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 Klipsch RP-600M II ranks #123, rated 3.7/5, at $449.99, $348.01 cheaper, not enough of a saving to outweigh the sound-quality gap.
Why pick the Klipsch RP-600M II: Bookshelf speakers with a large horn tweeter, wide soundstage, high efficiency and bi-amp ready terminals. The tradeoff: On-axis, the treble runs notably hot (even hotter than the original Klipsch RP-600M in some respects) and needs about 20° of toe-out or the grille installed to sound balanced.
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. 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 Ascend Acoustics CMT-340 SE2. It is rated higher for sound quality, and saving $348.01 with the Klipsch RP-600M II does not make up for the sound-quality gap.
Still deciding? The full Passive Home rankings cover every ranked option.
Bookshelf speakers with a large horn tweeter, wide soundstage, high efficiency and bi-amp ready terminals.
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
| Klipsch RP-600M II | Ascend Acoustics CMT-340 SE2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $449.99 per pair | $798 per pair |
| Ranked | #123 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) | 70Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 77.6Hz (measured, spinorama.org) |
| Dimensions | 15.7”H x 8”W x 12.5”D (398.8 x 203.2 x 317.5 mm) | 21 x 7.5 x 10.5 in each |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal (3.5 ohms minimum above 80Hz, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner) | 8 ohms nominal |
| Sensitivity | 86dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 92dB at 2.83V/1m anechoic |
| Drivers | 6.5” Cerametallic cone woofer, 1” titanium LTS vented tweeter with Tractrix horn | Two 6.5-inch woofers; 27mm soft-dome tweeter |
| Weight | 13 lbs (5.9 kg) each | 29.1 lbs (13.2 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.64 | 5.33 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.77 | 7.99 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Power Handling | - | 240W continuous; 400W short-term peak |
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