Short answer: the Philharmonic BMR (v1) if sound quality matters most, the Ascend CBM-170 SE2 if price matters most. The Philharmonic BMR (v1) ranks #36 of 130 bookshelf speakers at $2200. The Ascend CBM-170 SE2 ranks #66 at $468, $1732 cheaper.
What the Ascend CBM-170 SE2 offers: On-axis response is impressively flat from about 100Hz to 2kHz, staying within roughly ±1dB, with a clean, gradual bass rolloff below that. The directivity index rises smoothly and predictably through the crossover region, and the estimated in-room response shows a smooth, consistent downward tilt from 100Hz to 10kHz with no major discontinuities - close to the ideal in-room target shape. Measured sensitivity of 86.8dB nearly matches Ascend’s 87dB spec. The manufacturer’s own preference-score modeling comes out to 5.81 unequalized (rising to 8.17 with an ideal subwoofer, or 6.33/8.41 with EQ applied) - a strong result for a compact 2-way, and a clear step up from the original CBM-170 SE this replaces. Watch for: 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. High-frequency directivity narrows substantially above 10kHz, typical for a small dome tweeter, so the top octave will sound more reserved off-axis than on-axis. Bass rolls off as expected for a compact 2-way monitor: -3dB around 70Hz and -10dB around 50Hz, so a subwoofer is needed for full-range use. This data comes from the manufacturer’s own Klippel measurements rather than an independent third-party review, so there’s no outside verification of channel matching, distortion, or unit-to-unit consistency.
What the Philharmonic BMR (v1) offers: Large three-way combining a Scan-Speak 7-inch paper/carbon woofer, 2.5-inch Tectonic balanced-mode midrange and RAAL 64-10 ribbon. Erin measured approximately +/-1.5dB linearity from 80Hz upward, very broad +/-40-degree-or-better horizontal coverage and about 83dB/2.83V/1m sensitivity. The port is tuned in the mid/low-30Hz region without audible chuffing, the midrange provides unusually expansive staging, and distortion remained subjectively unobtrusive. Watch for: The measured 83dB sensitivity and roughly 4-ohm load demand meaningful external amplification. A 1-2dB shelf below about 300Hz reduces warmth unless corrected, while a response/impedance feature near 250-300Hz corresponded with Erin’s sense of resonance. The ribbon produces narrower vertical than horizontal radiation, and second-order high-frequency distortion plus dynamic enhancement near 3kHz appeared in testing. This was an earlier cabinet/version, not the current v2.
Buy the Ascend CBM-170 SE2 if the price matters more than sound quality. Buy the Philharmonic BMR (v1) if sound quality matters more than the price.
Want more options? Browse the full Passive Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Ascend CBM-170 SE2 | Philharmonic BMR (v1) | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $468 per pair | $2,395 per pair |
| Ranked | #66 of 130 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #36 of 130 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 70Hz (measured, manufacturer spinorama data) | Approximately 62Hz relative to mean (measured, Erin's Audio Corner website) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 50Hz (measured, manufacturer spinorama data) | 37.8Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | 86.8dB (2.83V/1m, measured, manufacturer spinorama data; 87dB manufacturer specified) | Approximately 83dB/2.83V/1m (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Drivers | 27mm custom SEAS soft dome tweeter, 6.5" proprietary composite polygel cone woofer | RAAL 64-10 ribbon; 2.5" BMR midrange; 7" Scan-Speak woofer |
| Dimensions | 12H x 9W x 9.5D in | - |
| Weight | 15 lbs (6.8 kg) each | - |
| Impedance | 8 ohms | Approximately 4 ohms nominal (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Power Handling | 200W continuous, 400W peak | - |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | ported |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.81 | 5.24 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 8.17 | 6.90 |
| Port Tuning | - | Mid/low-30Hz range (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
Related Speaker Comparisons
How Philharmonic BMR (v1) compares with other leading options:
- Philharmonic BMR (v1) vs Perlisten S4b
- KEF Reference 1 Meta vs Philharmonic BMR (v1)
- Philharmonic BMR (v1) vs GR-Research NX-Studio
- AsciLab C6B vs Philharmonic BMR (v1)
- Audio First Cadentia 3 vs Philharmonic BMR (v1)
Prices on this page were last checked September 16, 2026 at 12:41 AM 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.
