Check In from SC with Sierra-1s

[XEagleDriver]

Hello Ya'll,

Recently purchased 3 used (but nearly perfect) Sierra-1 (Gloss Cherry finish) to upgrade my HT/primary music listening sytem's LCR from the PSB Image T45 and C40 speakers.

Absolutely amazed thus far, and very glad I found the deal, since I have been eyeing Sierra's for several years now (putting last kid through college).

Reading this forum may turn out to be expensive, since I am now enticed by the possibility to upgrade Sierra-1's to NrT or new Sierra-2 woofer/RAAL tweeter.

It is almost hard to beleive the Sierra-1s could be improved that much, since the jump from PSB was so noticable and impressive.

Still have Image B15 for surrounds, any advice on suitable Ascend surrounds compatible with wall mounting and the -1s would be appreciated.

Cheers,
XEagleDriver
Columbia SC

[natetg57]

Still have Image B15 for surrounds, any advice on suitable Ascend surrounds compatible with wall mounting and the -1s would be appreciated.

Most would recommend HTM-200's because of the form factor. Their small and can be placed as close as you like to the wall. It's definitely not a perfect match but should be closer than the PSB's. You could also keep the PSB's and see if the difference in timbre bothers you. A perfect match would be another two Sierra's. If you're using a crossover at 80hz or so and q-plugs, they can be placed pretty close to wall without problems.

[XEagleDriver]

Most would recommend HTM-200's because of the form factor. Their small and can be placed as close as you like to the wall. It's definitely not a perfect match but should be closer than the PSB's. You could also keep the PSB's and see if the difference in timbre bothers you. A perfect match would be another two Sierra's. If you're using a crossover at 80hz or so and q-plugs, they can be placed pretty close to wall without problems.

natetg57,
Thanks for the reply and recommendation, I briefly looked at CBM-170s (14lbs each) but had not considered the HTM-200s (10lbs each). Both of these are comparable in size/weight to the B-15s (12lbs each) hanging on the wall now.

Thus far I am not bothered by any timbre issues in the SACD multichannel and movie listening I have had a chance to pursue.

Mainly, I have been overjoyed at the quality of the front three Sierra's--sonic heaven in my book!!

Cheers,
XEagleDriver

[davef]

Hello Ya'll,

Recently purchased 3 used (but nearly perfect) Sierra-1 (Gloss Cherry finish) to upgrade my HT/primary music listening sytem's LCR from the PSB Image T45 and C40 speakers.

Absolutely amazed thus far, and very glad I found the deal, since I have been eyeing Sierra's for several years now (putting last kid through college).

Reading this forum may turn out to be expensive, since I am now enticed by the possibility to upgrade Sierra-1's to NrT or new Sierra-2 woofer/RAAL tweeter.

It is almost hard to beleive the Sierra-1s could be improved that much, since the jump from PSB was so noticable and impressive.

Still have Image B15 for surrounds, any advice on suitable Ascend surrounds compatible with wall mounting and the -1s would be appreciated.

Cheers,
XEagleDriver
Columbia SC

Welcome to the family XEagleDriver!!!

[catsAf]

I've had my Sierra 1s for a while, but don't know much about upgrading....just saw that you can upgrade to the 2s....what is NrT, if you don't mind?

[natetg57]

I've had my Sierra 1s for a while, but don't know much about upgrading....just saw that you can upgrade to the 2s....what is NrT, if you don't mind?

The NRT tweeter is an upgrade to the regular Sierra-1 tweeter. It's the same tweeter that comes in the regular Sierra towers. The NRT upgrade just includes a new tweeter and crossover, whereas the Sierra-2 upgrade is a new tweeter (raal ribbon), woofer and crossover.

[catsAf]

Oh...I'm just starting to read about the Sierra 2s...can you describe the difference in sound in basic terms? More open, smoother? I'm just so dumb at this stuff...I saw the price of the upgrade, and now am wondering if I should go that route and forget the sub....

[XEagleDriver]

Welcome to the family XEagleDriver!!!

Hello Again Ya'll,
Reinvigorating this thread due to an "addition to the family"; just finished ordering a pair of Sierra 2's in Satin Dark Cherry leveraging the Thanksgiving B-stock sale a couple days ago.

The new 2's are going into a two-channel rig with an Oppo 980H feeding SACD, RB CD, and a tablet feeding digital music thru a HK3485 stereo receiver. Controlling my anticipation of their arrival is the hard part!

I guess this direct purchase kind of moves me in the Ascend community from an "in-law relative" (secondary market buyer) to more of a "real relative", LOL.

In actuality, Dave, the Ascend company, and this community have been 100% helpful and supportive (a tertiary reason, behind fantastic SQ and product build, which guided me towards the Sierra 2's).

[RickGreen]

Hi, I live in Asheville NC and travel through Columbia often on my way to Charleston. Would love to get a listen to the Sierra speakers if you were amenable to having a fellow audiophile take a short listen.

Rick Green
rickgreenunc@gmail.com

[XEagleDriver]

Rick,
I would be happy to demo Sierra 2s, just need to find a DTG that works for both of us.

Since this thread is pretty old, please note I have Sierra 2s and Sierra Luna surrounds to listen to.
I converted the Sierra 1s into 2s several years ago using Ascend’s upgrade kits.

If interested in a listen, please PM me to coordinate further.

XEagleDriver