Short answer: the Selah Audio Integrity. It ranks #34 of 105 bookshelf speakers by sound quality at $750; the Ascend Acoustics Sierra-2EX V2 ranks #35 and costs $1748, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
The case for the Ascend Acoustics Sierra-2EX V2: A RAAL true ribbon tweeter is paired with a custom SEAS Excel Curv woofer, with the crossover optimized against Klippel NFS measurement data. Watch for: 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.
On the Selah Audio Integrity side: CEA2034 spinorama shows a very good overall on-axis response with wide, even beamwidth and directivity through the midrange from its 3-way design. The tradeoff: A dip/perturbation around 1.7kHz shows up in both on- and off-axis measurements, correlating with a matching midrange distortion peak at the same frequency.
Buy the Selah Audio Integrity. It ranks higher for sound quality than the Ascend Acoustics Sierra-2EX V2 and costs less, so there is no real case for the other one.
Specifications Side By Side
| Ascend Acoustics Sierra-2EX V2 | Selah Audio Integrity | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,748/pair | $750 |
| Ranked | #35 of 105 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #34 of 105 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Enclosure | ported | - |
| Drivers | RAAL 10mm true ribbon tweeter, 6" SEAS Excel Curv cone woofer | Dayton Esoteric woofer, SB Acoustics midrange, tweeter, rear oval passive radiator (3-way) |
| 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) | not published (DIY kit) |
| Weight | 20.1 lbs / 9.1 kg (20 lbs) each | not published (DIY kit) |
| Sensitivity | 85dB @ 2.83V/1m anechoic (manufacturer) | 80.5dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal | 5.5 ohms nominal |
| Power Output (Watts) | 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) | 68Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 42.4Hz (measured, spinorama.org vendor data) | 50Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Warranty | 7 years parts and labor | - |
| Country | United States | - |
| Woofer Cabinet | - | sealed with passive radiator |
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The Two Speakers In Full
Ascend Acoustics Sierra-2EX V2: $1,748/pair Ascend Acoustics
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 |
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Selah Audio Integrity: $750
Pros: CEA2034 spinorama shows a very good overall on-axis response with wide, even beamwidth and directivity through the midrange from its 3-way design. Nominal impedance sits around 5.5 ohms, an easier load than many small speakers. A tribute design to DIY speaker builder Jeff Bagby, priced at $750 per pair as a kit.
Cons: A dip/perturbation around 1.7kHz shows up in both on- and off-axis measurements, correlating with a matching midrange distortion peak at the same frequency. Very inefficient, requiring more amplifier power for the same volume. Susceptible to subsonic content, which can cause massive distortion without a high-pass filter. Requires building the cabinets and installing the drivers yourself.
Full Selah Audio Integrity review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 50Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 68Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Dimensions | not published (DIY kit) |
| Drivers | Dayton Esoteric woofer, SB Acoustics midrange, tweeter, rear oval passive radiator (3-way) |
| Impedance | 5.5 ohms nominal |
| Sensitivity | 80.5dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Weight | not published (DIY kit) |
| Woofer Cabinet | sealed with passive radiator |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons