Short answer: the Ascend Acoustics Sierra-2EX V2, if you are buying new. The Philharmonic BMR (v1) measures as well as it (#40 vs #41 of 222 bookshelf speakers, 4.3/5 vs 4.3/5) but is discontinued, so only consider it used; the Ascend Acoustics Sierra-2EX V2 is still sold new at $1,748. The Philharmonic BMR (v1)’s replacement, the Philharmonic BMR Monitor, is rated 3.6/5 at $2,200.
The Sierra-2EX V2 is the current ribbon two-way. A RAAL ribbon tweeter and a SEAS Excel woofer reach 58.6Hz before falling 3dB, with a preference score of 5.88. Pairs are matched within 1.5dB and come with a 7-year warranty. Its on-axis response is somewhat uneven, and it is sold direct only.
The Philharmonic BMR v1 is a discontinued three-way with expansive staging. A ribbon tweeter, a 2.5-inch BMR midrange and a 7-inch Scan-Speak woofer stay within about 1.5dB from 80Hz up with broad horizontal coverage. Its sensitivity is a low 83dB with a roughly 4-ohm load, so it needs a strong amplifier, and a slight shelf below 300Hz trims warmth.
Buy the Ascend Acoustics Sierra-2EX V2 if you want one new; the Philharmonic BMR (v1) is discontinued, so only look for it used.
Want more options? Browse the full Passive Home rankings.
A ribbon tweeter bookshelf speaker with hand matched pairs, a frequency response printout for each unit, and a long seven year warranty.
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 Sierra-2EX V2 | Philharmonic BMR (v1) | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,748 per pair | $2,395 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #41 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #40 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Enclosure | ported | - |
| Drivers | RAAL 10mm true ribbon tweeter, 6” SEAS Excel Curv cone woofer | RAAL 64-10 ribbon; 2.5” BMR midrange; 7” Scan-Speak woofer |
| Dimensions | 14.3”H x 7.5”W x 10.5”D (362 x 190 x 267 mm) | 22H x 9W x 13.5D in |
| Weight | 20.1 lbs (9.1 kg) each | 37.9 lbs (17.2 kg) each |
| Sensitivity | 85dB @ 2.83V/1m anechoic (manufacturer) | 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 | 150W continuous, 300W peak | - |
| Frequency Response | 51-27,000Hz +/-3dB (manufacturer) | - |
| Bass Extension (-6dB) | 51.3Hz (measured, spinorama.org vendor data) | - |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 58.6Hz (measured, spinorama.org vendor data) | Approximately 62Hz relative to mean (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner website) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 42.4Hz (measured, spinorama.org vendor data) | 37.8Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Warranty | 7 years parts and labor | - |
| Country | United States | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.88 | 4.86 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.95 | 7.17 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Port Tuning | - | Mid/low-30Hz range (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Woofer Cabinet | - | ported |
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