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Need opinion on Falcon Acoustics Q7 vs. Ascend Acoustics Sierra 2EX - What to buy?!?

RAART

RAART

Member
Hello Audiokarma folks!

I hope that someone here has owned or still owns Falcon Acoustics Q7 or Ascend Acoustics Sierra 2EX speakers and can share their thoughts on those speakers and how they compare to each other, strengths and weaknesses, etc. I currently have 2 integrated amps and 3 sets of speakers but I am not satisfied with sound I am getting from these.
The integrated amps I currently have:
1. Synthesis Roma 37DC+ - this amp has currently PSB GB1 speakers connected and this is a good match. Eventually I will buy some floor standers for this amp.
2. Yamaha A-S801 - here I have connected Triangle Borea BR03 and this is way better match then Denton 80th Anv., though I have bought this amp for Denton speakers. I am also thinking to upgrade later from Yamaha A-S801 to Yamaha A-S3000.

I never heard either one of those two speakers as they are sold only directly and I do not know anyone who has them and it is not easy decision to make at this point without spending a lot of $$$ and I do not want to talk about hassle sending them back if I do not like them. I do not think this is even a option with Q7.

I hope that some of you guys can share your thoughts about my dilemma and contribute in making a decision in this matter.

Thanks!
Rado
 
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I would recommend contacting David Fabrikant at Ascend. Maybe not as your only data point, but he has always been helpful and friendly to me. Obviously there's a bias, but you know what it is. Pretty nice though to get feedback from the designer on whether or not the product will meet your goals (which are currently vague). I almost got the tower version and then went a vintage route instead. I love the original version, Sierra-1's. I'm sure they have strengths and weaknesses, but despite being impressive for their size, my only minus is that they are a bookshelf. Pluses for me are detailed but never harsh and surprisingly solid bass for their size. I plan to hang onto them indefinitely despite having no current bookshelf system. I was worried about the 2EX ribbon tweeters being too forward as compared to the dome as I've never heard them. David described them as more detailed, but also more natural. They are still on my list to listen to or potentially buy.
 
I have a pair of Sierra 2's, that started life as Sierra 1's. Bought the 1's used, and regretted it. Not because they didn't sound good (they did), but because they greatly bothered my tinnitus (as do some other speakers). They sat in the closet for several years until I discovered that the 2 was available as a retrofit for the 1. Bought the kits, installed them and have been very happy since. The ribbon tweeter is absolutely amazing, and doesn't bother my tinnitus at all. :)

I would describe them as extremely detailed and revealing, while still being very musical. I drive mine with a Sansui AU-919 and, with them, I'm able to hear differences in DAC's, IC's, etc. They work very well in my office setting. Not as well in a larger room. (For that I have KEF 104'2's ;)) From what I understand, the EX improves on the bass performance. Had I known they were going to improve the 2, I'd have waited for that upgrade. Oh well, still happy with what I've got.

As @yoder mentioned, give Dave a call to discuss your needs/concerns. He's a super nice guy and won't try to sell you.
 
mythless said:
What is it you don't like about your current setup?
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I do like my current setup but since I want to upgrade first my bedroom setup (Yamaha A-S801) with better speakers and later will upgrade my primary setup (Synthesis) with floor standers. I bought Yamaha A-S801 with intention to setup another system at my secondary residence and since I had already Wharfedale Denton 80th Anv. speakers I thought to use Yamaha with it. When I connected the Dentons and started listening I did not like what I heard. I had Dentons before on Rotel Pre/Power combo and Dentons sounded very good, if not excellent but with Yamaha different story. Then I set Triangle BR03 with Yamaha and it was way better match then Denton's but slightly light on bass and I integrated a Tannoy sub for help in the bass department.

