Ascend Acoustics Sierra-1 V2 - Review & Measurements by Erin

[tw 2022]

The Sierra-1 and Sierra-2 use the same size cabinet.

clarification : the sierra1 &2 use the *exact* same cabs .. thus the upgrade utility...

 

[Putter]

Hope this helps.

Ascend Acoustics Sierra 1 V2
Price: 500
Tonality: 6.7
Bass extension: 41Hz
Flatness: ±2.7dB

KEF LS50 Meta
Price: 500
Tonality: 5.9
Bass extension: 45Hz
Flatness: ±2.9dB

Easily compare loudspeakers measurements

www.spinorama.org

Ascend Acoustics Sierra 1 V2
Price: 500
Tonality: 6.7
w/eq 6.9
w/sub 8.7
w/eq + sub 8.6
Bass extension: 41Hz
Flatness: ±2.7dB

KEF LS50 Meta
Price: 500
Tonality: 5.9
w/eq 6.5
w/sub 8.0
w/eq + sub 8.5
Bass extension: 45Hz
Flatness: ±2.9dB

Some extra info which brings the scores closer together. Based on this there would be a preference for the Ascends if you had no sub or EQ or possibly if only a sub and no EQ. This of course ignore such things as aesthetics, imaging of a coaxial speaker, distortion,......

 

[Matias]

Speaking of distortion, the Sierra 1 V2 has slightly lower than the LS50 Meta.

Though compression is a bit better on the LS50 Meta.

Between both I would definitely choose the Sierra 1 V2.

Ascend Acoustics Sierra-1 V2 Speaker Review

Ascend Acoustics Sierra-1 V2 Review

www.erinsaudiocorner.com

KEF LS50 Meta Bookshelf Speaker Review

Kef LS50 Meta

www.erinsaudiocorner.com

 

[thewas]

MD correlates in my experience better to audibility and is surprisingly* a bit tad lower on the LS50:

* Surprisingly as the LS50 has a smaller driver and is a coaxial design, it seems its midwoofer motor is a better design though.

Also horizontal and vertical directivities of LS50 are quite supperior:

so it responds to EQ better.

Both great loudspeakers in their price range so like always there is no clear general or objective "winner", it most depends on the usage, for example for nearfield and desktop monitoring I personally prefer coaxial designs like the LS50 due to relatively large change of vertical listening angle when changing posture and due to the reflections of the desktop surface.

 

[Beave]

MD correlates in my experience better to audibility and is surprisingly* a bit tad lower on the LS50:

A tad lower in some areas, a tad higher in others.

 

[Matias]

Also horizontal and vertical directivities of LS50 are quite superior:

so it responds to EQ better.

While this is true, the Sierra 1 V2 is already so linear that no EQ is needed above transition range. While the LS50 Meta could use a bump to linearize it's midrange dip at ~2.5 kHz.

But agreed that nearfield the coax makes more sense.

 

[Pareto Pragmatic]

The Sierra-1 and Sierra-2 use the same size cabinet. The differences between these two Ascend models are potentially the drivers/x-overs which are essentially the same nominal size from an industry standpoint. In the Sierra-1-V2 vs LX case, same tweeter different woofer.

IIRC, there is a 3lb difference in speaker weight.

Ok, looked, 2.5 lbs. Likely most/all from the woofer.

BTW, as of this morning the V2 is 5% off, so $50 lower in price than the last time I looked.

 

[thewas]

While this is true, the Sierra 1 V2 is already so linear that no EQ is needed above transition range. While the LS50 Meta could use a bump to linearize it's midrange dip at ~2.5 kHz.

But agreed that nearfield the coax makes more sense.

True, also the bass of the Sierra is a bit more linear and deeper, on the other hand lately I prefer the sound with such a slight presence dip for most of the music I listen to.

 

[moonthink]

I ordered a set earlier this week.... Excited to hear them!

 

[tristate0]

Thanks, all. Appreciate the perspectives and additional information. Very helpful.

 

[VintageFlanker]

Review by @amirm :

Ascend Sierra-1 V2 Speaker Review

This is a review, listening tests, EQ and detailed measurements of the Ascend Acoustics Sierra-1 V2 bookshelf speaker. It is on kind loan from a member and costs US $998 for a pair ($948 on sale). The finish is nice enough. The cabinet feels quite heavy for its size and especially in the front...

www.audiosciencereview.com

 

[madrac]

Yes, except for (at times) different finishes and US-source vs overseas source (no longer an option).

I was trying to leave wiggle room for the nitpickers because there have been minor variances over time.

This isn't clear. As far as I know, the cabinets are sourced overseas now, not in the US. I seem to recall someone (could have been Dave) that their domestic cabinet maker went belly-up.

 

[MaxBuck]

I have to admit to being a bit of a KEF fanboi, but I also have to admit I'm extremely impressed by what Ascend is doing.

Jack Oclee-Brown needs to keep his eyes on his rear-view mirror. These guys can seriously build a fine speaker.