Short answer: the Wharfedale Aura 2 on measured sound quality, the Ascend Acoustics CMT-340 SE2 on price. The Wharfedale Aura 2 ranks #13 of 222 bookshelf speakers, rated 4.6/5, at $2,799. The Ascend Acoustics CMT-340 SE2 ranks #24, rated 4.4/5, at $798, $2,001 cheaper.
The Wharfedale Aura 2 is the more accurate, deeper-bass pick. A mini tower style bookshelf speaker with nearly flat response, huge clean output, wide sound, and bass that reaches deep in most rooms. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 6.03 against 5.33 for the Ascend Acoustics CMT-340 SE2. Its bass reaches about 56Hz before falling 3dB, against 77.6Hz for the Ascend Acoustics CMT-340 SE2. The tradeoff: A breakup/peak around 13kHz can sound sharp or shrill depending on the track, the main tonal flaw noted.
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. 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 Wharfedale Aura 2 if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Ascend Acoustics CMT-340 SE2 if the price matters more than sound quality.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Passive Home rankings.
A mini tower style bookshelf speaker with nearly flat response, huge clean output, wide sound, and bass that reaches deep in most rooms.
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
| Wharfedale Aura 2 | Ascend Acoustics CMT-340 SE2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2799 per pair | $798 per pair |
| Ranked | #13 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #24 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 30Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | approximately 53Hz (measured, spinorama.org) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 56Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 77.6Hz (measured, spinorama.org) |
| Dimensions | 22.1”H x 11.3”W x 15.3”D (561.3 x 287 x 388.6 mm) | 21 x 7.5 x 10.5 in each |
| Impedance | 6 ohms nominal (3.1 ohms minimum above 80Hz, measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 8 ohms nominal |
| Drivers | 6.5” Black Glass Fibre Matrix Cone woofer, 4” Black Glass Fibre Matrix Cone midrange, 27x90mm AMT tweeter | Two 6.5-inch woofers; 27mm soft-dome tweeter |
| Sensitivity | 87dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 92dB at 2.83V/1m anechoic |
| Weight | 45 lbs (20.4 kg) each | 29.1 lbs (13.2 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.03 | 5.33 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.65 | 7.99 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Power Handling | - | 240W continuous; 400W short-term peak |
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