Does anyone think Ascend's 340SE's would best B&W 602.s3's?

[silversurfer]

I just got done reading your post over at AVS and from what you describe you are finding the Sierra to be boxy sounding? It's as if they are just putting out the sound instead of making it come alive right?

They are actually sitting on wooden file cabinets. That is not good for any speaker. Although I think that probably has an effect on the sound, probably not the main reason.

Since they seem to sound good at lower volumes could also mean the file cabinets are causing some issues as the volume goes up.

 

[gus6464]

They are actually sitting on wooden file cabinets. That is not good for any speaker. Although I think that probably has an effect on the sound, probably not the main reason.

Since they seem to sound good at lower volumes could also mean the file cabinets are causing some issues as the volume goes up.

 

[TJHUB]

I just got done reading your post over at AVS and from what you describe you are finding the Sierra to be boxy sounding? It's as if they are just putting out the sound instead of making it come alive right?

I wouldn't use the term "boxy" when describing the sound at all. As a matter of fact, I could use boxy with the B&W's when I play them full range (not with a sub).

The sound sounds "manufactured." As if the sounds are electronically created and not real. Sorry, but that's about the only way I can put it into words. I'll see if I can do better tomorrow.

 

[silversurfer]

gus, open your mind. From your posts, we know you are not a ID fan, much less have respect for Ascend.

Think about it though, TJ said the sound good at lower volumes, which could mean resonances and reflection from the file cabinets as the volume goes up.

Granted, I own Ascends(have not heard Sierras though), so I may be biased, but TJ accounts seem to be contradictory from consumer and professional reviews, so maybe there is a problem somewhere.

On the otherhand, I know my 340SE's sound much different than the B&W 60x series I have heard.

 

[TJHUB]

They are actually sitting on wooden file cabinets. That is not good for any speaker. Although I think that probably has an effect on the sound, probably not the main reason.

Since they seem to sound good at lower volumes could also mean the file cabinets are causing some issues as the volume goes up.

I suppose it's a possibility, but my issue seems to be more with the tweeters than the woofers. I'll try to get them onto something more sturdy over the next couple of days as well as play with speaker positioning.

I'm in the process of posting pics on avs...

 

[silversurfer]

The sound sounds "manufactured." As if the sounds are electronically created and not real. Sorry, but that's about the only way I can put it into words. I'll see if I can do better tomorrow.

Maybe too analytical?

 

[TJHUB]

gus, open your mind. From your posts, we know you are not a ID fan, much less have respect for Ascend.

Think about it though, TJ said the sound good at lower volumes, which could mean resonances and reflection from the file cabinets as the volume goes up.

Granted, I own Ascends(have not heard Sierras though), so I may be biased, but TJ accounts seem to be contradictory from consumer and professional reviews, so maybe there is a problem somewhere.

On the otherhand, I know my 340SE's sound much different than the B&W 60x series I have heard.

Don't sweat the little stuff. I'm going to give them a chance and I will make improvements to the setup before I give up on them. I just can't tell you how disappointed I am. I'm certainly not hearing what so many others have. Either that or my hearing ability is compromised.

 

[TJHUB]

Maybe too analytical?

Ok, I'll back it off a bit.

The Sierra's don't bring any life to my music. They are uninteresting and dull. They make me not care...

Too analytical?

Seriously, over the past week when prepairing for the arrival of the Sierra's I was finding all kinds of neat things about the music I was playing. I was finding more and more interesting things about the music. It was fun, like an adventure into something new. To me the Sierra's thus far have none of that.

 

[silversurfer]

I meant the music coming from the speakers being too analytical, not you.

 

[silversurfer]

Don't sweat the little stuff. I'm going to give them a chance and I will make improvements to the setup before I give up on them. I just can't tell you how disappointed I am. I'm certainly not hearing what so many others have. Either that or my hearing ability is compromised.

Like what some of the posters said on AVS, they probably just are not for you. Nothing wrong with that.

 

[TJHUB]

I meant the music coming from the speakers being too analytical, not you.

Oh, sorry.

 

[silversurfer]

Oh, sorry.

That's actually pretty funny.

 

[cwall99]

I just got some B&W 603s3s for a song as the dealer was selling his demo models. Lightly used, and a full 35% off their sticker price. I happen to really like the sound.

The soundstage is excellent. So much so, that I occasionally get up to see if the center channel is playing (and LCR600 that I got at the same time, also deeply discounted).

I really enjoy playing the B&W demo disks that I have. I'm sure they were engineered with B&W speakers in mind as Abbey Road studio gives them to their B&W salespeople when they come over and tour. The dynamics are awesome, and the sound is detailed, tight, and very clean, especially when pushed hard.

I've never listened to the 602s, though, but they probably would benefit from a good sub (I've listened to some of the new line of 600 series B&Ws paired with a much better sub than the piece of crap sub I have, and they sound amazing.
With that funky aluminum bass driver on the 603, I probably don't have the missing mid-bass issues that you have with your 602s.