Short answer: the Ascend Acoustics CMT-340 SE2. Both are rated 4.4/5 for sound quality (#24 and #29 of 222 bookshelf speakers), and the Ascend Acoustics CMT-340 SE2 costs $798 against $7,000 for the Dynaudio Heritage Special, and with sound quality even, the cheaper one is the better buy.
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 4.32 for the Dynaudio Heritage Special. The tradeoff: 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 Heritage Special is the deeper-bass option. A limited edition bookshelf speaker with huge output for its size, robust bass, and a big, well proportioned soundstage. Its bass reaches about 52Hz before falling 3dB, against 77.6Hz for the Ascend Acoustics CMT-340 SE2. The tradeoff: At lower listening volumes, dynamic range and kick-drum punch fell short of higher-sensitivity speakers the reviewer has tested (JBL 4367, KEF Reference 1 Meta): the sheer output ceiling is impressive, but it isn’t a highly dynamic-sounding speaker at modest levels.
Buy the Ascend Acoustics CMT-340 SE2. Both are rated the same for sound quality, and it costs $6,202 less than the Dynaudio Heritage Special.
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.
A limited edition bookshelf speaker with huge output for its size, robust bass, and a big, well proportioned soundstage.
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 Heritage Special | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $798 per pair | $7,000 per pair |
| Ranked | #24 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #29 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 77.6Hz (measured, spinorama.org) | 52Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | approximately 53Hz (measured, spinorama.org) | 38Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Drivers | Two 6.5-inch woofers; 27mm soft-dome tweeter | 18cm MSP cone woofer, 28mm Esotar 3 dome tweeter |
| Sensitivity | 92dB at 2.83V/1m anechoic | 85dB (measured at 2.83V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal | 5.1 ohms minimum, ported mode (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Power Handling | 240W continuous; 400W short-term peak | - |
| Dimensions | 21 x 7.5 x 10.5 in each | 15.2”H x 8.2”W x 12.6”D (385 x 208 x 320 mm) |
| Weight | 29.1 lbs (13.2 kg) each | 24.3 lbs (11 kg) each |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.33 | 4.32 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.99 | 6.33 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Country | - | Denmark |
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