Price Paid:  $798.00 from Ascend Acoustics

Summary:
I purchased the Sierra-1 bookshelf speakers (natural finish) for a second system being driven by a Rotel integrated amp and Cambridge Audio CD Player. I had an opportunity to place them in my primary system, side-by-side with my Paradigm Signature S2 speakers. Amplification was with an integrated tube amp at 40 Watts. Usually, speakers that cost considerably less than my Paradigms don't fare well in comparison. The Sierra-1 was the exception. The mid-range was open and detailed. The bass was exceptional for a bookshelf. The soundstage was wide and deep. Tony Levin's bass on "Liquid Tension Experiment" came through with exceptional detail. Vocals were neutral, with no sibilance. Orchestral music, such as Mahler's Resurrection Symphony, came across with no congestion. They maybe were lacking a little bit in authority compared to the Paradigms. The best thing I can say is that they were non fatiguing.
I eventually moved them to the spare room, with Rotel amplification, and a Cambridge Audio CD Player. I use them in 'nearfield' listening, and am just as impressed with the quality of the sound with the cheaper solid state system I am using, as I was with my tube-based system. I have them on 29" sand filled stands.
If you are looking for a reasonably priced bookshelf speaker (< $1000) for two channel or home theater, add this to your short list.
BTW, the product model year is 2007.

Equipment used:
PrimalLuna Prologue 2
Jolida JD100A CD Player
VPI Scout Turntable
Jolida Phono Preamp
Rotel RA02 integrated Amp
Cambridge Audio D500SE

Strengths:
Exceptional bass. Very neutral sounding, neither forward or laid back. Seem to excel at all genres of music. Easy to drive.

Weaknesses:
Very little at this price point. Given their weight at 20lbs each, mount them on a high quality speaker stand.

Similar Products Used:
JMLabs Focal Bookshelf
B&W DM600
Paradigm Signature S2