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Ascend Acoustics Sierra 2 vs. Dynaudio Focus 140/160

I am putting together a new system which will consist of an Audio Research SP14, McCormack DNA-1 Deluxe, and a new set of smaller speakers, which I will look for on the used market. The McCormack is on its way and I’m currently looking for a good SP14 and speakers. The plan is to use these speakers in a smallish space while I take care of my elderly and ill Father. I will eventually relegate these ‘new’ smaller speakers to a bedroom system and get larger towers for the new system. I do have a set of Klipsch Heresy IIIs, and a much older set of Klipsch Cornwalls, which I may try out before opting for a new(er) set of towers.

I understand that the Ascend Acoustics Sierra 2 is a fantastic option and is an extremely detailed and musical speaker, and I’m confident I’d be very happy with them. Other than the RAAL tweeter, the Dynaudio Focus 140, or possibly a 160 is very similar in that regard. The Dynaudio has an impedance of 4Ω, while the Sierra 2 is 8Ω. The McCormack DNA-1 Deluxe does 330 at 4Ω, so I will need to be mindful not to crank the volume, but I am unlikely to do so. Luckily, the SP14 has an attenuation knob, which will certainly help in this regard.

I should mention that I have not listened to either speaker as I do not have an option to do so, but I have read numerous reviews and both seem to be stellar options.  I also have never listened to a ribbon tweeter.

Budget is $1.2K, or thereabouts, but I certainly wouldn’t be adverse to saving some money since I’m spending ~ $3K on the SP14 and the McCormack DNA-1 Deluxe.

I have wanted both of these speakers for quite some time. I am leaning just a bit towards the Sierra 2. My quandary is that I have found what I believe to be a pretty danged good deal on the Dynaudio Focus 140. Sierra 2s are somewhat difficult to find and will likely cost around $4-500.00 more than this deal I found on the Focus 140s.

I also considered the Revel M22, but again, they are difficult to find, more expensive than the pair of Focus 140s I found and the reviews aren’t quite as good. Any other speakers I should be considering? Also, I am not in any particular hurry, but that deal on the Focus 140s won’t last for too long.

At any rate, I’d be happy to read your comments on these options as well as any other suggestions you may have. The one non-negotiable requirement is that I am not interested in any speakers manufactured in china.

Thank you.

 

1911
mofojo
2,301 posts
 

The Focus 140 is a fun speaker. Got a mid/upper bass boost that makes it really fun for more modern rock, pop, country. I enjoyed mine a lot. They will not play bass heavy music extremely loud nor are they the most detailed or refined. They are very easy and enjoyable to listen to with a taste of the refinement and audio trickery the more expensive speakers give. Given Dynaudio popularity I see little risk in giving them a go if you got a good deal. Look up past sales on HifiShark if you haven’t yet and see what they have been asking for them. Keep in mind that is the asking price, doesn’t mean they got that much. 
 

I never heard the Sierras but have heard some Vapor speakers with Raal. I liked it a lot, better than domes in a lot of ways. Only thing I noticed was for example a rim shot on a drum have less physical type impact than a dome. Overall though I’d say a good compromise for what it did right. 

mofojo
2,301 posts
 

FYI guy local to me had to lower his 140s to 600 before they sold. Just FYI. 

1911 OP
13 posts
 

@soix: Thanks for the link, but the seller wants a local pickup in NY. Since I’m in TX, that won’t work. Also, I am looking for smaller/bookshelf speakers because I do not have the space for floor-standers. This is for a smaller listening area and furniture is in place that I can use to place a bookshelf sized set of speakers.

As far as the input board flaw is concerned, I believe that only affected early input boards and that the DNA-1 Deluxe is not so afflicted. I will contact SmC or McCormack of VA to find out for sure next week.

1911 OP
13 posts
 

@mofojo: Thanks for the info on the Focus 140s. Maybe they aren’t the best choice for me since I am looking for detail and clarity... and at least some bass, but not too much. Perhaps if he continues to lower his price.

soix
9,558 posts
 

As far as the input board flaw is concerned, I believe that only affected early input boards and that the DNA-1 Deluxe is not so afflicted. I will contact SmC or McCormack of VA to find out for sure next week.

Uh, no.  As far as I know the Deluxe version used the same input board as the original and there’s no distinction.  I hope ur right, but I highly doubt it.  Contact SMcAudio if you will, but the news is not good especially for the DNA-1.  Like I said, just leave the DNA-1 on 24/7 and ride it for as long as u can. Best of luck. 

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