In the long run Yamaha A-S801 will go to my secondary residence together with Triangle BR03 speakers and in my bedroom I planed to get Yamaha A-S3000 and set of either Ascend or Falcon Acoustics speakers.


yoder said:
I would recommend contacting David Fabrikant at Ascend. Maybe not as your only data point, but he has always been helpful and friendly to me. Obviously there's a bias, but you know what it is. Pretty nice though to get feedback from the designer on whether or not the product will meet your goals (which are currently vague). I almost got the tower version and then went a vintage route instead. I love the original version, Sierra-1's. I'm sure they have strengths and weaknesses, but despite being impressive for their size, my only minus is that they are a bookshelf. Pluses for me are detailed but never harsh and surprisingly solid bass for their size. I plan to hang onto them indefinitely despite having no current bookshelf system. I was worried about the 2EX ribbon tweeters being too forward as compared to the dome as I've never heard them. David described them as more detailed, but also more natural. They are still on my list to listen to or potentially buy.
Click to expand...

I will contact David later and see what he has to say...

rickb119 said:
I have a pair of Sierra 2's, that started life as Sierra 1's. Bought the 1's used, and regretted it. Not because they didn't sound good (they did), but because they greatly bothered my tinnitus (as do some other speakers). They sat in the closet for several years until I discovered that the 2 was available as a retrofit for the 1. Bought the kits, installed them and have been very happy since. The ribbon tweeter is absolutely amazing, and doesn't bother my tinnitus at all. :)

I would describe them as extremely detailed and revealing, while still being very musical. I drive mine with a Sansui AU-919 and, with them, I'm able to hear differences in DAC's, IC's, etc. They work very well in my office setting. Not as well in a larger room. (For that I have KEF 104'2's ;)) From what I understand, the EX improves on the bass performance. Had I known they were going to improve the 2, I'd have waited for that upgrade. Oh well, still happy with what I've got.

As @yoder mentioned, give Dave a call to discuss your needs/concerns. He's a super nice guy and won't try to sell you.
Click to expand...

I had the same problem with Totem speakers and I sold them as they bothered me if I listen to music for more than 1 1/2 hour. Strange thing is that when I had Totem's on small Yamaha WXA-50 they never sounded harsh or anything but on the other amps I had, bothered me in the long run. Since I have sold the WXA-50 and kept only WXC-50 that I use as streamer only I also have sold the Totem's. From what you are describing I guess that I will like the ribbons as I always liked the details in the top end.

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What I am looking for in the speaker. I like highs to be detailed, revealing and spacious. Midrange has to be correct and bass detailed. Speaker needs to have ability to disappear and soundstage to be pinpoint, layered and deep. In regards of the deep bass I can always add a sub.

I do like tonality of Triangle BR03 a lot but I am missing some midrange lushness. I was thinking to sell BR03 (though they are not even one year old, bought them around Christmas) and get higher priced Triangle bookshelves like Triangle Comete 40th Anv. but then from my memory and way back when I heard Falcon's LS3/5 I liked that midrange and accuracy so much. Though it didn't play loud and bass was missing but the there is a sub as remedy and also the Q7 are larger and have more bass speak I think they are better fit for me. Decisions, decisions...
 
Since you're in Canada, I would highly recommend the Bryston Mini T or even the A and encourage you to listen to one if you can
 
mythless said:
Since you're in Canada, I would highly recommend the Bryston Mini T or even the A and encourage you to listen to one if you can
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This totally escaped my attention. The manufacturer is not even far away but I think they moved out of Peterborough, at least I think that I heard that somewhere... I will look into. Thanks!

prighello said:
Falcons look interesting. Not sure how one can even buy they outside of the UK though.
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What I believe is that they ship internationally however Canada is still part of British Commonwealth that may contribute to overcome shipping challenges.
 
Hello folks... since @mythless mention Bryston I have looked around for the stores where I can demo it and found store that is closing and selling a lot of stuff. I will call them tomorrow and see if I can reserve anything. If not I will try my luck on Friday when I will be able to stop there since I am leaving on Saturday for one week.

This is what caught my attention (all prices in Canadian $):
Bryston Mini A - 700$
Bryston A-3 - 1300$
Totem Forest - 1500$
PMC DB1 Gold - 850$
Spendor A-5R - 1500$
Spendor SA-1 (Wenge) - 1200$
Q Acoustics Concept 40 - 1000$
KEF R700 - 1500$

What would you buy and why?!?
 
Ooh, Totem Forest! I've not heard them, but did have a pair of Totem Sttaf that I got in a package deal. I was amazed at the incredible amount of quality sound coming out of those very small floor standing speakers. Unfortunately, they too bothered my tinnitus, or I would have kept them.

