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 Dynaudio Emit 20 ranks #133, rated 3.6/5, and costs $1,049, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
The Ascend Acoustics CMT-340 SE2 is the more accurate 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. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 5.33 against 4.22 for the Dynaudio Emit 20. Watch for: 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 Dynaudio Emit 20 is the deeper-bass choice. Bookshelf speakers with unusually deep, low distortion bass for a two-way design and wide, consistent dispersion. Its bass reaches about 54Hz before falling 3dB, against 77.6Hz for the Ascend Acoustics CMT-340 SE2. Watch for: A resonance around 600-800Hz gives snares and similar percussion a muffled, flat quality lacking impact: confirmed as originating in the woofer itself (isolated via measurements of the raw driver out of the cabinet), and attempts at constrained-layer damping didn’t resolve it.
Buy the Ascend Acoustics CMT-340 SE2. It is rated higher for sound quality than the Dynaudio Emit 20 and costs less, which makes it the one to get unless you need something the other one does better.
Want more options? Browse the full Passive Home rankings.
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.
Bookshelf speakers with unusually deep, low distortion bass for a two-way design and wide, consistent dispersion.
Prices on this page were last checked October 31, 2026 at 7:11 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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Specifications Side By Side
| Ascend Acoustics CMT-340 SE2 | Dynaudio Emit 20 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $798 per pair | $1,049.00 per pair |
| Ranked | #24 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #133 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 77.6Hz (measured, spinorama.org) | 54Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | approximately 53Hz (measured, spinorama.org) | 33Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Drivers | Two 6.5-inch woofers; 27mm soft-dome tweeter | 7.1” Magnesium Silicate Polymer woofer, 1.1” Cerotar soft dome with Hexis tweeter |
| Sensitivity | 92dB at 2.83V/1m anechoic | 83.5dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner; 86dB manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal | 6 ohms nominal (5.5 ohms minimum above 80Hz, measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Power Handling | 240W continuous; 400W short-term peak | - |
| Dimensions | 21 x 7.5 x 10.5 in each | 14.6”H x 8.1”W x 12.3”D (370.0 x 205.0 x 312.0 mm) |
| Weight | 29.1 lbs (13.2 kg) each | 12.8 lbs (5.8 kg) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.33 | 4.22 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.99 | 5.92 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Woofer Cabinet | - | ported, rear |
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