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 Ascend Acoustics Sierra-2EX V2 ranks #41, rated 4.3/5, and costs $1,748, so there is little reason to consider the other one.
The Ascend Acoustics Sierra-2EX V2 is the more accurate, deeper-bass pick. A ribbon tweeter bookshelf speaker with hand matched pairs, a frequency response printout for each unit, and a long seven year warranty. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 5.88 against 5.33 for the Ascend Acoustics CMT-340 SE2. Its bass reaches about 58.6Hz before falling 3dB, against 77.6Hz for the Ascend Acoustics CMT-340 SE2. The catch: On-axis response is relatively uneven, with an average deviation of about 0.45dB, so a listener sitting dead center may notice more unevenness than with smoother AsciLab or Ascend towers.
What the Ascend Acoustics CMT-340 SE2 does well: 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. 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.
Buy the Ascend Acoustics CMT-340 SE2. It is rated higher for sound quality than the Ascend Acoustics Sierra-2EX V2 and costs less, which makes it the one to get unless you need something the other one does better.
Want more options? Browse the full Passive Home rankings.
A ribbon tweeter bookshelf speaker with hand matched pairs, a frequency response printout for each unit, and a long seven year warranty.
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.
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.
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
Specifications Side By Side
| Ascend Acoustics Sierra-2EX V2 | Ascend Acoustics CMT-340 SE2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,748 per pair | $798 per pair |
| Ranked | #41 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #24 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Enclosure | ported | - |
| Drivers | RAAL 10mm true ribbon tweeter, 6” SEAS Excel Curv cone woofer | Two 6.5-inch woofers; 27mm soft-dome tweeter |
| Dimensions | 14.3”H x 7.5”W x 10.5”D (362 x 190 x 267 mm) | 21 x 7.5 x 10.5 in each |
| Weight | 20.1 lbs (9.1 kg) each | 29.1 lbs (13.2 kg) each |
| Sensitivity | 85dB @ 2.83V/1m anechoic (manufacturer) | 92dB at 2.83V/1m anechoic |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal | 8 ohms nominal |
| Power Handling | 150W continuous, 300W peak | 240W continuous; 400W short-term peak |
| Frequency Response | 51-27,000Hz +/-3dB (manufacturer) | - |
| Bass Extension (-6dB) | 51.3Hz (measured, spinorama.org vendor data) | - |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 58.6Hz (measured, spinorama.org vendor data) | 77.6Hz (measured, spinorama.org) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 42.4Hz (measured, spinorama.org vendor data) | approximately 53Hz (measured, spinorama.org) |
| Warranty | 7 years parts and labor | - |
| Country | United States | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.88 | 5.33 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.95 | 7.99 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
Related Speaker Comparisons
How Ascend Acoustics CMT-340 SE2 compares with other leading options: