Short answer: the Ascend Acoustics Sierra-2EX V2, if you are buying new. The Philharmonic BMR (v1) measures as well as it (#40 vs #42 of 222 bookshelf speakers, 4.3/5 vs 4.3/5) but is discontinued, so only consider it used; the Ascend Acoustics Sierra-2EX V2 is still sold new at $1,748. The Philharmonic BMR (v1)’s replacement, the Philharmonic BMR Monitor, is rated 3.6/5 at $2,200.
The Sierra-2EX V2 is the current ribbon two-way. A RAAL ribbon tweeter and a SEAS Excel woofer reach 58.6Hz before falling 3dB, with a preference score of 5.88. Pairs are matched within 1.5dB and come with a 7-year warranty. Its on-axis response is somewhat uneven, and it is sold direct only.
The Philharmonic BMR v1 is a discontinued three-way with expansive staging. A ribbon tweeter, a 2.5-inch BMR midrange and a 7-inch Scan-Speak woofer stay within about 1.5dB from 80Hz up with broad horizontal coverage. Its sensitivity is a low 83dB with a roughly 4-ohm load, so it needs a strong amplifier, and a slight shelf below 300Hz trims warmth.
Buy the Ascend Acoustics Sierra-2EX V2 if you want one new; the Philharmonic BMR (v1) is discontinued, so only look for it used.
Want more options? Browse the full 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
Large three-way combining a Scan-Speak 7-inch paper/carbon woofer, 2.5-inch Tectonic balanced-mode midrange and RAAL 64-10 ribbon.
eBayPrices on this page were last checked October 17, 2026 at 6:04 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.
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
Specifications Side By Side
| Ascend Acoustics Sierra-2EX V2 | Philharmonic BMR (v1) | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,748 per pair | $2,395 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #42 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #40 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Enclosure | ported | - |
| Drivers | RAAL 10mm true ribbon tweeter, 6” SEAS Excel Curv cone woofer | RAAL 64-10 ribbon; 2.5” BMR midrange; 7” Scan-Speak woofer |
| Dimensions | 14.3”H x 7.5”W x 10.5”D (362 x 190 x 267 mm) | 22H x 9W x 13.5D in |
| Weight | 20.1 lbs (9.1 kg) each | 37.9 lbs (17.2 kg) each |
| Sensitivity | 85dB @ 2.83V/1m anechoic (manufacturer) | Approximately 83dB/2.83V/1m (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal | Approximately 4 ohms nominal (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| 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) | Approximately 62Hz relative to mean (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner website) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 42.4Hz (measured, spinorama.org vendor data) | 37.8Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Warranty | 7 years parts and labor | - |
| Country | United States | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.88 | 4.86 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.95 | 7.17 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Port Tuning | - | Mid/low-30Hz range (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| 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 Philharmonic BMR (v1) (measured by Erin’s Audio Corner), via spinorama.org.
Related Speaker Comparisons
How Philharmonic BMR (v1) compares with other leading options: