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 ranks #158, rated 3.4/5, and costs $1,600, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
The Ascend Acoustics CMT-340 SE2 is the more accurate pick. 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. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 5.33 against 3.81 for the Sonus Faber Lumina II. 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 is the deeper-bass pick. Handmade Italian bookshelf speakers with leather-wrapped cabinets, competitive bass for their size and flexible placement. Its bass reaches about 60Hz before falling 3dB, against 77.6Hz for the Ascend Acoustics CMT-340 SE2. The catch: Not a neutral speaker: has a persistent high-frequency boost/lift that makes it sound forward and bright, present whether pointed directly at the listener or toed out.
Buy the Ascend Acoustics CMT-340 SE2. It is rated higher for sound quality than the Sonus Faber Lumina II and costs less, which makes it the one to get unless you need something the other one does better.
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.
Handmade Italian bookshelf speakers with leather-wrapped cabinets, competitive bass for their size and flexible placement.
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 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $798 per pair | $1,600 per pair |
| Ranked | #24 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #158 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 77.6Hz (measured, spinorama.org) | 60Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | approximately 53Hz (measured, spinorama.org) | 41Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Drivers | Two 6.5-inch woofers; 27mm soft-dome tweeter | 29mm DAD dome tweeter, 150mm paper cone mid-woofer |
| Sensitivity | 92dB at 2.83V/1m anechoic | 86dB (measured average, Erin’s Audio Corner; matches manufacturer spec) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal | 4 ohms nominal, 4.1 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 | 12.5 lbs (5.65 kg) each |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.33 | 3.81 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.99 | 6.10 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Crossover Frequency | - | 1800Hz |
| Frequency Response | - | 55Hz - 24kHz (manufacturer specified) |
| Recommended Power | - | 30W - 150W |
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