Ever Been Too High?


I recently bought a used pair of Ascend Acoustics Sierra 1 speakers after reading so many positive comments about them on the web. All of my amps are SS, but range in age from the 1970s to the 2000s, so I figured at least one of them would be a good match for the Sierras. After hooking them up in three different 2-channel systems, I began to think that these were not speakers I could ever tolerate - the top end was just too hot for my tastes. Finally, I tried them in my third-tier HT setup, and even there, the highs were too prominent. To my ears, the sound was somewhat 'etched' and listener fatigue set in fairly quickly.This morning, I reached the option of last resort and decided to hook them up to the Sansui 5000X in my bedroom system.Holy cow! New life was breathed into this 50-year old receiver and even FM sounds fantastic. The Sierras sound much more balanced, and the bass is to die for. The 5000X was designed and built before LSI chips were developed, meaning there are a ton of transistors, diodes, and other electrolytics occupying its innards. I think that's what accounts for a large part of that 'vintage sound' you get with older gear, and it can be a good thing sometimes. It's certainly working in this case.So, my question is, has anyone else tried the Sierra 1s and had this same issue with them, or am I odd man out? Or maybe there were other speakers you felt that way about, but refused to give up and finally found what seemed to be a godsend of a solution to your listening dilemma?
discnik

Showing 1 response by pooch2

I agree with using a equalizer to fine tune the particular issues, in or out, between various components. I use a Schiit lokuis, which also has a complete bypass, and 6 adjustments if adjustments are needed. I think my ears are a little older, so I can adjust for that. I have two systems set up, one using a tube preamp, Adcom GFA-555se amp. and Wilson Benesch speakers. I can switch this system from balanced through all components from Dac to Preamp to Amp if the recording is good, usually jazz (HD digital downloads), or to use the unbalanced section using the equalizer to the Preamp (usually Vinyl). 
The other using a Solid State system and my old Tangent RS4 speakers, which I still enjoy, both systems have an equalizer, I change the settings based on the music and the recording quality.Everyone's ears are a little different so having some fine tuning can really help. Love it!