Magic returns in seldom used bookshelves?

Keep swapping them, without regard to "break in", and learn. 

Erik,
Genuine words of wisdom. That approach and philosophy could alleviate so much angst and regret/anxiety. Maybe too simple for some to adhere to.
Charles

I've always been curious about the Sierra's -- right up to the point of buying them. I bought Salk SS6m's. I love them.

One consideration might be the speaker-room synergy or lack thereof. One speaker is a tower and the other is stand mount, no? Perhaps there's something nimble and direct about the Ascend which the Salks, in your space don't have? My Salks are standmounts, and they beat out a variety of towers. 

If I were you, I'd be very sure the Salks were no longer your cup of tea. I think Jim makes heirloom, high quality stuff and I'd expect it would take a long time to tire of them. Still, never know. Sometimes a divorce is just what the doctor (or lawyer) ordered.

Jim does make heirloom one of a kind beautiful speakers. He said he had a hard time letting them go once built. Mine are stunning and that's probably why he has my speakers as the example of the BeAts when visiting his site.  This is so hard. The Salks should be an upgrade in every respect and three times the cost and are regarded above the fine Ascend towers. The berrylium tweeters vs the ribbons on the Sierra's have a similar signature also....... Can't explain my ears preferring and arguably inferior speaker  but I do trust my ears....hence the conflict.

If I list these Salks though and someday regret this decision, I won't be able to replace them exactly. The pictures don't do them justice. 

What to do?  I appreciate all the advice, and will report back after a full month of back and forth listening. I must be insane to be thinking of selling the Salks.

Love me a Sierra-2 for center channel. Dialogue is crisp with ESL's