This is where you have to decide where
your value is.
Between the Polk and Ascends, that isn't even a choice for me. I would take the Ascends. As I said before, I like that flat, accurate, neutral sound.
The Polk LSiMs are supposed to be respectable for where they are placed. KEF Q series, too. With both of those seeing some recent sales, it begs the question if there is a refresh to those lines coming? If so, this might be a good time to look at those.
Regardless, to me, neither would be end-game systems. SO, what exactly is your value? If you are talking about something that can take you through the next 5-7 years, and you like the sound of them, sure. There are a lot of happy owners out there. Hell, some KEF fans are bordering on the fanatic.
I have heard some praise for Chane... but also other comments that they routinely have supply issues and can be difficult to contact. *shrugs They weren't right for me on initial research so I didn't pursue learning much more about them. Again, those that have them seem to like them, though.
For the other speakers mentioned, the one I am ridiculously interested in learning more about is the CCB-8 from Hsu. I mentioned before that Shady has had good things to say about these. These could work quite well I think in a room like yours since its not super large. They could easily be moved to a bedroom system too, or employed later as surrounds or Atmos speakers in an upgraded HT rig.
http://www.hsuresearch.com/products/ccb-8.html
http://www.hsuresearch.com/products/ccbspkrpkg.html
Going back to the Ascend thing... Like Hsu, there are ID, so no local dealers. As I said, Dave and Co might have a local customer that would host you for an audition, though. As a point of comparison, the Sierra Towers compare very well to the
Philharmonic BMRs that Shady reviewed previously. If his descriptions in that review interest you, it might be worth your time to see if you can hear any of the Sierra line locally.
Yes, they are a little more expensive, but if you are interested in something worthy of the tag line of an end-game speaker system, these and Salk Sound are the ones that come to mind for me. (But then that gets back to the sound you want to hear for the next 10 years of your life!
)
Lastly, do not lose sight of SVS.
Shady's review of the SVS Pinnacle Prime is really promising... that looks like a statement speaker with SVS saying they aren't planning to rest on their laurels. Much like the strategy I laid out before of upgrading from this 3.0 system you are shopping for right now using the Ascend speakers... I think you could do the same with SVS Ultra Bookshelves and Center now, and add the Pinnacles in a year or two... Both would be respectable systems that you could enjoy for many years to come!
Anyway, I hope this helps you out a little.
End of the day... define your values and goals. Research and learn what you can. Shop smart and with luck you'll find exactly what you need to make you happy for a long game system!