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
The Two Speakers In Full
Ascend CBM-170 SE2: $468 per pair Ascend Acoustics eBay
Pros: On-axis response is impressively flat from about 100Hz to 2kHz, staying within roughly ±1dB, with a clean, gradual bass rolloff below that. The directivity index rises smoothly and predictably through the crossover region, and the estimated in-room response shows a smooth, consistent downward tilt from 100Hz to 10kHz with no major discontinuities - close to the ideal in-room target shape. Measured sensitivity of 86.8dB nearly matches Ascend’s 87dB spec. The manufacturer’s own preference-score modeling comes out to 5.81 unequalized (rising to 8.17 with an ideal subwoofer, or 6.33/8.41 with EQ applied) - a strong result for a compact 2-way, and a clear step up from the original CBM-170 SE this replaces. Measured sensitivity of 86.8dB.
Cons: 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. High-frequency directivity narrows substantially above 10kHz, typical for a small dome tweeter, so the top octave will sound more reserved off-axis than on-axis. Bass rolls off as expected for a compact 2-way monitor: -3dB around 70Hz and -10dB around 50Hz, so a subwoofer is needed for full-range use. This data comes from the manufacturer’s own Klippel measurements rather than an independent third-party review, so there’s no outside verification of channel matching, distortion, or unit-to-unit consistency.
Full Ascend CBM-170 SE2 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 50Hz (measured, manufacturer spinorama data) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 70Hz (measured, manufacturer spinorama data) |
| Dimensions | 12H x 9W x 9.5D in |
| Drivers | 27mm custom SEAS soft dome tweeter, 6.5" proprietary composite polygel cone woofer |
| Impedance | 8 ohms |
| Power Handling | 200W continuous, 400W peak |
| Sensitivity | 86.8dB (2.83V/1m, measured, manufacturer spinorama data; 87dB manufacturer specified) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.81 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 8.17 |
| Weight | 15 lbs (6.8 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Ascend CBM-170 SE2 vs Polk Signature Elite ES20
- Ascend CBM-170 SE2 vs Dynaudio Contour 20i
- Ascend CBM-170 SE2 vs Klipsch RP-600M II
- Ascend CBM-170 SE2 vs Dynaudio Emit 20
- Ascend CBM-170 SE2 vs Philharmonic BMR Monitor
- Ascend CBM-170 SE2 vs ELAC DBR62
- Ascend CBM-170 SE2 vs Mission LX-3 MKII
- Ascend CBM-170 SE2 vs GR-Research X-LS Encore
- See all 44 comparisons
Philharmonic BMR (v1): $2,395 per pair Philharmonic Audio eBay
Pros: Large three-way combining a Scan-Speak 7-inch paper/carbon woofer, 2.5-inch Tectonic balanced-mode midrange and RAAL 64-10 ribbon. Erin measured approximately +/-1.5dB linearity from 80Hz upward, very broad +/-40-degree-or-better horizontal coverage and about 83dB/2.83V/1m sensitivity. The port is tuned in the mid/low-30Hz region without audible chuffing, the midrange provides unusually expansive staging, and distortion remained subjectively unobtrusive. Measured bass extension of 62Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 83dB.
Cons: The measured 83dB sensitivity and roughly 4-ohm load demand meaningful external amplification. A 1-2dB shelf below about 300Hz reduces warmth unless corrected, while a response/impedance feature near 250-300Hz corresponded with Erin’s sense of resonance. The ribbon produces narrower vertical than horizontal radiation, and second-order high-frequency distortion plus dynamic enhancement near 3kHz appeared in testing. This was an earlier cabinet/version, not the current v2.
Full Philharmonic BMR (v1) review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 37.8Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | Approximately 62Hz relative to mean (measured, Erin's Audio Corner website) |
| Drivers | RAAL 64-10 ribbon; 2.5" BMR midrange; 7" Scan-Speak woofer |
| Impedance | Approximately 4 ohms nominal (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Port Tuning | Mid/low-30Hz range (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | Approximately 83dB/2.83V/1m (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.24 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.90 |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Philharmonic BMR (v1) vs ELAC VELA BS 403
- Philharmonic BMR (v1) vs Selah Audio Integrity
- Philharmonic BMR (v1) vs Ascend Acoustics Sierra-2EX V2
- Philharmonic BMR (v1) vs Ascend Acoustics Sierra-LX
- Philharmonic BMR (v1) vs Wharfedale Linton 85
- Philharmonic BMR (v1) vs Emotiva Airmotiv XB2
- Philharmonic BMR (v1) vs ELAC Debut 3.0 DB63
- Philharmonic BMR (v1) vs Selah Audio Purezza
- See all 49 comparisons