Ascend Acoustics Sierra LX Review

[tw 2022]

It appears that Erin commented on the Ascend forum to Dave's initial reaction and statement on Erin's review, but it was temporarily blocked out. Of course that doesn't sit well with people and accusing him of all sorts of things.

But turns out Dave has purchased the Klippel add on module and is trying to replicate Erin's distortion tests. And he is also dealing with some business crisis pertaining to new import duties. Looks like Dave is learning how to use the new software and creating standard tests so he can further investigate the distortion that Erin speaks of so that he can address it head on. Dave also is getting physically exhausted from so much on his plate (running his business, dealing with import duty crisis, learning how to use a new software and developing standard tests and investigating the distortion complaints that Erin brought up).

I think the community should give Dave some space and time to handle his business crisis wrt to the 162.2% new import duties and conduct his full investigation after he gets the new NFS software module up and running. He appears to be eager to address the LX review by Erin head on, but he needs time.

If you plan to ask Dave about the LX as it pertains to Erin's review, please hold off, the more time Dave spends on answering your questions, the longer time it will take him to conduct his investigation. And the poor man, needs a day off.

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looks like we've got more issues than a disagreement about the sierra lx and it's distortion measurements.. looks like we have an upcoming economic crisis about to hit us square in the pocket book .... man made chaos...Dave's gonna survive (I hope)... Erin and Dave will work this out... let's give it a minute to unfold....perspective reflects there are no "bad guys" here ....whoever your small business of choice is in this hobby: now is the time to support their efforts...

 

[PristineSound]

looks like we've got more issues than a disagreement about the sierra lx and it's distortion measurements.. looks like we have an upcoming economic crisis about to hit us square in the pocket book .... man made chaos...Dave's gonna survive (I hope)... Erin and Dave will work this out... let's give it a minute to unfold....perspective reflects there are no "bad guys" here ....whoever your small business of choice is in this hobby: now is the time to support their efforts...

Well said. I'll be honest, I personally did raised an eyebrow when Erin stated he heard distortion, as I used to own LX as well and never heard distortion but the owner who sent the speakers in also stated that he too heard the distortions. So now, my eyebrows are lowered.

We have to see how this plays out, I really wonder if something out the norm has occurred.

 

[tw 2022]

We have to see how this plays out, I really wonder if something out the norm has occurred.

this is my thoughts as well... Dave will investigate , Erin will probably revisit and re-evaluate to some degree and it will get worked out .. and I bet there will be some sort of consensus..Dave being willing to test for distortion here is the key : he's always been willing to adjust (buying a Klippel for example) and always tries to give us a "perfect"( we know this isn't possible , but it's a fine goal) product at reasonable prices ... have a great weekend everyone , i'm checkin' out on this thread for a minute...

 

[PristineSound]

The other thing I want to note is that this Sierra LX thread has been around for over 2 years, no one here has complained about audible distortion that I have read.

I have watched enough of Erin's reviews to know that he likes to listen at high SPL, he says it all the time (I hope his hearing can last him, but that is a different matter), so maybe none of us pushed the LX to the level of SPL where we noticed the distortion that Erin heard?

This is indeed a mystery that I am looking forward it being solved.

 

[kma100]

I don't know. This seems like a lot of necessary drama over a speaker that (subjectively) sounds great, and (objectively) measures well. It's not perfect but then again, it $1600 USD and comes from a company with a history of selling great products. But down the rabbit hole we all go...

 

[mj30250]

I don't know. This seems like a lot of necessary drama over a speaker that (subjectively) sounds great, and (objectively) measures well. It's not perfect but then again, it $1600 USD and comes from a company with a history of selling great products. But down the rabbit hole we all go...

Agreed. I mentioned it after the review came out, but I think too much is being made of Erin's demeanor in the video. Objectively speaking, the speaker measures very well and is a top performer in its size and price class. Ascilab may have redefined what's possible in the segment in many ways, but even the impressive C6B isn't better in every area, especially if your space/preferences are best served with wider dispersion. The only real surprise from a data perspective is the upper midrange multitone distortion. I also mentioned that I'm not totally thrilled with how the speakers behave in this specific region, but since what I hear manifests even at moderate volumes, I'm not sure MD is to blame so much as is the typical 2-way discontinuity that I hear in similar speakers. Even the Neumann KH 150s aren't fully exempt from this. In any case, Ascend will now have an additional tool in their kit in the form of the new Klippel distortion module, so I expect the end result to be a net positive.

 

[Narek]

Judging by Erin's review and objective measurements, the AsciLab C6B is an easy choice.

Guy on YouTube compared C6B to Lx and Sierra1v2 and preferred S1v2 overall. So this isn't calculation of what is the best. Its all based on preference. Erin seemingly likes brighter sound signature.

 

[Wg1]

Guy on YouTube compared C6B to Lx and Sierra1v2 and preferred S1v2 overall. So this isn't calculation of what is the best. Its all based on preference. Erin seemingly likes brighter sound signature.

Erin dislikes brighter sound signature/boosted treble. He mentions this in quite a few of his reviews.

 

[Everett T]

Erin dislikes brighter sound signature/boosted treble. He mentions this in quite a few of his reviews.

And goes to great links to mention speaker placement to a avoid higher peaks.

 

[Narek]

Erin dislikes brighter sound signature/boosted treble. He mentions this in quite a few of his reviews.

Im guessing he also doesn't like warm sound signature because the lx is basically a warmer s1v2 with more low end. They even share the same tweeter.

 

[Everett T]

Im guessing he also doesn't like warm sound signature because the lx is basically a warmer s1v2 with more low end. They even share the same tweeter.

He does and has stated his preferred sound preferences many times. He isn't in favor of an overly bright sound while maintaining natural sibilance. The good news in all of this is that you're happy with your speakers, so enjoy.

 

[Narek]

He does and has stated his preferred sound preferences many times. He isn't in favor of an overly bright sound while maintaining natural sibilance. The good news in all of this is that you're happy with your speakers, so enjoy.

Yeah. Thank you. Also I run a 200 watt rms per channel amp, and I blast the speakers at 70%-80% with no audible distortion. So what's this rumor of the lx having audible distortion at medium volume? Just weird to hear these on my end.

 

[Everett T]

Yeah. Thank you. Also I run a 200 watt rms per channel amp, and I blast the speakers at 70%-80% with no audible distortion. So what's this rumor of the lx having audible distortion at medium volume? Just weird to hear these on my end.

Shouldn't be rumors, either they're audible or not and whether pleasant to the ears or not. Don't worry if you're satisfied.

 

[ShadowBoxer]

 

[jurajc]

Hi everyone. How much will these speakers cost me now if I want to send them to Slovakia?

 

[AVKS]

Hi everyone. How much will these speakers cost me now if I want to send them to Slovakia?

Your best bet will be to reach out to Ascend directly and get an estimate from them. They will have info on shipping and any other considerations.

 

[ShadowBoxer]

You would need to contact the vendor.

 

[jcap96]

Hi all, I just posted this in the S1V2 thread, but I thought I'd inquire with some LX owners as well.

I just received my Sierra 1 V2's this week - currently have them set up in a 12'x18' apartment living room, about 50/50 for home theater and music. I plan to move into a house in the next year which would allow me to add a subwoofer, although I'm wondering if the LX's bass would be an equal alternative. I'd like to keep this all under $1500 - the question is S1V2 with sub or LX without sub? Thanks!

 

[PristineSound]

When Ascilab hit the scene, I thought they will start eating up Ascend's lunch. The F6B seem like it could potential put the S1v2 out of business, if not, certainly the C6B would.

Then reality sets in, you add the distributor overhead cost and the tariffs, then Ascilab all of a sudden isn't longer as attractive as it would have been.

I just wish Dave would start using waveguide to make the directivity even more controlled, that would warrant an upgrade from me.

 

[tw 2022]

Hi all, I just posted this in the S1V2 thread, but I thought I'd inquire with some LX owners as well.

I just received my Sierra 1 V2's this week - currently have them set up in a 12'x18' apartment living room, about 50/50 for home theater and music. I plan to move into a house in the next year which would allow me to add a subwoofer, although I'm wondering if the LX's bass would be an equal alternative. I'd like to keep this all under $1500 - the question is S1V2 with sub or LX without sub? Thanks!

i'd not worry about what comes next... the s1v2 will be fine , add a sub later (even in an apt), the lx will need a sub for movies and some music anyway....