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 ELAC Uni-Fi Reference UBR62 ranks #64, rated 4.1/5, and costs $1,299, which makes this an easy call rather than a real tradeoff.
The Ascend Acoustics CMT-340 SE2 is the better-sounding 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. 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 ELAC Uni-Fi Reference UBR62 is the deeper-bass option. True three-way stand-mount using a 1-inch tweeter concentrically mounted in a 4-inch aluminum midrange plus a dedicated 6.5-inch aluminum woofer. Its bass reaches about 58.6Hz before falling 3dB, against 77.6Hz for the Ascend Acoustics CMT-340 SE2. The tradeoff: Erin measured very low 83dB/2.83V/1m sensitivity; his 110W Parasound was insufficient for the high-level test and the more powerful HINT 6 was needed.
Buy the Ascend Acoustics CMT-340 SE2. It is rated higher for sound quality than the ELAC Uni-Fi Reference UBR62 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 | ELAC Uni-Fi Reference UBR62 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $798 per pair | $1,299.00 per pair |
| Ranked | #24 of 203 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #64 of 203 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 77.6Hz (measured, spinorama.org) | 58.6Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | approximately 53Hz (measured, spinorama.org) | 41.9Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Drivers | Two 6.5-inch woofers; 27mm soft-dome tweeter | 1” tweeter coaxial with 4” midrange; 6.5” woofer |
| Sensitivity | 92dB at 2.83V/1m anechoic | 83dB/2.83V/1m (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal | 4 ohms minimum near 50Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Power Handling | 240W continuous; 400W short-term peak | - |
| Dimensions | 21 x 7.5 x 10.5 in each | 14.1”H x 8.2”W x 13.1”D |
| Weight | 29.1 lbs (13.2 kg) each | 23.5 lbs (10.68 kg) each |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.33 | 5.44 (measured, spinorama.org) |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.99 | 7.7 (measured, spinorama.org) |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Bass Extension | - | 41Hz manufacturer specified; Erin’s response-linearity graph shows limited high-output bass headroom |
| Woofer Cabinet | - | ported, dual front slot vents |
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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 |
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- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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ELAC Uni-Fi Reference UBR62: $1,299.00 per pair Amazon eBay
Same family: the ELAC Uni-Fi Reference UFR52 (floorstanding, estimated 4.3/5) and the ELAC Uni-Fi Reference UCR52 (center, rated 3.3/5).
Pros: True three-way stand-mount using a 1-inch tweeter concentrically mounted in a 4-inch aluminum midrange plus a dedicated 6.5-inch aluminum woofer. Erin found the directivity and overall tonality well controlled, with dual front slot vents minimizing placement sensitivity and cabinet bracing suppressing obvious coloration. The mostly 5-ohm-or-higher load is manageable for a genuinely 4-ohm-capable amplifier, and the coherent concentric upper range supports stable imaging across seats. Measured bass extension of 58.6Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 83dB.
Cons: Erin measured very low 83dB/2.83V/1m sensitivity; his 110W Parasound was insufficient for the high-level test and the more powerful HINT 6 was needed. Impedance reaches 4 ohms near 50Hz (Erin), while woofer excursion and bass output were less capable than expected for the cabinet size. A broad 500-700Hz rise and associated lower/female-vocal coloration were audible, and the slightly subdued listening-window treble is necessary to avoid an overly bright in-room balance rather than evidence of ruler-flat axial tuning.
Full ELAC Uni-Fi Reference UBR62 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension | 41Hz manufacturer specified; Erin’s response-linearity graph shows limited high-output bass headroom |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 41.9Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 58.6Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 14.1”H x 8.2”W x 13.1”D |
| Drivers | 1” tweeter coaxial with 4” midrange; 6.5” woofer |
| Impedance | 4 ohms minimum near 50Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | 83dB/2.83V/1m (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.44 (measured, spinorama.org) |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.7 (measured, spinorama.org) |
| Weight | 23.5 lbs (10.68 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, dual front slot vents |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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