Short answer: the Ascend Acoustics CMT-340 SE2. It ranks #24 of 222 bookshelf speakers by sound quality (rated 4.4/5) at $798 and is still sold new; the Philharmonic BMR (v1) ranks #40 (rated 4.3/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used. The Philharmonic BMR (v1)’s replacement, the Philharmonic BMR Monitor, is rated 3.6/5 at $2,200.
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.
The Philharmonic BMR (v1) is the deeper-bass option. A large three way bookshelf speaker with a ribbon tweeter, flat response, broad coverage, and an unusually expansive midrange. Its bass reaches about 62Hz before falling 3dB, against 77.6Hz for the Ascend Acoustics CMT-340 SE2. The catch: The measured 83dB sensitivity and roughly 4-ohm load demand meaningful external amplification.
Buy the Ascend Acoustics CMT-340 SE2. It is rated higher for sound quality; the Philharmonic BMR (v1) is no longer sold new.
Want more options? Browse the full Passive Home rankings.
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.
A large three way bookshelf speaker with a ribbon tweeter, flat response, broad coverage, and an unusually expansive midrange.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Ascend Acoustics CMT-340 SE2 | Philharmonic BMR (v1) | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $798 per pair | $2,395 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #24 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #40 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 77.6Hz (measured, spinorama.org) | Approximately 62Hz relative to mean (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner website) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | approximately 53Hz (measured, spinorama.org) | 37.8Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Drivers | Two 6.5-inch woofers; 27mm soft-dome tweeter | RAAL 64-10 ribbon; 2.5” BMR midrange; 7” Scan-Speak woofer |
| Sensitivity | 92dB at 2.83V/1m anechoic | Approximately 83dB/2.83V/1m (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal | Approximately 4 ohms nominal (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Power Handling | 240W continuous; 400W short-term peak | - |
| Dimensions | 21 x 7.5 x 10.5 in each | 22H x 9W x 13.5D in |
| Weight | 29.1 lbs (13.2 kg) each | 37.9 lbs (17.2 kg) each |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.33 | 4.86 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.99 | 7.17 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Port Tuning | - | Mid/low-30Hz range (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Woofer Cabinet | - | ported |
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