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 #42, rated 4.3/5, at $1,748, $5,451 cheaper.
The Audio First Cadentia 3 is the more accurate, deeper-bass choice. Near-textbook measurements: excellent on-axis linearity, listening window, and directivity, with only minor deviations. 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 RAAL true ribbon tweeter is paired with a custom SEAS Excel Curv woofer, with the crossover optimized against Klippel NFS measurement data. 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.
Near-textbook measurements: excellent on-axis linearity, listening window, and directivity, with only minor deviations.
Audio First Designs $7199 eBay
A RAAL true ribbon tweeter is paired with a custom SEAS Excel Curv woofer, with the crossover optimized against Klippel NFS measurement data.
Ascend Acoustics $1,748 eBayPrices on this page were last checked October 17, 2026 at 6:04 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 | #42 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 |
Frequency Response Compared
Both speakers’ spinorama measurements, overlaid. A flatter line is more neutral: peaks sound forward or harsh, dips sound recessed. Each curve is shifted so its average from 300 Hz to 3 kHz sits at 0 dB, so loudness differences between the two are removed and only the shape is compared.
Measurement data: Audio First Cadentia 3 (measured by the manufacturer) and Ascend Acoustics Sierra-2EX V2 (measured by the manufacturer), via spinorama.org.
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