Short answer: the Philharmonic Ceramic Mini. It ranks #2 of 179 bookshelf speakers by sound quality (rated 4.7/5) at $900 and is still sold new; the Dynaudio Emit M10 ranks #111 (rated 3.0/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used. The Dynaudio Emit M10’s replacement, the Dynaudio Emit 10, is rated 3.2/5 at $599.
Why pick the Dynaudio Emit M10: A discontinued stand-mount bookshelf speaker with very low distortion and a well-behaved port, voiced with extra bass and treble. The catch: Tuned toward a mild showroom sound with boosted upper bass and treble and a recessed midrange: the reviewer prefers speakers that get the 100Hz-3kHz range right, which this doesn’t.
The Philharmonic Ceramic Mini is the more accurate, deeper-bass choice. A beautifully finished bookshelf speaker with near reference accuracy, low distortion, a touch of warmth and a wide soundstage. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 5.77 against 4.56 for the Dynaudio Emit M10. Its bass reaches about 51Hz before falling 3dB, against 60.1Hz for the Dynaudio Emit M10. Watch for: Somewhat limited output capability for its size: audible woofer compression (“flopping”) around 95dB at 3 meters for a stereo pair, so keep to moderate levels or pair with a subwoofer for home theater use.
Buy the Philharmonic Ceramic Mini. It is rated higher for sound quality; the Dynaudio Emit M10 is no longer sold new.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Passive Home rankings.
A discontinued stand-mount bookshelf speaker with very low distortion and a well-behaved port, voiced with extra bass and treble.
A beautifully finished bookshelf speaker with near reference accuracy, low distortion, a touch of warmth and a wide soundstage.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Dynaudio Emit M10 | Philharmonic Ceramic Mini | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $800 per pair Discontinued | $900 per pair |
| Ranked | #111 of 179 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers | #2 of 179 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 60.1Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 51Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 46.8Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) | 36Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | 83.5dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) | 82dB (2.83V/1m, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Impedance | 6 ohms nominal | 4 ohms nominal (3.2 ohms min, 15 ohms max) (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz - 23kHz (+/-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 55Hz - 20kHz (+1.5/-3dB, Manufacturer specified, ported) |
| Drivers | 28mm soft dome tweeter, 14cm MSP mid/bass driver | 5.25” ceramic woofer, 1” ceramic dome tweeter |
| Weight | 12.3 lbs (5.6 kg) each | 17 lbs (7.7 kg) |
| Dimensions | 11.5”H x 6.7”W x 9.4”D (292 x 170 x 240 mm) | 12” x 8.5” x 11.3” (305 x 216 x 286 mm) |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported | ported, rear |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.56 (spinorama.org) | 5.77 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.93 (spinorama.org) | 7.78 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Crossover Frequency | - | 2kHz (Linkwitz-Riley 4th order) |
| Country | - | USA (Vienna, Virginia) |
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