Short answer: the GR-Research NX-Studio for better sound quality, the Ascend Acoustics CMT-340 SE2 for the lower price. The GR-Research NX-Studio ranks #4 of 222 bookshelf speakers, rated 4.8/5, at $3,630. The Ascend Acoustics CMT-340 SE2 ranks #24, rated 4.4/5, at $798, $2,832 cheaper.
Why pick the Ascend Acoustics CMT-340 SE2: 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. 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 GR-Research NX-Studio is the better-sounding pick. A DIY kit bookshelf speaker with a ribbon tweeter for wide open, detailed sound, superb imaging, and tight, fast sealed bass. Watch for: Bass will be very tight but won’t be quite as deep as others due to the sealed woofer enclosure.
Buy the Ascend Acoustics CMT-340 SE2 if the price matters more than sound quality. Buy the GR-Research NX-Studio if sound quality matters more than the price.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete 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 DIY kit bookshelf speaker with a ribbon tweeter for wide open, detailed sound, superb imaging, and tight, fast sealed bass.
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 | GR-Research NX-Studio | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $798 per pair | $3630 per pair |
| Ranked | #24 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #4 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 77.6Hz (measured, spinorama.org) | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | approximately 53Hz (measured, spinorama.org) | - |
| Drivers | Two 6.5-inch woofers; 27mm soft-dome tweeter | GR-Research M165NQ 6.5” paper cone, non-resonant polymer frame, copper shorting rings and aluminum phase plug sealed enclosure woofer, GR-Research Neo3 Planar Magnetic Ribbon open baffle tweeter |
| Sensitivity | 92dB at 2.83V/1m anechoic | 87dB |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal | 8 ohms |
| Power Handling | 240W continuous; 400W short-term peak | - |
| Dimensions | 21 x 7.5 x 10.5 in each | 18”H x 8.5”W x 15.5”D (457.2 x 215.9 x 393.7 mm) |
| Weight | 29.1 lbs (13.2 kg) each | 20.5 lbs (9.3 kg) each |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.33 | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.99 | - |
| DIY Kit | No | Yes |
| Woofer Cabinet | - | sealed |
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