Short answer: the Ascend Acoustics CBM-170 SE2. It ranks #113 of 222 bookshelf speakers by sound quality (rated 3.8/5); the Mission LX-3 MKII ranks #138 (rated 3.6/5).
The Ascend Acoustics CBM-170 SE2 is the more accurate choice. 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 4.17 for the Mission LX-3 MKII. The catch: 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 case for the Mission LX-3 MKII: Large affordable standmount speakers with a 6.5 inch woofer, useful bass and easy to drive sensitivity. The catch: On-axis smoothness of 0.217 and predicted in-room smoothness of 0.344 reveal clear response unevenness, with a -0.46dB-per-octave downward tilt.
Buy the Ascend Acoustics CBM-170 SE2. It is rated higher for sound quality than the Mission LX-3 MKII.
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.
Large affordable standmount speakers with a 6.5 inch woofer, useful bass and easy to drive sensitivity.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Ascend Acoustics CBM-170 SE2 | Mission LX-3 MKII | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $468 per pair | £249 per pair |
| Ranked | #113 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #138 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 70Hz (measured, manufacturer spinorama data) | 67.4Hz (measured, ASR via spinorama.org) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 50Hz (measured, manufacturer spinorama data) | 42.5Hz (derived from ASR on-axis curve, spinorama.org) |
| Sensitivity | 86.8dB (2.83V/1m, measured, manufacturer spinorama data; 87dB manufacturer specified) | 88dB |
| Drivers | 27mm custom SEAS soft dome tweeter, 6.5” proprietary composite polygel cone woofer | 1” microfiber-dome tweeter, 6.5” composite-fiber woofer |
| Dimensions | 12H x 9W x 9.5D in | 13.6H x 8.9W x 12.1D in |
| Weight | 15 lbs (6.8 kg) each | 18.5 lbs (8.4 kg) each |
| Impedance | 8 ohms | 8 ohms nominal, 4.1 ohms minimum |
| Power Handling | 200W continuous, 400W peak | - |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.30 | 4.17 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 8.66 | 6.42 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Enclosure | - | 2-way, bass-reflex |
| Country | - | United Kingdom (design) |
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