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 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. 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 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: An affordable high output bookshelf speaker with a horn loaded tweeter, easy to drive, that can sit on a wall, stand or sideways. 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.
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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 | #113 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 |
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