The Ascends compare to the M3 or M22 speakers musically. However, the M60's or M80's would absolutely trounce anything from Ascend with music. Axiom speakers also look a hundred million times better (really, I did the math).
Ascend speakers are also not very strong for HT, they do music just as well as Axiom M3's or M22's, but Axiom does HT so much better. Look at Axiom's Surround technology. Ascend only has direct radiators, Axiom has Quadpolars. Ascend does not have the VP150, Axiom does.
Did I mention the Ascends are unbelievably ugly?
Get the Epic 60 or the Epic 80 if the Axiom people think your room can handle the Epic 80.
Also, you may find the sound strange if you are used to bloated bass from your Polks, Axiom bass is tight and musical, not boomy and bloated.