What this page covers. The Ascend Acoustics models ranked here span passive speakers, including Ascend Sierra 1 v2, Ascend Acoustics Luna V2 Mini-Monitor Ribbon and Ascend Acoustics HTM-200SE2. Use each model’s category position to compare it with alternatives of the same size and use case.
This page lists all 15 Ascend Acoustics speakers ranked on this site across passive speakers. Each model is shown in the category where it competes, with its current rank and the size of that ranking.
Use the category position rather than the brand name alone: speakers from the same manufacturer can perform very differently by size, price and product family.
Prices on this page were last checked September 6, 2026 at 7:27 AM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers
Ranked #3 of 87 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers - Ascend Sierra 1 v2: $1000 Ascendacoustics eBay
Pros: Formaldehyde-free layered bamboo ply cabinet with a 1” dome tweeter over a 5.25” midwoofer, mated by a 4th-order acoustic crossover rather than a stock textbook design. In-room response is extremely linear - the reviewer called it “textbook” - a clear step up from the earlier V1, which had boxiness around 700Hz-1kHz and sibilance around 4-6kHz. Preference score of 8.4 with a subwoofer (6.8 without), which the reviewer calls topnotch. Wide, even horizontal radiation of about ±70° up to 6kHz. Better vertical directivity than its tweeter-to-woofer spacing would suggest, thanks to the steep 4th-order crossover slopes. No mechanical noise, port chuffing, or woofer bottoming even driven to 96dB/1m. In a three-way comparison against the Dynaudio Emit 20 and a Revel bookshelf model (all around $1,000/pair), measured as the most linear of the three and was the reviewer’s personal pick over both, despite the Dynaudio’s deeper bass and higher output capability. Independent ASR Klippel measurements corroborate Erin’s findings: superb off-axis response with only slight on-axis variations, and an in-room response the reviewer called “incredibly smooth and accurate - amazing for a non-DSP speaker.” Distortion above 200Hz at 86dB/1m is very low for the class.
Cons: F3 of 55Hz and F10 of 39Hz mean in-room extension tops out in the mid-40s Hz; the reviewer still recommends a subwoofer for full-range material. Diffraction dips appear around 3kHz and 5-6kHz, and the 1” dome tweeter starts beaming above roughly 6.7kHz, narrowing the soundstage radiation in the top octave - a straightforward consequence of dome size rather than a design flaw. At 96dB/1m the 5.25” midwoofer shows increased distortion in the midrange, likely tied to motor topology; high-passing to a subwoofer around 80Hz largely clears it up. Moderate sensitivity (~81-82dB average) with a 7-ohm minimum impedance. ASR’s power-sweep testing found response holds steady up to 96dB SPL/1m, but pushing to 102dB causes midbass below 400Hz to sag with distortion “through the roof” - a harder output ceiling than the 96dB tests alone suggest. Vertical directivity also narrows above about 1kHz, so the reviewer recommends staying at tweeter-axis height for best results.
Full Ascend Sierra 1 v2 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 39Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 55Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Dimensions | 14.2"H x 7.5"W x 10.5"D (361.9 x 190.5 x 266.7 mm) |
| Drivers | 5.25" proprietary mineral-filled polypropylene cone with cast aluminum frame woofer, 26mm aluminum/magnesium alloy dome tweeter with titanium former (SEAS Titan) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal, 7 ohms minimum (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | 81.5dB (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Weight | 18.5 lbs / 8.4 kg each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Erin’s Audio Corner: NEW! Ascend Acoustics Sierra-1 V2 Review More from Erin’s Audio Corner →
- Erin’s Audio Corner Website Ascend Sierra 1 v2
- Audio Science Review Ascend Sierra 1 v2 More from Audio Science Review →
- Erin’s Audio Corner: 5 AWESOME SPEAKERS Under $1000 You Won’t Regret
- Erin’s Audio Corner: I Tested 250 Speakers So You Don’t Have To!
