First HT setup in 20+ years

[Wardog555]

I have arendal 1961 heights and can say they sound quite nice and neutral which is what I wanted.
Size of the speaker is appealing The only downside is that it doesn't have a 80hz crossover. Needs to be more like 100hz.

 

[briankiser]

I have arendal 1961 heights and can say they sound quite nice and neutral which is what I wanted.
Size of the speaker is appealing The only downside is that it doesn't have a 80hz crossover. Needs to be more like 100hz.

Ahh, I see. Thanks, Wardog555! Really appreciate this info. I will definitely consider it, hell, or maybe even the Sierra-2EX v2 speakers. They seem to be the next step up.

 

[briankiser]

I have been an Ascend fan for quite a while, have Sierra-1s and used them both stock and now with NrT tweeters. Also have 170SE and several pair of 200SE. David F is a wonderful vendor. If I were shopping today his raal tweet speakers would be first consideration....

I'd emailed David on 8/23. He responded on the 28th and asked me about my room placement, which I sent him the same day. He then completely disappeared. I emailed him again on 9/2 and let him know I am still interested in his speakers, and just a minute ago I received a response. He didn't really say a lot, and said the tweeters you mentioned have been discontinued for two years, and you were "misinformed" about the sound quality. It feels to me like he thinks I am an annoyance. I'll be honest... not feeling impressed at all right now with his responses or (potential) customer service.

Edit: He did recommend the LX (from the models I mentioned), but didn't say why. I did try to leave it open to other models as well, but he didn't recommend any of them. I just got the willies from the conversation. I think I'm going with the Arendals.

 

[briankiser]

System configuration change: my refurbished Onkyo RZ50 had a problem, and at the same time I saw a really good deal for a new RZ70, so I'm returning the RZ50 and the RZ70 is on the way.

 

[lovinthehd]

I'd emailed David on 8/23. He responded on the 28th and asked me about my room placement, which I sent him the same day. He then completely disappeared. I emailed him again on 9/2 and let him know I am still interested in his speakers, and just a minute ago I received a response. He didn't really say a lot, and said the tweeters you mentioned have been discontinued for two years, and you were "misinformed" about the sound quality. It feels to me like he thinks I am an annoyance. I'll be honest... not feeling impressed at all right now with his responses or (potential) customer service.

Edit: He did recommend the LX (from the models I mentioned), but didn't say why. I did try to leave it open to other models as well, but he didn't recommend any of them. I just got the willies from the conversation. I think I'm going with the Arendals.

Maybe he's got a lot of things going on, it is a small shop, does sound odd. Don't know what you are referring to about the sound quality, tho....but not surprised nrt is no longer on the menu (despite finding that page) due his change to Raal units.

 

[briankiser]

Maybe he's got a lot of things going on, it is a small shop, does sound odd. Don't know what you are referring to about the sound quality, tho....but not surprised nrt is no longer on the menu (despite finding that page) due his change to Raal units.

Yeah, I get that. Context is everything. Here's his entire email so you know he wasn't beating you up or anything:


Hi Brian,

That person is misinformed. The tweeter we are now using is an overall much better tweeter.

Based on your usage for home theater and the type of music you listen to most, your best choice between the models you are considering from us is the LX.

Thanks again!

Good Sound To You!
ASCEND ACOUSTICS, INC.
David Fabrikant
www.ascendacoustics.com
t- 949/366/1455
f- 949/420-2418

 

[lovinthehd]

Yeah, I get that. Context is everything. Here's his entire email so you know he wasn't beating you up or anything:


Hi Brian,

That person is misinformed. The tweeter we are now using is an overall much better tweeter.

Based on your usage for home theater and the type of music you listen to most, your best choice between the models you are considering from us is the LX.

Thanks again!

Good Sound To You!
ASCEND ACOUSTICS, INC.
David Fabrikant
www.ascendacoustics.com
t- 949/366/1455
f- 949/420-2418

Sounds like you may have put words in my mouth with whatever he's referring to as "misinformed"? From all accounts the Raal would be better, just wasn't a thing when I got my speakers....

 

[briankiser]

Sounds like you may have put words in my mouth with whatever he's referring to as "misinformed"? From all accounts the Raal would be better, just wasn't a thing when I got my speakers....

