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 Triangle Borea BR03 ranks #198, rated 2.8/5, at $399, $69 cheaper, a saving that is not big enough to make up the sound-quality gap.
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 4.03 for the Triangle Borea BR03. 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 Triangle Borea BR03 is the deeper-bass choice. A budget French bookshelf speaker with dual front ports, decent bass for the price and solid, well braced build quality. Its bass reaches about 57Hz before falling 3dB, against 70Hz for the Ascend Acoustics CBM-170 SE2. Watch for: A noticeable mid-range suckout, most pronounced in the upper mid-range/lower treble, that the reviewer attributes to cabinet resonances and driver breakup rather than a deliberate voicing choice: it makes vocals and instruments sound recessed and thin rather than warm.
Buy the Ascend Acoustics CBM-170 SE2. It is rated higher for sound quality, and saving $69 with the Triangle Borea BR03 does not make up for the sound-quality gap.
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 budget French bookshelf speaker with dual front ports, decent bass for the price and solid, well braced build quality.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Ascend Acoustics CBM-170 SE2 | Triangle Borea BR03 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $468 per pair | $399.00 per pair |
| Ranked | #113 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #198 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 70Hz (measured, manufacturer spinorama data) | 57Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 50Hz (measured, manufacturer spinorama data) | 42Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | 86.8dB (2.83V/1m, measured, manufacturer spinorama data; 87dB manufacturer specified) | 87.5dB (measured at 2.83V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Drivers | 27mm custom SEAS soft dome tweeter, 6.5” proprietary composite polygel cone woofer | 6.5” natural cellulose midwoofer, 1” (25mm) EFS silk dome tweeter |
| Dimensions | 12H x 9W x 9.5D in | 14.96”H x 8.11”W x 12.36”D |
| Weight | 15 lbs (6.8 kg) each | 13.2 lbs (6 kg) each |
| Impedance | 8 ohms | 8 ohms nominal (manufacturer spec), 4.2 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Power Handling | 200W continuous, 400W peak | - |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | ported, dual front ports |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.30 | 4.03 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 8.66 | 6.38 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Crossover Frequency | - | 3600Hz |
| Recommended Power | - | 100W |
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