- Erin’s Audio Corner: My Top Picks of 2023: Must-Haves Under $3000
- Manufacturer Measurements (spinorama.org)
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Ascend Sierra 1 v2 vs KEF LS50 Meta
- Ascend Sierra 1 v2 vs Philharmonic Ceramic Mini
- Ascend Sierra 1 v2 vs Audio First Fidelia
- Ascend Sierra 1 v2 vs Arendal 1961 Monitor
- Ascend Sierra 1 v2 vs Moondrop M4P MTM
- Ascend Sierra 1 v2 vs Revel M105
- Ascend Sierra 1 v2 vs Monitor Audio Silver 50 7G
- Ascend Sierra 1 v2 vs Emotiva B1+
- See all 44 comparisons
Ranked #5 of 87 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers - Ascend Acoustics Luna V2 Mini-Monitor Ribbon: $1,248/pair Ascend Acoustics eBay
Pros: The same compact V-LAM bamboo cabinet and proprietary 4.5 inch glass fiber woofer as the Titan dome version, upgraded with a custom RAAL true ribbon tweeter that has roughly 1/50th the moving mass of a dome for faster transient response and more top end air. The sound power directivity index has a standard deviation of just 2.88, the tightest of any speaker added to this catalog from spinorama.org’s current measurement set, a real directivity benefit from the ribbon over the dome tweeter’s 3.14. Same 7 year warranty and hand matched pairs as the rest of Ascend’s lineup.
Cons: On axis deviation still measures 0.573dB average, nearly as rough as the Titan dome version’s 0.599, so the ribbon upgrade mainly helps directivity consistency and top end extension rather than fixing on axis evenness. Costs about 39 percent more than the Titan dome version of this exact cabinet for what measures as very similar bass extension and sensitivity. Bass extension is still limited to a measured 74.7Hz at -3dB by the small woofer, and Ascend sells direct only with no dealer network for an in person audition.
Full Ascend Acoustics Luna V2 Mini-Monitor Ribbon review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 44.3Hz (measured, spinorama.org vendor data) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 74.7Hz (measured, spinorama.org vendor data) |
| Country | United States |
| Dimensions | 10.6"H x 5.7"W x 6"D (270 x 146 x 152 mm) (10.625 x 5.75 x 6.0 in) |
| Drivers | Custom RAAL 10mm true ribbon tweeter, 4.5" long throw glass fiber cone woofer |
| Enclosure | ported |
| Frequency Response | 75-27,000Hz +/-3dB anechoic (manufacturer) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal |
| Power Output (Watts) | 100W continuous, 150W peak |
| Sensitivity | 82dB @ 2.83V/1m anechoic (manufacturer) |
| Warranty | 7 years parts and labor |
| Weight | 8.3 lbs / 3.75 kg (8.25 lbs) each |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Ranked #7 of 87 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers - Ascend Acoustics HTM-200SE2: $368/pair Ascend Acoustics eBay
Pros: High-quality manufacturer NFS data shows 0.385dB on-axis average absolute deviation, 0.428 listening-window smoothness, and unusually even 80-degree dispersion in both planes. The compact sealed cabinet is easy to place, while the preference score reaches 7.11 with a subwoofer.
Cons: Limited bass is the main tradeoff, measuring 87.9Hz at -3dB, 71.8Hz at -6dB, and 51.3Hz at -12dB; its preference score falls to 4.20 without a subwoofer. The 3.62 sound-power directivity-index standard deviation is respectable rather than exceptional, and the small woofers limit deep-bass output.
Full Ascend Acoustics HTM-200SE2 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | approximately 56Hz (measured, spinorama.org) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 87.9Hz (measured, spinorama.org) |
| Drivers | Two 4-inch woofers; soft-dome tweeter |
| Enclosure | Sealed |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Ranked #10 of 87 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers - Ascend Acoustics Luna V2 Mini-Monitor Titan: $898/pair Ascend Acoustics eBay
Pros: A Klippel NFS optimized crossover and proprietary 4.5 inch long throw glass fiber woofer give this compact mini-monitor a large soundstage for its size, at Ascend’s most accessible price point. Backed by the same 7 year parts and labor warranty and hand matched pairs as Ascend’s larger models, with each unit shipped with its own production line frequency response printout.
Cons: On axis deviation measures 0.599dB average, the roughest figure of any speaker added to this catalog from spinorama.org’s current measurement set, so a listener sitting dead center is more likely to notice unevenness than with the RAAL ribbon version of this same cabinet. Bass extension is limited by the small 4.5 inch woofer to a measured 74.7Hz at -3dB, so it needs a subwoofer for full range listening. Ascend sells direct only, with no dealer network for an in person audition.
