Short answer: the Ascend Acoustics CMT-340 SE2. It ranks #24 of 203 bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 4.4/5, at $798; the Ascend Acoustics Sierra-2EX V2 ranks #43, 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 RAAL true ribbon tweeter is paired with a custom SEAS Excel Curv woofer, with the crossover optimized against Klippel NFS measurement data. 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: High-quality manufacturer Klippel NFS data shows 0.295dB on-axis average absolute deviation, 0.531 listening-window smoothness, and a strong 7.99 preference score with a subwoofer. 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.
Specifications Side By Side
| Ascend Acoustics Sierra-2EX V2 | Ascend Acoustics CMT-340 SE2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,748 per pair | $798 per pair |
| Ranked | #43 of 203 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #24 of 203 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:
- Ascend Acoustics CMT-340 SE2 vs Perlisten S4b
- KEF Reference 1 Meta vs Ascend Acoustics CMT-340 SE2
- Ascend Acoustics CMT-340 SE2 vs GR-Research NX-Studio
- AsciLab C6B vs Ascend Acoustics CMT-340 SE2
- Audio First Cadentia 3 vs Ascend Acoustics CMT-340 SE2
Prices on this page were last checked October 7, 2026 at 9:25 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.
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The Two Speakers In Full
Ascend Acoustics Sierra-2EX V2: $1,748 per pair Ascend Acoustics eBay
Older model: the Ascend Acoustics Sierra 2 (ranked lower, rated 3.7/5).
Same family: the Ascend Sierra 1 v2 (smaller bookshelf, rated 4.7/5), the Ascend Acoustics Sierra-LX (larger bookshelf, ranked higher, rated 4.3/5), the Ascend Acoustics Sierra Titan Tower (floorstanding, rated 4.4/5) and the Ascend Acoustics Sierra Horizon V2 (center, estimated 4.3/5).
Pros: A RAAL true ribbon tweeter is paired with a custom SEAS Excel Curv woofer, with the crossover optimized against Klippel NFS measurement data. Listening window smoothness measures 0.45, a moderate but usable figure for a compact standmount. Pairs are hand matched within +/-1.5dB and shipped with their own individual frequency response printout, backed by a 7 year parts and labor warranty from direct USA assembly in Orange County, California. Measured bass extension of 58.6Hz (-3dB).
Cons: 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. Bass extension is modest for the price class at a measured 51.3Hz at -6dB. Ascend sells direct only, with no dealer network or third party retailers for an in person audition.
Full Ascend Acoustics Sierra-2EX V2 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 42.4Hz (measured, spinorama.org vendor data) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 58.6Hz (measured, spinorama.org vendor data) |
| Bass Extension (-6dB) | 51.3Hz (measured, spinorama.org vendor data) |
| Country | United States |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 14.3”H x 7.5”W x 10.5”D (362 x 190 x 267 mm) |
| Drivers | RAAL 10mm true ribbon tweeter, 6” SEAS Excel Curv cone woofer |
| Enclosure | ported |
| Frequency Response | 51-27,000Hz +/-3dB (manufacturer) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal |
| Power Handling | 150W continuous, 300W peak |
| Sensitivity | 85dB @ 2.83V/1m anechoic (manufacturer) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.88 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.95 |
| Warranty | 7 years parts and labor |
| Weight | 20.1 lbs (9.1 kg) each |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Ascend Acoustics Sierra-2EX V2 vs Selah Audio Integrity
- Ascend Acoustics Sierra-2EX V2 vs Philharmonic BMR (v1)
- Ascend Acoustics Sierra-2EX V2 vs Revel M126Be
- Ascend Acoustics Sierra-2EX V2 vs Ascend Acoustics Sierra-LX
- Ascend Acoustics Sierra-2EX V2 vs Wharfedale Linton 85
- Ascend Acoustics Sierra-2EX V2 vs Emotiva Airmotiv XB2
- Ascend Acoustics Sierra-2EX V2 vs ELAC Debut 3.0 DB63
- Ascend Acoustics Sierra-2EX V2 vs Perlisten A3m
- See all 46 comparisons
Ascend Acoustics CMT-340 SE2: $798 per pair Ascend Acoustics eBay
Older model: the Ascend Acoustics CMT-340 SE Center (rated 3.7/5).
Same family: the Ascend CBM-170 SE2 (smaller bookshelf, ranked lower, rated 3.8/5) and the Ascend Acoustics HTM-200SE2 (smaller bookshelf, rated 4.3/5).
Pros: High-quality manufacturer Klippel NFS data shows 0.295dB on-axis average absolute deviation, 0.531 listening-window smoothness, and a strong 7.99 preference score with a subwoofer. Its dual 6.5-inch woofers, 92dB anechoic sensitivity, and 240W continuous power rating support high output and dynamics. Measured bass extension of 77.6Hz (-3dB).
Cons: 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. The 4.35 sound-power directivity-index standard deviation also indicates more off-axis variation than the strongest designs, and the rear port needs placement clearance.
Full Ascend Acoustics CMT-340 SE2 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | approximately 53Hz (measured, spinorama.org) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 77.6Hz (measured, spinorama.org) |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 21 x 7.5 x 10.5 in each |
| Drivers | Two 6.5-inch woofers; 27mm soft-dome tweeter |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal |
| Power Handling | 240W continuous; 400W short-term peak |
| Sensitivity | 92dB at 2.83V/1m anechoic |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.33 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.99 |
| Weight | 29.1 lbs (13.2 kg) each |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Ascend Acoustics CMT-340 SE2 vs Arendal 1528 Monitor 8
- Ascend Acoustics CMT-340 SE2 vs Wharfedale Super Linton
- Ascend Acoustics CMT-340 SE2 vs MoFi SourcePoint 10
- Ascend Acoustics CMT-340 SE2 vs AsciLab F6Bs
- Ascend Acoustics CMT-340 SE2 vs Radiant Acoustics Clarity 6.2
- Ascend Acoustics CMT-340 SE2 vs Dynaudio Heritage Special
- Ascend Acoustics CMT-340 SE2 vs MoFi SourcePoint 8
- Ascend Acoustics CMT-340 SE2 vs Buchardt Audio E50
- See all 47 comparisons