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2 Attachment(s)
Introducing the Sierra-2EX!!!
Sierra-2EX !!!
A little over 3-years ago on his annual visit with us, Claus Futtrup (CTO at SEAS Norway) introduced us to a new super high end diamond tweeter, called the White Diamond. I was extremely impressed with this tweeter and requested that SEAS build us up a matching cost-no-object woofer based on specific parameters to meet our performance goals.
About a year later after many samples, we had our new woofer and we started building and selling custom Sierra Diamond speakers. This is all detailed on our forum in this thread: http://forum.ascendacoustics.com/sho...iamond-Tweeter
The performance of this speaker was astonishing, but customers as well as those who auditioned our Sierra Diamond noted that as impressed as they were with the diamond tweeter, the woofer was equally impressive. I fully agreed. The midbass punch, bass extension, midrange detail, frequency response linearity, and overall dynamics was the best I had ever come across in a woofer this size, and even compared to many larger woofers.
Our own customers started to inquire about using this woofer in many of our designs, including our most successful speaker to date, our award winning Sierra-2. Problem was, being a true custom build - each of these woofers was being hand made for us by SEAS’s engineering team. These had never been mass produced and then there was the issue of cost. Our EX woofer is part of SEAS’s Excel line, using an optimized version of the venerable W16 motor system – customized to best match a new specially treated Curv woofer cone. Retail pricing on W16 woofers is typically in the range of $280 and up. While we pay less than that for volume purchases, our EX woofer is a purely custom build compared to the stock W16, thus retail pricing is even higher.
We were left with some daunting challenges. Will SEAS be able to reliably mass manufacture these woofers (they were not sure) and how would we be able to use this woofer in our Sierra-2 without a rather dramatic price increase?
As a company, we have always tried to give our customers and fans what they ask for – this is a major advantage of selling direct – we get to communicate directly with all of our customers. Upon witnessing the massive amount of interest in a Sierra-2 with this woofer, I became fully committed to make it happen. SEAS went to work on optimizing manufacturing processes and parts procurement – while we committed to purchasing a large enough supply to make it beneficial for both SEAS and Ascend, and get the per unit pricing down to as low as possible, a true win-win.
As we now enter our 20th year of business and in celebration of this milestone –
This woofer brings a few things to the table...
The Excel motor systems are known for having extremely low inductance; this woofer has less than half the inductance of the standard S2 woofer, which is already low. This combined with a significant reduction in moving mass, 22% lower to be exact, and a more powerful magnet system provides exceptionally deep bass and much improved transients and dynamics.
This woofer hits hard - there is more punch and bass extends lower than much larger woofers. Even with an 80Hz crossover, listeners will sense the greater impact due to the enhanced midbass.
The extremely low inductance combined with a new damping treatment being used on the Curv cone provides improved self-damping (which is already superb with the S2 woofer and why we chose the Curv cone in the first place) and greater high frequency extension and detail.
The huge copper phase plug improves off-axis dispersion, greatly reduces any beaming, works in conjunction with the pure copper upper and lower Faraday rings to reduce distortion, linearize magnetic flux and improve power handling and thermal compression by acting as a massive heat sink...
In simpler terms, mids are cleaner - smoother sounding with more weight to them (they sound warmer, fuller with more detail). Because of the upper end improvements, we can use a steeper high pass filter slope on the tweeter, easing the workload on the ribbon tweeter which in turn increases power handling, lowers distortion and provides for an even better overall blend between the woofer and tweeter.
The Sierra-2EX sounds like our Sierra-2, but is warmer/fuller, cleaner (especially at louder volume levels), more musical and with rather shocking dynamics. And, if run full range - the bass response seems to defy the laws of physics -- it is tower-like. In direct A/B comparisons with speakers using very high quality larger woofers, the EX woofer hit harder and deeper. I have never actually heard a bookshelf speaker with this kind of bass response before...
The Sierra-2EX improves upon every performance aspect of the Sierra-2 and the measurements are outstanding!
