Short answer: the Ascend Acoustics HTM-200SE2. It ranks #7 of 179 bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 4.3/5, at $368; the Wharfedale Super Denton ranks #28, rated 4.0/5, and costs $1,499, which makes this an easy call rather than a real tradeoff.
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. The tradeoff: 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 Wharfedale Super Denton is the more accurate, deeper-bass pick. Classic looking three way bookshelf speakers with a dedicated dome midrange, low distortion and a cabinet free of resonances. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 5.90 against 4.98 for the Ascend Acoustics HTM-200SE2. Its bass reaches about 61Hz before falling 3dB, against 87.9Hz for the Ascend Acoustics HTM-200SE2. The tradeoff: A mid-range scoop from about 200-800Hz and a separate upper-midrange scoop were both audible in direct ABX comparison against a reference-neutral speaker, giving aggressive-sounding material a more subdued character.
Buy the Ascend Acoustics HTM-200SE2. It is rated higher for sound quality than the Wharfedale Super Denton and costs less, so it is the default pick unless a specific strength of the other one matters more to you.
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.
Classic looking three way bookshelf speakers with a dedicated dome midrange, low distortion and a cabinet free of resonances.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Ascend Acoustics HTM-200SE2 | Wharfedale Super Denton | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $368 per pair | $1,499.00 per pair |
| Ranked | #7 of 179 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers | #28 of 179 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 87.9Hz (measured, spinorama.org) | 61Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | approximately 56Hz (measured, spinorama.org) | 41Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Enclosure | Sealed | - |
| Drivers | Two 4-inch woofers; soft-dome tweeter | 1” soft dome tweeter, 2” soft dome midrange, 6.5” woven Kevlar woofer |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal | 6 ohms nominal, 3 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.98 | 5.9 (Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.90 | - |
| Sensitivity | 86.0dB (manufacturer specified); 85.2dB (measured, spinorama.org) | 86.6dB (measured by Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Dimensions | 11”H x 6.5”W x 6.4”D (279 x 165 x 162 mm) | 14.2”H x 9.7”W x 10.8”D (360 x 246 x 275 mm) |
| Weight | 9.9 lbs (4.5 kg) each | 20.3 lbs (9.2 kg) each |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Woofer Cabinet | - | ported |
| Frequency Response | - | 52Hz - 20kHz (±3dB, manufacturer specified); -6dB to 40Hz |
| Crossover Frequency | - | 940Hz, 4.6kHz |
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