The Jack of All Trades: Ascend Acoustics Sierra-1 V2 Review

In the world of high-quality audio, finding a speaker that perfectly balances performance, build quality, and value can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. If you are looking for a speaker in the $1000 price range, the Sierra-1 V2 needs to be on the top of your list. It sounds extremely good for its size, it could have a bit less bass but it is still good for a bookshelf-sized speaker. The Sierra-1 V2 retails for $998 per pair. 

Review

The speaker comes in four finishes, and for me, the satin espresso finish looks the best. It has a one-inch dome tweeter, and the subwoofer is a 5.25-inch mid-woofer. The speakers have a bamboo cabinet with a hardwood finish, and it has amazing build quality.

The speaker sounds amazing in whatever you use it for, whether be it for a home theatre or gaming. I listen to all genres of music, and this speaker produced all sounds perfectly during testing. The speaker has one of the best in-room neutrality I have ever heard, it also has good bass extension. I don’t have any complaints with this speaker except for the bass output, which is easily overlooked as you cannot tell that the bass is low when you’re using the speaker.

Ascend Acoustics has published the recordings taken from their Klippel Scanner on their website. The Klippel Near Field Scanner is a measurement system, to measure the radiation characteristic of all sorts of sound sources. It is basically an accurate prediction of in-room speaker performance at different listening angles.

The following are the results that Ascends Studios has published:

Dynamic Range Test Results

The dynamic range test results for the Sierra-1 V2 speakers showcase their exceptional performance across a wide range of frequencies. The clarity and precision in sound reproduction during the tests were particularly impressive, highlighting the speaker’s ability to handle both delicate nuances and powerful bass with finesse.

During my testing, I was amazed by the detailed highs and deep lows that the speakers delivered. The Sierra-1 V2 speakers truly shine in a home theater setup, creating an immersive audio environment that enhances every movie-watching session. 

Impedance Analysis

The Sierra-1 V2 boasts a nominal impedance of 8 ohms, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of audio systems. This feature allows for efficient power transfer and stable performance across various setups.

With a max continuous power of 180 watts and max short-term peak power of 250 watts, these speakers can deliver robust sound output without distortion even at higher volume levels. The optimized impedance characteristics contribute to the overall clarity of the audio reproduction.

The typical in-room sensitivity of 87dB @ 2.83v / 1 meter ensures that these speakers can produce ample volume levels with minimal input power. This makes them suitable for both casual listening and critical audio monitoring applications.

Harmonic Distortion

The Harmonic Distortion Examination Findings for the Sierra-1 V2 speakers reveal remarkable attention to detail in sound quality. The analysis showcases minimal distortion across various frequencies, ensuring a clean and accurate audio experience.

Upon testing the speakers in different environments, I noticed a consistent lack of distortion even at higher volumes. 

Verdict

The Sierra-1 V2 speakers are a testament to quality craftsmanship and attention to detail. In my experience, these speakers excel in delivering rich bass tones and crisp highs, making them suitable for both music enthusiasts and movie lovers alike. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your home audio system or create an immersive entertainment setup, the Sierra-1 V2 speakers offer exceptional performance and reliability, as these are truly one of the best speakers I have ever seen.  

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