Ascend Acoustics CMT-340 SE2 vs GR-Research NX-Studio

Last updated: October 12, 2026

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.

Ascend Acoustics CMT-340 SE2 vs GR-Research NX-Studio

Why pick the Ascend Acoustics CMT-340 SE2: 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. 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. Ultra clean burst decay/waterfall plot. 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.

Check GR-Research NX-Studio price at GR Research ($3630) →Check Ascend Acoustics CMT-340 SE2 price at Ascend Acoustics ($798) →

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)-
DriversTwo 6.5-inch woofers; 27mm soft-dome tweeterGR-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
Sensitivity92dB at 2.83V/1m anechoic87dB
Impedance8 ohms nominal8 ohms
Power Handling240W continuous; 400W short-term peak-
Dimensions21 x 7.5 x 10.5 in each18”H x 8.5”W x 15.5”D (457.2 x 215.9 x 393.7 mm)
Weight29.1 lbs (13.2 kg) each20.5 lbs (9.3 kg) each
Spinorama Preference Score5.33-
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub7.99-
DIY KitNoYes
Woofer Cabinet-sealed
Check GR-Research NX-Studio price at GR Research ($3630) →Check Ascend Acoustics CMT-340 SE2 price at Ascend Acoustics ($798) →

More top alternatives to GR-Research NX-Studio:

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The Two Speakers In Full

Ascend Acoustics CMT-340 SE2: $798 per pair Ascend Acoustics $798 eBay

Ascend Acoustics CMT-340 SE2 ranking card

Older model: the Ascend Acoustics CMT-340 SE Center (rated 3.7/5). See every Ascend CBM, HTM and CMT generation.

Same family: the Ascend Acoustics 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.

Featured on:

Full Ascend Acoustics CMT-340 SE2 review and specifications →

ReleasedNov 2022 (3 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)approximately 53Hz (measured, spinorama.org)
Bass Extension (-3dB)77.6Hz (measured, spinorama.org)
DIY KitNo
Dimensions21 x 7.5 x 10.5 in each
DriversTwo 6.5-inch woofers; 27mm soft-dome tweeter
Impedance8 ohms nominal
Power Handling240W continuous; 400W short-term peak
Sensitivity92dB at 2.83V/1m anechoic
Spinorama Preference Score5.33
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub7.99
Weight29.1 lbs (13.2 kg) each
Check current price at Ascend Acoustics ($798) →Search eBay for Ascend Acoustics CMT-340 SE2 →

GR-Research NX-Studio: $3630 per pair GR Research $3630 eBay

GR-Research NX-Studio ranking card

Same family: the GR-Research NX-Bravo (smaller bookshelf, ranked lower, rated 4.4/5) and the GR-Research NX-Treme (floorstanding, rated 4.8/5).

Pros: Ultra clean burst decay/waterfall plot. Amazingly open sounding due to the semi open baffle Neo3 ribbon tweeter, will image better than any other bookshelf speaker. Neo3 ribbon tweeter is one of the best ribbons around for detail. Bass will be very tight and fast due to the sealed enclosure, but may possibly need a sub.

Cons: Bass will be very tight but won’t be quite as deep as others due to the sealed woofer enclosure.

Featured on:

Full GR-Research NX-Studio review and specifications →

ReleasedFeb 2020 (6 years ago)
DIY KitYes
Dimensions18”H x 8.5”W x 15.5”D (457.2 x 215.9 x 393.7 mm)
DriversGR-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
Impedance8 ohms
Sensitivity87dB
Weight20.5 lbs (9.3 kg) each
Woofer Cabinetsealed
Check current price at GR Research ($3630) →Search eBay for GR-Research NX-Studio →