Short answer: the Audio First Cadentia 3 if sound quality matters most, the Ascend Acoustics CMT-340 SE2 if price matters most. The Audio First Cadentia 3 ranks #7 of 222 bookshelf speakers, rated 4.7/5, at $7,199. The Ascend Acoustics CMT-340 SE2 ranks #24, rated 4.4/5, at $798, $6,401 cheaper.
The Audio First Cadentia 3 is the more accurate, deeper-bass choice. Near-textbook measurements: excellent on-axis linearity, listening window, and directivity, with only minor deviations. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 7.55 against 5.33 for the Ascend Acoustics CMT-340 SE2. Its bass reaches about 43Hz before falling 3dB, against 77.6Hz for the Ascend Acoustics CMT-340 SE2. The tradeoff: A mild scoop through the upper midrange/lower treble slightly softens the attack of snares, hand claps, and sibilants: fixable with a single-band EQ (2.5kHz, +1dB, Q~1).
The case for the Ascend Acoustics CMT-340 SE2: High-quality manufacturer Klippel NFS data shows 0.295dB on-axis average absolute deviation, 0.531 listening-window smoothness, and a strong 7.99 preference score with a subwoofer. Watch for: 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 Audio First Cadentia 3 if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Ascend Acoustics CMT-340 SE2 if the price matters more than sound quality.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Passive Home rankings.
Near-textbook measurements: excellent on-axis linearity, listening window, and directivity, with only minor deviations.
Audio First Designs $7199 eBay
High-quality manufacturer Klippel NFS data shows 0.295dB on-axis average absolute deviation, 0.531 listening-window smoothness, and a strong 7.99 preference score with a subwoofer.
Ascend Acoustics $798 eBayPrices on this page were last checked October 16, 2026 at 5:46 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
| Audio First Cadentia 3 | Ascend Acoustics CMT-340 SE2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $7199 per pair | $798 per pair |
| Ranked | #7 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #24 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 26Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | approximately 53Hz (measured, spinorama.org) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 43Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 77.6Hz (measured, spinorama.org) |
| Dimensions | 23.2” x 11.8” x 17” (590 x 300 x 433 mm) | 21 x 7.5 x 10.5 in each |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal (3.1 ohms minimum, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner) | 8 ohms nominal |
| Sensitivity | 86.4dB (2.83V/1m, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner) | 92dB at 2.83V/1m anechoic |
| Drivers | 1.1” tweeter, 4.5” midrange, 9” woofer | Two 6.5-inch woofers; 27mm soft-dome tweeter |
| Weight | 45.9 lbs (20.8 kg) each | 29.1 lbs (13.2 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | 3-way, bass reflex | - |
| Country | United Kingdom (Cambridge) | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 7.55 | 5.33 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 8.91 | 7.99 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Power Handling | - | 240W continuous; 400W short-term peak |
Frequency Response Compared
Both speakers’ spinorama measurements, overlaid. A flatter line is more neutral: peaks sound forward or harsh, dips sound recessed. Each curve is shifted so its average from 300 Hz to 3 kHz sits at 0 dB, so loudness differences between the two are removed and only the shape is compared.
Measurement data: Audio First Cadentia 3 (measured by the manufacturer) and Ascend Acoustics CMT-340 SE2 (measured by the manufacturer), via spinorama.org.
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