Hi from Seattle - Ascend Sierra Tower NRT & Sierra 2-EX RAAL currently in audition

[curtis]

Setting up 4 speakers in the living room

- Setup A (for music only)

- Setup B (for music / movies)

I will run only A or B speakers, never both.

Oh...wow...I was way off.

Is there a reason setup B couldn't be the only setup, thus upping the budget?

[ajhudson]

Hi all,

I would like to recommend that anyone considering an Ascend Acoustics Sierra Tower or Sierra 2-EX give them an audition.

I expect to add the Sierra 1 to this list.

• These speakers are a marvel of audio engineering. Dave's expertise and attention to the listener experience are evident.
• Ascend is a US company, with global partnerships. If we choose to support our US companies, we will all be better off.
• Shipping was quick.
• Packaging is superior, with speakers well protected from shipping damage.
• Dina is a joy to work with. Professional, helpful, and responsive.
• Dave took a moment to chat with me regarding speakers, which I appreciate.
• The cabinets are superior quality. Truly impressive. Speakers have considerable heft, and feel very solid.
• The SOUND. The crux of the matter -- these speakers must be heard to appreciate.

~Best regards,

Andrew

[ajhudson]

Oh...wow...I was way off.

Is there a reason setup B couldn't be the only setup, thus upping the budget?

Yes, the reason is that I enjoy stereo L / R soundstage experience enough that for the 2 sit positions, on adjacent walls (not across from each other -- at 90-degrees from each other).

A - couch (can seat 3)
B - chair (can seat 1)

I would like to have appropriate audio setup in each location.

If I chose a single B, then my listening would truly be 1 side (left ear only) while I am seated at the couch.

If I chose a single A, then my listening would truly be 1 side (right ear only) while I am seated at the chair.

Plus, I feel that my auditioning constraint of $2k gives me a real sense of focus to determine where my audio preferences are.

I don't feel a need to stretch the budget further for a speaker set yet (on Monday 11 MAY) - however this may change with the listening experience.

Thanks,

-Andrew

[natetg57]

Yes, the reason is that I enjoy stereo L / R soundstage experience enough that for the 2 sit positions, on adjacent walls (not across from each other -- at 90-degrees from each other).

A - couch (can seat 3)
B - chair (can seat 1)

I would like to have appropriate audio setup in each location.

If I chose a single B, then my listening would truly be 1 side (left ear only) while I am seated at the couch.

If I chose a single A, then my listening would truly be 1 side (right ear only) while I am seated at the chair.

Plus, I feel that my auditioning constraint of $2k gives me a real sense of focus to determine where my audio preferences are.

I don't feel a need to stretch the budget further for a speaker set yet (on Monday 11 MAY) - however this may change with the listening experience.

Thanks,

-Andrew

That makes sense, and having two systems in the same room may be the best solution for you. In my experience, if the music is background noise, it sounds great coming from two speakers no matter which way I'm facing. It even sounds good in adjacent rooms. Having one 'serious' listening position works well for me. I have a bike trainer set up in my listening room but it has to face to the side. I will usually set the receiver to all channels stereo, to use all 5 of my speakers and to fill the room with sound.