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 Sonus Faber Sonetto II G2 ranks #183, rated 3.1/5, and costs $3,500, which makes this an easy call rather than a real tradeoff.
The Ascend Acoustics Sierra-2EX V2 is the more accurate pick. 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 4.25 for the Sonus Faber Sonetto II G2. The tradeoff: 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.
The case for the Sonus Faber Sonetto II G2: Two-way design with a 1.125” damped Apex Dome silk tweeter and 6.5” cone woofer, using a base of concrete, aluminum, and steel with under-cabinet venting. The tradeoff: Sounds notably bright pointed directly on-axis; toeing the speaker out about 30° reduces treble energy and sibilance meaningfully.
Buy the Ascend Acoustics Sierra-2EX V2. It is rated higher for sound quality than the Sonus Faber Sonetto II G2 and costs less, which makes it the one to get unless you need something the other one does better.
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
Two-way design with a 1.125” damped Apex Dome silk tweeter and 6.5” cone woofer, using a base of concrete, aluminum, and steel with under-cabinet venting.
Crutchfield $3500 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.
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
Specifications Side By Side
| Ascend Acoustics Sierra-2EX V2 | Sonus Faber Sonetto II G2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,748 per pair | $3500 per pair |
| Ranked | #42 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #183 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Enclosure | ported | - |
| Drivers | RAAL 10mm true ribbon tweeter, 6” SEAS Excel Curv cone woofer | 1x 6.5” mid-woofer (paper cone), 1x 1.1” (28mm) DAD soft dome tweeter |
| Dimensions | 14.3”H x 7.5”W x 10.5”D (362 x 190 x 267 mm) | 16.3”H x 8.9”W x 14”D (414.3 x 227.0 x 355.6 mm) |
| Weight | 20.1 lbs (9.1 kg) each | 38.4 lbs (17.4 kg) |
| Sensitivity | 85dB @ 2.83V/1m anechoic (manufacturer) | 87dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal | 4 ohms nominal (4.2 ohms minimum, measured by 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) | 62Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 42.4Hz (measured, spinorama.org vendor data) | 38Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Warranty | 7 years parts and labor | - |
| Country | United States | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.88 | 4.25 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.95 | 6.54 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Woofer Cabinet | - | ported, front |
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 Sonus Faber Sonetto II G2 (measured by Erin’s Audio Corner), via spinorama.org.
Related Speaker Comparisons
More top alternatives to Ascend Acoustics Sierra-2EX V2: