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 CBM-170 SE2 ranks #113, rated 3.8/5, at $468, $931.99 cheaper, not enough of a saving to outweigh the sound-quality gap.
The KEF Q Concerto Meta is the better-sounding, deeper-bass option. A neutral three way bookshelf speaker that sounds consistent from seat to seat, with smooth treble that many rivals at its price lack. Its bass reaches about 53Hz before falling 3dB, against 70Hz for the Ascend Acoustics CBM-170 SE2. The catch: Radiation pattern measures about ±50°, narrower than the reviewer’s preferred ±60° for a stronger sense of envelopment.
What the Ascend Acoustics CBM-170 SE2 does well: Compact two-way bookshelf speakers with a SEAS tweeter, a very flat midrange and smooth sound that suits most rooms. The catch: 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 KEF Q Concerto Meta. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $931.99 you would save on the Ascend Acoustics CBM-170 SE2 does not close the gap.
Still deciding? The full Passive Home rankings cover every ranked option.
A neutral three way bookshelf speaker that sounds consistent from seat to seat, with smooth treble that many rivals at its price lack.
Compact two-way bookshelf speakers with a SEAS tweeter, a very flat midrange and smooth sound that suits most rooms.
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 CBM-170 SE2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,399.99 per pair | $468 per pair |
| Ranked | #11 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #113 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 35Hz (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 | 16.3”H x 8.3”W x 12.4”D (414 x 210.8 x 315 mm) | 12H x 9W x 9.5D in |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal (3.3 ohms minimum above 80Hz, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner) | 8 ohms |
| 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 | 27mm custom SEAS soft dome tweeter, 6.5” proprietary composite polygel cone woofer |
| Sensitivity | 84.2dB (measured average, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 86.8dB (2.83V/1m, measured, manufacturer spinorama data; 87dB manufacturer specified) |
| Weight | 20.9 lbs (9.5 kg) each | 15 lbs (6.8 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | ported, rear |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.01 | 6.30 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.71 | 8.66 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Power Handling | - | 200W continuous, 400W peak |
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