Short answer: the Audio First Cadentia 3 on measured sound quality, the Ascend Acoustics Sierra-2EX V2 on price. The Audio First Cadentia 3 ranks #7 of 222 bookshelf speakers, rated 4.7/5, at $7,199. The Ascend Acoustics Sierra-2EX V2 ranks #41, rated 4.3/5, at $1,748, $5,451 cheaper.
The Audio First Cadentia 3 is the more accurate, deeper-bass choice. A large three way bookshelf speaker with near textbook accuracy, a big enveloping soundstage, and deep, punchy bass that stays clean when loud. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 7.55 against 5.88 for the Ascend Acoustics Sierra-2EX V2. Its bass reaches about 43Hz before falling 3dB, against 58.6Hz for the Ascend Acoustics Sierra-2EX V2. The catch: A mild scoop through the upper midrange/lower treble slightly softens the attack of snares, hand claps, and sibilants: fixable with a single-band EQ (2.5kHz, +1dB, Q~1).
The case for the Ascend Acoustics Sierra-2EX V2: A ribbon tweeter bookshelf speaker with hand matched pairs, a frequency response printout for each unit, and a long seven year warranty. 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.
Buy the Audio First Cadentia 3 if sound quality is the priority over the price, or the Ascend Acoustics Sierra-2EX V2 if the price is the priority over sound quality.
Still deciding? The full Passive Home rankings cover every ranked option.
A large three way bookshelf speaker with near textbook accuracy, a big enveloping soundstage, and deep, punchy bass that stays clean when loud.
A ribbon tweeter bookshelf speaker with hand matched pairs, a frequency response printout for each unit, and a long seven year warranty.
Prices on this page were last checked October 31, 2026 at 7:11 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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Specifications Side By Side
| Audio First Cadentia 3 | Ascend Acoustics Sierra-2EX V2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $7199 per pair | $1,748 per pair |
| Ranked | #7 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #41 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 26Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 42.4Hz (measured, spinorama.org vendor data) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 43Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 58.6Hz (measured, spinorama.org vendor data) |
| Dimensions | 23.2” x 11.8” x 17” (590 x 300 x 433 mm) | 14.3”H x 7.5”W x 10.5”D (362 x 190 x 267 mm) |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal (3.1 ohms minimum, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner) | 8 ohms nominal |
| Sensitivity | 86.4dB (2.83V/1m, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner) | 85dB @ 2.83V/1m anechoic (manufacturer) |
| Drivers | 1.1” tweeter, 4.5” midrange, 9” woofer | RAAL 10mm true ribbon tweeter, 6” SEAS Excel Curv cone woofer |
| Weight | 45.9 lbs (20.8 kg) each | 20.1 lbs (9.1 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | 3-way, bass reflex | - |
| Country | United Kingdom (Cambridge) | United States |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 7.55 | 5.88 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 8.91 | 7.95 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Enclosure | - | ported |
| Power Handling | - | 150W continuous, 300W peak |
| Frequency Response | - | 51-27,000Hz +/-3dB (manufacturer) |
| Bass Extension (-6dB) | - | 51.3Hz (measured, spinorama.org vendor data) |
| Warranty | - | 7 years parts and labor |
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