Short answer: the Perlisten A3m on measured sound quality, the Ascend Acoustics CBM-170 SE2 on price. The Perlisten A3m ranks #51 of 222 bookshelf speakers, rated 4.2/5, at $3,000. The Ascend Acoustics CBM-170 SE2 ranks #113, rated 3.8/5, at $468, $2,532 cheaper.
The Ascend Acoustics CBM-170 SE2 is the more accurate, deeper-bass pick. 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 4.30 for the Perlisten A3m. Its bass reaches about 70Hz before falling 3dB, against 85.8Hz for the Perlisten A3m. 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 Perlisten A3m is the better-sounding pick. A sealed high output monitor with dual 8 inch woofers and a waveguide tweeter, a great match for a subwoofer in a home theater. The catch: The low-quality vendor Spinorama data measures only 85.8Hz at -3dB, 74.1Hz at -6dB, and 55.7Hz at -12dB, conflicting with Perlisten’s much deeper in-room extension claim.
Buy the Ascend Acoustics CBM-170 SE2 if the price matters more than sound quality. Buy the Perlisten A3m 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.
A sealed high output monitor with dual 8 inch woofers and a waveguide tweeter, a great match for a subwoofer in a home theater.
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 | Perlisten A3m | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $468 per pair | $3,000 per pair |
| Ranked | #113 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #51 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 70Hz (measured, manufacturer spinorama data) | 85.8Hz (measured, spinorama.org) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 50Hz (measured, manufacturer spinorama data) | approximately 61Hz (measured, spinorama.org) |
| Sensitivity | 86.8dB (2.83V/1m, measured, manufacturer spinorama data; 87dB manufacturer specified) | 87.4dB at 2.83V/1m |
| Drivers | 27mm custom SEAS soft dome tweeter, 6.5” proprietary composite polygel cone woofer | Two 8-inch carbon-fiber woofers; 35mm Teteron dome tweeter |
| Dimensions | 12H x 9W x 9.5D in | 26.6 x 11.0 x 13.8 in each |
| Weight | 15 lbs (6.8 kg) each | 63.9 lbs (29 kg) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms | 4 ohms nominal; 3 ohms minimum |
| Power Handling | 200W continuous, 400W peak | - |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.30 | 4.30 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 8.66 | 7.34 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Enclosure | - | Sealed |
| Maximum SPL | - | 111.4dB peak at 1m (manufacturer specified) |
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