I don't think so, but just for clarity, he asked me why I was interested in the NrT, and this is what I said, which provoked the "misinformed" statement. All I said is that someone said the NrT would improve the sound.


Thanks for responding.

Someone on a forum said it would improve the sound greatly. I am pushing my budget a little by looking at the LX and the 2EX V2, but I'd like to get the best system I can afford.

 

[lovinthehd]

I don't think so, but just for clarity, he asked me why I was interested in the NrT, and this is what I said, which provoked the "misinformed" statement. All I said is that someone said the NrT would improve the sound.


Thanks for responding.

Someone on a forum said it would improve the sound greatly. I am pushing my budget a little by looking at the LX and the 2EX V2, but I'd like to get the best system I can afford.

I didn't say that, though.

 

[briankiser]

I didn't say that, though.

Okay, I guess I misunderstood. I apologize. You did say you used a kit to upgrade to the NrT though, didn't you? Or did I not understand at all?

 

[lovinthehd]

Okay, I guess I misunderstood. I apologize. You did say you used a kit to upgrade to the NrT though, didn't you? Or did I not understand at all?

No problem just had me wondering what you had said Yes, it was a replacement for the original Sierra-1 stock tweeter, and has slightly better performance, on paper at least....audibly not so much (but only casual comparisons). More about making them all match .

 

[briankiser]

No problem just had me wondering what you had said Yes, it was a replacement for the original Sierra-1 stock tweeter, and has slightly better performance, on paper at least....audibly not so much (but only casual comparisons). More about making them all match .

Ah, I see. I guess I assumed you got great improvement out of the tweeter replacement. My bad. I have probably watched too many videos from Danny at GR Research.

I finally finished setting up my home theater tonight at the new place. I used my new Onkyo RZ50 with my old SVS SBS-01 speakers and the old SVS sub (SVS 20-39PC-Plus). After some tweaking and playing around, I have to say... it sounds really good. I'm not an expert audiophile by any stretch, and may not even know okay sound from great sound, but I was pleasantly surprised. Especially since I'd let my old home theater sit and rot for so many years. I couldn't believe it... every speaker worked, even the sub, after being moved around several times. I even had a knob come off the sub in the last move (really glad I found it on the driveway and put it back on). All my speakers are beat up after 20 years, but they work!

This is actually the most "complete" home theater I've ever had. Always before, I left cables lying around on the floor, or something else (usually several things) was half-assed. I even used-cable hiders/raceways this time around! I also installed some cheapo RGB lights, just for fun. It felt like a ton of work this time around, but I'm feeling a little bit proud tonight.

Can't wait to get the RZ70 in (a couple of days from now). After that, I guess it's new speaker time.

 

[lovinthehd]

Ah, I see. I guess I assumed you got great improvement out of the tweeter replacement. My bad. I have probably watched too many videos from Danny at GR Research.

I finally finished setting up my home theater tonight at the new place. I used my new Onkyo RZ50 with my old SVS SBS-01 speakers and the old SVS sub (SVS 20-39PC-Plus). After some tweaking and playing around, I have to say... it sounds really good. I'm not an expert audiophile by any stretch, and may not even know okay sound from great sound, but I was pleasantly surprised. Especially since I'd let my old home theater sit and rot for so many years. I couldn't believe it... every speaker worked, even the sub, after being moved around several times. I even had a knob come off the sub in the last move (really glad I found it on the driveway and put it back on). All my speakers are beat up after 20 years, but they work!

This is actually the most "complete" home theater I've ever had. Always before, I left cables lying around on the floor, or something else (usually several things) was half-assed. I even used-cable hiders/raceways this time around! I also installed some cheapo RGB lights, just for fun. It felt like a ton of work this time around, but I'm feeling a little bit proud tonight.

Can't wait to get the RZ70 in (a couple of days from now). After that, I guess it's new speaker time.

Yeah watching Danny's videos isn't good for much.

I have some later editions of those SVS speakers, I like those too.

 

[briankiser]

Yeah watching Danny's videos isn't good for much.

I have some later editions of those SVS speakers, I like those too.

It seems like Danny finds a problem with every single speaker he looks at. It makes me feel like everything out there is junk, so I don't watch him very often. He makes me feel down on every piece of equipment I have considered! lol