Short answer: the Ascend Acoustics Sierra-LX, if you are buying new. The Revel M106 ranks higher than it (#9 vs #37 of 222 bookshelf speakers, 4.6/5 vs 4.3/5) but is discontinued, so only consider it used; the Ascend Acoustics Sierra-LX is still sold new at $1,598. The Revel M106’s replacement, the Revel M126Be, is rated 4.3/5 at $4,400.
Why pick the Revel M106: A highly accurate bookshelf speaker with smooth, natural in-room sound and low distortion, now discontinued but worth buying used. The catch: Some directivity error and response variation shows up in the crossover region.
The Ascend Acoustics Sierra-LX is the more accurate, deeper-bass option. 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 5.62 for the Revel M106. Its bass reaches about 47Hz before falling 3dB, against 60Hz for the Revel M106. The catch: Very low sensitivity at about 81dB, so it needs a genuinely powerful amplifier to reach normal listening levels.
Buy the Ascend Acoustics Sierra-LX new; the Revel M106 is no longer sold new, so it only makes sense as a used find.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Passive Home rankings.
Measured Differences
- Tonal accuracy above the bass: with a subwoofer taking the low end, the Ascend Acoustics Sierra-LX scores 8.4 against 7.9 for the Revel M106 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 Revel M106 is rated at 86 dB sensitivity against 81 dB for the Ascend Acoustics Sierra-LX, so it plays as loud with roughly a third of the amplifier power.
- Close enough not to matter: bass extension (43 Hz vs 38 Hz, 10 dB down).
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Specifications Side By Side
| Revel M106 | Ascend Acoustics Sierra-LX | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2,000 per pair Discontinued | $1598 per pair |
| Ranked | #9 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #37 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 43Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 38Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 60Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 47Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Impedance | 4 ohms | 8 ohms nominal (5.5 ohms minimum) |
| Sensitivity | 86dB (measured, Audio Science Review) | 81dB (2.83V/1m, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Drivers | 6.5” (16.5 cm) Aluminum Cone, Cast-frame Woofer, 1” (2.5 cm) Aluminum Tweeter with Acoustic Lens Waveguide | 6” aluminum cone woofer, 26mm dome tweeter |
| Weight | 9.9 lbs (4.5 kg) | 20.9 lbs (9.5 kg) |
| Dimensions | 15”H x 8.3”W x 11”D (381.0 x 210.8 x 279.4 mm) | 14.3” x 7.5” x 10.5” (362 x 191 x 267 mm) |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | Bass reflex, flared rear port |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.62 | 6.63 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.87 | 8.44 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Power Handling | - | 350W continuous, 500W peak |
| Frequency Response | - | 28Hz - 23kHz (in-room, manufacturer specified) |
| Country | - | USA |
Where the Ratings Come From
- Revel M106: Spinorama.org measurements and reviews by Audio Science Review.
- Ascend Acoustics Sierra-LX: 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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