Short answer: the KEF Q Concerto Meta. It ranks #11 of 222 bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 4.6/5, at $1,399.99. The Ascend Acoustics CMT-340 SE2 ranks #24, rated 4.4/5, at $798, $601.99 cheaper, not enough of a saving to outweigh the sound-quality gap.
The KEF Q Concerto Meta is the more accurate, deeper-bass pick. A neutral three way bookshelf speaker that sounds consistent from seat to seat, with smooth treble that many rivals at its price lack. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 6.01 against 5.33 for the Ascend Acoustics CMT-340 SE2. Its bass reaches about 53Hz before falling 3dB, against 77.6Hz for the Ascend Acoustics CMT-340 SE2. The catch: Radiation pattern measures about ±50°, narrower than the reviewer’s preferred ±60° for a stronger sense of envelopment.
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 KEF Q Concerto Meta. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $601.99 saving on the Ascend Acoustics CMT-340 SE2 is not enough to make up the difference.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Passive Home rankings.
A neutral three way bookshelf speaker that sounds consistent from seat to seat, with smooth treble that many rivals at its price lack.
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
| KEF Q Concerto Meta | Ascend Acoustics CMT-340 SE2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,399.99 per pair | $798 per pair |
| Ranked | #11 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) | 53Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 77.6Hz (measured, spinorama.org) |
| Dimensions | 16.3”H x 8.3”W x 12.4”D (414 x 210.8 x 315 mm) | 21 x 7.5 x 10.5 in each |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal (3.3 ohms minimum above 80Hz, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner) | 8 ohms nominal |
| Drivers | 165 mm (6.5 in.) hybrid aluminium cone woofer, 100 mm (4 in.) aluminium cone midrange, 19 mm (0.75 in.) vented aluminium dome with MAT tweeter | Two 6.5-inch woofers; 27mm soft-dome tweeter |
| Sensitivity | 84.2dB (measured average, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 92dB at 2.83V/1m anechoic |
| Weight | 20.9 lbs (9.5 kg) each | 29.1 lbs (13.2 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.01 | 5.33 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.71 | 7.99 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Power Handling | - | 240W continuous; 400W short-term peak |
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