would not benefit the Sierra-1 NrT -- they would actually not work well and the critical integration between woofer and tweeter would be compromised.
The modification to the tweeter is something I would have to test out with the Sierra-1 NrT as it mostly affects dispersion and off-axis response and is something that is more measured than heard. The Sierra-1 and the Sierra Tower have different dispersion characteristics.
Ok, gotcha Dave! Just wondered.
As much as I love my Sierra-NrT's, I have wanted to someday go back to a floorstanding tower. Pretty much since replacing my Vandersteen 1b's with some B&W 602's, which became the CBM-170's, then the Sierra-1's, and now the NrT's. I think the Sierra Tower would satisfy that nicely, just a little shy of funds.
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Re: The Tower Discussion Thread!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
davef
The STC (Sierra Tower Center) should come in at just under 11" high. We are experimenting with a lower profile version (7.5" high) but this version can not match the off-axis response of the taller version.
Hi Dave, that's great news about Sierra Towers getting ready for production. I'm hoping that the delay means that we should have a matching center sooner. I'm really looking forward to the Towers, but I was somewhat cringing at the thought of having 6 months with my CMT-340 SE center between 2 Sierra Towers. I know you won't ship them until they are ready, and I'll patiently wait for them.
On that tangent, what is the width of the Sierra Tower Center? I know that you are still experimenting with prototypes and specs are subject to change, but I'm curious if it would fit in my home theater furniture. I have way over 11" height clearance, but my width clearance is only approximately 34".
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Re: The Tower Discussion Thread!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
gorthocar
On that tangent, what is the width of the Sierra Tower Center? I know that you are still experimenting with prototypes and specs are subject to change, but I'm curious if it would fit in my home theater furniture. I have way over 11" height clearance, but my width clearance is only approximately 34".
The dimensions of the prototype (and what we hope will be the production version) are 10 7/8" high x 28" wide x 10.5" deep. It is large but not too large compared to some centers out there. Performance is fantastic!
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Re: The Tower Discussion Thread!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
gorthocar
I'm really looking forward to the Towers, but I was somewhat cringing at the thought of having 6 months with my CMT-340 SE center between 2 Sierra Towers. I know you won't ship them until they are ready, and I'll patiently wait for them.
I assure you, the center should be available within 3 months after the towers start shipping :)
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Re: The Tower Discussion Thread!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
davef
The dimensions of the prototype (and what we hope will be the production version) are 10 7/8" high x 28" wide x 10.5" deep. It is large but not too large compared to some centers out there. Performance is fantastic!
Hey Dave,
Are you willing to share any more initial details on the center, such as driver config or how the performance looks good? :) Has it required a lot of work in comparison to the tower?
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Re: The Tower Discussion Thread!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Jonnyozero3
Hey Dave,
Are you willing to share any more initial details on the center, such as driver config or how the performance looks good? :) Has it required a lot of work in comparison to the tower?
Happy to :)
Driver config, from left to right is
woofer, mid-woofer - tweeter (vertically oriented - mid-woofer on top of the tweeter etc.), woofer. Performance of this speaker on-axis is identical to that of the tower. It has wider vertical dispersion (perfect for the center to allow for versatile placement options) and about a +/- 30 degree horizontal listening window (which is very wide).
Performance specs will be the same as the tower (same power handling, efficiency, frequency response, impedance etc.)
The speaker will be front ported....
So far the design is working out quite nicely and is a perfect match to the tower, carrying with it a very smooth yet detailed response with excellent dynamics and a very "live" sound...
It will be an amazing center channel speaker :)
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Re: The Tower Discussion Thread!
Wow. These speakers are really looking awesome and the sound of these speakers should be very good to hear. If you have some more pictures then please share with us.
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Re: The Tower Discussion Thread!
this center channel excites me, maybe more so than the towers. I really like the front ported design, which will help mount these close to the wall (seeing how they will stick out almost a foot), as well the more compact size is nice. is there an opportunity to sell the center channels as main L/R channels as well?
I'm also going to take a stab at center channel pricing: 600sh$?
thanks for all your hardwork dave, and listening to the community :)
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Re: The Tower Discussion Thread!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
scape
I'm also going to take a stab at center channel pricing: 600sh$?
If it's just as capable as the tower than I'm guessing the price is going to be at least half the cost of a pair for towers, around $1K.
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Re: The Tower Discussion Thread!
1k for a single cab would certainly be a new market for ascend. regarding the pricing structure, i'd be surprised if it exceeded a pair of sierra's by that much; but then again maybe it really is that much better. i still think the center sounds more exciting, especially if it's comparable; having a dedicated Left and Right of similar dimensions and layout would be smart i would think.
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Re: The Tower Discussion Thread!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
scape
this center channel excites me, maybe more so than the towers. I really like the front ported design, which will help mount these close to the wall (seeing how they will stick out almost a foot), as well the more compact size is nice. is there an opportunity to sell the center channels as main L/R channels as well?
