Short answer: the Ascend Acoustics Sierra-LX. It ranks #37 of 222 bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 4.3/5, at $1,598; the Sonus Faber Lumina II ranks #158, rated 3.4/5, and costs $1,600, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
The Ascend Acoustics Sierra-LX is the more accurate, deeper-bass option. A compact bookshelf speaker with very neutral, flat sound, a wide soundstage, and surprisingly deep bass in a bamboo cabinet. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 6.63 against 3.81 for the Sonus Faber Lumina II. Its bass reaches about 47Hz before falling 3dB, against 60Hz for the Sonus Faber Lumina II. Watch for: Very low sensitivity at about 81dB, so it needs a genuinely powerful amplifier to reach normal listening levels.
The case for the Sonus Faber Lumina II: Handmade Italian bookshelf speakers with leather-wrapped cabinets, competitive bass for their size and flexible placement. The catch: Not a neutral speaker: has a persistent high-frequency boost/lift that makes it sound forward and bright, present whether pointed directly at the listener or toed out.
Buy the Ascend Acoustics Sierra-LX. It is rated higher for sound quality than the Sonus Faber Lumina II and costs less, so only choose the other one for a particular feature it does better.
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.
Handmade Italian bookshelf speakers with leather-wrapped cabinets, competitive bass for their size and flexible placement.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Ascend Acoustics Sierra-LX | Sonus Faber Lumina II | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1598 per pair | $1,600 per pair |
| Ranked | #37 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #158 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 38Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 41Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 47Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 60Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Dimensions | 14.3” x 7.5” x 10.5” (362 x 191 x 267 mm) | 12” x 7.1” x 10.4” (304 x 180 x 263 mm) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal (5.5 ohms minimum) | 4 ohms nominal, 4.1 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | 81dB (2.83V/1m, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner) | 86dB (measured average, Erin’s Audio Corner; matches manufacturer spec) |
| Drivers | 6” aluminum cone woofer, 26mm dome tweeter | 29mm DAD dome tweeter, 150mm paper cone mid-woofer |
| Weight | 20.9 lbs (9.5 kg) | 12.5 lbs (5.65 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | Bass reflex, flared rear port | - |
| Power Handling | 350W continuous, 500W peak | - |
| Frequency Response | 28Hz - 23kHz (in-room, manufacturer specified) | 55Hz - 24kHz (manufacturer specified) |
| Country | USA | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.63 | 3.81 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 8.44 | 6.10 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Crossover Frequency | - | 1800Hz |
| Recommended Power | - | 30W - 150W |
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