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Introducing the Luna Mini Monitor!
*** Now available for ordering. Please use this link: Sierra Luna
The Sierra-2 and Sierra Tower continue to be huge successes for us. We have been receiving many requests for smaller matching true ribbon tweeter based speakers to be used as surrounds, both with the Sierra-2 and our Sierra Ribbon Towers.
It should come as no surprise that we have been working on this for a while now. After much modeling and discussion with the engineers at SEAS, we have concluded that not only is this doable, but when paired with a quality subwoofer, the Sierra Sat will make for a wonderful set of smaller main speakers, while also being a lesser expensive entry into the world of RAAL ribbons.
Much like with the custom SEAS woofer we use in the Sierra-2, our nearly 2 decades worth of experience working closely with the world-class engineers at SEAS, has afforded us the privilege of having them “jump right into this” for us, no questions asked.
And, just like with our Sierra-2 – not a single off-the-shelf or OEM component will be used. The Sierra Sat will feature the jointly developed custom Sierra-2 RAAL ribbon tweeter, a fully custom SEAS Curv 4.5” woofer, advanced crossover – all combined into our class leading US-Built layered bamboo cabinets. It is our firm intention to, once again, raise the performance bar for what was previously possible in a small speaker.
This speaker won’t outperform the Sierra-2, it is meant more to enhance our current line of true ribbon speakers. It will prove an ideal solution for those who want “ribbons all the way around” and for others who seek the highest performance possible in a true sub / sat system.
Let’s use this thread for discussion, just like we have in similar new product threads. Obviously, we can not divulge full details just yet but I am personally very excited about this new speaker. It brings back fond memories of the much suggested Sierra .5 which never took shape – but, let’s not forget, that we designed the Sierra-2 tweeter with the same faceplate and cutout dimensions as the dome tweeter in the Sierra-1 ;) ;)
Enjoy!!!
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Re: New for 2016 - Introducing the Sierra Satellite, or “Sierra Sat” for short!
Sweet!!
ported or sealed?
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Re: New for 2016 - Introducing the Sierra Satellite, or “Sierra Sat” for short!
My suggestions/wish list :D :
- Make it sealed
- Make it less than 12" tall
- Bottom extension down to the 60-70Hz range
I admit I am being selfish, because in my case I would be interested in them as main with a sub. In other words, a HTM-200 on steroids :)
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Re: New for 2016 - Introducing the Sierra Satellite, or “Sierra Sat” for short!
If you are targeting the SVS Prime Sat size-wise, the Sierra-2 RAAL faceplate will dictate a taller cabinet than the Prime due to that model's dome tweeter's faceplate having the top and bottom squared off, allowing close spacing to the woofer and top of cabinet. I'd imagine the baby Sierra will require about 1" - 1 1/2" taller. The width could be similar which was the big deciding factor for me when I got the SVS Sats for my HT setup.
Can't wait to see this evolve!
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Re: New for 2016 - Introducing the Sierra Satellite, or “Sierra Sat” for short!
I was just wondering.....which is dangerous......will this be similar to the Sierra-2 where you would simply rotate the tweeter for use as a center?
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Re: New for 2016 - Introducing the Sierra Satellite, or “Sierra Sat” for short!
Very nice!
Could you make them no more than 6 inches deep and sealed to minimize SBIR? This is one of the reasons I went with the HTMs for surrounds and CMTs to timbre match.
I would love to be able to upgrade to the Sierra 2s with a sealed compact version for surrounds.
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Re: New for 2016 - Introducing the Sierra Satellite, or “Sierra Sat” for short!
Similar in size to the HTM-200SE would be great.
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Re: New for 2016 - Introducing the Sierra Satellite, or “Sierra Sat” for short!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
curtis
Sweet!!
ported or sealed?
Since our plan is to be able to use these with an 80Hz crossover, the cabinets will be ported. However, I do also plan on investigating a sealed version. Much depends on what SEAS is able to accomplish for us. Presently, not a single SEAS 4.5" Curv woofer exists, and while we are able to come fairly close to predicting the response by modeling, I really won't know for sure until the prototypes are here (which should be quite soon).
