Short answer: the ELAC DBR62, if you are buying new. The Philharmonic BMR (v1) ranks higher than it (#40 vs #79 of 222 bookshelf speakers, 4.3/5 vs 4.0/5) but is discontinued, so only consider it used; the ELAC DBR62 is still sold new at $699.98. The Philharmonic BMR (v1)’s replacement, the Philharmonic BMR Monitor, is rated 3.6/5 at $2,200.
The ELAC DBR62 is the deeper-bass option. An affordable bookshelf speaker that is very forgiving of placement and aiming, with wide sound and a little extra bass punch. Its bass reaches about 53Hz before falling 3dB, against 62Hz for the Philharmonic BMR (v1). The catch: A slight recess in the 1-2kHz region reduces vocal presence somewhat compared to other speakers in direct comparison.
What the Philharmonic BMR (v1) does well: A large three way bookshelf speaker with a ribbon tweeter, flat response, broad coverage, and an unusually expansive midrange. The tradeoff: The measured 83dB sensitivity and roughly 4-ohm load demand meaningful external amplification.
Buy the ELAC DBR62 new; the Philharmonic BMR (v1) is no longer sold new, so it only makes sense as a used find.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Passive Home rankings.
An affordable bookshelf speaker that is very forgiving of placement and aiming, with wide sound and a little extra bass punch.
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
| ELAC DBR62 | Philharmonic BMR (v1) | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $699.98 per pair | $2,395 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #79 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #40 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 41Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 37.8Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 53Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | Approximately 62Hz relative to mean (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner website) |
| Dimensions | 14.1”H x 8.2”W x 10.8”D (358.1 x 208.3 x 274.3 mm) | 22H x 9W x 13.5D in |
| Impedance | 6 ohms nominal, 5.2 ohms minimum (measured above 80Hz, Erin’s Audio Corner) | Approximately 4 ohms nominal (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | 84.3dB (measured average 300Hz-3kHz @ 2.83V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner; 86dB manufacturer specified) | Approximately 83dB/2.83V/1m (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Drivers | 6.5” Aramid Fiber woofer, 1” soft dome tweeter | RAAL 64-10 ribbon; 2.5” BMR midrange; 7” Scan-Speak woofer |
| Weight | 18.1 lbs (8.2 kg) each | 37.9 lbs (17.2 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, front | ported |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.07 | 4.86 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.27 | 7.17 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Port Tuning | - | Mid/low-30Hz range (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
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