We are excited to release the Sierra-2EX, and in celebration of our 20th Anniversary – we are introducing the speaker at an incredible price.
For Sierra-2 owners who wish to upgrade, we also have an upgrade “kit” available.
And for more good news, Sierra-2EX is already in production and shipping!
The Sierra-2EX is a benchmark product and thanks to the feedback and inquiries from all of you – we fully committed ourselves to making it happen and we could not be any more pleased with the results.
Enjoy!
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Re: Introducing the Sierra-2EX!!!
Looks awesome.
Just sent email with questions. :)
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Re: Introducing the Sierra-2EX!!!
Awesome news! Is there kit pricing listed somewhere?
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Re: Introducing the Sierra-2EX!!!
Also curious about the upgrade kit pricing. Then I'll have to decide whether I should get the upgrade kit or the upcoming Luna Duo first....
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Re: Introducing the Sierra-2EX!!!
Super cool. Bet these are monsters.
However, now I wish I had waited to upgrade my S1 NrTs to S2s, since I just did that like two months ago. I kinda thought the timeline on this would be a little longer. OTOH, since I don't know what this little beastie costs relative to the regular S1->S2 upgrade, I don't know if I would have done it. Definitely will be interested in seeing the price.
Dave, I'm still planning on visiting Ascend mid-August. I'll be able to listen to one of these, yes?
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Re: Introducing the Sierra-2EX!!!
Amazing news, Dave! Quick question, though: Does the slight difference in the size/location of the rear port on the standard vs. domestic cabinets make any audible difference to how these sound? Is there any sonic advantage to going with the slightly more expensive domestic cabinets, or is it more an aesthetic (and patriotic) upgrade? :)
Thanks!
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Re: Introducing the Sierra-2EX!!!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
cgramer
Amazing news, Dave! Quick question, though: Does the slight difference in the size/location of the rear port on the standard vs. domestic cabinets make any audible difference to how these sound? Is there any sonic advantage to going with the slightly more expensive domestic cabinets, or is it more an aesthetic (and patriotic) upgrade? :)
Thanks!
My understanding is that the ports are the same diameter, but the domestic version has a larger flare in the opening and larger mounting flange. Not sure you'd hear any difference?
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Re: Introducing the Sierra-2EX!!!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Mag_Neato
My understanding is that the ports are the same diameter, but the domestic version has a larger flare in the opening and larger mounting flange. Not sure you'd hear any difference?
This is correct.
I’m not even sure the flare is larger or if port tube just has a bigger flange.
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Re: Introducing the Sierra-2EX!!!
Sweet!
I'm curious about the upgrade kit pricing, as well.
Dave, how is it as a center versus the upcoming Luna Duo?
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Re: Introducing the Sierra-2EX!!!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
cgramer
Amazing news, Dave! Quick question, though: Does the slight difference in the size/location of the rear port on the standard vs. domestic cabinets make any audible difference to how these sound? Is there any sonic advantage to going with the slightly more expensive domestic cabinets, or is it more an aesthetic (and patriotic) upgrade? :)
Thanks!
Good question. Port tuning is the same between standard and domestic cabinets and there is no detectable differences in performance. The flare is larger on the domestic cabinet port tube, but ID is exactly the same. I have never been able to hear any differences and measurements confirm this.
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Re: Introducing the Sierra-2EX!!!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
SunByrne
Super Dave, I'm still planning on visiting Ascend mid-August. I'll be able to listen to one of these, yes?
Absolutely - S2EX are in our demo room.
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Re: Introducing the Sierra-2EX!!!
Ill get upgrade kit pricing posted later this evening...
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Re: Introducing the Sierra-2EX!!!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
davef
Ill get upgrade kit pricing posted later this evening...
I bet some are going to stay up late, or get up early!
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Re: Introducing the Sierra-2EX!!!
