Short answer: the KEF Q Concerto Meta. It ranks #11 of 222 bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 4.6/5, at $1,399.99; the Ascend Acoustics Sierra-LX ranks #37, rated 4.3/5, and costs $1,598, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
The case for the KEF Q Concerto Meta: A neutral three way bookshelf speaker that sounds consistent from seat to seat, with smooth treble that many rivals at its price lack. The tradeoff: Radiation pattern measures about ±50°, narrower than the reviewer’s preferred ±60° for a stronger sense of envelopment.
The Ascend Acoustics Sierra-LX is the more accurate, deeper-bass pick. 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 6.01 for the KEF Q Concerto Meta. Its bass reaches about 47Hz before falling 3dB, against 53Hz for the KEF Q Concerto Meta. The tradeoff: Very low sensitivity at about 81dB, so it needs a genuinely powerful amplifier to reach normal listening levels.
Buy the KEF Q Concerto Meta. It is rated higher for sound quality than the Ascend Acoustics Sierra-LX and costs less, so it is the default pick unless a specific strength of the other one matters more to you.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Passive Home rankings.
A neutral three way bookshelf speaker that sounds consistent from seat to seat, with smooth treble that many rivals at its price lack.
A compact bookshelf speaker with very neutral, flat sound, a wide soundstage, and surprisingly deep bass in a bamboo cabinet.
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Specifications Side By Side
| KEF Q Concerto Meta | Ascend Acoustics Sierra-LX | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,399.99 per pair | $1598 per pair |
| Ranked | #11 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #37 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 35Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 38Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 53Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 47Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Dimensions | 16.3”H x 8.3”W x 12.4”D (414 x 210.8 x 315 mm) | 14.3” x 7.5” x 10.5” (362 x 191 x 267 mm) |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal (3.3 ohms minimum above 80Hz, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner) | 8 ohms nominal (5.5 ohms minimum) |
| Drivers | 165 mm (6.5 in.) hybrid aluminium cone woofer, 100 mm (4 in.) aluminium cone midrange, 19 mm (0.75 in.) vented aluminium dome with MAT tweeter | 6” aluminum cone woofer, 26mm dome tweeter |
| Sensitivity | 84.2dB (measured average, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 81dB (2.83V/1m, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Weight | 20.9 lbs (9.5 kg) each | 20.9 lbs (9.5 kg) |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | Bass reflex, flared rear port |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.01 | 6.63 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.71 | 8.44 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Power Handling | - | 350W continuous, 500W peak |
| Frequency Response | - | 28Hz - 23kHz (in-room, manufacturer specified) |
| Country | - | USA |
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