Tip: Do a google search for each of the above, and add audiokarma into the search. I.e. *Totem forest audiokarma*. It will bring up all the past AK threads about that item.
 
rickb119 said:
Ooh, Totem Forest! I've not heard them, but did have a pair of Totem Sttaf that I got in a package deal. I was amazed at the incredible amount of quality sound coming out of those very small floor standing speakers. Unfortunately, they too bothered my tinnitus, or I would have kept them.

Tip: Do a google search for each of the above, and add audiokarma into the search. I.e. *Totem forest audiokarma*. It will bring up all the past AK threads about that item.
Click to expand...

I am curious as I never heard a totem tower before. How was the bass?
 
Wow, great prices on those speakers. Also, spoke with Jerry at Falcon and they will ship outside the UK. One just needs to contact them for a quote. Thinking hard about grabbing some Q7s :)
 
I tried to call that store but since it is going out of business probably they do not have too much staff working there speak I didn't get response. I will go there on Friday and check what speakers they have left.
I am hopping that Bryston Mini A and Totem Forest's are still there... those are currently my favorites. I had Totem's before but not a floorstander and I quite liked they sound.

Anyway I will still appreciate input on Falcon's Q7 vs. Ascend Sierra 2EX.
Did anyone owned both of them at some point?
 
RAART said:
I tried to call that store but since it is going out of business probably they do not have too much staff working there speak I didn't get response. I will go there on Friday and check what speakers they have left.
I am hopping that Bryston Mini A and Totem Forest's are still there... those are currently my favorites. I had Totem's before but not a floorstander and I quite liked they sound.

Anyway I will still appreciate input on Falcon's Q7 vs. Ascend Sierra 2EX.
Did anyone owned both of them at some point?
Click to expand...

I’ll have the Falcons in about a month. No idea how the ascend sound. Our club is doing a standmount under $3k public event in August with 15-20 speakers in multiple rooms. We tried to get some Sierras but they were backed up if I recall. Hoping to get the Falcons in the event if they arrive in time. Happy to update how they hold up against others in this price bracket.
 
prighello said:
I’ll have the Falcons in about a month. No idea how the ascend sound. Our club is doing a standmount under $3k public event in August with 15-20 speakers in multiple rooms. We tried to get some Sierras but they were backed up if I recall. Hoping to get the Falcons in the event if they arrive in time. Happy to update how they hold up against others in this price bracket.
Click to expand...

That will be excellent and the time will pass very fast for me especially I will be traveling for maybe 2 weeks.. Can you let me know how much in the end you paid for Falcons and what was the shipping cost. I trying to see what conversion rate they used. Also that will be very helpful if you can let us know how they performed on the event and your impression at your home. BTW what amplification you will use to drive them?
 
I’ll pm you about prices since that talk is restricted to dollars and sense. For an amp I’ll probably use one of my Parasounds, either an A23 or JC5. In the event we are going to have Parasound Hint 6s in every room. I’ll try some other integrateds I’ve laying around too. These should be easy to drive.
 
prighello said:
I’ll pm you about prices since that talk is restricted to dollars and sense. For an amp I’ll probably use one of my Parasounds, either an A23 or JC5. In the event we are going to have Parasound Hint 6s in every room. I’ll try some other integrateds I’ve laying around too. These should be easy to drive.
Click to expand...

Oh, yes... 15ohms but they have fairly low sensitivity. I believe also that Tygan grills influence the voicing of the speaker or at least someone was telling me that with Tygan voicing is very similar to LS3/5a.
 
I've heard the an original Rogers ls3/5a and I had a chance to audition them against a pair of Bozak MB80 side by side (which now I own and recapped). I own a pair of Mini T, other than a size requirement, I would take the Bryston Mini A. Larger drivers for a more encompassing sound.

Even if I was in the market for even a smaller pair of speakers, I would be satisfied with the Mini A fulfilling it.

But, you need to hear it.

The Bryston have a dynamic, wide and fairly neutral (flat) sound signature. Very typical "Canadian" signature of yesteryears and typical of Axiom.
 
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