Speakers around 4K: Ascend vs Tekton vs Vapor

If you want high SPLs, it may be the Vapor Arcus and not the Cirrus you want (though the Cirrus is excellent). The Arcus is a big prodriver-based monitor, and goes dangerously loud without strain, and without a lot of watts. It is also a splendid speaker: delicate, but lively on the attack (Vapor kindly loaned my a pair for two weeks, so I listened a lot). You would need subs, esp. for movies, but that might also be true for others you are considering.

I agree with the PP to the effect that Selahs are also very worth consideration.

Please take care of your ears,

John

I own the Cirrus, after auditioning quite a few speakers. Initially I was using mine in a mutli-functioning theater room/listening room and I must say they certainly didn't dissappoint. I Had a 10" low end HSU supwoofer in there but it didn't really keep up with the speakers so it was shortly after retired. My Cirrus had no problem keeping up with movies at near reference levels, I am sure they could go louder but I wouldn't be able to take it.

I have since moved the Cirrus into a dedicated listening room as the wife said the living room had too much audio gear in it. So when I took the turntable, phono, and Media PC out of the living room, the nicest speakers in my house followed. Anyways lots of other good stuff on the table, hope this helps. Vapor goes sort of in its own way with cabinet construction, with one of the most beautiful meticulously engineered cabinets along with the best drivers in that price range I have ever seen, that really sealed the deal for me. I have heard the Ascend Sierras but only at a show and I can't honestly say I remember much about them but I might have been kind of showed out by then.

Good luck with whatever you choose.

I have 2 pairs of Zu Omen Defs and an Omen center channel in a system that has to serve double duty as a 2 channel system as well as a home theater. I loved the Zus for 2 channel music, but they are also exceptional performers in a home theater setup. With the newest Nano drivers, they have a sensitivity of 101 db/watt, so they are very efficient. I'd say the Omen Defs are worth a listen -- Zu has a 60 home trial period.

I have not heard any other speakers on your list, though I did own a pair of original Tekton Pendragons with upgraded xovers. Awesome speakers for the money, they would also sound terrific in a home theater setup. I ultimately preferred the midrange in the Zus for 2 channel music, but the Pendragons were no slouch.

If you want to get it "right the first time", then an in-home audition is a must. Tekton has a 30-day trial period, Zu a 60 trial.

I agree with Holley. I owned both the Omen Defs and the Pendragons and both are amazingly easy to drive And both have great midrange and bass. Another option if you are using a sub and would definitely beat either the O-D and the 'Dragon would be the new zu Druid V. For two channel it would be better than either without question across the board.