Short answer: the Ascend Acoustics HTM-200SE2. It ranks #7 of 179 bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 4.3/5, at $368; the Q Acoustics 5020 ranks #157, rated 2.2/5, and costs $1,199, so there is little reason to consider the other one.
The Ascend Acoustics HTM-200SE2 is the more accurate, deeper-bass pick. 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 3.63 for the Q Acoustics 5020. Its bass reaches about 87.9Hz before falling 3dB, against 103Hz for the Q Acoustics 5020. 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.
Why pick the Q Acoustics 5020: An attractively finished standmount with low distortion at normal levels and a rear port that can be plugged for placement flexibility. The catch: Erin found the tonal balance distinctly too crisp, forward and treble-heavy: the top end is roughly 3-5dB elevated while the 1-3kHz region is recessed, so vocals change level unnaturally as they move through their range.
Buy the Ascend Acoustics HTM-200SE2. It is rated higher for sound quality than the Q Acoustics 5020 and costs less, so only choose the other one for a particular feature it does better.
Want more options? Browse the full Passive Home rankings.
A compact sealed speaker with two small woofers, highly accurate sound and very wide dispersion, ideal with a subwoofer.
An attractively finished standmount with low distortion at normal levels and a rear port that can be plugged for placement flexibility.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Ascend Acoustics HTM-200SE2 | Q Acoustics 5020 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $368 per pair | $1,199.00 per pair |
| Ranked | #7 of 179 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers | #157 of 179 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 87.9Hz (measured, spinorama.org) | 103Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | approximately 56Hz (measured, spinorama.org) | 48Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Enclosure | Sealed | - |
| Drivers | Two 4-inch woofers; soft-dome tweeter | 5” (125mm) C3 mid/bass driver, 1” (25mm) tweeter |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal | 6 ohms nominal, 3.3 ohms minimum (manufacturer specified) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.98 | 3.63 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.90 | 6.55 |
| Sensitivity | 86.0dB (manufacturer specified); 85.2dB (measured, spinorama.org) | 87.1dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Erin’s Audio Corner; 87.9dB manufacturer specified) |
| Dimensions | 11”H x 6.5”W x 6.4”D (279 x 165 x 162 mm) | 11.2”H x 7.1”W x 11.5”D |
| Weight | 9.9 lbs (4.5 kg) each | 15.4 lbs (7.0 kg) each |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Crossover Frequency | - | 2.5kHz (manufacturer specified) |
| Frequency Response | - | 53Hz - 30kHz (-6dB, manufacturer specified) |
| Recommended Power | - | 25W - 100W (manufacturer specified) |
| Woofer Cabinet | - | rear-ported |
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