Short answer: the Ascend Acoustics CBM-170 SE2, if you are buying new. The Philharmonic BMR (v1) ranks higher than it (#40 vs #113 of 222 bookshelf speakers, 4.3/5 vs 3.8/5) but is discontinued, so only consider it used; the Ascend Acoustics CBM-170 SE2 is still sold new at $468. The Philharmonic BMR (v1)’s replacement, the Philharmonic BMR Monitor, is rated 3.6/5 at $2,200.
The Ascend Acoustics CBM-170 SE2 is the more accurate option. Compact two-way bookshelf speakers with a SEAS tweeter, a very flat midrange and smooth sound that suits most rooms. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 6.30 against 4.86 for the Philharmonic BMR (v1). The catch: 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.
The Philharmonic BMR (v1) is the better-sounding, deeper-bass choice. 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 70Hz for the Ascend Acoustics CBM-170 SE2. The catch: The measured 83dB sensitivity and roughly 4-ohm load demand meaningful external amplification.
Buy the Ascend Acoustics CBM-170 SE2 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.
Compact two-way bookshelf speakers with a SEAS tweeter, a very flat midrange and smooth sound that suits most rooms.
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 CBM-170 SE2 | Philharmonic BMR (v1) | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $468 per pair | $2,395 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #113 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #40 of 222 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 | 22H x 9W x 13.5D in |
| Weight | 15 lbs (6.8 kg) each | 37.9 lbs (17.2 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 | 6.30 | 4.86 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 8.66 | 7.17 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Port Tuning | - | Mid/low-30Hz range (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
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