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

Last updated: September 16, 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 130 bookshelf speakers at $3630. The Ascend Acoustics CMT-340 SE2 ranks #23 at $798, $2832 cheaper.

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

What the Ascend Acoustics CMT-340 SE2 offers: High-quality manufacturer Klippel NFS data shows 0.295dB on-axis average absolute deviation, 0.531 listening-window smoothness, and a strong 7.17 preference score with a subwoofer. Its dual 6.5-inch woofers, 92dB anechoic sensitivity, and 240W continuous power rating support high output and dynamics. 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 4.51. 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.

What the GR-Research NX-Studio offers: 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. 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.

Buy the GR-Research NX-Studio at Gr-research →Buy the Ascend Acoustics CMT-340 SE2 at Ascend Acoustics ($798/pair) →

Specifications Side By Side

Ascend Acoustics CMT-340 SE2 GR-Research NX-Studio
Price$798 per pair$3630 per pair
Ranked#23 of 130 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers#4 of 130 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 Score4.51-
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub7.17-
Woofer Cabinet-sealed
Buy the GR-Research NX-Studio at Gr-research →Buy the Ascend Acoustics CMT-340 SE2 at Ascend Acoustics ($798/pair) →

More top alternatives to GR-Research NX-Studio:

Prices on this page were last checked September 16, 2026 at 12:41 AM 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

Ascend Acoustics CMT-340 SE2 ranking card

Pros: High-quality manufacturer Klippel NFS data shows 0.295dB on-axis average absolute deviation, 0.531 listening-window smoothness, and a strong 7.17 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 4.51. 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)
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 Score4.51
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub7.17
Weight29.1 lbs (13.2 kg) each
Check current price at Ascend Acoustics ($798/pair) →Search eBay for Ascend Acoustics CMT-340 SE2 →

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

GR-Research NX-Studio ranking card

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.

Full GR-Research NX-Studio review and specifications →

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 →Search eBay for GR-Research NX-Studio →