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Trying to decide between Quad S2 and Ascend Sierra 2 EX

Looking for a dealer in Chicagoland to audition the Quad S2, also interested in the Sierra 2 EX. Latter is about the top of my limited budget. Anyone have an opportunity to compare both, with their proprietary ribbon tweeters? My room is roughly 18 x 16, I don't mind a touch bright, currently running a 60 watt Rotel integrated, possible upgrade coming on that as well, though it has served me very well up until now. Low to a  moderate listening volume. I value (what I consider) purity of timbre, fairly wide soundstage, clear and unmuffled high end. Appreciate any and all thoughts. 

sifter

Showing 2 responses by decooney

decooney
2,314 posts
 

If you are going to stay with your Rotel integrated, you could get by with the Quad, and its on sale at half the price of the Ascend right now at Music Direct.

Both are 8ohms and sensitivity 87/88 db, so if you’re thinking of stepping up on amplifiers down the road, or maybe even a tube amp down the road, a friend here on the forum has had good results with his larger Ascends and upgrades so far. They have been a great value for many as I’ve read over the years.

The Ascend has the nice RAAL tweeter vs Quad’s new True Ribbon tweeter, may be worth a study. The RAAL is a proven unit it seems.If you upgrade your amp later, maybe the Ascend is worth a closer look imo.

decooney
2,314 posts
 

channeling @hilde45 he has the larger Ascend and Fritz both, fwiw.

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