Short answer: the Ascend Acoustics Sierra-2EX V2. It ranks #42 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 RAAL true ribbon tweeter is paired with a custom SEAS Excel Curv woofer, with the crossover optimized against Klippel NFS measurement data. 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: An amazing value for a speaker that measures this well. 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 RAAL true ribbon tweeter is paired with a custom SEAS Excel Curv woofer, with the crossover optimized against Klippel NFS measurement data.
Ascend Acoustics $1,748 eBay
An amazing value for a speaker that measures this well.
GR Research $1300 eBayPrices on this page were last checked October 16, 2026 at 5:46 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 | #42 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 |
Frequency Response Compared
Both speakers’ spinorama measurements, overlaid. A flatter line is more neutral: peaks sound forward or harsh, dips sound recessed. Each curve is shifted so its average from 300 Hz to 3 kHz sits at 0 dB, so loudness differences between the two are removed and only the shape is compared. The two were measured by different sources, so small differences, especially in the bass, can come from the measurement setup rather than the speakers.
Measurement data: Ascend Acoustics Sierra-2EX V2 (measured by the manufacturer) and GR-Research X-LS Encore (measured by Audio Science Review), via spinorama.org.
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