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 GR-Research X-LS Encore ranks #146, rated 3.5/5, and costs $1,300, so there is little reason to consider the other one.
The CBM-170 SE2 is the better-measuring, ready-built speaker. Ascend’s own Klippel data shows a very flat on-axis response from 100Hz to 2kHz, a smooth in-room tilt close to the ideal target and a preference score of 6.30. It has a small dip from 3 to 5kHz and reserved top-octave treble off-axis. Its bass falls 3dB at 70Hz, so a subwoofer helps.
The X-LS Encore is a DIY kit with deeper bass. Its Peerless woofer reaches 64Hz before falling 3dB, and Audio Science Review found a flat listening window and smooth predicted in-room response. You build the cabinet and crossover yourself, stay within about 20 degrees of the tweeter vertically, and distortion rises sharply at 96dB.
Buy the Ascend Acoustics CBM-170 SE2. It is rated higher for sound quality than the GR-Research X-LS Encore and costs less, so only choose the other one for a particular feature it does better.
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.
Two-way bookshelf speakers with a Peerless woofer, also sold as a kit so builders can save money by assembling them.
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 | GR-Research X-LS Encore | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $468 per pair | $1300 per pair |
| Ranked | #113 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #146 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 70Hz (measured, manufacturer spinorama data) | 64Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 50Hz (measured, manufacturer spinorama data) | 44Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Sensitivity | 86.8dB (2.83V/1m, measured, manufacturer spinorama data; 87dB manufacturer specified) | 84.4dB (measured by Audio Science Review on the kit; 87dB manufacturer specified) |
| Drivers | 27mm custom SEAS soft dome tweeter, 6.5” proprietary composite polygel cone woofer | 6.5” Peerless M-165 paper composite cone, non-resonant polymer frame woofer, 1” Peerless India T26SG tweeter |
| Dimensions | 12H x 9W x 9.5D in | 13.5”H x 8.5”W x 12.1”D (342.9 x 215.9 x 308 mm) |
| Weight | 15 lbs (6.8 kg) each | 17 lbs (7.7 kg) each |
| Impedance | 8 ohms | 8 ohms |
| Power Handling | 200W continuous, 400W peak | - |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | ported |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.30 | 5.05 (measured, spinorama.org) |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 8.66 | 7.42 (measured, spinorama.org) |
| DIY Kit | No | - |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More worthwhile head-to-heads for Ascend Acoustics CBM-170 SE2: