Short answer: the KEF Reference 1 Meta for better sound quality, the Ascend Acoustics CBM-170 SE2 for the lower price. The KEF Reference 1 Meta ranks #3 of 222 bookshelf speakers, rated 4.8/5, at $9,999.98. The Ascend Acoustics CBM-170 SE2 ranks #113, rated 3.8/5, at $468, $9,531.98 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 KEF Reference 1 Meta is the better-sounding, deeper-bass choice. Extremely accurate bookshelf speakers, with a superb three dimensional soundstage, no harshness, and tightly matched pairs. Its bass reaches about 52Hz before falling 3dB, against 70Hz for the Ascend Acoustics CBM-170 SE2. The tradeoff: At roughly $10000/pair, nearly four times the cost of the similarly-sized KEF R3.
Buy the Ascend Acoustics CBM-170 SE2 if the price matters more than sound quality. Buy the KEF Reference 1 Meta if sound quality matters more than 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.
Extremely accurate bookshelf speakers, with a superb three dimensional soundstage, no harshness, and tightly matched pairs.
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 | KEF Reference 1 Meta | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $468 per pair | $9999.98 per pair |
| Ranked | #113 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #3 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) | 32Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | 86.8dB (2.83V/1m, measured, manufacturer spinorama data; 87dB manufacturer specified) | 82.5dB (measured average, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Drivers | 27mm custom SEAS soft dome tweeter, 6.5” proprietary composite polygel cone woofer | 165 mm (6.5 in.) aluminium cone woofer, 125 mm (5 in.) aluminium cone midrange, 25 mm (1 in.) aluminium dome with MAT tweeter |
| Dimensions | 12H x 9W x 9.5D in | 17.3”H x 8.1”W x 16.6”D (439.4 x 205.7 x 421.6 mm) |
| Weight | 15 lbs (6.8 kg) each | 40.1 lbs (18.2 kg) each |
| Impedance | 8 ohms | 4 ohms nominal, 2.9 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Power Handling | 200W continuous, 400W peak | - |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | ported, rear |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.30 | 6.48 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 8.66 | 8.29 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
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