Short answer: the Ascend Acoustics CMT-340 SE2. It ranks #24 of 222 bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 4.4/5, at $798; the Sonus Faber Lumina II Amator ranks #188, rated 3.0/5, and costs $2,000, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
The Ascend Acoustics CMT-340 SE2 is the better-sounding choice. 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 Sonus Faber Lumina II Amator is the deeper-bass choice. A luxurious Italian bookshelf speaker with a gorgeous cabinet, solid bass for its size and wide, consistent dispersion. Its bass reaches about 63Hz before falling 3dB, against 77.6Hz for the Ascend Acoustics CMT-340 SE2. The catch: Very bright treble, running 3-6dB above the midrange depending on measurement angle: independently corroborated by other owners online, not just one reviewer’s opinion.
Buy the Ascend Acoustics CMT-340 SE2. It is rated higher for sound quality than the Sonus Faber Lumina II Amator and costs less, so only choose the other one for a particular feature it does better.
Still deciding? The full Passive Home rankings cover every ranked option.
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 luxurious Italian bookshelf speaker with a gorgeous cabinet, solid bass for its size and wide, consistent dispersion.
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 | Sonus Faber Lumina II Amator | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $798 per pair | $2000 per pair |
| Ranked | #24 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #188 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 77.6Hz (measured, spinorama.org) | 63Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | approximately 53Hz (measured, spinorama.org) | 43Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Drivers | Two 6.5-inch woofers; 27mm soft-dome tweeter | 1.14” DAD (Damped Apex Dome) tweeter, 5.9” paper cone woofer |
| Sensitivity | 92dB at 2.83V/1m anechoic | 86.9dB (2.83V/1m, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal | 4 ohms nominal, 3.9 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 | 12” x 7.1” x 10.4” (304 x 180 x 263 mm) |
| Weight | 29.1 lbs (13.2 kg) each | 12.8 lbs (5.8 kg) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.33 | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.99 | - |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Frequency Response | - | 55Hz - 24kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Crossover Frequency | - | 2600Hz |
| Woofer Cabinet | - | Bass reflex, ported |
| Recommended Power | - | 30W - 150W |
| Country | - | Italy (Vicenza) |
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