4k speaker chase...and the winner is...

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steveinaz
steveinaz Posts: 19,522
in Speakers
fuzliw8mmuyu.jpg

Ascend Acoustics Sierra Tower RAAL! On the way...
Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Shop Spkrs: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
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  • DaveHo
    DaveHo Posts: 3,480
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    Nice! Give us your impressions once they settle in. Those were on my radar before getting the 705s.
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  • daddyjt
    daddyjt Posts: 2,322
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    Those look very nice indeed... Looking forward to impressions as well. Congrats!
    "Conservative Libertarians love the country, progressive leftists love the government." - Andrew Wilkow


    “Human beings are born with different capacities. If they are free, they are not equal. And if they are equal, they are not free.”
    ― Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn

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  • Thorton
    Thorton Posts: 1,324
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    Sweet. After break-in let us know your impression.
    _____________________________________________________________________________________________
    Ethernet Filter: GigaFOILv4 with Keces P3 LPS
    Source: Roon via ethernet to DAC interface
    DAC: Bricasti M1SE
    Pre/Pro: Marantz AV8805
    Tube Preamp Buffer: Tortuga TPB.V1
    Amp1: Nord One NC1200DM Signature, Amp2: W4S MC-5, AMP3: W4S MMC-7
    Front: Salk SoundScape 8's, Center: Salk SoundScape C7
    Surround: Polk FXIA6, Surround Back: Polk RTIA9, Atmos: Polk 70-RT
    Subs: 2 - Rythmik F25's
    IC & Speaker Cables: Acoustic Zen, Wireworld, Signal Cable
    Power Cables: Acoustic Zen, Wireworld, PS Audio
    Room Treatments: GIK Acoustics
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  • Jimbo18
    Jimbo18 Posts: 2,314
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    very nice. Congrats.
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  • WLDock
    WLDock Posts: 3,073
    edited July 2017
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    All reports say those are a Win Win speaker. Let us know how they work out.
    Post edited by WLDock on
    2.2 Office Setup | LG 29UB55 21:9 UltraWide | HP Probook 630 G8 | Dell Latitude | Cabasse Stream Amp 100 | Boston Acoustics VS 240 | AUDIORAX Desk Stands | Mirage Omni S8 sub1 | Mirage Omni S8 Sub2
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  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User] Posts: 10,716
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    Woot!
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  • hochpt21
    hochpt21 Posts: 5,423
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    Very nice.
    2 ChannelTurntable - VPI Classic 2/Ortofon 2M BlueAmplification - Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum II, Parks Audio Budgie PhonoSpeakers - GoldenEar Triton 17.2 Home TheaterDenon AVR-X3300W; Rotel RMB-1066; Klipsch RP-280F's, Klipsch RP-450C, Polk FXi3's, Polk RC60i; Dual SVS PB 2000's; BenQ HT2050; Elite Screens 120"Man CaveTurntable - Pro-Ject 2.9 Wood/Grado GoldAmplification - Dared SL2000a, McCormack DNA 0.5 DeluxeCD: Cambridge AudioSpeakers - Wharfedale Linton 85th Anniversary; LSiM 703; SDA 2A
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  • tonyb
    tonyb Posts: 32,906
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    Nice Steve, can't wait to hear your impressions.
    HT SYSTEM-
    Sony 850c 4k
    Pioneer elite vhx 21
    Sony 4k BRP
    SVS SB-2000
    Polk Sig. 20's
    Polk FX500 surrounds

    Cables-
    Acoustic zen Satori speaker cables
    Acoustic zen Matrix 2 IC's
    Wireworld eclipse 7 ic's
    Audio metallurgy ga-o digital cable

    Kitchen

    Sonos zp90
    Grant Fidelity tube dac
    B&k 1420
    lsi 9's
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  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,522
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    Thanks fellas, appreciate all the suggestions/ideas. I'm trying to stack the odds by going with the RAAL option. Coming from Harbeth's, I want to make sure mids/highs are as smooth as possible.
    Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Shop Spkrs: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
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  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,522
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    Here's the data on the RAAL used, and the RAAL version of the Towers' specs:

    http://www.ascendacoustics.com/pages/products/speakers/SRT/Ascend Sierra Ribbon Tower.pdf
    Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Shop Spkrs: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
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  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User] Posts: 10,716
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    should be quite the jump from a subcompact to a SUV.
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  • WagnerRC
    WagnerRC Posts: 2,139
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    Nice choice Steve. Congrats.
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  • Mikey081057
    Mikey081057 Posts: 7,127
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    tumblr_n8p7i6P6FE1rmzgcuo1_400.gif
    My New Year's resolution is 3840 × 2160

    Family Room| Marantz AV7704| Usher Dancer Mini - 2 DMD Mains |Usher Dancer Mini-x DMD's Surrounds | Usher BE-616 DMD Center | SVS Ultra Rear Surrounds | Parasound Halo A21 | Parsound Halo A52+ | MIT Shotgun S3's | Dual SVS SB 4000 Ultras | Oppo UDP 203 | Directv Genie HD DVR | Samsung 75" Q8 QLED | PSAudio Stellar GCD | Mytek Brooklyn DAC+ | Lumin U1 Mini | HP Elite Slice PC | ROON'd for life |

