Short answer: the Buchardt Audio E50. It ranks #16 of 222 bookshelf speakers by sound quality (rated 4.5/5) at $4,600 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 Buchardt Audio E50 is the more accurate, deeper-bass pick. A bookshelf speaker with remarkably deep bass for its size, a very neutral midrange, and low distortion, with no need to sit near a wall. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 5.84 against 4.86 for the Philharmonic BMR (v1). Its bass reaches about 40Hz before falling 3dB, against 62Hz for the Philharmonic BMR (v1). Watch for: A roughly 3dB dip in the upper midrange/lower treble softens attack and dialogue clarity: the reviewer’s main complaint, and it’s baked into the crossover rather than a directivity artifact, so it’s audible both on and off axis.
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. Watch for: The measured 83dB sensitivity and roughly 4-ohm load demand meaningful external amplification.
Buy the Buchardt Audio E50. It is rated higher for sound quality and still sold new, while the Philharmonic BMR (v1) is discontinued.
Still deciding? The full Passive Home rankings cover every ranked option.
A bookshelf speaker with remarkably deep bass for its size, a very neutral midrange, and low distortion, with no need to sit near a wall.
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
| Buchardt Audio E50 | Philharmonic BMR (v1) | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $4600 per pair | $2,395 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #16 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #40 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 34Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 37.8Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 40Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | Approximately 62Hz relative to mean (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner website) |
| Dimensions | 15.6” x 7.5” x 11.2” (395 x 190 x 284 mm) | 22H x 9W x 13.5D in |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal | Approximately 4 ohms nominal (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | 83.1dB (2.83V/1m, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner) | Approximately 83dB/2.83V/1m (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Drivers | 1” Scanspeak dome tweeter with waveguide, 6.5” Purifi extended-stroke woofer, dual 6.5” passive radiators | RAAL 64-10 ribbon; 2.5” BMR midrange; 7” Scan-Speak woofer |
| Weight | 19 lbs (8.6 kg) each | 37.9 lbs (17.2 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | Passive radiator loaded | ported |
| Crossover Frequency | 2000Hz | - |
| Frequency Response | 36Hz - 30kHz ±3dB (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Recommended Power | 60W - 200W | - |
| Country | Denmark | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.84 | 4.86 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.61 | 7.17 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Port Tuning | - | Mid/low-30Hz range (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
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