Short answer: the Ascend Acoustics CBM-170 SE2. It ranks #114 of 222 bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 3.8/5, at $468; the HSU Research MFL-6 ranks #166, rated 3.3/5, and costs $558, which makes this an easy call rather than a real tradeoff.
The Ascend Acoustics CBM-170 SE2 is the more accurate option. On-axis response is impressively flat from about 100Hz to 2kHz, staying within roughly ±1dB, with a clean, gradual bass rolloff below that. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 6.30 against 2.63 for the HSU Research MFL-6. 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.
What the HSU Research MFL-6 does well: A high-output 6.5-inch design with horn-loaded tweeter, strong measured sensitivity and flexible wall, stand or horizontal placement. The tradeoff: Its response deviation is substantial and the horn narrows dispersion, so tonal balance and seating coverage are less even than the best conventional monitors.
Buy the Ascend Acoustics CBM-170 SE2. It is rated higher for sound quality than the HSU Research MFL-6 and costs less, which makes it the one to get unless you need something the other one does better.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Passive Home rankings.
On-axis response is impressively flat from about 100Hz to 2kHz, staying within roughly ±1dB, with a clean, gradual bass rolloff below that.
Ascend Acoustics $468 eBay
A high-output 6.5-inch design with horn-loaded tweeter, strong measured sensitivity and flexible wall, stand or horizontal placement.
HSU Research $279 eBayPrices on this page were last checked October 16, 2026 at 5:46 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 | HSU Research MFL-6 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $468 per pair | $558 per pair |
| Ranked | #114 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #166 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 70Hz (measured, manufacturer spinorama data) | 77.6Hz (measured, spinorama.org) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 50Hz (measured, manufacturer spinorama data) | about 41.0Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Sensitivity | 86.8dB (2.83V/1m, measured, manufacturer spinorama data; 87dB manufacturer specified) | 85.6dB (measured average 300Hz-3kHz @ 2.83V/1m, spinorama.org) |
| Drivers | 27mm custom SEAS soft dome tweeter, 6.5” proprietary composite polygel cone woofer | 1” horn-loaded tweeter, 6.5” paper-cone woofer |
| Dimensions | 12H x 9W x 9.5D in | 16H x 8W x 6.25-10.375D in |
| Weight | 15 lbs (6.8 kg) each | 13 lbs (5.9 kg) each |
| Impedance | 8 ohms | 8 ohms |
| Power Handling | 200W continuous, 400W peak | - |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.30 | 2.63 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 8.66 | 4.77 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Enclosure | - | 2-way bass reflex |
| Frequency Response | - | 60Hz-20kHz +/-2dB |
Frequency Response Compared
Both speakers’ spinorama measurements, overlaid. A flatter line is more neutral: peaks sound forward or harsh, dips sound recessed. Each curve is shifted so its average from 300 Hz to 3 kHz sits at 0 dB, so loudness differences between the two are removed and only the shape is compared. The two were measured by different sources, so small differences, especially in the bass, can come from the measurement setup rather than the speakers.
Measurement data: Ascend Acoustics CBM-170 SE2 (measured by the manufacturer) and HSU Research MFL-6 (measured by Audio Science Review), via spinorama.org.
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