Short answer: the GR-Research NX-Studio for better sound quality, the Ascend Acoustics CBM-170 SE2 for the lower price. The GR-Research NX-Studio ranks #4 of 222 bookshelf speakers, rated 4.8/5, at $3,630. The Ascend Acoustics CBM-170 SE2 ranks #113, rated 3.8/5, at $468, $3,162 cheaper.
Why pick 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. 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 GR-Research NX-Studio is the better-sounding pick. A DIY kit bookshelf speaker with a ribbon tweeter for wide open, detailed sound, superb imaging, and tight, fast sealed bass. The tradeoff: Bass will be very tight but won’t be quite as deep as others due to the sealed woofer enclosure.
Buy the Ascend Acoustics CBM-170 SE2 when the price outweighs sound quality for you, and the GR-Research NX-Studio when sound quality outweighs the price instead.
Still deciding? The full Passive Home rankings cover every ranked option.
Compact two-way bookshelf speakers with a SEAS tweeter, a very flat midrange and smooth sound that suits most rooms.
A DIY kit bookshelf speaker with a ribbon tweeter for wide open, detailed sound, superb imaging, and tight, fast sealed bass.
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 | GR-Research NX-Studio | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $468 per pair | $3630 per pair |
| Ranked | #113 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #4 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 70Hz (measured, manufacturer spinorama data) | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 50Hz (measured, manufacturer spinorama data) | - |
| Sensitivity | 86.8dB (2.83V/1m, measured, manufacturer spinorama data; 87dB manufacturer specified) | 87dB |
| Drivers | 27mm custom SEAS soft dome tweeter, 6.5” proprietary composite polygel cone woofer | GR-Research M165NQ 6.5” paper cone, non-resonant polymer frame, copper shorting rings and aluminum phase plug sealed enclosure woofer, GR-Research Neo3 Planar Magnetic Ribbon open baffle tweeter |
| Dimensions | 12H x 9W x 9.5D in | 18”H x 8.5”W x 15.5”D (457.2 x 215.9 x 393.7 mm) |
| Weight | 15 lbs (6.8 kg) each | 20.5 lbs (9.3 kg) each |
| Impedance | 8 ohms | 8 ohms |
| Power Handling | 200W continuous, 400W peak | - |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | sealed |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.30 | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 8.66 | - |
| DIY Kit | No | Yes |
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