Short answer: the AsciLab F6B. It ranks #12 of 222 bookshelf speakers by sound quality (rated 4.6/5) at $980 and is still sold new; the DIYSG HTM-12 v2 ranks #14 (rated 4.5/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used.
The AsciLab F6B is the more accurate, deeper-bass pick. A great value bookshelf speaker with accurate, well balanced sound and punchy midbass that gives kick drums extra impact. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 6.32 against 3.26 for the DIYSG HTM-12 v2. Its bass reaches about 56Hz before falling 3dB, against 67Hz for the DIYSG HTM-12 v2. The catch: A mild sibilance-inducing lift around 6-8kHz, most noticeable on female vocals, paired with a shallow dip in the upper midrange: correctable with a simple 3-band EQ the reviewer provided.
The case for the DIYSG HTM-12 v2: A high output home theater kit with a 12 inch woofer and horn tweeter, very low distortion, and an easy load for most receivers. Watch for: Erin measured F3 at approximately 67Hz, the normal efficiency/bass-extension tradeoff of a high-sensitivity 12-inch design, so a subwoofer is mandatory.
Buy the AsciLab F6B. It is rated higher for sound quality and still sold new, while the DIYSG HTM-12 v2 is discontinued.
Still deciding? The full Passive Home rankings cover every ranked option.
Measured Differences
- Bass depth: the AsciLab F6B reaches 38 Hz (10 dB down) against 45 Hz for the DIYSG HTM-12 v2, about half an octave deeper. You hear more of the lowest bass notes and kick drums.
- Tonal accuracy above the bass: with a subwoofer taking the low end, the AsciLab F6B scores 8.3 against 5.9 for the DIYSG HTM-12 v2 on the Spinorama preference scale. Its frequency response and off-axis sound are smoother, so voices and instruments sound closer to the recording.
- Efficiency: the DIYSG HTM-12 v2 is rated at 91 dB sensitivity against 85 dB for the AsciLab F6B, so it plays as loud with roughly a third of the amplifier power.
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Specifications Side By Side
| AsciLab F6B | DIYSG HTM-12 v2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $980 per pair | $920 per pair per kit, Discontinued |
| Ranked | #12 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #14 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 38Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 45Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 56Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 67Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Dimensions | 15.7” x 8” x 10.4” (400 x 203 x 265 mm) | 25”H x 18”W x 9.5”D (635 x 457.2 x 241.3 mm) |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal (3.5 ohms minimum above 80Hz, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner) | AVR-compatible impedance profile (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | 85dB (2.83V/1m, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner) | 91dB/2.83V/1m (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Drivers | 1” aluminum dome tweeter, 6” fiber cone woofer | 12” woofer; compression driver in SEOS waveguide |
| Weight | 16.5 lbs (7.5 kg) each | 39.9 lbs (18.1 kg) assembled |
| Woofer Cabinet | Passive radiator loaded | ported |
| Crossover Frequency | 1000Hz | - |
| Recommended Power | up to 125W | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.32 | 3.26 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 8.26 | 5.88 |
| DIY Kit | No | Yes |
Where the Ratings Come From
- AsciLab F6B: Spinorama.org measurements and reviews by Erin’s Audio Corner.
- DIYSG HTM-12 v2: Spinorama.org measurements and reviews by Erin’s Audio Corner.
This comparison is generated from the ratings, specifications and measurements on each product’s own page, and it updates when that data changes. How we rank explains how each rating is decided.
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