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Ascend Acoustics Sierra-1 Bookshelf Speaker Review

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by Tom Andry — last modified August 07, 2007 20:00
Contributors: Gene DellaSala
Ascend Acoustics Sierra-1 Bookshelf Speaker Review

Ascend Acoustics Sierra-1

Buy It Now!

Summary

  • Product Name: Sierra-1
  • Manufacturer: Ascend Acoustics
  • Performance Rating: StarStarStarStarhalf-star
  • Value Rating: StarStarStarStar
  • Review Date: August 07, 2007
Specifications

Typical In-Room Frequency Response: 39Hz - 22kHz ± 3dB

In-Room Sensitivity: 87dB @ 1 watt / 1 meter

Frequency Response (Anechoic): 44Hz - 22kHz ± 3dB

Sensitivity (Anechoic): 86.5dB @ 1 watt / 1 meter

Average Impedance: 8 ohms

Minimum Recommended Power: 45 watts

Maximum Continuous Power*: 200 watts

Maximum Short Term Peak Power*: 400 watts

Cabinet: Exclusive V-LAM™ construction featuring vertically laminated bamboo. Bass reflex via flared rear port tube

Dimensions H x W x D**: 14.25" x 7.5" x 10.5"

Weight (each): 20 lbs each

Shipping Weight (pair): 43 lbs per pair

Tweeter: (1) 26mm high-definition soft dome tweeter w/integrated elastomer wave guide, wide surround, low-viscosity magnetic fluid cooling, pole-piece damping chamber. Fully manufactured by SEAS of Norway

Woofer: (1) proprietary 5.25” long throw mineral-filled polypropylene cone, non-resonant cast aluminum frame, copper shorting rings, low-inductance motor assembly, vented pole-piece and vented spider.

Connectors: (2) gold plated all metal 5 way binding posts.

Inserts: (1) ¼” x 20 inserts for mounting to stands

Warranty: 7 year parts and labor

 *Unclipped peaks

 **Grille Off


Pros

  • Imaging
  • Bass response
  • Treble extension
  • Two beautiful finish options
  • 7 year warrantee

Cons

  • A tad bass heavy? (is this really a con?!?)

Introduction

If I had to describe it in a word, that word would be "pandemonium." That was what seemed to be happening in the audiophile community as Ascend Acoustics announced their new "reference" bookshelf speakers, the Sierra-1's. Long time lovers of the brand were putting their beloved speakers up for sale with the Sierra-1's on pre-order. Sight unseen, ear unheard, the Sierra's were being compared and debated against speakers many times their price. As bookshelf speakers go, they aren't the cheapest but this is definitely a case of "you get what you pay for." And you're getting a lot. The bass and treble extension seems out of place in the same box. Usually you hope for one or the other. In this case, you get both and in a bookshelf package.
  1. Ascend Sierra-1 Build Quality
  2. Sierra-1 Setup and Listening Tests
  3. Sierra-1 Measurements and Conclusion
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