Full Ascend Acoustics Luna V2 Mini-Monitor Titan review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 45.7Hz (measured, spinorama.org vendor data) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 74.7Hz (measured, spinorama.org vendor data) |
| Country | United States |
| Dimensions | 10.6"H x 5.7"W x 6"D (270 x 146 x 152 mm) (10.625 x 5.75 x 6.0 in) |
| Drivers | SEAS Titan 26mm aluminum/magnesium dome tweeter, 4.5" long throw glass fiber cone woofer |
| Enclosure | ported |
| Frequency Response | 75-27,000Hz +/-3dB anechoic (manufacturer) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal |
| Power Output (Watts) | 100W continuous, 150W peak |
| Sensitivity | 82dB @ 2.83V/1m anechoic (manufacturer) |
| Warranty | 7 years parts and labor |
| Weight | 8.3 lbs / 3.75 kg (8.25 lbs) each |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Ranked #81 of 87 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers - Ascend Sierra Luna: $1,176 discontinued, superseded by Luna V2 eBay
Pros: Ribbon tweeter and a dense, low-resonance bamboo cabinet give it well-controlled horizontal directivity, since the driver sizes blend together effectively. Solid build quality and impressive power handling for such a compact enclosure.
Cons: Dramatic peaks in the bass region around 400Hz, 800Hz, and 1.2kHz - Amir questioned, “A woofer doesn’t dance up and down so sharply by itself in a few hundred hertz?” The port resonates excessively, actually exceeding the woofer’s own output and creating problematic bass “horns.” Measured sensitivity of 80.9dB falls well short of the 83dB spec, requiring about 6dB more amplifier gain than typical speakers. Vertical directivity is poor, making tweeter-height listening position critical. Initial impressions were bright and fatiguing; even after aggressive EQ, Amir called the result “still a bit too bright but much more manageable” and could not recommend the speaker standalone.
Full Ascend Sierra Luna review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 52.1Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 88.9Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Dimensions | 10.5H x 5.75W x 6D in |
| Drivers | Custom RAAL true ribbon tweeter (10mm), 4.5" long-throw dual compliant CURV woofer |
| Frequency Response | 60Hz - 27kHz (+/-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Sensitivity | 80.9dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review; 83dB manufacturer specified) |
| Weight | 9 lbs / 4.1 kg each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, front |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Ranked #87 of 87 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers - Ascend Sierra Luna Duo: $1,624 discontinued, superseded by Luna Duo V2 eBay
Pros: Adding a second Luna woofer improves efficiency and reduces distortion versus the standard Sierra Luna, and the RAAL ribbon tweeter carries over. Flexible orientation lets it work vertically as a main/LCR speaker or horizontally as a center channel.
Cons: Amir called it “one of the worse measuring and sounding [speakers] I have tested out of near 100 this year” and stated he “can not in any form or fashion recommend the Ascend Sierra Luna Duo.” On-axis response shows significant midrange irregularities, off-axis performance is uneven, and the port design creates notable frequency response disturbances. Vertical directivity has an extremely narrow optimal listening window. The reviewer noted a stark contrast with the Revel M105, which showed clearly superior tonality and clarity.
Full Ascend Sierra Luna Duo review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 52.2Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 85.0Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Drivers | Custom RAAL true ribbon tweeter, dual 4.5" long-throw dual compliant CURV woofers |
| Sensitivity | 84.9dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, front |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Large Size Bookshelf Speakers
Ranked #23 of 131 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers - Ascend Acoustics CMT-340 SE2: $798/pair Ascend Acoustics eBay
Pros: High-quality manufacturer Klippel NFS data shows 0.295dB on-axis average absolute deviation, 0.531 listening-window smoothness, and a strong 7.17 preference score with a subwoofer. Its dual 6.5-inch woofers, 92dB anechoic sensitivity, and 240W continuous power rating support high output and dynamics.
Cons: Bass rolls off early for the cabinet size, measuring 77.6Hz at -3dB, 64.5Hz at -6dB, and 48.3Hz at -12dB; the preference score without a subwoofer is only 4.51. The 4.35 sound-power directivity-index standard deviation also indicates more off-axis variation than the strongest designs, and the rear port needs placement clearance.
