Short answer: the GR-Research NX-Studio. It ranks #4 of 222 bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 4.8/5, at $3,630. The Ascend Acoustics Sierra-LX ranks #37, rated 4.3/5, at $1,598, $2,032 cheaper, not enough of a saving to outweigh the sound-quality gap.
The case for the Ascend Acoustics Sierra-LX: A compact bookshelf speaker with very neutral, flat sound, a wide soundstage, and surprisingly deep bass in a bamboo cabinet. The tradeoff: Very low sensitivity at about 81dB, so it needs a genuinely powerful amplifier to reach normal listening levels.
The GR-Research NX-Studio is the better-sounding pick. A DIY kit bookshelf speaker with a ribbon tweeter for wide open, detailed sound, superb imaging, and tight, fast sealed bass. The catch: Bass will be very tight but won’t be quite as deep as others due to the sealed woofer enclosure.
Buy the GR-Research NX-Studio. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $2,032 you would save on the Ascend Acoustics Sierra-LX does not close the gap.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Passive Home rankings.
A compact bookshelf speaker with very neutral, flat sound, a wide soundstage, and surprisingly deep bass in a bamboo cabinet.
A DIY kit bookshelf speaker with a ribbon tweeter for wide open, detailed sound, superb imaging, and tight, fast sealed bass.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Ascend Acoustics Sierra-LX | GR-Research NX-Studio | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1598 per pair | $3630 per pair |
| Ranked | #37 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #4 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 38Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 47Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Dimensions | 14.3” x 7.5” x 10.5” (362 x 191 x 267 mm) | 18”H x 8.5”W x 15.5”D (457.2 x 215.9 x 393.7 mm) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal (5.5 ohms minimum) | 8 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 81dB (2.83V/1m, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner) | 87dB |
| Drivers | 6” aluminum cone woofer, 26mm dome tweeter | GR-Research M165NQ 6.5” paper cone, non-resonant polymer frame, copper shorting rings and aluminum phase plug sealed enclosure woofer, GR-Research Neo3 Planar Magnetic Ribbon open baffle tweeter |
| Weight | 20.9 lbs (9.5 kg) | 20.5 lbs (9.3 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | Bass reflex, flared rear port | sealed |
| Power Handling | 350W continuous, 500W peak | - |
| Frequency Response | 28Hz - 23kHz (in-room, manufacturer specified) | - |
| Country | USA | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.63 | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 8.44 | - |
| DIY Kit | No | Yes |
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