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Re: New for 2016 - Introducing the Sierra Satellite, or “Sierra Sat” for short!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
MusicHead
My suggestions/wish list :D :
- Make it sealed
- Make it less than 12" tall
- Bottom extension down to the 60-70Hz range
I admit I am being selfish, because in my case I would be interested in them as main with a sub. In other words, a HTM-200 on steroids :)
Reaching that type of extension in a sealed enclosure with a single 4.5", while also being able to have decent efficiency and power handling would, unfortunately, be nearly impossible. That said, I will be investigating various possibilities with this new woofer, and potential variations of the woofer. Much depends on the what options SEAS is able to come up with for cone mass, motor strength, and coil length.
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Re: New for 2016 - Introducing the Sierra Satellite, or “Sierra Sat” for short!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Mag_Neato
If you are targeting the SVS Prime Sat size-wise, the Sierra-2 RAAL faceplate will dictate a taller cabinet than the Prime due to that model's dome tweeter's faceplate having the top and bottom squared off, allowing close spacing to the woofer and top of cabinet. I'd imagine the baby Sierra will require about 1" - 1 1/2" taller. The width could be similar which was the big deciding factor for me when I got the SVS Sats for my HT setup.
Can't wait to see this evolve!
Definitely not targeting any currently existing product. This is not a knock on the SVS Sat's - but in my estimation, just a single Sierra-2 tweeter costs more than all of the components in a pair of the Sat's combined (excluding the cabinets). The Sierra Sat's will obviously cost considerably more. Frankly, our 200's (with dual cast frame 4" woofers + custom SEAS dual chambered neo soft dome tweeter) already do more than simply compete with the Prime Sat's ;)
In addition, it is relatively simply for us to tool a different faceplate for the Sierra-2 tweeter to allow for a shorter overall cabinet height. Once we are able to finalize the requirements for cabinet volume, i'll throw out a few cabinet dimension options and feedback from our forum members will decide it. It should be fun :)
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Re: New for 2016 - Introducing the Sierra Satellite, or “Sierra Sat” for short!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Mag_Neato
I was just wondering.....which is dangerous......will this be similar to the Sierra-2 where you would simply rotate the tweeter for use as a center?
Yep -- but depending on what our final costs on the woofer will be, we could make a very slim WTW center where we should be able to get woofer space close enough such that off-axis lobing will not be an issue.
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Re: New for 2016 - Introducing the Sierra Satellite, or “Sierra Sat” for short!
I would like to see them wall mountable. Find a good mount and make the Sat with mounting holes that fit it. Sell the mount via Ascend.
Some think there is room for a bi/di pole wall mount speaker in the line also.
Thanks to D. for finding time to make new product.
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Re: New for 2016 - Introducing the Sierra Satellite, or “Sierra Sat” for short!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
davef
Definitely not targeting any currently existing product. This is not a knock on the SVS Sat's - but in my estimation, just a single Sierra-2 tweeter costs more than all of the components in a pair of the Sat's combined (excluding the cabinets). The Sierra Sat's will obviously cost considerably more. Frankly, our 200's (with dual cast frame 4" woofers + custom SEAS dual chambered neo soft dome tweeter) already do more than simply compete with the Prime Sat's ;)
In addition, it is relatively simply for us to tool a different faceplate for the Sierra-2 tweeter to allow for a shorter overall cabinet height. Once we are able to finalize the requirements for cabinet volume, i'll throw out a few cabinet dimension options and feedback from our forum members will decide it. It should be fun :)
I have no doubt that one RAAL tweeter costs more! I should've figured swapping faceplates was an option. If the HTM200's would have fit my application physically I would have definitely considered them.
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Re: New for 2016 - Introducing the Sierra Satellite, or “Sierra Sat” for short!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Blutarsky
I would like to see them wall mountable. Find a good mount and make the Sat with mounting holes that fit it. Sell the mount via Ascend.
Some think there is room for a bi/di pole wall mount speaker in the line also.
Thanks to D. for finding time to make new product.
Yep - easy wall mounting is planned.
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Re: New for 2016 - Introducing the Sierra Satellite, or “Sierra Sat” for short!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Mag_Neato
I have no doubt that one RAAL tweeter costs more! I should've figured swapping faceplates was an option. If the HTM200's would have fit my application physically I would have definitely considered them.
The 200's are definitely larger than the Prime Sat's -- the Prime's are indeed quite small with a nice form factor. I actually just finished up a rather long listening session between a bunch of speakers. It has been a while since I spent quality time listening to the 200's as mains (no sub) -- and with several pairs of speakers I demoed, found myself wanting to keep putting the 200's back up. The 200's are so darn good, I should have introduced these at a much higher price, probably would have been more popular. component quality of the 200's at this price is just off the charts, we make a 33% margin on them, lol.
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Re: New for 2016 - Introducing the Sierra Satellite, or “Sierra Sat” for short!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
davef
The 200's are definitely larger than the Prime Sat's -- the Prime's are indeed quite small with a nice form factor. I actually just finished up a rather long listening session between a bunch of speakers. It has been a while since I spent quality time listening to the 200's as mains (no sub) -- and with several pairs of speakers I demoed, found myself wanting to keep putting the 200's back up. The 200's are so darn good, I should have introduced these at a much higher price, probably would have been more popular. component quality of the 200's at this price is just off the charts, we make a 33% margin on them, lol.
You are an honest man, Dave!
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Re: New for 2016 - Introducing the Sierra Satellite, or “Sierra Sat” for short!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
davef
Reaching that type of extension in a sealed enclosure with a single 4.5", while also being able to have decent efficiency and power handling would, unfortunately, be nearly impossible. That said, I will be investigating various possibilities with this new woofer, and potential variations of the woofer. Much depends on the what options SEAS is able to come up with for cone mass, motor strength, and coil length.
Make a sealed vertical WTW? :-)
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Re: New for 2016 - Introducing the Sierra Satellite, or “Sierra Sat” for short!
It would be nice to incorporate a custom wall mount bracket for flush mount against the wall..
If it has to be ported, can it be front ported design?
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Re: New for 2016 - Introducing the Sierra Satellite, or “Sierra Sat” for short!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
davef
The 200's are definitely larger than the Prime Sat's -- the Prime's are indeed quite small with a nice form factor. I actually just finished up a rather long listening session between a bunch of speakers. It has been a while since I spent quality time listening to the 200's as mains (no sub) -- and with several pairs of speakers I demoed, found myself wanting to keep putting the 200's back up. The 200's are so darn good, I should have introduced these at a much higher price, probably would have been more popular. component quality of the 200's at this price is just off the charts, we make a 33% margin on them, lol.
I can only imagine having never really heard the 200's.
I am currently demoing a pair of Wavecrest HVL-1's which you designed. Curtis was gracious enough to send a new pair for me to check out, and will be taking to a local GTG of AV nutheads! I hooked them up in my stereo 2.1 system in place of my Sierra-2's crossed to my 12" Rythmik. I know they are in different worlds but I'm not in a hurry to put the -2's back up. For $199/pr they are excellent!
So, the 200's have to be even better!
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Re: New for 2016 - Introducing the Sierra Satellite, or “Sierra Sat” for short!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
davef
Yep -- but depending on what our final costs on the woofer will be, we could make a very slim WTW center where we should be able to get woofer space close enough such that off-axis lobing will not be an issue.
That would be awesome. I for one would be very interested in that!
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Re: New for 2016 - Introducing the Sierra Satellite, or “Sierra Sat” for short!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
justthinking
It would be nice to incorporate a custom wall mount bracket for flush mount against the wall..
If it has to be ported, can it be front ported design?
+1 for a front port, if sealed with a single midbass speaker does not allow to hit the other design goals. Something not bigger than the CBM-170 SE, maybe even a tad narrower, would be ideal!
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Re: New for 2016 - Introducing the Sierra Satellite, or “Sierra Sat” for short!
I'd like to see something smaller than the 200's. Something about 5" or less in width. Height is not the big issue so a taller cabinet is ok to accommodate a front port. If height is an issue for some then maybe a bottom firing port would work?
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Re: New for 2016 - Introducing the Sierra Satellite, or “Sierra Sat” for short!
This is great news! I have recently purchased some Sierra 2s for my main speakers using some old outdoor Aperion audio outdoor speakers as surrounds. They sound pretty good together, but I know that down the line I want to get some Ascend speakers to fill out the surround and surround back speakers. I really thought ribbon tweeters were out because the price was just too high to justify. If we can get the same performance as the Sierra 2s in a smaller speaker at a cheaper price only giving up maybe a little bit in output and low end extension, then this sounds like a winner. I'm not sure if I would go with them for surround backs, but definitely for surrounds.
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Re: New for 2016 - Introducing the Sierra Satellite, or “Sierra Sat” for short!
