Short answer: the Ascend Acoustics Sierra-LX, if you are buying new. The Revel M106 ranks higher than it (#9 vs #33 of 134 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.
Why pick the Revel M106: CEA2034 spinorama shows a fairly even on-axis response with no obvious resonances, and a listening window that sits comfortably above the on-axis curve. The catch: Some directivity error and response variation shows up in the crossover region.
What the Ascend Acoustics Sierra-LX does well: Very neutral, flat frequency response: within about plus or minus 1.5dB ignoring one narrow dip. The tradeoff: 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.
Specifications Side By Side
| Revel M106 | Ascend Acoustics Sierra-LX | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Discontinued | $1598 per pair |
| Ranked | #9 of 134 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #33 of 134 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 |
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The Two Speakers In Full
Revel M106 Discontinued eBay
Newer model: the Revel M126Be, ranked lower, rated 4.3/5.
Pros: CEA2034 spinorama shows a fairly even on-axis response with no obvious resonances, and a listening window that sits comfortably above the on-axis curve. Predicted in-room response is called “near ideal” by the reviewer, with a smooth downward slope from bass to treble. Distortion at 96dB SPL/1m stays well controlled through the midrange and treble. Measured bass extension of 60Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 86dB.
Cons: Some directivity error and response variation shows up in the crossover region. Horizontal beamwidth of about ±50 degrees is on the narrower side. Vertical directivity requires staying within about ±20 degrees of the reference axis for accurate tonal balance. Minimum impedance dips to 4.6 ohms with several peaks, a moderately demanding load for a compact bookshelf speaker. Discontinued.
Full Revel M106 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 43Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 60Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 15”H x 8.3”W x 11”D (381.0 x 210.8 x 279.4 mm) |
| Drivers | 6.5” (16.5 cm) Aluminum Cone, Cast-frame Woofer, 1” (2.5 cm) Aluminum Tweeter with Acoustic Lens Waveguide |
| Impedance | 4 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 86dB (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.62 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.87 |
| Weight | 9.9 lbs (4.5 kg) |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Ascend Acoustics Sierra-LX: $1598 per pair Ascend Acoustics eBay
Pros: Very neutral, flat frequency response: within about plus or minus 1.5dB ignoring one narrow dip. Bass extension down to about 40Hz in-room despite the compact size. Wide, well-balanced soundstage (~60 degrees). Solid build quality with a laminated bamboo cabinet. Measured bass extension of 47Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 81dB.
Cons: Very low sensitivity at about 81dB, so it needs a genuinely powerful amplifier to reach normal listening levels. Noticeable midrange distortion becomes audible above about 82-83dB SPL. A narrow dip around 3.5kHz on-axis in larger rooms without sidewall reflections: toeing the speakers out 10-20 degrees fills it in, but adds some brightness to the treble. Sensitive to listening height: sitting even slightly above or below tweeter level noticeably shifts the tonal balance.
Full Ascend Acoustics Sierra-LX review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 38Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 47Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Country | USA |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 14.3” x 7.5” x 10.5” (362 x 191 x 267 mm) |
| Drivers | 6” aluminum cone woofer, 26mm dome tweeter |
| Frequency Response | 28Hz - 23kHz (in-room, manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal (5.5 ohms minimum) |
| Power Handling | 350W continuous, 500W peak |
| Sensitivity | 81dB (2.83V/1m, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.63 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 8.44 |
| Weight | 20.9 lbs (9.5 kg) |
| Woofer Cabinet | Bass reflex, flared rear port |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Ascend Acoustics Sierra-LX vs Wharfedale Linton 85
- Ascend Acoustics Sierra-LX vs Revel M126Be
- Ascend Acoustics Sierra-LX vs Philharmonic BMR (v1)
- Ascend Acoustics Sierra-LX vs Ascend Acoustics Sierra-2EX V2
- Ascend Acoustics Sierra-LX vs Dynaudio Heritage Special
- Ascend Acoustics Sierra-LX vs Radiant Acoustics Clarity 6.2
- Ascend Acoustics Sierra-LX vs MoFi SourcePoint 10
- Ascend Acoustics Sierra-LX vs Emotiva Airmotiv XB2
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