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 Sonus Faber Lumina II ranks #158, rated 3.4/5, and costs $1,600, which makes this an easy call rather than a real tradeoff.
The Ascend Acoustics CBM-170 SE2 is the more accurate 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 3.81 for the Sonus Faber Lumina II. 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 Sonus Faber Lumina II is the deeper-bass choice. Handmade Italian bookshelf speakers with leather-wrapped cabinets, competitive bass for their size and flexible placement. Its bass reaches about 60Hz before falling 3dB, against 70Hz for the Ascend Acoustics CBM-170 SE2. The tradeoff: Not a neutral speaker: has a persistent high-frequency boost/lift that makes it sound forward and bright, present whether pointed directly at the listener or toed out.
Buy the Ascend Acoustics CBM-170 SE2. It is rated higher for sound quality than the Sonus Faber Lumina II and costs less, so it is the default pick unless a specific strength of the other one matters more to you.
Want more options? Browse the full Passive Home rankings.
Compact two-way bookshelf speakers with a SEAS tweeter, a very flat midrange and smooth sound that suits most rooms.
Handmade Italian bookshelf speakers with leather-wrapped cabinets, competitive bass for their size and flexible placement.
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 | Sonus Faber Lumina II | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $468 per pair | $1,600 per pair |
| Ranked | #113 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #158 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 70Hz (measured, manufacturer spinorama data) | 60Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 50Hz (measured, manufacturer spinorama data) | 41Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | 86.8dB (2.83V/1m, measured, manufacturer spinorama data; 87dB manufacturer specified) | 86dB (measured average, Erin’s Audio Corner; matches manufacturer spec) |
| Drivers | 27mm custom SEAS soft dome tweeter, 6.5” proprietary composite polygel cone woofer | 29mm DAD dome tweeter, 150mm paper cone mid-woofer |
| Dimensions | 12H x 9W x 9.5D in | 12” x 7.1” x 10.4” (304 x 180 x 263 mm) |
| Weight | 15 lbs (6.8 kg) each | 12.5 lbs (5.65 kg) each |
| Impedance | 8 ohms | 4 ohms nominal, 4.1 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Power Handling | 200W continuous, 400W peak | - |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.30 | 3.81 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 8.66 | 6.10 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Crossover Frequency | - | 1800Hz |
| Frequency Response | - | 55Hz - 24kHz (manufacturer specified) |
| Recommended Power | - | 30W - 150W |
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