Pricing for these could be tricky. If too close to the 170's or 340's they could pull sales away from those, if too close to the Sierra-1's then the same may be true. Depends on the customer's requirements for ultimate performance I suppose.
Dave, you mentioned a possible WTW center. What about a vertical WTW (MTM) mini tower like the 340's?
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Re: New for 2016 - Introducing the Sierra Satellite, or “Sierra Sat” for short!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Mag_Neato
Pricing for these could be tricky. If too close to the 170's or 340's they could pull sales away from those, if too close to the Sierra-1's then the same may be true. Depends on the customer's requirements for ultimate performance I suppose.
Dave, you mentioned a possible WTW center. What about a vertical WTW (MTM) mini tower like the 340's?
I was wondering the same thing. if they are priced between the 340s and the Sierra 1s, I would be very happy. But, it seems like interest in the Sierra 1s would be greatly diminished. My initial gut reaction is, how could that be possible, though. I would guess they would be priced between the Seirra 1s and Sierra 2s. But, then why not go with the Sierra 2s if they price is that close to them.
You nailed it. I think pricing will be tricky.
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Re: New for 2016 - Introducing the Sierra Satellite, or “Sierra Sat” for short!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
N Boros
I was wondering the same thing. if they are priced between the 340s and the Sierra 1s, I would be very happy. But, it seems like interest in the Sierra 1s would be greatly diminished. My initial gut reaction is, how could that be possible, though. I would guess they would be priced between the Seirra 1s and Sierra 2s. But, then why not go with the Sierra 2s if they price is that close to them.
You nailed it. I think pricing will be tricky.
Indeed - pricing is going to be tricky. These will likely cost more than the Sierra-1, just not possible to offer this level of component quality at Sierra-1 prices. RAAL ribbons and Seas Curv woofers are expensive, as are bamboo cabinets. This will definitely be somewhat of a niche product, perfect for someone who wants RAAL ribbon surrounds (we get a lot of requests for this) and ideal for someone looking for best-in-class performance for small satellites.
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Re: New for 2016 - Introducing the Sierra Satellite, or “Sierra Sat” for short!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Mag_Neato
I can only imagine having never really heard the 200's.
I am currently demoing a pair of Wavecrest HVL-1's which you designed. Curtis was gracious enough to send a new pair for me to check out, and will be taking to a local GTG of AV nutheads! I hooked them up in my stereo 2.1 system in place of my Sierra-2's crossed to my 12" Rythmik. I know they are in different worlds but I'm not in a hurry to put the -2's back up. For $199/pr they are excellent!
So, the 200's have to be even better!
Yeah - those HVL-1's are really something. I preferred them, by a large margin, to the new Elac B5 - although the B5 has much deeper bass. 200's and HVL-1's are different -- hard for me to say which one is actually better, and I think Curtis would agree. Our 200's are more detailed and accurate, more dynamic, faster transients -- more of the "Ascend" sound. The HVL's offer a lusher sound, warmer, perhaps more musical and really sound terrific in a small space without a sub. 200's definitely need a subwoofer, but I was actually quite impressed yesterday running the 200's full range.
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Re: New for 2016 - Introducing the Sierra Satellite, or “Sierra Sat” for short!
Hi Dave
When can we expect these speakers to be available? Summer, fall or winter of 2016?
Thanks
Ron
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Re: New for 2016 - Introducing the Sierra Satellite, or “Sierra Sat” for short!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
rsmt2000
Hi Dave
When can we expect these speakers to be available? Summer, fall or winter of 2016?
Thanks
Ron
Hoping late 1st quarter in 2016.
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Re: New for 2016 - Introducing the Sierra Satellite, or “Sierra Sat” for short!
No one else has stuck their neck out with a guess at the prices yet? :eek:
Well then, let me be the first :D
So I am going to take a stab that Dave F. will end up creating two new speaker models: The Sierra Sat (1x RAAL ribbon tweeter + 1x 4.5" SEAS CURV mid-woofer), and the Sierra Sat Center (1x RAAL ribbon tweeter + 2x 4.5" SEAS CURV mid-woofers).
I'm making a guess that a pair of Sierra Sat mini-monitors will cost $1168/pair
And I'm going to guess that the Sierra Sat Center ends up being $698 each.
Total guesses! I hope I don't end up putting Dave in a sticky situation if they end up costing more (which they bloody well should! :p ). But I'm taking a somewhat educated guess based upon prior price points and margins, as well as how these price points would fit in amongst the other Ascend models at their current price points.