I'm also going to take a stab at center channel pricing: 600sh$?
thanks for all your hardwork dave, and listening to the community :)
Quote:
Originally Posted by
ronbo
If it's just as capable as the tower than I'm guessing the price is going to be at least half the cost of a pair for towers, around $1K.
The STC (Sierra Tower Center) is basically a single tower speaker with a more complex cabinet design. It has the same components as the tower and while I certainly wish it were possible, we could not possibly sell this in the $600 range.
Think about it this way when comparing to a pair of Sierra-1 -- the center will have more bamboo than a pair of Sierra-1, the neo-ring magnet tweeter (NrT - which is more than twice the cost of a pair of Sierra-1 tweeters), two similar woofers + the new midrange woofer...
Ronbo is correct, the retail price point will likely be around $1000+ depending on the finishes.
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Re: The Tower Discussion Thread!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
ronbo
If it's just as capable as the tower than I'm guessing the price is going to be at least half the cost of a pair for towers, around $1K.
I agree. Plus, if you consider the components used, we're looking at two woofers, a mid, and a tweeter.
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Re: The Tower Discussion Thread!
that's a fair assessment, the speaker sounds like it will sound awesome! :) any pictures of the center yet?
and on another note: it'd be cool to see a behind the scenes pic of your work area.. some of us cannot afford to travel to cali to check out the facility
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Re: The Tower Discussion Thread!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
soundseeker
I agree. Plus, if you consider the components used, we're looking at two woofers, a mid, and a tweeter.
The tower is using the same number of components. Given what Dave has posted here, it is going to be quite a center speaker. Even though it is likely to be "slightly" out of my price range, it's nice to have a higher-end option for Ascend. Look at all the people who would not bat an eye at spending more than this on a competitors' speaker, only to gain a fancier wood finish or paying for a brand name.
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Re: The Tower Discussion Thread!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
davef
Think about it this way when comparing to a pair of Sierra-1 -- the center will have more bamboo than a pair of Sierra-1, the neo-ring magnet tweeter (NrT - which is more than twice the cost of a pair of Sierra-1 tweeters), two similar woofers + the new midrange woofer...
"two similar woofers". So the woofers aren't the same on the towers vs the Sierra1? Or are the woofers different for the center? If they are different, what are the differences?
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Re: The Tower Discussion Thread!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
GirgleMirt
"two similar woofers". So the woofers aren't the same on the towers vs the Sierra1? Or are the woofers different for the center? If they are different, what are the differences?
IIRC, the Tower woofers were modified for a different(deeper)bass response over the sierra-1 woofer. Something with the voice coil maybe? So yes, they are different, only slightly:)
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Re: The Tower Discussion Thread!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
GirgleMirt
"two similar woofers". So the woofers aren't the same on the towers vs the Sierra1? Or are the woofers different for the center? If they are different, what are the differences?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
merrymaid520
IIRC, the Tower woofers were modified for a different(deeper)bass response over the sierra-1 woofer. Something with the voice coil maybe? So yes, they are different, only slightly:)
The tower woofers are actually quite a bit different than the Sierra-1 woofer. Same basket frame but it uses a higher mass cone, higher impedance and radically different T/S parameters. These changes optimize the woofer for the cabinet volume and port tuning of the Sierra Tower. The woofers are not interchangeable from the Sierra-1 and the Sierra Tower.
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Re: The Tower Discussion Thread!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
davef
The tower woofers are actually quite a bit different than the Sierra-1 woofer. Same basket frame but it uses a higher mass cone, higher impedance and radically different T/S parameters. These changes optimize the woofer for the cabinet volume and port tuning of the Sierra Tower. The woofers are not interchangeable from the Sierra-1 and the Sierra Tower.
So would you recommend against using a Tower Center with 2 Sierra-1's as L and R speakers in a HT setup? (Surrounds are HTM-200's.)
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Re: The Tower Discussion Thread!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
millerwill
So would you recommend against using a Tower Center with 2 Sierra-1's as L and R speakers in a HT setup? (Surrounds are HTM-200's.)
Quite the opposite actually... The Sierra Tower Center will be closely timber matched to the Sierra-1 (even closer to the Sierra-1 NrT) and will be a fantastic center channel with better detail and far superior dynamics compared to using the Sierra-1 as a center. If you like your HT loud, room-filling and with lots of punch, the STC will be the best option with Sierra-1 or Sierra Towers as your front left/right speakers.
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Re: The Tower Discussion Thread!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
davef
Quite the opposite actually... The Sierra Tower Center will be closely timber matched to the Sierra-1 (even closer to the Sierra-1 NrT) and will be a fantastic center channel with better detail and far superior dynamics compared to using the Sierra-1 as a center. If you like your HT loud, room-filling and with lots of punch, the STC will be the best option with Sierra-1 or Sierra Towers as your front left/right speakers.