    ManCave: HT:Polk LSiM 706VR3 LSiM 703's LSiM 702's|| Marantz AV7002 AV PrePro Sunfire TGA-7401| Sony PS4 Pro| Sony PS4 Pro|SVS PB13 Ultra| Oppo UDP 203 | Music Hall MMF 5.3se TT w/ Soundsmith Carmen | Samsung 55" SUHD TV | Sony PS4

    Patio | Polk Atrium 8's | Yamaha R-N303BL |

    Office BlueSound Node| KEF LS50 | Peactree Nova 125SE |

    Bedroom | Focal 905's | Chromecast Audio |

    Garage | Polk Monitor 5B's

    Closet Yamaha M80 | 2 Polk MP3K subs| Yaqin MC100B with Shuguang Treasures KT 88's & CV181Z's | Tesla E83CC's | Marantz 2252B | Marantz 2385 |Polk SDA SRS 2.3 | LSiM 705's |
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  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,522
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    Thanks, hopefully they sound as good as they look.
    Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Shop Spkrs: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
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  • WLDock
    WLDock Posts: 3,073
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    steveinaz wrote: »
    Here's the data on the RAAL used, and the RAAL version of the Towers' specs:
    Yeah, data is always cool...but the IMO I think there is something to be said about the stored energy of these RAAL's. I really like what the they do for the sound of cymbals being a drummer and all. I fell in love with the $25K Vapor Audio Perfect Storm speakers....My OH My did they get a lot right....including cymbals! Some systems struggle with realistic playback of cymbals....just ask some drummers that are into it. The RAAL upgrade is a little steep but hopefully its worth it for you.

    You know, I would love to listen to these against the Salk Song3's: http://www.salksound.com/model.php?model=song3
    Both seem like a speaker I could live with.
    2.2 Office Setup | LG 29UB55 21:9 UltraWide | HP Probook 630 G8 | Dell Latitude | Cabasse Stream Amp 100 | Boston Acoustics VS 240 | AUDIORAX Desk Stands | Mirage Omni S8 sub1 | Mirage Omni S8 Sub2
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  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,522
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    Yep, the Salk Song 3 appealed to me as well.
    Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Shop Spkrs: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
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  • mhardy6647
    mhardy6647 Posts: 33,037
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    You know -- I saw the title of this thread & thought, oh, great. now they've got 4k speakers to go with 4k TVs :pensive:

    Then I remembered the original thread looking for $4k speakers -- and I felt a whole lot better. Congrats & enjoy 'em!
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  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,522
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    Looks like I have about a 3 week wait. Got an email from Ascend, Dark Cherry cabinets won't be available for a few weeks. No biggie. I got to get some Harbeth's moved anyway.
    Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Shop Spkrs: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
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  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,522
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    I have changed my mind. Canceled the order today with Ascend; continuing my research.
    Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Shop Spkrs: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
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  • deronb1
    deronb1 Posts: 5,021
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    Is a big purchase. Dont blame ya.
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  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User] Posts: 365
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    Are you still set on new ? I bought a pair of Nola Contenders that retail for close to 4K and I paid $1000 picked up in mint condition. There's always good local deals but that's up to you. Good luck!
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  • DaveHo
    DaveHo Posts: 3,480
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    Bummer. I never heard anything bad about these. What made you change your mind?
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  • mrloren
    mrloren Posts: 2,454
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    awe man and I wanted to read a review.
    When I was a kid my parents told me to turn it down. Now I'm an adult and my kids tell me to turn it down.
    Family Room:LG QNED80 75", Onkyo RZ50 Emotiva XPA3 GEN3 Oppo BDP-93,Sony UBP-X800BM. Main: Polk LsiM 705Center: Polk LSiM 704CFront High/Rear High In-Ceiling Polk 80F/X RT Surrounds: Polk S15 Sub: HSU VTF3-MK5
    Bed Room; Marantz SR5010, BDP-S270Main: Polk Signature S20Center: Polk Signature S35Rear: Polk R15 Sub: SVS SB2000
    Working Warehouse; Yamaha A-S301, Sony DVP-NS3100ES for disc Plok TSX550T SVS PB2000 Mini tower PC with 400GB of music
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  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User] Posts: 10,716
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    so, no Harbeths coming my way :(
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  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,522
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    Still concerned about bass output. I'm done with subwoofers, and while I realize real full range isn't gonna happen in the under 4k bracket, I know there's others that will dig a little deeper.

    Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Shop Spkrs: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
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  • marvda1
    marvda1 Posts: 4,871
    edited July 2017
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    looked into scansonic?

    https://www.audiogon.com/listings/full-range-scansonic-mb2-5-black-1-year-old-trade-in-2017-07-13-speakers

    https://www.audiogon.com/listings/full-range-scansonic-mb-3-5-2017-07-21-speakers
    Amplifiers: Norma IPA 140, MasterSound Compact 845, Ayre v6xe, Consonance Cyber 800
    Preamp: deHavilland Ultraverve 3
    Dac: Sonnet Morpheus 2, Musical Paradise mp-d2 mkIII
    Transport: Jay's Audio CDT2 mk2, Lumin U1 mini
    Speakers: Rosso Fiorentino Volterra II
    Speaker Cables: Organic Audio Organic Reference 2
    Interconnects: Argento Organic Reference 2, Argento Organic 2
    Power Cables: Argento Organic Reference, Synergistic Research Foundation 10 and 12 ga.
    Puritan PSM156
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  • txcoastal1
    txcoastal1 Posts: 13,132
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    Dynaudio and Focal :)
    2-channel: Modwright KWI-200 Integrated, Dynaudio C1-II Signatures
    Desktop rig: LSi7, Polk 110sub, Dayens Ampino amp, W4S DAC/pre, Sonos, JRiver
    Gear on standby: Melody 101 tube pre, Unison Research Simply Italy Integrated
    Gone to new homes: (Matt Polk's)Threshold Stasis SA12e monoblocks, Pass XA30.5 amp, Usher MD2 speakers, Dynaudio C4 platinum speakers, Modwright LS100 (voltz), Simaudio 780D DAC

    erat interfectorem cesar et **** dictatorem dicere a
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  • mikeyb128
    mikeyb128 Posts: 2,885
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    steveinaz wrote: »
    Still concerned about bass output. I'm done with subwoofers, and while I realize real full range isn't gonna happen in the under 4k bracket, I know there's others that will dig a little deeper.

    I don't know why you are limiting yourself with new :wink:

    sfcd50vllo3p.jpg
    q5pr7qjyxgfp.jpg
    2 channel:
    Bryston 4B3, Bryston BDA3, Cary SLP05, Shanling CDT1000SE with parts conneXion level 2 mods, Nottingham analogue ace space 294, soundsmith Carmen MKii, Zu DL103 MKii, Ortofon MC 20 MKii, Dynavector XX2 MKii, Rogue Audio Ares, Core power technologies balanced power conditioner, Akiko Corelli power conditioner with Akiko Audio HQ power cable, Nordost heimdall 2, Frey 2, interconnects, speaker and power cables, Focal Electra 1028 BE 2, Auralic Aries Femto, Black diamond racing cones, ingress audio level 1 roller blocks, JL Audio E110 with Auralic subdude, Primacoustics room treatments.
    Theater:
    Focal Aria 926,905,CC900, SVS PB ultra x2. Pioneer Elite SC85, Oppo BDP93, Panamax M5400PM, Minix neox6, Nordost Blue heaven LS power cables.

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  • mrbiron
    mrbiron Posts: 5,711
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    http://www.zuaudio.com/preloved/omen-def-mkii

    B-stock...Brand New...
    Where’s the KABOOM?!?! There’s supposed to be an Earth shattering KABOOM!!!
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  • WLDock
    WLDock Posts: 3,073
    edited July 2017
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    steveinaz wrote: »
    Still concerned about bass output. I'm done with subwoofers, and while I realize real full range isn't gonna happen in the under 4k bracket, I know there's others that will dig a little deeper.
    Where are you located? maybe check the Salk network to see if there are owners in your area that will lend a demo. Jim Salk stated that the Song3 project was scrapped because he could not find a driver that would work for the 3-way design. He stated that the Satori 7.5” (Egyptian papyrus woofer) got them the low end they were seeking.
    Jim Salk, founder and chief designer, is always concerned with balancing capability and cost. Believing that great sound shouldn’t require great expense, Salk initially thought that the design mandate was a contradiction. When asked to design a great 3–way for under $3000, he thought that it couldn’t be done. Now, with advances in driver design “…and our increased manufacturing proficiency, we have delivered an uncommonly smooth and neutral speaker with seamless integration of the carefully chosen components. It plays remarkably low and, as one critic mentioned, throws one heck of a wide and deep soundstage thanks in no small part to the ribbon’s outstanding transient response.”

    Bass Performance

    Despite the fact that they have a single 7.5" woofer, these speakers can dig the depths. Bass is extended to an F3 (-3dB down point) of 33hz...more than you would typically expect. And the woofer has great power-handling capabilities as well.


    I don't know that you are considering used but.... Here's a used set: https://www.audiogon.com/listings/full-range-salk-sound-song3-supercharged-center-and-rythmik-12-sub-brand-new-2017-07-27-speakers

    Well, if you are considering used...I guess $4K opens up the pickings. You might be able to find an almost full-range set for the money.
    2.2 Office Setup | LG 29UB55 21:9 UltraWide | HP Probook 630 G8 | Dell Latitude | Cabasse Stream Amp 100 | Boston Acoustics VS 240 | AUDIORAX Desk Stands | Mirage Omni S8 sub1 | Mirage Omni S8 Sub2
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