Some of my reasoning here (aside from guessing at component costs and margins) is that at $1168/pair, the Sierra Sats would cost just a tiny bit more than the Sierra-1 NrT (which they should), but they'd be a substantial savings vs. the Sierra-2.
For the Sierra Sat Center, I'm much more unsure. Maybe it would make sense for it to cost more than a Sierra-2 Center since it will have 2x 4.5" mid-woofers? But I figure that the Sierra-2 will still play lower in the bass, and I figure the Sierra Sat Center will have a smaller cabinet. So I've guessed that it will end up costing less than a Sierra-2 Center.
Anyways, that's me taking a stab at guessing the price points. Obviously, my guesses are for the least expensive finish option - whatever that ends up being - most likely matte black, I would assume.
Definitely going to be cool to have these as an option for on-wall Surrounds as well as on-ceiling Atmos speakers!
- Rob H. - AV Rant Podcast co-host
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Re: New for 2016 - Introducing the Sierra Satellite, or “Sierra Sat” for short!
Definitely interested in the development of these!!!
Size of the sattelite would be good to know too! I hope Dave is considering going at least half the size of the current Sierra cabinet
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Re: New for 2016 - Introducing the Sierra Satellite, or “Sierra Sat” for short!
IMO, people who buy these are the ones who is looking a speaker with ease of placement, likely to put it on shelfs, good wife acceptance. If these are rear ported they may not be to suitable to be put up against wall. Would a front ported be better? I even think a front slotted port is a much better way to go.
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Re: New for 2016 - Introducing the Sierra Satellite, or “Sierra Sat” for short!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
RicardoJoa
IMO, people who buy these are the ones who is looking a speaker with ease of placement, likely to put it on shelfs, good wife acceptance. If these are rear ported they may not be to suitable to be put up against wall. Would a front ported be better? I even think a front slotted port is a much better way to go.
Dave, I would have to agree with the above! My interest in a Sierra-Sat would likely be in a confined space up against a wall, in a cabinet, or on the wall as a surround speaker. The option to have them front ported or sealed is more interesting to me rather than a rear port.
Just a thought.......
Im likely going to end up with a pair at one point or another to keep the streak going of owning I believe every Ascend speaker model made (minus the original 170/200 - I had the SE's).
Brandon
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Re: New for 2016 - Introducing the Sierra Satellite, or “Sierra Sat” for short!
Any chance of a Gloss Espresso version for us folks who have the old shiny sierras?
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Re: New for 2016 - Introducing the Sierra Satellite, or “Sierra Sat” for short!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
merrymaid520
Dave, I would have to agree with the above! My interest in a Sierra-Sat would likely be in a confined space up against a wall, in a cabinet, or on the wall as a surround speaker. The option to have them front ported or sealed is more interesting to me rather than a rear port.
Just a thought.......
Im likely going to end up with a pair at one point or another to keep the streak going of owning I believe every Ascend speaker model made (minus the original 170/200 - I had the SE's).
Brandon
Same here, another vote for front-ported or sealed! :)
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Re: New for 2016 - Introducing the Sierra Satellite, or “Sierra Sat” for short!
Interesting news - I haven't checked in in a while. Not sure I need surround sound being more music oriented. But it is something to consider.
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Re: New for 2016 - Introducing the Sierra Satellite, or “Sierra Sat” for short!
Hi Dave,
How do you envision the Sierra Sats performing as mains? I imagine putting together 5 of these for a 5.1 system.
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Re: New for 2016 - Introducing the Sierra Satellite, or “Sierra Sat” for short!
Here's one more vote in favor of front porting and a width narrower than the CBM.
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Re: New for 2016 - Introducing the Sierra Satellite, or “Sierra Sat” for short!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
pj-
Any chance of a Gloss Espresso version for us folks who have the old shiny sierras?
Regrettably, this is unlikely at this point in time. This type of finishing has become extremely expensive and high gloss finishes seem to have lost their appeal.
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Re: New for 2016 - Introducing the Sierra Satellite, or “Sierra Sat” for short!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
sonicboom
Hi Dave,
How do you envision the Sierra Sats performing as mains? I imagine putting together 5 of these for a 5.1 system.
Yes, this is the current plan and they should perform very well - but these would need to be paired with a sub.