Jeffpell,
Sounds like the Ascend Acoustics is a sideways move from the Polk Audio, just different and not a dramatic improvement. Did you lose a little in dynamics? The Ascend Acoustics do have a lower sensitivity or efficiency(as Polk says). Great dynamic range definitely gives a home theater that WOW factor. IMHO, considering the size of your room with the high ceiling, I'd be looking for speakers with a higher sensitivity to help increase the dynamics. Also, if you can use 2 subs, and they should be identical, you can achieve a more even bass response in the room. The subs do not need to be the same brand as the 5 speakers, but the 5 speakers should match, or even better, be identical.