Short answer: the Ascend Acoustics CMT-340 SE2. It ranks #24 of 222 bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 4.4/5, at $798. The ELAC DBR62 ranks #79, rated 4.0/5, at $699.98, $98.02 cheaper, a saving that is not big enough to make up the sound-quality gap.
The ELAC DBR62 is the deeper-bass option. An affordable bookshelf speaker that is very forgiving of placement and aiming, with wide sound and a little extra bass punch. Its bass reaches about 53Hz before falling 3dB, against 77.6Hz for the Ascend Acoustics CMT-340 SE2. The catch: A slight recess in the 1-2kHz region reduces vocal presence somewhat compared to other speakers in direct comparison.
The Ascend Acoustics CMT-340 SE2 is the better-sounding pick. 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 Ascend Acoustics CMT-340 SE2. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $98.02 you would save on the ELAC DBR62 does not close the gap.
Want more options? Browse the full Passive Home rankings.
An affordable bookshelf speaker that is very forgiving of placement and aiming, with wide sound and a little extra bass punch.
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.
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
Specifications Side By Side
| ELAC DBR62 | Ascend Acoustics CMT-340 SE2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $699.98 per pair | $798 per pair |
| Ranked | #79 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #24 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 41Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | approximately 53Hz (measured, spinorama.org) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 53Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 77.6Hz (measured, spinorama.org) |
| Dimensions | 14.1”H x 8.2”W x 10.8”D (358.1 x 208.3 x 274.3 mm) | 21 x 7.5 x 10.5 in each |
| Impedance | 6 ohms nominal, 5.2 ohms minimum (measured above 80Hz, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 8 ohms nominal |
| Sensitivity | 84.3dB (measured average 300Hz-3kHz @ 2.83V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner; 86dB manufacturer specified) | 92dB at 2.83V/1m anechoic |
| Drivers | 6.5” Aramid Fiber woofer, 1” soft dome tweeter | Two 6.5-inch woofers; 27mm soft-dome tweeter |
| Weight | 18.1 lbs (8.2 kg) each | 29.1 lbs (13.2 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, front | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.07 | 5.33 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.27 | 7.99 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Power Handling | - | 240W continuous; 400W short-term peak |
Related Speaker Comparisons
How Ascend Acoustics CMT-340 SE2 compares with other leading options: