Sierra-1 Measurements and Conclusion
To get a better idea of what was going on, we pulled a few measurements of the Sierra 1’s. There is a slight dip in the 1kHz to 4kHz range both at 1 meter and via nearfield measurements on/off axis. Or, another way to look at it is there is a slight elevated response in the 5kHz to 10kHz region. This may explain why Tom felt the midrange was a bit recessed in his listening sessions. Bass is definitely a strong point for these speakers with a 3dB point in the upper 40Hz region. Though don’t expect to get high SPL’s at these frequencies as you are limited by the cone excursion of such a small woofer. We still recommend crossing these speakers over at 80Hz and letting a good sub or two handle the bass duties below that region.
Impedance / Phase Ascend Sierra 1 (from manufacturer)
Though we didn’t measure impedance/ phase, judging by the manufacturers measurements the +-45deg phase shift and relatively moderate sensitivity and 5 ohm impedance magnitude in the lower frequency band suggests usage of quality amplification from the likes of Emotiva, B&K, etc is advised. We measured an average sensitivity of 86dB at 1 watt so don’t be alarmed that these speakers will need quite a powerful amplifier (recommended 100+ watts) to play loudly in large rooms.
Conclusion
Full bamboo construction, solid build materials, stunning sound… what's
not to like about the Ascend Sierra-1's? Very little I tell you… very little at
all. 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.
Quite a deal if I do say so myself.
About Ascend Acoustics
Our pledge at Ascend Acoustics is to
create the highest quality and most affordable loudspeakers available
today. Ascend will bridge the gap between value brands and overpriced
high-end brands. We will bring, and continue to bring, the high-end audio
experience previously not affordable to most consumers, into the homes of our
loyal and future customers.
The Score Card
The scoring below is based on each piece of equipment doing the duty it is designed for. The numbers are weighed heavily with respect to the individual cost of each unit, thus giving a rating roughly equal to:
Performance × Price Factor/Value = Rating
Audioholics.com note: The ratings indicated below are based on subjective listening and objective testing of the product in question. The rating scale is based on performance/value ratio. If you notice better performing products in future reviews that have lower numbers in certain areas, be aware that the value factor is most likely the culprit. Other Audioholics reviewers may rate products solely based on performance, and each reviewer has his/her own system for ratings.
Audioholics Rating Scale
— Excellent
- — Very Good
- — Good
- — Fair
- — Poor
| Metric | Rating |
|---|---|
| Build Quality | |
| Appearance | |
| Treble Extension | |
| Treble Smoothness | |
| Midrange Accuracy | |
| Bass Extension | |
| Bass Accuracy | |
| Imaging | |
| Soundstage | |
| Dynamic Range | |
| Fit and Finish | |
| Performance |  |
| Value | |
Recent Forum Posts:
Any update on your purchase now that you've lived with them a while? Have you many a sub choice yet?
Thanks!
nearprairie;677565
The Sierra-1s arrived in time to offer some relief for the cabin fever running rampant on the glacier bound, near prairie.
WmAx;677741
Nearpraire, now if you want the ultimate in SQ possible, you need to add a pair of stereo subs of high quality. You MUST use a proper active xover to split the signals to the subs and mains properly. I can recommend a very compact solution, that meets the absolute highest possible standards for music reproduction, if you are interested in making this critical upgrade. Do as I instruct exactly, and you will gain improved mid-range clarity at moderate to high levels, increased radically LF SQ and extension, and increased realism(solid extension to the low 30Hz range improves the realism and apparent 'depth' of recordings). Warning: my recommendation will not be the typical retail product advice you typically hear. I give usually unique, higher performance advice to make the most difference for dollars spent in the relevant situation.
-Chris
Ok Chris, I'll bite. What's your recommendation?
nearprairie;677565
The Sierra-1s arrived in time to offer some relief for the cabin fever running rampant on the glacier bound, near prairie.
WmAx;677741
Nearpraire, now if you want the ultimate in SQ possible, you need to add a pair of stereo subs of high quality. You MUST use a proper active xover to split the signals to the subs and mains properly. I can recommend a very compact solution, that meets the absolute highest possible standards for music reproduction, if you are interested in making this critical upgrade. Do as I instruct exactly, and you will gain improved mid-range clarity at moderate to high levels, increased radically LF SQ and extension, and increased realism(solid extension to the low 30Hz range improves the realism and apparent 'depth' of recordings). Warning: my recommendation will not be the typical retail product advice you typically hear. I give usually unique, higher performance advice to make the most difference for dollars spent in the relevant situation.
-Chris
Ok Chris, I'll bite. What's your recommendation?
