Short answer: the Ascend Acoustics CBM-170 SE2. It ranks #113 of 222 bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 3.8/5, at $468; the ATC SCM19 ranks #209, rated 2.4/5, and costs $3,750, so there is little reason to consider the other one.
The Ascend Acoustics CBM-170 SE2 is the more accurate option. 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 4.61 for the ATC SCM19. The tradeoff: 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 ATC SCM19 is the deeper-bass choice. A heavy, sealed pro style ATC bookshelf speaker with a very dense cabinet and low distortion at high volume. Its bass reaches about 60Hz before falling 3dB, against 70Hz for the Ascend Acoustics CBM-170 SE2. Watch for: Some stored energy resonance around 500-700Hz, 4dB bump around 700Hz.
Buy the Ascend Acoustics CBM-170 SE2. It is rated higher for sound quality than the ATC SCM19 and costs less, so only choose the other one for a particular feature it does better.
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 heavy, sealed pro style ATC bookshelf speaker with a very dense cabinet and low distortion at high volume.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Ascend Acoustics CBM-170 SE2 | ATC SCM19 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $468 per pair | $3750 per pair |
| Ranked | #113 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #209 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 70Hz (measured, manufacturer spinorama data) | 60Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 50Hz (measured, manufacturer spinorama data) | 34Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Sensitivity | 86.8dB (2.83V/1m, measured, manufacturer spinorama data; 87dB manufacturer specified) | 85dB (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Drivers | 27mm custom SEAS soft dome tweeter, 6.5” proprietary composite polygel cone woofer | 5.9” Super Linear Magnet cone woofer, 1” soft dome tweeter |
| Dimensions | 12H x 9W x 9.5D in | 17.2”H x 10.4”W x 11.8”D (436.9 x 264.2 x 299.7 mm) |
| Weight | 15 lbs (6.8 kg) each | 39.2 lbs (17.8 kg) each |
| Impedance | 8 ohms | 6 ohms |
| Power Handling | 200W continuous, 400W peak | - |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | sealed |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.30 | 4.61 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 8.66 | 7.03 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
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