This is a nice woofer. very good chest thumping mid bass. Nice transients. I have tried it with couple of class D integrated amps(Devialet and Aavik) and it rocks. Highly recommended. I think this would mate really well with couple of rythmik F8s for a small form factor.
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Re: Introducing the Sierra-2EX!!!
Do these still image crazy like the sierra2?
I really enjoy the imaging and separation of instruments of the sierra2 throws out.
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Re: Introducing the Sierra-2EX!!!
Finally, an upgrade path for S2’s! Someone please come up with a DIY cabinet so we can make use of the old woofers as a small sub enclosure.
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Re: Introducing the Sierra-2EX!!!
Dave,
Thanks for posting the kit info on the EX product page!
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Re: Introducing the Sierra-2EX!!!
I've been following the diamond thread in anticipation! This came together quicker than expected. Great work Dave!!
Some questions:
What tools/skills are required to perform the upgrade from S2 to S2EX? Similar to the S1->S2 upgrade kit? Will there be an option to ship our S2 to Ascend to have you do the upgrade? And if so, how will self-upgrade vs factory upgrade affect warranty?
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Re: Introducing the Sierra-2EX!!!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Fantom
I've been following the diamond thread in anticipation! This came together quicker than expected. Great work Dave!!
Some questions:
What tools/skills are required to perform the upgrade from S2 to S2EX? Similar to the S1->S2 upgrade kit? Will there be an option to ship our S2 to Ascend to have you do the upgrade? And if so, how will self-upgrade vs factory upgrade affect warranty?
Should be the same as doing the S1 to Nrt upgrade, only you are swapping woofers vs tweeters as well as crossovers. You should have a regular Phillips (+) head screwdriver and correctly sized hex socket/open end wrench for the speaker terminal connections.
See here: http://forum.ascendacoustics.com/sho...ons-with-video!
Just don't remove the tweeter, only the woofer!
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Re: Introducing the Sierra-2EX!!!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
RicardoJoa
Do these still image crazy like the sierra2?
I really enjoy the imaging and separation of instruments of the sierra2 throws out.
Yes!
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Re: Introducing the Sierra-2EX!!!
Dave,
How does the Sierra-2EX center compare to the upcoming LUNA Duo?
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Re: Introducing the Sierra-2EX!!!
Congrats on the go-live day for the new speakers Dave!! Price seems very reasonable to me so I just impulse bought the hell out of these...been watching the diamond thread for awhile. They'll be my first set of speakers and I'll be pairing with a refurbed NAD C 368 I ALSO just impulse bought ='D.
EXCITED!!
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Re: Introducing the Sierra-2EX!!!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
rsmt2000
Dave,
How does the Sierra-2EX center compare to the upcoming LUNA Duo?
I think it depends -- if someone is using Sierra-2EX as left/right and can fit the Sierra-2EX center (either vertically or horizontally) - I would then recommend the S2EX center. For nearly every other setup, I would still go with the forthcoming Duo.
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Re: Introducing the Sierra-2EX!!!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
RicardoJoa
Do these still image crazy like the sierra2?
I really enjoy the imaging and separation of instruments of the sierra2 throws out.
I feel the S2 EX do a better job with instrument separation compared to Sierra-2 (thanks to the new woofer and crossover which eases the work load on the ribbon). I honestly haven't noticed any differences in imaging between the 2 speakers. Technically - the S2-EX should image better as the off-axis response is a bit more linear, but I couldn't audibly detect this. However, that is not to say that you won't hear the imaging improvements with the S2EX.
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Re: Introducing the Sierra-2EX!!!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
trollbearpig_what
Congrats on the go-live day for the new speakers Dave!! Price seems very reasonable to me so I just impulse bought the hell out of these...been watching the diamond thread for awhile. They'll be my first set of speakers and I'll be pairing with a refurbed NAD C 368 I ALSO just impulse bought ='D.
EXCITED!!
