Short answer: the KEF R3. It ranks #15 of 222 bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 4.5/5, at $1,544.56; the Ascend Acoustics Sierra-2EX V2 ranks #41, rated 4.3/5, and costs $1,748, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
The case for the KEF R3: A three way bookshelf speaker with KEF’s coaxial driver for stable imaging across seats and very low distortion, easy to run with a modest amp. The tradeoff: The low-frequency alignment rolls gradually rather than delivering high-output sub-bass; KEF specifies 58Hz +/-3dB and Erin’s high-level data supports using an 80Hz subwoofer crossover.
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 KEF R3. It is rated higher for sound quality than the Ascend Acoustics Sierra-2EX V2 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 three way bookshelf speaker with KEF’s coaxial driver for stable imaging across seats and very low distortion, easy to run with a modest amp.
A ribbon tweeter bookshelf speaker with hand matched pairs, a frequency response printout for each unit, and a long seven year warranty.
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Specifications Side By Side
| KEF R3 | Ascend Acoustics Sierra-2EX V2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,544.56 per pair | $1,748 per pair |
| Ranked | #15 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #41 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | Approximately 58Hz (manufacturer specified; consistent with Erin’s measured roll-off) | 58.6Hz (measured, spinorama.org vendor data) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 35.2Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 42.4Hz (measured, spinorama.org vendor data) |
| Sensitivity | Approximately 86-87dB/2.83V/1m (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 85dB @ 2.83V/1m anechoic (manufacturer) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal; suitable for Erin’s 4/8-ohm-rated amplifier | 8 ohms nominal |
| Drivers | 1” tweeter coaxial with 5” midrange; 6.5” woofer | RAAL 10mm true ribbon tweeter, 6” SEAS Excel Curv cone woofer |
| Dimensions | 16.6”H x 7.9”W x 13.2”D | 14.3”H x 7.5”W x 10.5”D (362 x 190 x 267 mm) |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear Flexible Port | - |
| Weight | 29.9 lbs (13.55 kg) each | 20.1 lbs (9.1 kg) each |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.2 (spinorama.org) | 5.88 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.97 (spinorama.org) | 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 |
| Country | - | United States |
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