Short answer: the AsciLab C6B. It ranks #6 of 222 bookshelf speakers by sound quality (rated 4.7/5) at $1,145 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 AsciLab C6B is the more accurate, deeper-bass choice. Bookshelf speakers with very accurate sound and an unusually wide, stable soundstage, for any seating position. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 6.33 against 4.86 for the Philharmonic BMR (v1). Its bass reaches about 54Hz before falling 3dB, against 62Hz for the Philharmonic BMR (v1). The tradeoff: Bass rolls off around 50Hz in-room (F3 54Hz, F10 35Hz), so a subwoofer is needed for real extension below that.
The case for the Philharmonic BMR (v1): A large three way bookshelf speaker with a ribbon tweeter, flat response, broad coverage, and an unusually expansive midrange. The catch: The measured 83dB sensitivity and roughly 4-ohm load demand meaningful external amplification.
Buy the AsciLab C6B. It is rated higher for sound quality and still sold new, while the Philharmonic BMR (v1) is discontinued.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Passive Home rankings.
Bookshelf speakers with very accurate sound and an unusually wide, stable soundstage, for any seating position.
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
| AsciLab C6B | Philharmonic BMR (v1) | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1145 per pair | $2,395 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #6 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #40 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 35Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 37.8Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 54Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | Approximately 62Hz relative to mean (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner website) |
| Dimensions | 15.7”H x 8”W x 10.4”D (398.8 x 203.2 x 264.2 mm) | 22H x 9W x 13.5D in |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal, 2.6 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | Approximately 4 ohms nominal (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | 85.6dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | Approximately 83dB/2.83V/1m (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Drivers | 6” Aluminium Ceramic Cone with cast Aluminium Chassis woofer, 1” Aluminium Ceramic Dome tweeter | RAAL 64-10 ribbon; 2.5” BMR midrange; 7” Scan-Speak woofer |
| Weight | 18.5 lbs (8.4 kg) each | 37.9 lbs (17.2 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | passive radiator | ported |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.33 | 4.86 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 8.28 | 7.17 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Port Tuning | - | Mid/low-30Hz range (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
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