Short answer: the Ascend Acoustics HTM-200SE2. It ranks #7 of 179 bookshelf speakers by sound quality (rated 4.3/5) at $368 and is still sold new; the Monitor Audio Silver 50 7G ranks #16 (rated 4.2/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used. The Monitor Audio Silver 50 7G’s replacement, the Monitor Audio Silver 50 8G, is rated 4.2/5 at $1,250.
The case for the Ascend Acoustics HTM-200SE2: A compact sealed speaker with two small woofers, highly accurate sound and very wide dispersion, ideal with a subwoofer. Watch for: 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 Monitor Audio Silver 50 7G: An award winning compact bookshelf speaker with accurate sound, a gold dome tweeter and good bass weight for its size. The catch: The on axis response trends noticeably upward toward the treble (rising about 0.5dB per octave, a steep tilt), which can read as bright on already bright recordings.
Buy the Ascend Acoustics HTM-200SE2. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the Monitor Audio Silver 50 7G is discontinued, so it is only available used.
Still deciding? The full Passive Home rankings cover every ranked option.
A compact sealed speaker with two small woofers, highly accurate sound and very wide dispersion, ideal with a subwoofer.
An award winning compact bookshelf speaker with accurate sound, a gold dome tweeter and good bass weight for its size.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Ascend Acoustics HTM-200SE2 | Monitor Audio Silver 50 7G | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $368 per pair | $799 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #7 of 179 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers | #16 of 179 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 87.9Hz (measured, spinorama.org) | 87.9Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | approximately 56Hz (measured, spinorama.org) | 50.7Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Enclosure | Sealed | ported |
| Drivers | Two 4-inch woofers; soft-dome tweeter | 1” C-CAM Gold Dome tweeter, 5.25” C-CAM RST II mid bass driver |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal | 8 ohms nominal, 3.9 ohms minimum |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.98 | 5.40 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.90 | 8.01 |
| Sensitivity | 86.0dB (manufacturer specified); 85.2dB (measured, spinorama.org) | 86dB @ 2.83V/1m |
| Dimensions | 11”H x 6.5”W x 6.4”D (279 x 165 x 162 mm) | 11.1”H x 6.5”W x 10.7”D (282 x 165 x 272 mm) |
| Weight | 9.9 lbs (4.5 kg) each | 12.3 lbs (5.6 kg) each |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Crossover Frequency | - | 2.6kHz |
| Port Tuning | - | 58Hz |
| Power Handling | - | 100W RMS handling, 40-100W recommended amplifier power |
| Warranty | - | Lifetime, parts and labor |
| Country | - | China |
| Maximum SPL | - | 104dB (manufacturer specified) |
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