Short answer: the Perlisten S4b on measured sound quality, the Ascend Acoustics CMT-340 SE2 on price. The Perlisten S4b ranks #2 of 222 bookshelf speakers, rated 4.8/5, at $8,000. The Ascend Acoustics CMT-340 SE2 ranks #24, rated 4.4/5, at $798, $7,202 cheaper.
What the Ascend Acoustics CMT-340 SE2 does well: 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. 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 Perlisten S4b is the better-sounding option. A compact sealed bookshelf speaker with reference grade accuracy, exceptionally smooth dispersion, and very low distortion at high volume. Watch for: Erin measured only 84.5dB sensitivity and an impedance minimum just under 4 ohms, a difficult efficiency/load combination that deserves substantial clean amplification.
Buy the Ascend Acoustics CMT-340 SE2 if the price matters more than sound quality. Buy the Perlisten S4b 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 compact sealed bookshelf speaker with reference grade accuracy, exceptionally smooth dispersion, and very low distortion at high volume.
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 | Perlisten S4b | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $798 per pair | $8,000 per pair |
| Ranked | #24 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #2 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 77.6Hz (measured, spinorama.org) | 78Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | approximately 53Hz (measured, spinorama.org) | 40Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Drivers | Two 6.5-inch woofers; 27mm soft-dome tweeter | DPC array with 28mm beryllium tweeter and dual 28mm midrange domes; 7” woofer |
| Sensitivity | 92dB at 2.83V/1m anechoic | 84.5dB/2.83V/1m (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal | Just under 4 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Power Handling | 240W continuous; 400W short-term peak | - |
| Dimensions | 21 x 7.5 x 10.5 in each | 16.5”H x 9.4”W x 7.3”D |
| Weight | 29.1 lbs (13.2 kg) each | 24.3 lbs (11 kg) each |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.33 | 5.35 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.99 | 8.01 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Woofer Cabinet | - | sealed |
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