Short answer: the Ascend Acoustics Sierra-2EX V2 on measured sound quality, the Ascend Acoustics CBM-170 SE2 on price. The Ascend Acoustics Sierra-2EX V2 ranks #41 of 222 bookshelf speakers, rated 4.3/5, at $1,748. The Ascend Acoustics CBM-170 SE2 ranks #113, rated 3.8/5, at $468, $1,280 cheaper.
The case for the Ascend Acoustics CBM-170 SE2: Compact two-way bookshelf speakers with a SEAS tweeter, a very flat midrange and smooth sound that suits most rooms. The catch: 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 Sierra-2EX V2 is the better-sounding, 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 bass reaches about 58.6Hz before falling 3dB, against 70Hz for the Ascend Acoustics CBM-170 SE2. The tradeoff: 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.
Buy the Ascend Acoustics CBM-170 SE2 if the price matters more than sound quality. Buy the Ascend Acoustics Sierra-2EX V2 if sound quality matters more than the price.
Want more options? Browse the full Passive Home rankings.
Compact two-way bookshelf speakers with a SEAS tweeter, a very flat midrange and smooth sound that suits most rooms.
A ribbon tweeter bookshelf speaker with hand matched pairs, a frequency response printout for each unit, and a long seven year warranty.
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 CBM-170 SE2 | Ascend Acoustics Sierra-2EX V2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $468 per pair | $1,748 per pair |
| Ranked | #113 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #41 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 70Hz (measured, manufacturer spinorama data) | 58.6Hz (measured, spinorama.org vendor data) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 50Hz (measured, manufacturer spinorama data) | 42.4Hz (measured, spinorama.org vendor data) |
| Sensitivity | 86.8dB (2.83V/1m, measured, manufacturer spinorama data; 87dB manufacturer specified) | 85dB @ 2.83V/1m anechoic (manufacturer) |
| Drivers | 27mm custom SEAS soft dome tweeter, 6.5” proprietary composite polygel cone woofer | RAAL 10mm true ribbon tweeter, 6” SEAS Excel Curv cone woofer |
| Dimensions | 12H x 9W x 9.5D in | 14.3”H x 7.5”W x 10.5”D (362 x 190 x 267 mm) |
| Weight | 15 lbs (6.8 kg) each | 20.1 lbs (9.1 kg) each |
| Impedance | 8 ohms | 8 ohms nominal |
| Power Handling | 200W continuous, 400W peak | 150W continuous, 300W peak |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.30 | 5.88 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 8.66 | 7.95 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Enclosure | - | ported |
| Frequency Response | - | 51-27,000Hz +/-3dB (manufacturer) |
| Bass Extension (-6dB) | - | 51.3Hz (measured, spinorama.org vendor data) |
| Warranty | - | 7 years parts and labor |
| Country | - | United States |
Related Speaker Comparisons
How Ascend Acoustics Sierra-2EX V2 compares with other leading options: