Short answer: the Ascend Acoustics CMT-340 SE2. It ranks #24 of 203 bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 4.4/5, at $798; the ATC SCM19 ranks #190, rated 2.4/5, and costs $3,750, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
The Ascend Acoustics CMT-340 SE2 is the more accurate choice. High-quality manufacturer Klippel NFS data shows 0.295dB on-axis average absolute deviation, 0.531 listening-window smoothness, and a strong 7.99 preference score with a subwoofer. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 5.33 against 4.61 for the ATC SCM19. The catch: Bass rolls off early for the cabinet size, measuring 77.6Hz at -3dB, 64.5Hz at -6dB, and 48.3Hz at -12dB; the preference score without a subwoofer is only 5.33.
The ATC SCM19 is the deeper-bass pick. Harmonic distortion at 96dB SPL/1m stays generally low across the range aside from the spike tied to the 700-800Hz resonance. Its bass reaches about 60Hz before falling 3dB, against 77.6Hz for the Ascend Acoustics CMT-340 SE2. The catch: Some stored energy resonance around 500-700Hz, 4dB bump around 700Hz.
Buy the Ascend Acoustics CMT-340 SE2. It is rated higher for sound quality than the ATC SCM19 and costs less, so it is the default pick unless a specific strength of the other one matters more to you.
Still deciding? The full Passive Home rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Ascend Acoustics CMT-340 SE2 | ATC SCM19 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $798 per pair | $3750 per pair |
| Ranked | #24 of 203 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #190 of 203 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 77.6Hz (measured, spinorama.org) | 60Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | approximately 53Hz (measured, spinorama.org) | 34Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Drivers | Two 6.5-inch woofers; 27mm soft-dome tweeter | 5.9” Super Linear Magnet cone woofer, 1” soft dome tweeter |
| Sensitivity | 92dB at 2.83V/1m anechoic | 85dB (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal | 6 ohms |
| Power Handling | 240W continuous; 400W short-term peak | - |
| Dimensions | 21 x 7.5 x 10.5 in each | 17.2”H x 10.4”W x 11.8”D (436.9 x 264.2 x 299.7 mm) |
| Weight | 29.1 lbs (13.2 kg) each | 39.2 lbs (17.8 kg) each |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.33 | 4.61 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.99 | 7.03 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Woofer Cabinet | - | sealed |
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Prices on this page were last checked October 7, 2026 at 9:25 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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The Two Speakers In Full
Ascend Acoustics CMT-340 SE2: $798 per pair Ascend Acoustics eBay
Older model: the Ascend Acoustics CMT-340 SE Center (rated 3.7/5).
Same family: the Ascend CBM-170 SE2 (smaller bookshelf, ranked lower, rated 3.8/5) and the Ascend Acoustics HTM-200SE2 (smaller bookshelf, rated 4.3/5).
Pros: High-quality manufacturer Klippel NFS data shows 0.295dB on-axis average absolute deviation, 0.531 listening-window smoothness, and a strong 7.99 preference score with a subwoofer. Its dual 6.5-inch woofers, 92dB anechoic sensitivity, and 240W continuous power rating support high output and dynamics. Measured bass extension of 77.6Hz (-3dB).
Cons: Bass rolls off early for the cabinet size, measuring 77.6Hz at -3dB, 64.5Hz at -6dB, and 48.3Hz at -12dB; the preference score without a subwoofer is only 5.33. The 4.35 sound-power directivity-index standard deviation also indicates more off-axis variation than the strongest designs, and the rear port needs placement clearance.
Full Ascend Acoustics CMT-340 SE2 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | approximately 53Hz (measured, spinorama.org) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 77.6Hz (measured, spinorama.org) |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 21 x 7.5 x 10.5 in each |
| Drivers | Two 6.5-inch woofers; 27mm soft-dome tweeter |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal |
| Power Handling | 240W continuous; 400W short-term peak |
| Sensitivity | 92dB at 2.83V/1m anechoic |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.33 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.99 |
| Weight | 29.1 lbs (13.2 kg) each |
- Links
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ATC SCM19: $3750 per pair The Music Room eBay
Same family: the ATC SCM40 (floorstanding, estimated 2.6/5).
Pros: Harmonic distortion at 96dB SPL/1m stays generally low across the range aside from the spike tied to the 700-800Hz resonance. Sealed (unported) cabinet avoids port noise and resonance, and the extremely dense, heavy-duty enclosure (17.8kg/39lb each) reflects ATC’s pro-audio build standards. Measured bass extension of 60Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 85dB.
Cons: Some stored energy resonance around 500-700Hz, 4dB bump around 700Hz. Not recommended for the price. CEA2034 spinorama and predicted in-room response both show a very uneven overall balance (a broad accentuation from midrange to treble paired with too little bass) along with directivity error. At 96dB SPL/1m, harmonic distortion tied to the 500-700Hz resonance rises to a level the reviewer says “should not be there.”
Full ATC SCM19 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 34Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 60Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 17.2”H x 10.4”W x 11.8”D (436.9 x 264.2 x 299.7 mm) |
| Drivers | 5.9” Super Linear Magnet cone woofer, 1” soft dome tweeter |
| Impedance | 6 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 85dB (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.61 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.03 |
| Weight | 39.2 lbs (17.8 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | sealed |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons