Short answer: the AsciLab C6B. It ranks #6 of 222 bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 4.7/5, at $1,145. The Ascend Acoustics CMT-340 SE2 ranks #24, rated 4.4/5, at $798, $347 cheaper, which does not close the gap in sound quality.
The AsciLab C6B is the more accurate, deeper-bass pick. Bookshelf speakers with very accurate sound and an unusually wide, stable soundstage, for any seating position. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 6.33 against 5.33 for the Ascend Acoustics CMT-340 SE2. Its bass reaches about 54Hz before falling 3dB, against 77.6Hz for the Ascend Acoustics CMT-340 SE2. The catch: Bass rolls off around 50Hz in-room (F3 54Hz, F10 35Hz), so a subwoofer is needed for real extension below that.
The case for the Ascend Acoustics CMT-340 SE2: A dual woofer bookshelf speaker with accurate sound, high sensitivity, and lots of clean output, a superb partner for a subwoofer at a modest price. The catch: Bass rolls off early for the cabinet size, measuring 77.6Hz at -3dB, 64.5Hz at -6dB, and 48.3Hz at -12dB; the preference score without a subwoofer is only 5.33.
Buy the AsciLab C6B. It is rated higher for sound quality, and saving $347 with the Ascend Acoustics CMT-340 SE2 does not make up for the sound-quality gap.
Still deciding? The full Passive Home rankings cover every ranked option.
Bookshelf speakers with very accurate sound and an unusually wide, stable soundstage, for any seating position.
A dual woofer bookshelf speaker with accurate sound, high sensitivity, and lots of clean output, a superb partner for a subwoofer at a modest price.
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
| AsciLab C6B | Ascend Acoustics CMT-340 SE2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1145 per pair | $798 per pair |
| Ranked | #6 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #24 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 35Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | approximately 53Hz (measured, spinorama.org) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 54Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 77.6Hz (measured, spinorama.org) |
| Dimensions | 15.7”H x 8”W x 10.4”D (398.8 x 203.2 x 264.2 mm) | 21 x 7.5 x 10.5 in each |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal, 2.6 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 8 ohms nominal |
| Sensitivity | 85.6dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 92dB at 2.83V/1m anechoic |
| Drivers | 6” Aluminium Ceramic Cone with cast Aluminium Chassis woofer, 1” Aluminium Ceramic Dome tweeter | Two 6.5-inch woofers; 27mm soft-dome tweeter |
| Weight | 18.5 lbs (8.4 kg) each | 29.1 lbs (13.2 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | passive radiator | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.33 | 5.33 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 8.28 | 7.99 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Power Handling | - | 240W continuous; 400W short-term peak |
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