Short answer: the Ascend Acoustics Sierra-LX. It ranks #38 of 203 bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 4.3/5, at $1,598. The GR-Research X-LS Encore ranks #133, rated 3.5/5, at $1,300, $298 cheaper, a saving that is not big enough to make up the sound-quality gap.
The Ascend Acoustics Sierra-LX is the more accurate, deeper-bass choice. Very neutral, flat frequency response: within about plus or minus 1.5dB ignoring one narrow dip. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 6.63 against 5.05 for the GR-Research X-LS Encore. Its bass reaches about 47Hz before falling 3dB, against 64Hz for the GR-Research X-LS Encore. The catch: Very low sensitivity at about 81dB, so it needs a genuinely powerful amplifier to reach normal listening levels.
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-LX. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $298 you would save on the GR-Research X-LS Encore does not close the gap.
Want more options? Browse the full Passive Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Ascend Acoustics Sierra-LX | GR-Research X-LS Encore | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1598 per pair | $1300 per pair |
| Ranked | #38 of 203 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #133 of 203 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 38Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 44Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 47Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 64Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Dimensions | 14.3” x 7.5” x 10.5” (362 x 191 x 267 mm) | 13.5”H x 8.5”W x 12.1”D (342.9 x 215.9 x 308 mm) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal (5.5 ohms minimum) | 8 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 81dB (2.83V/1m, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner) | 84.4dB (measured by Audio Science Review on the kit; 87dB manufacturer specified) |
| Drivers | 6” aluminum cone woofer, 26mm dome tweeter | 6.5” Peerless M-165 paper composite cone, non-resonant polymer frame woofer, 1” Peerless India T26SG tweeter |
| Weight | 20.9 lbs (9.5 kg) | 17 lbs (7.7 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | Bass reflex, flared rear port | ported |
| Power Handling | 350W continuous, 500W peak | - |
| Frequency Response | 28Hz - 23kHz (in-room, manufacturer specified) | - |
| Country | USA | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.63 | 5.05 (measured, spinorama.org) |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 8.44 | 7.42 (measured, spinorama.org) |
| DIY Kit | No | - |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More worthwhile head-to-heads for Ascend Acoustics Sierra-LX:
- Ascend Acoustics Sierra-LX vs Perlisten S4b
- Ascend Acoustics Sierra-LX vs KEF Reference 1 Meta
- Ascend Acoustics Sierra-LX vs GR-Research NX-Studio
- AsciLab C6B vs Ascend Acoustics Sierra-LX
- Audio First Cadentia 3 vs Ascend Acoustics Sierra-LX
Prices on this page were last checked October 7, 2026 at 9:25 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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The Two Speakers In Full
Ascend Acoustics Sierra-LX: $1598 per pair Ascend Acoustics eBay
Same family: the Ascend Sierra 1 v2 (smaller bookshelf, rated 4.7/5), the Ascend Acoustics Sierra-2EX V2 (smaller bookshelf, ranked lower, rated 4.3/5), the Ascend Acoustics Sierra Titan Tower (floorstanding, rated 4.4/5) and the Ascend Acoustics Sierra Horizon V2 (center, estimated 4.3/5).
Pros: Very neutral, flat frequency response: within about plus or minus 1.5dB ignoring one narrow dip. Bass extension down to about 40Hz in-room despite the compact size. Wide, well-balanced soundstage (~60 degrees). Solid build quality with a laminated bamboo cabinet. Measured bass extension of 47Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 81dB.
Cons: Very low sensitivity at about 81dB, so it needs a genuinely powerful amplifier to reach normal listening levels. Noticeable midrange distortion becomes audible above about 82-83dB SPL. A narrow dip around 3.5kHz on-axis in larger rooms without sidewall reflections: toeing the speakers out 10-20 degrees fills it in, but adds some brightness to the treble. Sensitive to listening height: sitting even slightly above or below tweeter level noticeably shifts the tonal balance.
Full Ascend Acoustics Sierra-LX review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 38Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 47Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Country | USA |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 14.3” x 7.5” x 10.5” (362 x 191 x 267 mm) |
| Drivers | 6” aluminum cone woofer, 26mm dome tweeter |
| Frequency Response | 28Hz - 23kHz (in-room, manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal (5.5 ohms minimum) |
| Power Handling | 350W continuous, 500W peak |
| Sensitivity | 81dB (2.83V/1m, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.63 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 8.44 |
| Weight | 20.9 lbs (9.5 kg) |
| Woofer Cabinet | Bass reflex, flared rear port |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Ascend Acoustics Sierra-LX vs Wharfedale Linton 85
- Ascend Acoustics Sierra-LX vs Revel M126Be
- Ascend Acoustics Sierra-LX vs Philharmonic BMR (v1)
- Ascend Acoustics Sierra-LX vs Ascend Acoustics Sierra-2EX V2
- Ascend Acoustics Sierra-LX vs Dynaudio Heritage Special
- Ascend Acoustics Sierra-LX vs Radiant Acoustics Clarity 6.2
- Ascend Acoustics Sierra-LX vs Emotiva Airmotiv XB2
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GR-Research X-LS Encore: $1300 per pair GR Research eBay
Pros: An amazing value for a speaker that measures this well. It is sold as a finished speaker, and anyone willing to build the cabinets and crossover can save a lot with the X-LS Encore kit. CEA2034 spinorama shows a generally flat on-axis response, especially in the listening window. Predicted in-room response is generally smooth and on-target. Distortion at 86dB SPL/1m is pretty clean above 200Hz. Measured bass extension of 64Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 84.4dB.
Cons: 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. Vertical directivity requires staying within about 20 degrees of the tweeter axis. At 96dB SPL/1m distortion becomes “rather unhappy,” with bass distortion, a possible woofer issue around 2kHz, and a tweeter problem above 7kHz. The finished pair is built to order with a lead time of 3 to 5 weeks.
Full GR-Research X-LS Encore review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 44Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 64Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Dimensions | 13.5”H x 8.5”W x 12.1”D (342.9 x 215.9 x 308 mm) |
| Drivers | 6.5” Peerless M-165 paper composite cone, non-resonant polymer frame woofer, 1” Peerless India T26SG tweeter |
| Impedance | 8 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 84.4dB (measured by Audio Science Review on the kit; 87dB manufacturer specified) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.05 (measured, spinorama.org) |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.42 (measured, spinorama.org) |
| Weight | 17 lbs (7.7 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- GR-Research X-LS Encore vs Dynaudio Special Forty
- GR-Research X-LS Encore vs ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2
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