Short answer: the Audio First Cadentia 3. It ranks #7 of 222 bookshelf speakers by sound quality (rated 4.7/5) at $7,199 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 Audio First Cadentia 3 is the more accurate, deeper-bass option. A large three way bookshelf speaker with near textbook accuracy, a big enveloping soundstage, and deep, punchy bass that stays clean when loud. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 7.55 against 4.86 for the Philharmonic BMR (v1). Its bass reaches about 43Hz before falling 3dB, against 62Hz for the Philharmonic BMR (v1). The tradeoff: A mild scoop through the upper midrange/lower treble slightly softens the attack of snares, hand claps, and sibilants: fixable with a single-band EQ (2.5kHz, +1dB, Q~1).
Why pick 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 Audio First Cadentia 3. It is rated higher for sound quality and still sold new, while the Philharmonic BMR (v1) is discontinued.
Want more options? Browse the full Passive Home rankings.
A large three way bookshelf speaker with near textbook accuracy, a big enveloping soundstage, and deep, punchy bass that stays clean when loud.
A large three way bookshelf speaker with a ribbon tweeter, flat response, broad coverage, and an unusually expansive midrange.
Prices on this page were last checked October 31, 2026 at 7:11 PM 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.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Audio First Cadentia 3 | Philharmonic BMR (v1) | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $7199 per pair | $2,395 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #7 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #40 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 26Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 37.8Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 43Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | Approximately 62Hz relative to mean (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner website) |
| Dimensions | 23.2” x 11.8” x 17” (590 x 300 x 433 mm) | 22H x 9W x 13.5D in |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal (3.1 ohms minimum, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner) | Approximately 4 ohms nominal (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | 86.4dB (2.83V/1m, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner) | Approximately 83dB/2.83V/1m (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Drivers | 1.1” tweeter, 4.5” midrange, 9” woofer | RAAL 64-10 ribbon; 2.5” BMR midrange; 7” Scan-Speak woofer |
| Weight | 45.9 lbs (20.8 kg) each | 37.9 lbs (17.2 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | 3-way, bass reflex | ported |
| Country | United Kingdom (Cambridge) | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 7.55 | 4.86 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 8.91 | 7.17 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Port Tuning | - | Mid/low-30Hz range (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
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