Dont under estimate the Studio 20 v5, if you find them harsh is not the speaker is a cable problem, i own them and was disapointed a bit some months ago for the same reason, i was using them with signal cable interconnects and speaker cables, then with a dealer friend who sells xlo cables we tried and the harsh disapeared giving a smooth sound, better image, more enjoyable. In the same room i have compared them with some totem bookshelfs and the Hawk, that is bright!! Is unenjoyable, even tough they deliver better soundstage, and better pinpoint image, same cables. Look for occ cooper cables, cryo treated and the best geometry you can afford. About the sig 2, after reading a LOT they are my next step, i doubt when you find the same guy with the same comparisson between the sig and ascend 2 in slmost every popular Forum, and not specifing wich signature version is, just my toughts and humble experience. Check the home teather review top 25 speakers of all time btw.