So your 2-channel thoughts are?
I just had my first chance to listen to some serious music on the Sierra's. The album I chose was Chicago II, a very challenging cd for speakers. I then listened to the album on my den system while impressions were fresh in my mind.
The family room has a Marantz A/v receiver and an Onkyo dvd player while my den system has a Bryston amplifier, Parasound pre-amp, NAD dvd player and Infinity Kappa 400 speakers. So keep in mind that the den equipment is far superior. When I began reading these type of forums I thought that my demands were less than most of you. However, after attending a few get togethers, I realized that I was far more demanding in sound quality than the average enthusiast. Please keep that in mind when I discuss the merits of the Sierra-1.
During the initial songs I could not help lamenting the harshness of the brass (Chicago II contains entended and often complex movements of flute, trombone, trumpet, and other brass instruments). On the other hand the piano solos and male vocals were sweet, indeed. The bass was not lacking in any way while not dominating the music.
However, the imaging was spectacular. It was very easy to close ones eyes and hear the different instruments. The trumpet in front, the drums by the fishtank (to the right), piano distinct and clear of the trumpet, etc...
From drums through male vocals there was no noticed brightness though not at all laid back either. I cannot put my finger on the right word but lets say the speakers transmit the spirit of the music (vibrancy, perhaps).
I listened to the album immediately after in the den to determine if I was being unfair. I was not. I have attened concerts in Carnagie Hall and know what instruments should sound like. The brass on my Infinity's was clear, unwavering, with a live performance smoothness. The Infinity speakers were far move expensive (about 3 times). Since few of you are familiar with them I would compare them to the B&W 700 series foorstanders.
I must raise one very important point, however. The owner of Ascend suggests 50 hours break-in for the tweeters. I recall how harsh the Infinity speakers were during the break-in so I have no trouble anticipating a huge improvement in the coming months. On the Ascend site some of the early purchasers mentioned turning loud music on all day while at work to speed the softening process. This leads me to believe my impressions are not singular. Since the Sierra's are in the family room and not my primary music system it may take a few months to fairly judge the speakers as TV and movies are the general rule (The family room I consider the wife's domain).
This is not to say the speakers are unpleasant on material less demanding of the tweeter. Watching an Elton John dvd as well as Phil Collins presented a very satisfying 5 channel listening experience. The midrange of these speakers is special right out of the box.
During the last get together my opinions of the Strata Minni's was similar. Impressive midrange harsh tweeter. I did not like the bass but attributed that to the positioning of the power towers. It is so very difficult to compare speakers right out of the box. I think it will take at least two months before a showdown with your Polks would be useful.
The get togethers with you somewhat younger guys are fun but I think extended listening to just two products along with the 'house speakers' should be the limit in a given day.
Anyway, I have tried to give my initial two-channel impressions. It will be two months before I can makie a definitive opinion. Meanwhile, hopefully some of the other purchasers that are running the speakers in their primary system will give reviews post-break-in sooner than I will be able to.
