Short answer: the Ascend Acoustics Sierra 1 v2. It ranks #3 of 179 bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 4.7/5, at $1,000; the Dayton Audio OPAL1 ranks #59, rated 3.6/5, and costs $1,038.99, which makes this an easy call rather than a real tradeoff.
The Ascend Acoustics Sierra 1 v2 is the more accurate option. An extremely accurate bookshelf speaker, with a bamboo cabinet, wide even dispersion and clean output when played loud. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 6.65 against 5.08 for the Dayton Audio OPAL1. The catch: F3 of 55Hz and F10 of 39Hz mean in-room extension tops out in the mid-40s Hz; the reviewer still recommends a subwoofer for full-range material.
The case for the Dayton Audio OPAL1: Bookshelf speakers with twin rear passive radiators for deep bass that can sit close to a wall without booming. The catch: Measured average sensitivity is notably low at about 75.7dB (well under the 78dB spec) due to a nearly 3dB dip through the midrange, and the reviewer needed serious amplification (monoblock power amps, not just a compact streaming amp) to drive them to real listening levels for bass testing.
Buy the Ascend Acoustics Sierra 1 v2. It is rated higher for sound quality than the Dayton Audio OPAL1 and costs less, so it is the default pick unless a specific strength of the other one matters more to you.
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Measured Differences
- Bass depth: the Dayton Audio OPAL1 reaches 30 Hz (10 dB down) against 39 Hz for the Ascend Acoustics Sierra 1 v2, about half an octave deeper. You hear more of the lowest bass notes and kick drums.
- Tonal accuracy above the bass: with a subwoofer taking the low end, the Ascend Acoustics Sierra 1 v2 scores 8.6 against 6.6 for the Dayton Audio OPAL1 on the Spinorama preference scale. Its frequency response and off-axis sound are smoother, so voices and instruments sound closer to the recording.
- Efficiency: the Ascend Acoustics Sierra 1 v2 is rated at 81.5 dB sensitivity against 75.7 dB for the Dayton Audio OPAL1, so it plays as loud with roughly a third of the amplifier power.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Ascend Acoustics Sierra 1 v2 | Dayton Audio OPAL1 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1000 per pair | $1,038.99 per pair |
| Ranked | #3 of 179 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers | #59 of 179 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 39Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 30Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 55Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 55Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Dimensions | 14.2”H x 7.5”W x 10.5”D (361.9 x 190.5 x 266.7 mm) | 14”H x 7”W x 9.5”D |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal, 7 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 8 ohms nominal (4.3 ohms minimum @ 4.4kHz, measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | 81.5dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 75.7dB (measured by Erin’s Audio Corner; 78dB manufacturer specified) |
| Drivers | 5.25” proprietary mineral-filled polypropylene cone with cast aluminum frame woofer, 26mm aluminum/magnesium alloy dome tweeter with titanium former (SEAS Titan) | 5.25” mid-woofer, 1” dome tweeter, dual rear passive radiators |
| Weight | 18.5 lbs (8.4 kg) each | 20.7 lbs (9.4 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported | passive radiator, rear (dual) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.65 | 5.08 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 8.61 | 6.58 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Frequency Response | - | 32Hz - 20kHz (-3dB, half-space, manufacturer specified) |
| Power Handling | - | 200W RMS (75-200W recommended amplifier power) |
| Crossover Frequency | - | 2,200Hz |
Where the Ratings Come From
- Ascend Acoustics Sierra 1 v2: Spinorama.org measurements and reviews by Erin’s Audio Corner and Audio Science Review Ascend.
- Dayton Audio OPAL1: Spinorama.org measurements and reviews by Erin’s Audio Corner.
This comparison is generated from the ratings, specifications and measurements on each product’s own page, and it updates when that data changes. How we rank explains how each rating is decided.
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