I appreciate Ascend's assiduousness and thought I'd share just how seriously they take their products in seven photographs for those considering a purchase.
It starts with packaging. Box-within-box includes custom-molded stiff foam supports around the speakers. The foam is a soft, open-cell variety -- not the cheap expanded polystyrene stuff that can build a static charge and leave little white bits all over the room and product.
In addition to feet, notice the adhesive logos are optional. I'm not sure who wouldn't be proud to show their researching prowess by advertising the brand of their new speakers, but it is nice that we are given the choice.
Cotton gloves are included, which are a nice touch and help eliminate fingerprint & hand oil contamination.
Unfortunately (fortunately if you don't use the feet), the proper foot locations are unmarked, so you must make your own measurements when determining where to apply them.
Each speaker is individually tested and matched within 1dB with a personal sign-off.
That signature isn't a photocopy. This letter was hand-signed by the president of the company (and designer of the speakers!). The pen's indentations are clearly visible on the paper when looked at from an angle.
Each speaker can be lifted out of the packaging using only the soft cloth bag ensconcing it, and can be placed upon that bag to protect its finish prior to application of the adhesive feet.
The tweeter appears to be mounted in vibration-deadening (I assume) cork. Click here to see a closeup of the probable cork. Much higher resolution available photos in the Imgur album.
Ascend Sierra 2 beside the outgoing Klipsch KSB 3.1.
While the klipsch is a few dB more efficient (0-3 in practice, 7+ by specs) and much larger, the Sierra 2 produces very obviously superior audio detail and is often superior in bass response despite the much smaller woofer.
Anybody can cheaply shower their new purchase with compliments to make themselves feel good, but my genuine impression is that abstemious component selection combined with the designer's genuine love for music form the perfect balance of engineering and art.
I've posted results of my detailed listening tests in the Verified User Reviews forum which will be visible once approved.
Its acerbic tone may be slightly off-putting but was meant to emphasize how hard I tried to avoid the insubstantial fluff so often associated with speaker reviews both amateur and professional.