Thank you, and thanks so much for placing the order. For your first set of speakers, wow - you are jumping right into true high end audio - no better way to start this wonderful lifelong hobby and passion. I hope you absolutely love the speakers!
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Re: Introducing the Sierra-2EX!!!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Sam1000
This is a nice woofer. very good chest thumping mid bass. Nice transients. I have tried it with couple of class D integrated amps(Devialet and Aavik) and it rocks. Highly recommended. I think this would mate really well with couple of rythmik F8s for a small form factor.
Are you saying you have used the SEAS W16? If yes, I completely agree - the W16 is really special but keep in mind that while our EX woofer is based on the motor system of the W16, the cone, voice coil and former are very different, with overall considerably lower moving mass.
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Re: Introducing the Sierra-2EX!!!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Fantom
I've been following the diamond thread in anticipation! This came together quicker than expected. Great work Dave!!
Some questions:
What tools/skills are required to perform the upgrade from S2 to S2EX? Similar to the S1->S2 upgrade kit? Will there be an option to ship our S2 to Ascend to have you do the upgrade? And if so, how will self-upgrade vs factory upgrade affect warranty?
S2 to S2EX is rather simple, I would say only skills required are some patience, somewhat dexterous hands, and experience with a screwdriver. Basically, you will need to first remove the woofer, then the tweeter, and then the crossover. Then install the new crossover, reinstall the tweeter - and then install the new woofer. No soldering would be required. It is very similar to this:
http://forum.ascendacoustics.com/sho...ons-with-video!
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Re: Introducing the Sierra-2EX!!!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Mag_Neato
Should be the same as doing the S1 to Nrt upgrade, only you are swapping woofers vs tweeters as well as crossovers. You should have a regular Phillips (+) head screwdriver and correctly sized hex socket/open end wrench for the speaker terminal connections.
See here:
http://forum.ascendacoustics.com/sho...ons-with-video!
Just don't remove the tweeter, only the woofer!
Minor correction: Tweeter must be removed in order to remove and install the new crossover.
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Re: Introducing the Sierra-2EX!!!
I'm already thoroughly enjoying my new Sierra 2's and the bass has not disappointed me at all in my room. But this upgrade and the benefits it brings are irresistible! Question...Will the upgrade effect the speaker's sensitivity?
Just found the product page with specs. By one dB
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Re: Introducing the Sierra-2EX!!!
Are there any plans to use the EX woofer in a new version of the tower?
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Re: Introducing the Sierra-2EX!!!
Does the Sierra-2EX have much of an advantage over the Sierra-Luna Speaker when operating with a pair of subwoofers and a 80Hz crossover point?
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Re: Introducing the Sierra-2EX!!!
Ugh, crushed by timing. I thought it would take Dave much longer to get everything worked out with SEAS, and a little less than two months ago spent $816 to upgrade my S1 NrTs to S2s. Waited like six years from the release of the S2s to do that.
If I had just waited those two short months, for a mere $162 more I could have gone to S2-EXs, which I totally would have done. Now it's going to cost me $656 to get to EXs, and that's just too rich.
Moral of the story: postpone purchases! :(
Someone with S2s please do the upgrade and tell me it's not a big deal.
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Re: Introducing the Sierra-2EX!!!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
SunByrne
Moral of the story: postpone purchases!
You can certainly do that.
My take is somewhat different: Buy the biggest bang for the buck you can find, only *when you need it*, and don't look back.
Second guessing after the fact is a waste of time at best, and corrosive at worst. Buy what you need, then move on. This is the only method I've found that actually works against GAS. Of course YMMV as everyone works differently.
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Re: Introducing the Sierra-2EX!!!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Bruce Watson
You can certainly do that.
My take is somewhat different: Buy the biggest bang for the buck you can find, only *when you need it*, and don't look back.
Second guessing after the fact is a waste of time at best, and corrosive at worst. Buy what you need, then move on. This is the only method I've found that actually works against GAS. Of course YMMV as everyone works differently.
