Short answer: the Ascend Acoustics Sierra-2EX V2. It ranks #41 of 222 bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 4.3/5, at $1,748; the ATC SCM19 ranks #209, rated 2.4/5, and costs $3,750, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
The Ascend Acoustics Sierra-2EX V2 is the more accurate choice. A ribbon tweeter bookshelf speaker with hand matched pairs, a frequency response printout for each unit, and a long seven year warranty. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 5.88 against 4.61 for the ATC SCM19. Watch for: On-axis response is relatively uneven, with an average deviation of about 0.45dB, so a listener sitting dead center may notice more unevenness than with smoother AsciLab or Ascend towers.
Why pick the ATC SCM19: A heavy, sealed pro style ATC bookshelf speaker with a very dense cabinet and low distortion at high volume. The tradeoff: Some stored energy resonance around 500-700Hz, 4dB bump around 700Hz.
Buy the Ascend Acoustics Sierra-2EX V2. It is rated higher for sound quality than the ATC SCM19 and costs less, so it is the default pick unless a specific strength of the other one matters more to you.
Still deciding? The full Passive Home rankings cover every ranked option.
A ribbon tweeter bookshelf speaker with hand matched pairs, a frequency response printout for each unit, and a long seven year warranty.
A heavy, sealed pro style ATC bookshelf speaker with a very dense cabinet and low distortion at high volume.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Ascend Acoustics Sierra-2EX V2 | ATC SCM19 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,748 per pair | $3750 per pair |
| Ranked | #41 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #209 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Enclosure | ported | - |
| Drivers | RAAL 10mm true ribbon tweeter, 6” SEAS Excel Curv cone woofer | 5.9” Super Linear Magnet cone woofer, 1” soft dome tweeter |
| Dimensions | 14.3”H x 7.5”W x 10.5”D (362 x 190 x 267 mm) | 17.2”H x 10.4”W x 11.8”D (436.9 x 264.2 x 299.7 mm) |
| Weight | 20.1 lbs (9.1 kg) each | 39.2 lbs (17.8 kg) each |
| Sensitivity | 85dB @ 2.83V/1m anechoic (manufacturer) | 85dB (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal | 6 ohms |
| Power Handling | 150W continuous, 300W peak | - |
| Frequency Response | 51-27,000Hz +/-3dB (manufacturer) | - |
| Bass Extension (-6dB) | 51.3Hz (measured, spinorama.org vendor data) | - |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 58.6Hz (measured, spinorama.org vendor data) | 60Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 42.4Hz (measured, spinorama.org vendor data) | 34Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Warranty | 7 years parts and labor | - |
| Country | United States | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.88 | 4.61 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.95 | 7.03 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Woofer Cabinet | - | sealed |
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