Sierra1 impressions

[Bill Mac]

I have had the Sierras a little over a month and can say without a doubt it was the right purchase. The most recent speakers I have had in my system are from Dynaudio. I had a pair of Focus 140s and then a pair of C1s. I found after I bought the C1s (on Audiogon) that I just did not have the time or the room to take advantage of these excellent speakers. So I sold them and decided to try the Sierras and Sierra center in Piano Black. I was concerned at first that a center with only one woofer would effect the ouput of the Sierra center but it is not an issue at all I found.

My system consists of a Onkyo 805 (as a prepro), NHT Power5 amp, Bel Canto PRe3 with HT Bypass (for 2CH listening), Consonance CD-120 CD player, Panasonic BD30 Bluray player and the Sierras. I found the SQ of the Sierras to be very Dynaudio like in their clear, detailed and smooth presentation of music and HT. I have found I can listen for hours without a hint of listening fatigue.

My listening is about 40% music and 60% HT and TV. My system is located in my livingroom which is 17'wx13'dx8.5' ceilings with one side of the room open to another room. For 2CH music the Sierras have very precise imaging, broad soundstage (height and width) and incredible bass output for a monitor type speaker. With well recorded music the SQ is just incredible but the Sierras will not be as kind with poorly recorded music. For HT with the new Bluray audio formats the SQ is excellent as well. With the three Sierras across the front I get a seamless flow of the action. There is a lot to say for having matched speakers for the LCR for HT and with the Sierras it shows.

Going from the C1s to the Sierras is a tough act to follow for the Sierras. But I feel the Sierras do a fine job giving up treble clarity and a slightly better midrange to the C1s. But to compare a $7000.00 speaker to one that sells for $898.00 is just not a fair comparison IMO. Are the C1s a better speaker, yes they are but you pay a premuim for that quality. Are the differences worth the extra cost, for some I am sure it is but not for me in my small room. I feel I will be happy for quite awhile with the Sierras and highly recommend them to anyone looking for a first class stand mount speaker for both music and HT. When considering the cost of the Sierras it just makes the decision that much easier, one of the best bargains in the audio world IMO! I almost forgot to mention that the service from Ascend is excellent. I can not thank David for his time on the phone and by e-mail. Also to Dina for always following up with questions I had as well.

Those wanting to see more reviews and a more indepth review from myself of the Sierras should go to AVS speaker forum and look for the Ascend Sierra owners thread. I tried to post a link but I believe being a new member I am not allowed to. Maybe someone else could post the link as it is a great thread and very informative from many other Sierra owners.

Bill