Ascend 340SE to Sierras?

[Gov]

A question. I have my 340SE mains mounted about 4-5 inches away from the wall on B-Tech BT-77 mounts. My center 340SE is on a shelf above my TV and its about 10 inches from the wall. My system is always run "small" crossed at 80hz. My room is about 16ft X 18ft wide open to a kitchen. The main seating area is about 14 feet away from the front 3 speakers. I used an Emotiva LPA-1 amplifier which is high current. Considering this set up, do you think I would benefit from getting Sierra's to replace the 340's? Will I be able to hit relatively high SPL's with the Sierra's? As far as my listening habits, I am about 60% movies 40% music.


Thanks

 

[ParadigmDawg]

I bet the 340's put out more SPL but I think the Sierras are a bit better. Usually for big rooms you need big speakers to hit high SPLs.

 

[Gov]

Is my room considered big? Would that be based on it being wide open to a kitchen?

 

[ParadigmDawg]

You are at 2880 cubic/ft not counting the kitchen(if ceilings are 10ft) so I would say that's big unless your kitchen is 2x3.

 

[Gov]

Ceilings are 8ft. Just to be clear, I have to count the kitchen because of the layout, correct?

 

[ParadigmDawg]

Room volume is more related to lows (sub) then to speakers if you are always setting in the listening position. A sub has to pressurize the entire volume of the room which includes the kitchen, hallways and anything else you have. Your speakers probably have enough headroom when you are were you are supposed to be when they are on.(lol) but still, high SPL needs big speakers.

 

[mazersteven]

IMO if music was more of a priority then I would say yes it's a worth while up-grade.

 

[Gov]

Well...we have music on in the house all the time as background. Usually a Comcast music channel. As far as critical listening, it varies. During the winter months I will actually sit down and listen to music more critically. DVD-A and SACD as well as redbook material.
Everything I have read says the Sierras a better than the 340SE's in music, but they are about the same in HT. Some even say the 340SE edges out the Sierra a bit in the HT department.
I am pretty happy with how the 340SE's sound in both departments, but as you know upgraditis has been starting to get like an itchy rash again. I am trying not to scratch it!!

 

[ParadigmDawg]

I am not sure that would be worth the extra money. Save up and go with a bigger upgrade.

Maybe something like these:
http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=46912&page=6

 

[jostenmeat]

I am not sure that would be worth the extra money. Save up and go with a bigger upgrade.

In that line of thought, if all of the equipment in your sig was what I owned, I'd be researching subwoofers. The toughest part would be in deciding to get the best I could afford, or sacrifice in order to go dual. However, I need to fill a lot of volume at close-to-reference SPLs. OTOH, your sub does seem to have a decent rep I suppose . . . but so do your speakers . . .

The next toughest decision would be between upgrading the sub, or getting room treatments. But, that decision might be a tad easier as I'm pretty sure I'd get a nicer sub for my own room. If you have a smaller room, go with treatments. Or maybe throw in a nice remote. Or some nice HT seating. Wet bar. Mmmmm.... wet bar.... :drool:

 

[ParadigmDawg]

I like this idea a lot.

In that line of thought, if all of the equipment in your sig was what I owned, I'd be researching subwoofers. The toughest part would be in deciding to get the best I could afford, or sacrifice in order to go dual. However, I need to fill a lot of volume at close-to-reference SPLs. OTOH, your sub does seem to have a decent rep I suppose . . . but so do your speakers . . .

The next toughest decision would be between upgrading the sub, or getting room treatments. But, that decision might be a tad easier as I'm pretty sure I'd get a nicer sub for my own room. If you have a smaller room, go with treatments. Or maybe throw in a nice remote. Or some nice HT seating. Wet bar. Mmmmm.... wet bar.... :drool:

 

[Gov]

Dual subs are out, so are room treatments WAF Please recommend some subs that would be better than the Mirage S12 with a similar footprint, and maybe even an EQ!!!!

 

[ParadigmDawg]

SVS, SVS, SVS...

My wife said room treatments were out too. We made a deal, I could have them as long as I mounted them where they were easy to remove when company came over. I have yet to ever remove them.

Dual subs are out, so are room treatments WAF Please recommend some subs that would be better than the Mirage S12 with a similar footprint, and maybe even an EQ!!!!

 

[Gov]

Of course SVS, but which one(s)

 

[ParadigmDawg]

The one that fits the footprint constraint!

It's best to call them, tell them your room size and constraints and go from there.

Of course SVS, but which one(s)

 

[jostenmeat]

Dual subs are out, so are room treatments WAF Please recommend some subs that would be better than the Mirage S12 with a similar footprint, and maybe even an EQ!!!!

Well, its twice the budget of the Sierra's, but I've been seeing the JL Fathoms selling recently as used. Just saw the F112 sell for 1.5k, and the F113 sell for 2k. Id hit up rmk with a PM for quote, perhaps. Though, it wouldn't surprise me if he got rid of all four already. Not necessarily the best bang for buck in HT subs, but when footprint matters, these things are amazing.

Mirage S12
21 x 23 x 23

F110
15.64 x 12.92 x 17.27

F112
18.5 x 15 x 17.625

F113
19.625 x 16.50 x 19.25

Even the largest Fathom is smaller than yours. However, its 130 lbs I think. OTOH, with money like this... it could be spent so many other ways...

 

[Gov]

Thanks, but a bit to much for me. What about that 15" sub from av123? The one with the reported "hum" problems.

 

[jostenmeat]

23.94" x 22.44" x 18.125"

smaller footprint. Good idea... You'll just have to find out if its enough of an upgrade to warrant spending that kind of money.