Very interesting. For HT it is clear that the CC is the most imp speaker, and it is worth having one of the highest quality.
Did I read earlier that you would have a trade in program, e.g., for my Sierra-1 NRT center channel for the new Tower Center?
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Re: The Tower Discussion Thread!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
davef
Brandon,
We can mod your tweeters. Actually, if you want to send back the original crossovers now (as opposed to us shipping you a new set when they are availalbe) we can bring them up to date and take care of the tweeter mod as well. It is going to take some work on your end though and some soldering will be required in either case.
Let me know either way...
Hey Brandon:
Did you mod your crossover and tweeter already? It would be interesting to read your impressions after the mod. (will keep us amused till we get our hands on the speaker.)
cheers..
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Re: The Tower Discussion Thread!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Sam1000
Hey Brandon:
Did you mod your crossover and tweeter already? It would be interesting to read your impressions after the mod. (will keep us amused till we get our hands on the speaker.)
cheers..
Hey Sam,
dave was working on the mod for my tweeters and XO's this week. Not sure if they have shipped back to me yet or not. I am also looking forward to hearing my towers after the mods as well. I will most defintely keep everyone informed on the results although not being able to compare old vs new side by side and not having my towers for the past few weeks will be tough:)
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Re: The Tower Discussion Thread!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
merrymaid520
Hey Sam,
dave was working on the mod for my tweeters and XO's this week. Not sure if they have shipped back to me yet or not. I am also looking forward to hearing my towers after the mods as well. I will most defintely keep everyone informed on the results although not being able to compare old vs new side by side and not having my towers for the past few weeks will be tough:)
I told Dave to ship them to me and that you were OK with that. :p
Or did I dream that? :)
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Re: The Tower Discussion Thread!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
curtis
I told Dave to ship them to me and that you were OK with that. :p
Or did I dream that? :)
Why not. Although without the Towers to put them in, not sure how much use they would be to you:p
I'll send pictures:D
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Re: The Tower Discussion Thread!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
merrymaid520
Why not. Although without the Towers to put them in, not sure how much use they would be to you:p
I'll send pictures:D
oops...I forgot that little detail. :)
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Re: The Tower Discussion Thread!
Hey Dave,
Just curious if there's any update in regard to production/shipping of the Towers. I'm getting very excited as time draws near as I'm sure many others are as well!
Thanks!
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Re: The Tower Discussion Thread!
a snapshot of the center channel would be nice too :)
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Re: The Tower Discussion Thread!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
steven1110
Hey Dave,
Just curious if there's any update in regard to production/shipping of the Towers. I'm getting very excited as time draws near as I'm sure many others are as well!
Thanks!
Sorry for the delay...
Ok, here is where we stand as of today :)
Cabinets are being sanded and will be ready to start the finishing process next week. We will be sending out emails over the weekend with regard to confirming finish choices.
Crossovers are basically completed and we are having a small supply air-shipped to us in order to arrive at about the same time as the fully finished cabinets.
The custom binding posts should be here next week.
Spike feet should also be here within about ten days.
Packaging materials are also due here in about ten days.
Port tubes are in stock and ready.
Tweeters, woofers and mids are also in stock and ready.
Yes -- all of these puzzle pieces are coming from different vendors from all of the world. Coordinating everything has and continues to be the most challenging project I have ever undertaken.
I will be heading to the cabinet maker next week to check quality and take some pictures :)
Almost here :)
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Re: The Tower Discussion Thread!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
scape
a snapshot of the center channel would be nice too :)
Next week for sure. We are just working out the details of the front porting...
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Re: The Tower Discussion Thread!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
davef
Sorry for the delay...
Ok, here is where we stand as of today :)
Cabinets are being sanded and will be ready to start the finishing process next week. We will be sending out emails over the weekend with regard to confirming finish choices.
Crossovers are basically completed and we are having a small supply air-shipped to us in order to arrive at about the same time as the fully finished cabinets.
The custom binding posts should be here next week.
Spike feet should also be here within about ten days.
Packaging materials are also due here in about ten days.
Port tubes are in stock and ready.
Tweeters, woofers and mids are also in stock and ready.
Yes -- all of these puzzle pieces are coming from different vendors from all of the world. Coordinating everything has and continues to be the most challenging project I have ever undertaken.
I will be heading to the cabinet maker next week to check quality and take some pictures :)
Almost here :)
Nice!! Can't wait to see some pictures.
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2 Attachment(s)
Re: The Tower Discussion Thread!
Attached are some pics sent to me by the cabinet maker today. All of the cabinets are now assembled. (3) pairs should be ready by the end of this week (satin black, high gloss black, black sand) of which the plan is to provide some pictures showing the differences in these finish choices.