Short answer: the Ascend Acoustics HTM-200SE2. Both are rated 4.3/5 for sound quality (#7 and #8 of 179 bookshelf speakers), and the Ascend Acoustics HTM-200SE2 costs $368 against $1,150 for the Arendal 1961 Monitor, with sound quality a draw, the lower price decides it.
The Ascend Acoustics HTM-200SE2 is the more accurate choice. A compact sealed speaker with two small woofers, highly accurate sound and very wide dispersion, ideal with a subwoofer. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 4.98 against 3.38 for the Arendal 1961 Monitor. The catch: Limited bass is the main tradeoff, measuring 87.9Hz at -3dB, 71.8Hz at -6dB, and 51.3Hz at -12dB; its preference score falls to 4.98 without a subwoofer.
The case for the Arendal 1961 Monitor: A tank built sealed monitor with two 5.5 inch woofers, neutral sound and low distortion, great as home theater mains or surrounds. The catch: Bass rolls off around 70-80Hz, so it cannot be used as full-range mains for music without a subwoofer, and a sub is recommended for home theater use as well.
Buy the Ascend Acoustics HTM-200SE2. Both are rated the same for sound quality, and it costs $782 less than the Arendal 1961 Monitor.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Passive Home rankings.
A compact sealed speaker with two small woofers, highly accurate sound and very wide dispersion, ideal with a subwoofer.
A tank built sealed monitor with two 5.5 inch woofers, neutral sound and low distortion, great as home theater mains or surrounds.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Ascend Acoustics HTM-200SE2 | Arendal 1961 Monitor | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $368 per pair | $1150 per pair |
| Ranked | #7 of 179 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers | #8 of 179 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 87.9Hz (measured, spinorama.org) | 84Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | approximately 56Hz (measured, spinorama.org) | 60Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Enclosure | Sealed | - |
| Drivers | Two 4-inch woofers; soft-dome tweeter | 2 x 5.5” woofers, 28mm tweeter |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal | 4 ohms nominal (4.1 ohms minimum above 80Hz, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.98 | 3.38 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.90 | 6.69 |
| Sensitivity | 86.0dB (manufacturer specified); 85.2dB (measured, spinorama.org) | 85.9dB (measured average, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Dimensions | 11”H x 6.5”W x 6.4”D (279 x 165 x 162 mm) | 16.6”H x 6.4”W x 5.9”D (421.6 x 162.6 x 149.9 mm) |
| Weight | 9.9 lbs (4.5 kg) each | 16 lbs (7.25 kg) each |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Crossover Frequency | - | 1500Hz |
| Woofer Cabinet | - | sealed |
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