Short answer: the Buchardt Audio E50 on measured sound quality, the Ascend Acoustics CBM-170 SE2 on price. The Buchardt Audio E50 ranks #16 of 222 bookshelf speakers, rated 4.5/5, at $4,600. The Ascend Acoustics CBM-170 SE2 ranks #113, rated 3.8/5, at $468, $4,132 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 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 Buchardt Audio E50 is the better-sounding, deeper-bass choice. A bookshelf speaker with remarkably deep bass for its size, a very neutral midrange, and low distortion, with no need to sit near a wall. Its bass reaches about 40Hz before falling 3dB, against 70Hz for the Ascend Acoustics CBM-170 SE2. The catch: A roughly 3dB dip in the upper midrange/lower treble softens attack and dialogue clarity: the reviewer’s main complaint, and it’s baked into the crossover rather than a directivity artifact, so it’s audible both on and off axis.
Buy the Ascend Acoustics CBM-170 SE2 if the price matters more than sound quality. Buy the Buchardt Audio E50 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 bookshelf speaker with remarkably deep bass for its size, a very neutral midrange, and low distortion, with no need to sit near a wall.
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 | Buchardt Audio E50 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $468 per pair | $4600 per pair |
| Ranked | #113 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #16 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 70Hz (measured, manufacturer spinorama data) | 40Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 50Hz (measured, manufacturer spinorama data) | 34Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | 86.8dB (2.83V/1m, measured, manufacturer spinorama data; 87dB manufacturer specified) | 83.1dB (2.83V/1m, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Drivers | 27mm custom SEAS soft dome tweeter, 6.5” proprietary composite polygel cone woofer | 1” Scanspeak dome tweeter with waveguide, 6.5” Purifi extended-stroke woofer, dual 6.5” passive radiators |
| Dimensions | 12H x 9W x 9.5D in | 15.6” x 7.5” x 11.2” (395 x 190 x 284 mm) |
| Weight | 15 lbs (6.8 kg) each | 19 lbs (8.6 kg) each |
| Impedance | 8 ohms | 4 ohms nominal |
| Power Handling | 200W continuous, 400W peak | - |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | Passive radiator loaded |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.30 | 5.84 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 8.66 | 7.61 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Crossover Frequency | - | 2000Hz |
| Frequency Response | - | 36Hz - 30kHz ±3dB (Manufacturer specified) |
| Recommended Power | - | 60W - 200W |
| Country | - | Denmark |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More worthwhile head-to-heads for Buchardt Audio E50: