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 GR-Research X-LS Encore ranks #146, rated 3.5/5, at $1,300, $448 cheaper, not enough of a saving to outweigh the sound-quality gap.
The Ascend Acoustics Sierra-2EX V2 is the more accurate option. 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 5.05 for the GR-Research X-LS Encore. The catch: 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 GR-Research X-LS Encore: Two-way bookshelf speakers with a Peerless woofer, also sold as a kit so builders can save money by assembling them. The tradeoff: A slight depression in the upper bass and some peaking in the lower bass shows up on-axis, along with directivity error in the crossover region.
Buy the Ascend Acoustics Sierra-2EX V2. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $448 saving on the GR-Research X-LS Encore is not enough to make up the difference.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Passive Home rankings.
A ribbon tweeter bookshelf speaker with hand matched pairs, a frequency response printout for each unit, and a long seven year warranty.
Two-way bookshelf speakers with a Peerless woofer, also sold as a kit so builders can save money by assembling them.
Prices on this page were last checked October 31, 2026 at 7:11 PM 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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Specifications Side By Side
| Ascend Acoustics Sierra-2EX V2 | GR-Research X-LS Encore | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,748 per pair | $1300 per pair |
| Ranked | #41 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #146 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Enclosure | ported | - |
| Drivers | RAAL 10mm true ribbon tweeter, 6” SEAS Excel Curv cone woofer | 6.5” Peerless M-165 paper composite cone, non-resonant polymer frame woofer, 1” Peerless India T26SG tweeter |
| Dimensions | 14.3”H x 7.5”W x 10.5”D (362 x 190 x 267 mm) | 13.5”H x 8.5”W x 12.1”D (342.9 x 215.9 x 308 mm) |
| Weight | 20.1 lbs (9.1 kg) each | 17 lbs (7.7 kg) each |
| Sensitivity | 85dB @ 2.83V/1m anechoic (manufacturer) | 84.4dB (measured by Audio Science Review on the kit; 87dB manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal | 8 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) | 64Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 42.4Hz (measured, spinorama.org vendor data) | 44Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Warranty | 7 years parts and labor | - |
| Country | United States | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.88 | 5.05 (measured, spinorama.org) |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.95 | 7.42 (measured, spinorama.org) |
| DIY Kit | No | - |
| Woofer Cabinet | - | ported |
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