Short answer: the Dynaudio Heritage Special for better sound quality, the Ascend Acoustics CBM-170 SE2 for the lower price. The Dynaudio Heritage Special ranks #29 of 222 bookshelf speakers, rated 4.4/5, at $7,000. The Ascend Acoustics CBM-170 SE2 ranks #113, rated 3.8/5, at $468, $6,532 cheaper.
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 4.32 for the Dynaudio Heritage Special. 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 Dynaudio Heritage Special is the better-sounding, deeper-bass pick. A limited edition bookshelf speaker with huge output for its size, robust bass, and a big, well proportioned soundstage. Its bass reaches about 52Hz before falling 3dB, against 70Hz for the Ascend Acoustics CBM-170 SE2. Watch for: At lower listening volumes, dynamic range and kick-drum punch fell short of higher-sensitivity speakers the reviewer has tested (JBL 4367, KEF Reference 1 Meta): the sheer output ceiling is impressive, but it isn’t a highly dynamic-sounding speaker at modest levels.
Buy the Ascend Acoustics CBM-170 SE2 if the price is the priority over sound quality, or the Dynaudio Heritage Special if sound quality is the priority over the price.
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 limited edition bookshelf speaker with huge output for its size, robust bass, and a big, well proportioned soundstage.
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 | Dynaudio Heritage Special | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $468 per pair | $7,000 per pair |
| Ranked | #113 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #29 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 70Hz (measured, manufacturer spinorama data) | 52Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 50Hz (measured, manufacturer spinorama data) | 38Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | 86.8dB (2.83V/1m, measured, manufacturer spinorama data; 87dB manufacturer specified) | 85dB (measured at 2.83V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Drivers | 27mm custom SEAS soft dome tweeter, 6.5” proprietary composite polygel cone woofer | 18cm MSP cone woofer, 28mm Esotar 3 dome tweeter |
| Dimensions | 12H x 9W x 9.5D in | 15.2”H x 8.2”W x 12.6”D (385 x 208 x 320 mm) |
| Weight | 15 lbs (6.8 kg) each | 24.3 lbs (11 kg) each |
| Impedance | 8 ohms | 5.1 ohms minimum, ported mode (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Power Handling | 200W continuous, 400W peak | - |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.30 | 4.32 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 8.66 | 6.33 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Country | - | Denmark |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More worthwhile head-to-heads for Dynaudio Heritage Special: