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 CBM-170 SE2 ranks #113, rated 3.8/5, at $468, $330 cheaper, not enough of a saving to outweigh the sound-quality gap.
The Ascend Acoustics CBM-170 SE2 is the more accurate choice. Compact two-way bookshelf speakers with a SEAS tweeter, a very flat midrange and smooth sound that suits most rooms. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 6.30 against 5.33 for the Ascend Acoustics CMT-340 SE2. Watch for: A narrow dip in the on-axis and listening-window response appears in the 3-5kHz range (down to about -2.7dB), mirrored by a matching dip in the directivity index at the same frequencies: likely a brief widening of dispersion right at the tweeter/woofer crossover.
The Ascend Acoustics CMT-340 SE2 is the better-sounding option. 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, and saving $330 with the Ascend Acoustics CBM-170 SE2 does not make up for the sound-quality gap.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Passive Home rankings.
Compact two-way bookshelf speakers with a SEAS tweeter, a very flat midrange and smooth sound that suits most rooms.
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.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Ascend Acoustics CBM-170 SE2 | Ascend Acoustics CMT-340 SE2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $468 per pair | $798 per pair |
| Ranked | #113 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #24 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 70Hz (measured, manufacturer spinorama data) | 77.6Hz (measured, spinorama.org) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 50Hz (measured, manufacturer spinorama data) | approximately 53Hz (measured, spinorama.org) |
| Sensitivity | 86.8dB (2.83V/1m, measured, manufacturer spinorama data; 87dB manufacturer specified) | 92dB at 2.83V/1m anechoic |
| Drivers | 27mm custom SEAS soft dome tweeter, 6.5” proprietary composite polygel cone woofer | Two 6.5-inch woofers; 27mm soft-dome tweeter |
| Dimensions | 12H x 9W x 9.5D in | 21 x 7.5 x 10.5 in each |
| Weight | 15 lbs (6.8 kg) each | 29.1 lbs (13.2 kg) each |
| Impedance | 8 ohms | 8 ohms nominal |
| Power Handling | 200W continuous, 400W peak | 240W continuous; 400W short-term peak |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.30 | 5.33 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 8.66 | 7.99 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
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