Short answer: the Ascend Acoustics CMT-340 SE2. It ranks #24 of 222 bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 4.4/5, at $798; the ATC SCM19 ranks #209, 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. A dual woofer bookshelf speaker with accurate sound, high sensitivity, and lots of clean output, a superb partner for a subwoofer at a modest price. 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. A heavy, sealed pro style ATC bookshelf speaker with a very dense cabinet and low distortion at high volume. 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.
A dual woofer bookshelf speaker with accurate sound, high sensitivity, and lots of clean output, a superb partner for a subwoofer at a modest price.
A heavy, sealed pro style ATC bookshelf speaker with a very dense cabinet and low distortion at high volume.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Ascend Acoustics CMT-340 SE2 | ATC SCM19 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $798 per pair | $3750 per pair |
| Ranked | #24 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #209 of 222 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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