Short answer: the Dynaudio Heritage Special. It ranks #29 of 222 bookshelf speakers by sound quality (rated 4.4/5) at $7,000 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 Dynaudio Heritage Special is the deeper-bass choice. A limited edition bookshelf speaker with huge output for its size, robust bass, and a big, well proportioned soundstage. Its bass reaches about 52Hz before falling 3dB, against 62Hz for the Philharmonic BMR (v1). The tradeoff: At lower listening volumes, dynamic range and kick-drum punch fell short of higher-sensitivity speakers the reviewer has tested (JBL 4367, KEF Reference 1 Meta): the sheer output ceiling is impressive, but it isn’t a highly dynamic-sounding speaker at modest levels.
The Philharmonic BMR (v1) is the more accurate pick. A large three way bookshelf speaker with a ribbon tweeter, flat response, broad coverage, and an unusually expansive midrange. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 4.86 against 4.32 for the Dynaudio Heritage Special. The catch: The measured 83dB sensitivity and roughly 4-ohm load demand meaningful external amplification.
Buy the Dynaudio Heritage Special. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the Philharmonic BMR (v1) is discontinued, so it is only available used.
Still deciding? The full Passive Home rankings cover every ranked option.
A limited edition bookshelf speaker with huge output for its size, robust bass, and a big, well proportioned soundstage.
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
| Dynaudio Heritage Special | Philharmonic BMR (v1) | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $7,000 per pair | $2,395 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #29 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #40 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Drivers | 18cm MSP cone woofer, 28mm Esotar 3 dome tweeter | RAAL 64-10 ribbon; 2.5” BMR midrange; 7” Scan-Speak woofer |
| Dimensions | 15.2”H x 8.2”W x 12.6”D (385 x 208 x 320 mm) | 22H x 9W x 13.5D in |
| Weight | 24.3 lbs (11 kg) each | 37.9 lbs (17.2 kg) each |
| Impedance | 5.1 ohms minimum, ported mode (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | Approximately 4 ohms nominal (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | 85dB (measured at 2.83V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner) | Approximately 83dB/2.83V/1m (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 52Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | Approximately 62Hz relative to mean (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner website) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 38Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 37.8Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Country | Denmark | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.32 | 4.86 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.33 | 7.17 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Port Tuning | - | Mid/low-30Hz range (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Woofer Cabinet | - | ported |
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