Short answer: the ELAC DBR62. It ranks #79 of 222 bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 4.0/5, at $699.98. The Ascend Acoustics CBM-170 SE2 ranks #113, rated 3.8/5, at $468, $231.98 cheaper, which does not close the gap in sound quality.
The ELAC DBR62 is the deeper-bass choice. 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 70Hz for the Ascend Acoustics CBM-170 SE2. The tradeoff: A slight recess in the 1-2kHz region reduces vocal presence somewhat compared to other speakers in direct comparison.
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 5.07 for the ELAC DBR62. 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.
Buy the ELAC DBR62. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $231.98 you would save on the Ascend Acoustics CBM-170 SE2 does not close the gap.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Passive Home rankings.
An affordable bookshelf speaker that is very forgiving of placement and aiming, with wide sound and a little extra bass punch.
Compact two-way bookshelf speakers with a SEAS tweeter, a very flat midrange and smooth sound that suits most rooms.
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Specifications Side By Side
| ELAC DBR62 | Ascend Acoustics CBM-170 SE2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $699.98 per pair | $468 per pair |
| Ranked | #79 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #113 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 41Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 50Hz (measured, manufacturer spinorama data) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 53Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 70Hz (measured, manufacturer spinorama data) |
| Dimensions | 14.1”H x 8.2”W x 10.8”D (358.1 x 208.3 x 274.3 mm) | 12H x 9W x 9.5D in |
| Impedance | 6 ohms nominal, 5.2 ohms minimum (measured above 80Hz, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 8 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 84.3dB (measured average 300Hz-3kHz @ 2.83V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner; 86dB manufacturer specified) | 86.8dB (2.83V/1m, measured, manufacturer spinorama data; 87dB manufacturer specified) |
| Drivers | 6.5” Aramid Fiber woofer, 1” soft dome tweeter | 27mm custom SEAS soft dome tweeter, 6.5” proprietary composite polygel cone woofer |
| Weight | 18.1 lbs (8.2 kg) each | 15 lbs (6.8 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, front | ported, rear |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.07 | 6.30 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.27 | 8.66 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Power Handling | - | 200W continuous, 400W peak |
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