Well I sure hope it's for the better then! I just looked it up, its true, says that it's customized, but no details...
Anyhow, I don't think Ascend has any envy for Totem drivers... Actually, I had Ascend driver envy when I had Totems... The 2 x 6.5 of the 340SE were catching my eye for some reason, the 4.5 and 5.5 inchers of Totem just did not seem like much in comparison (just by looks/guess, as I couldn't hear any Ascends back then)... But now I have 5.5 inches in the Sierras so although size does matter, I've learned better!
But Totem... I'd give a good look at Dynaudio, they use Dynaudio woofers and tweeters, and design, and cabinet, before buying Totem... Dynaudio everything! Dynaudio also look pretty good, but their big down side is that they cost quite a bit more than Sierras or Swans...
I also have the pianos, look great, but as I said, sound is the priority so the look is only a bonus. I really doubt you'd be disappointed...