Full Ascend Acoustics CMT-340 SE2 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | approximately 53Hz (measured, spinorama.org) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 77.6Hz (measured, spinorama.org) |
| Dimensions | 21 x 7.5 x 10.5 in each |
| Drivers | Two 6.5-inch woofers; 27mm soft-dome tweeter |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal |
| Power Handling | 240W continuous; 400W short-term peak |
| Sensitivity | 92dB at 2.83V/1m anechoic |
| Weight | 29 lb each |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Ranked #33 of 131 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers - Ascend Acoustics Sierra-LX: $1598 Ascend Acoustics eBay
Pros: Very neutral, flat frequency response - within about plus or minus 1.5dB ignoring one narrow dip. Bass extension down to about 40Hz in-room despite the compact size. Wide, well-balanced soundstage (~60 degrees). Solid build quality with a laminated bamboo cabinet.
Cons: Very low sensitivity at about 81dB, so it needs a genuinely powerful amplifier to reach normal listening levels. Noticeable midrange distortion becomes audible above about 82-83dB SPL. A narrow dip around 3.5kHz on-axis in larger rooms without sidewall reflections - toeing the speakers out 10-20 degrees fills it in, but adds some brightness to the treble. Sensitive to listening height - sitting even slightly above or below tweeter level noticeably shifts the tonal balance.
Full Ascend Acoustics Sierra-LX review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 38Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 47Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Country of Origin | USA |
| Dimensions | 14.3" x 7.5" x 10.5" (362 x 191 x 267 mm) |
| Drivers | 6" aluminum cone woofer, 26mm dome tweeter |
| Frequency Response | 28Hz - 23kHz (in-room, manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal (5.5 ohms minimum) |
| Output Power | 350W continuous, 500W peak |
| Sensitivity | 81dB (2.83V/1m, measured by Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Weight | 20.9 lbs / 9.5 kg |
| Woofer Cabinet | Bass reflex, flared rear port |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Ranked #38 of 131 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers - Ascend Acoustics Sierra-2EX V2: $1,748/pair Ascend Acoustics eBay
Pros: A RAAL true ribbon tweeter is paired with a custom SEAS Excel Curv woofer, with the crossover optimized against Klippel NFS measurement data. Listening window smoothness measures 0.45, a moderate but usable figure for a compact standmount. Pairs are hand matched within +/-1.5dB and shipped with their own individual frequency response printout, backed by a 7 year parts and labor warranty from direct USA assembly in Orange County, California.
Cons: On axis deviation (measured average absolute deviation 0.454) is the roughest of any speaker in this batch, meaning a listener sitting dead center may notice more on axis unevenness than the smoother AsciLab or Ascend tower models nearby. Bass extension is modest for the price class at a measured 51.3Hz at -6dB. Ascend sells direct only, with no dealer network or third party retailers for an in person audition.
Full Ascend Acoustics Sierra-2EX V2 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 42.4Hz (measured, spinorama.org vendor data) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 58.6Hz (measured, spinorama.org vendor data) |
| Bass Extension (-6dB) | 51.3Hz (measured, spinorama.org vendor data) |
| Country | United States |
| Dimensions | 14.3"H x 7.5"W x 10.5"D (362 x 190 x 267 mm) (14.25 x 7.5 x 10.5 in) |
| Drivers | RAAL 10mm true ribbon tweeter, 6" SEAS Excel Curv cone woofer |
| Enclosure | ported |
| Frequency Response | 51-27,000Hz +/-3dB (manufacturer) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal |
| Power Output (Watts) | 150W continuous, 300W peak |
| Sensitivity | 85dB @ 2.83V/1m anechoic (manufacturer) |
| Warranty | 7 years parts and labor |
| Weight | 20.1 lbs / 9.1 kg (20 lbs) each |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Ranked #51 of 131 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers - Ascend Acoustics Sierra Duo V2 Titan: $1,338/pair Ascend Acoustics eBay
Pros: High-quality manufacturer NFS data gives the Titan version a 0.585dB on-axis average absolute deviation and preference scores of 3.93 without a subwoofer and 6.55 with one, both better than the Ribbon version. Its 2.89 sound-power directivity-index standard deviation indicates reasonably consistent dispersion, while the compact bamboo cabinet and dual front slots simplify placement.
Cons: Bass measures 79.1Hz at -3dB, 67.4Hz at -6dB, and 43.9Hz at -12dB, so a subwoofer is important. Listening-window smoothness is only 0.187, and horizontal MTM use narrows dispersion around the crossover; vertical orientation is preferable for stereo listening.