Agreed. There is always something better around the corner...Dave is always looking to improve and offer more "bang for the buck".
I have heard the new 2EX, and it sounds great. I have not directly compared to the standard Sierra-2, so ignorance is bliss.
It is on my list to compare/upgrade, but I have other priorities for my system, which also are in line with other priorities for my play money. I just bought a new pre/pro, and the hardware to put together a Roon ROCK(doing that today). Next up is an e-bike, then Atmos(which will require more/new amplification) and a new BBQ. Atmos and the BBQ are fighting for priority. :)
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Re: Introducing the Sierra-2EX!!!
Congrats Dave on the new product release! I think this is going to be a big hit. I wish I could upgrade now, but my budget just doesn't have to room for it right now. But one day it will happen!
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Re: Introducing the Sierra-2EX!!!
I'm really excited about the Sierra-2EX as I was already saving up for S2s.
I'm interested to know more about the differences between domestic cabinets vs. standard cabinets. Specifically, I'm looking at the natural finish.
BTW, I recently got a pair of cbm-170 SEs and I'm very happy with them and will use them as surrounds later.
Thanks! -Tom K
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Re: Introducing the Sierra-2EX!!!
I'm going to be throwing the sierra -2ex's on a pair of Monolith by Monoprice stands. I was wondering how best to secure the speakers to the stands? I've heard blu tak frequently mentioned as being good, but am worried about them damaging the speakers if I ever have to remove the tak similar to this instance:
https://www.canuckaudiomart.com/deta...nal-packaging/
Does anyone know if blu tak could damage these speakers or have any other recommendations on how to secure them?
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Re: Introducing the Sierra-2EX!!!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Chucka
Does the Sierra-2EX have much of an advantage over the Sierra-Luna Speaker when operating with a pair of subwoofers and a 80Hz crossover point?
Quite a bit more midbass punch with the Sierra-2EX, combined with a bit higher efficiency and overall better dynamics. Sierra-2EX also sound a bit warmer overall compared to the Luna.
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Re: Introducing the Sierra-2EX!!!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
trollbearpig_what
I'm going to be throwing the sierra -2ex's on a pair of Monolith by Monoprice stands. I was wondering how best to secure the speakers to the stands? I've heard blu tak frequently mentioned as being good, but am worried about them damaging the speakers if I ever have to remove the tak similar to this instance:
https://www.canuckaudiomart.com/deta...nal-packaging/
Does anyone know if blu tak could damage these speakers or have any other recommendations on how to secure them?
I’ve been using Blu-Tack for a couple years with my Sierra Luna’s with no issues at all (domestic cabinets, satin cherry finish). That includes the first time that I had used Blu-Tack and thought I needed an entire package for 2 speakers, needless to say it was very hard to get them off the stands again but the finish was completely undamaged.
A small square on each corner provides enough holding force to lift up the Sanus NF series stands I’ve been using with the speaker while not being too hard to remove or reposition. Not sure if it matters but I’ve always used the name brand.
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Re: Introducing the Sierra-2EX!!!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Telemars
I’ve been using Blu-Tack for a couple years with my Sierra Luna’s with no issues at all (domestic cabinets, satin cherry finish). That includes the first time that I had used Blu-Tack and thought I needed an entire package for 2 speakers, needless to say it was very hard to get them off the stands again but the finish was completely undamaged.
A small square on each corner provides enough holding force to lift up the Sanus NF series stands I’ve been using with the speaker while not being too hard to remove or reposition. Not sure if it matters but I’ve always used the name brand.
Wow the whole package?! Ha that's insane..glad to hear it didn't damage your finish! I already purchased this one which seems similar to Blu Tak but claims to be more safe to remove for wood. I'm assuming the hold isn't as strong as Blu Tak but I'll give this one a try and see how it holds. If it's garbage I'm falling back on the Blu Tak. Thanks!
Quakehold! 88111 Museum Putty Neutral https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002VA9NA..._NTXpDbKQQ5HP1