Full Ascend Acoustics Sierra Duo V2 Titan review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | approximately 50Hz (measured, spinorama.org) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 79.1Hz (measured, spinorama.org) |
| Dimensions | 16.25 x 5.75 x 6 in each |
| Drivers | Two 4.5-inch glass-fiber woofers; 26mm aluminum/magnesium Titan dome tweeter |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal |
| Sensitivity | 86dB at 2.83V/1m anechoic |
| Weight | 12.25 lb each |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Ranked #52 of 131 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers - Ascend Acoustics Sierra Duo V2 Ribbon: $1,688/pair Ascend Acoustics eBay
Pros: High-quality manufacturer NFS data gives the RAAL version a low 2.09 sound-power directivity-index standard deviation, the most consistent dispersion of the two Duo V2 variants. Its preference score improves from 3.62 to 6.23 with a subwoofer, while the compact bamboo cabinet, dual front slots, and vertical or horizontal mounting options are unusually flexible.
Cons: Bass measures 79.1Hz at -3dB, 64.5Hz at -6dB, and 43.9Hz at -12dB, and the 0.645dB on-axis average absolute deviation trails the Titan version’s 0.585dB. The 0.410 normalized listening-window deviation and narrow horizontal dispersion when the MTM cabinet is placed horizontally make vertical orientation preferable; a subwoofer is strongly recommended.
Full Ascend Acoustics Sierra Duo V2 Ribbon review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | approximately 50Hz (measured, spinorama.org) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 79.1Hz (measured, spinorama.org) |
| Dimensions | 16.25 x 5.75 x 6 in each |
| Drivers | Two 4.5-inch glass-fiber woofers; custom RAAL true ribbon tweeter |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal |
| Sensitivity | 86dB at 2.83V/1m anechoic |
| Weight | 12.25 lb each |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Ranked #67 of 131 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers - Ascend CBM-170 SE2: $468 Ascend Acoustics eBay
Pros: On-axis response is impressively flat from about 100Hz to 2kHz, staying within roughly ±1dB, with a clean, gradual bass rolloff below that. The directivity index rises smoothly and predictably through the crossover region, and the estimated in-room response shows a smooth, consistent downward tilt from 100Hz to 10kHz with no major discontinuities - close to the ideal in-room target shape. Measured sensitivity of 86.8dB nearly matches Ascend’s 87dB spec. The manufacturer’s own preference-score modeling comes out to 5.81 unequalized (rising to 8.17 with an ideal subwoofer, or 6.33/8.41 with EQ applied) - a strong result for a compact 2-way, and a clear step up from the original CBM-170 SE this replaces.
Cons: A narrow dip in the on-axis and listening-window response appears in the 3-5kHz range (down to about -2.7dB), mirrored by a matching dip in the directivity index at the same frequencies - likely a brief widening of dispersion right at the tweeter/woofer crossover. High-frequency directivity narrows substantially above 10kHz, typical for a small dome tweeter, so the top octave will sound more reserved off-axis than on-axis. Bass rolls off as expected for a compact 2-way monitor: -3dB around 70Hz and -10dB around 50Hz, so a subwoofer is needed for full-range use. This data comes from the manufacturer’s own Klippel measurements rather than an independent third-party review, so there’s no outside verification of channel matching, distortion, or unit-to-unit consistency.
Full Ascend CBM-170 SE2 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 50Hz (measured, manufacturer spinorama data) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 70Hz (measured, manufacturer spinorama data) |
| Dimensions | 12H x 9W x 9.5D in |
| Drivers | 27mm custom SEAS soft dome tweeter, 6.5" proprietary composite polygel cone woofer |
| Impedance | 8 ohms |
| Power Handling | 200W continuous, 400W peak |
| Sensitivity | 86.8dB (2.83V/1m, measured, manufacturer spinorama data; 87dB manufacturer specified) |
| Weight | 15 lbs / 6.8 kg each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Ranked #128 of 131 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers - Ascend CBM-170 SE: $384 discontinued, superseded by CBM-170SE2 eBay
Pros: US-manufactured 2-way with a custom SEAS silk dome tweeter and low harmonic distortion. Solid cabinet construction for the price class.
Cons: On-axis response starts peaking above 1kHz and keeps rising, which Amir predicted would create a bright, potentially fatiguing tonal balance - a character he says “can become grating” over time. The small tweeter paired with a larger woofer lacking a waveguide causes significant off-axis coloration, contradicting the manufacturer’s accuracy claims. Impedance dips below 4 ohms in the bass, and cabinet flex was noted, comparable to cheaper competitors. Amir suggests “looking elsewhere for a better design.”
Full Ascend CBM-170 SE review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | approx. 50Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | approx. 80Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Dimensions | 12H x 9W x 10D in |
| Drivers | 6.5" proprietary composite polygel cone woofer, 27mm custom SEAS soft dome tweeter |
| Impedance | 8 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 91dB (2.83V/1m, manufacturer specified, in-room) |
| Weight | 14 lbs / 6.35 kg each |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Large Size Floorstanding Speakers
Ranked #6 of 71 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers - Ascend Acoustics ELX Ribbon Tower: $5,698/pair Ascend Acoustics eBay
Pros: A RAAL 70-20xram ribbon tweeter and dual SEAS Excel aluminum woofers in a 3-way, 4-driver bamboo tower measure a genuine 38.7Hz extension point with a nearly flat on axis slope of 0.05dB per octave, among the best measured towers in this batch. The bass alignment Q of 0.62 keeps the low end well damped rather than peaky. Backed by a 7 year parts and labor warranty and hand assembled in Orange County, California, with each pair matched within +/-1.5dB.
Cons: Listening window smoothness measures a moderate 0.40 and on axis deviation runs 0.286dB average, both trailing the tighter figures posted by some of the passive AsciLab and Ascend bookshelf models in this same batch. At $5,698/pair it is Ascend’s most expensive tower, well above the Titan dome tweeter version of the same cabinet. The manufacturer’s own claimed sensitivity (87.5dB) runs nearly 1.5dB higher than the independently measured average (86.1dB), worth accounting for when matching an amplifier.
Full Ascend Acoustics ELX Ribbon Tower review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 28.5Hz (measured, spinorama.org vendor data) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 38.7Hz (measured, spinorama.org vendor data) |
| Country | United States |
| Dimensions | 43"H x 7.5"W x 10.5"D (1092 x 190 x 267 mm) (43 x 7.5 x 10.5 in) |
| Drivers | RAAL 70-20xram ribbon tweeter, 6" SEAS Excel Curv midrange (sealed sub-chamber), 2x 6" SEAS Excel aluminum woofers |
| Enclosure | ported |
| Frequency Response | 36-27,000Hz +/-3dB anechoic (manufacturer) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal |
| Power Output (Watts) | 400W continuous, 600W peak |
| Sensitivity | 87.5dB @ 2.83V/1m anechoic (manufacturer) |
| Warranty | 7 years parts and labor |
| Weight | 56 lbs / 25.4 kg (56 lbs) each |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Ranked #20 of 71 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers - Ascend Acoustics Sierra Titan Tower: $2,998/pair Ascend Acoustics eBay
Pros: A SEAS Titan dome tweeter and dual 5.25 inch long throw woofers in a bamboo V-LAM tower reach a measured 58.6Hz extension point at a more accessible price than Ascend’s ribbon tweeter ELX line. The bass alignment Q of 0.72 keeps the low end reasonably well controlled. Backed by the same 7 year parts and labor warranty and hand matched +/-1.5dB pairs, each shipped with its own production line frequency response printout.
Cons: Listening window smoothness (0.34) is the roughest of Ascend’s own measured tower lineup in this batch, trailing the pricier ELX Ribbon Tower. Sound power response falls off more steeply above the crossover than the ribbon version, so off axis and in room treble energy rolls off faster. Ascend sells direct only, with no dealer network or third party retailers for an in person audition.
Full Ascend Acoustics Sierra Titan Tower review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 34.6Hz (measured, spinorama.org vendor data) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 58.6Hz (measured, spinorama.org vendor data) |
| Country | United States |
| Dimensions | 43"H x 7.5"W x 10.5"D (1092 x 190 x 267 mm) (43 x 7.5 x 10.5 in) |
| Drivers | SEAS Titan dome tweeter, 1x 5.25" midrange (sealed sub-chamber), 2x 5.25" mineral filled polypropylene woofers |
| Enclosure | ported |
| Frequency Response | 32-27,000Hz typical in-room (manufacturer) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal |
| Power Output (Watts) | 300W continuous, 500W peak |
| Sensitivity | 88dB @ 2.83V/1m in-room (manufacturer) |
| Warranty | 7 years parts and labor |
| Weight | 45 lbs / 20.4 kg (45 lbs) each |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons