Short answer: the Emotiva Airmotiv XB2, if you are buying new. The Philharmonic BMR (v1) ranks higher than it (#40 vs #48 of 222 bookshelf speakers, 4.3/5 vs 4.2/5) but is discontinued, so only consider it used; the Emotiva Airmotiv XB2 is still sold new at $549. The Philharmonic BMR (v1)’s replacement, the Philharmonic BMR Monitor, is rated 3.6/5 at $2,200.
The Emotiva Airmotiv XB2 is the more accurate pick. A great value bookshelf speaker with neutral sound, an AMT ribbon tweeter, and decent bass for its size. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 5.65 against 4.86 for the Philharmonic BMR (v1). The catch: Slight recessed upper-midrange around 2kHz from the tweeter-to-woofer handoff.
The case for 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 Emotiva Airmotiv XB2, since the Philharmonic BMR (v1) is discontinued and only worth hunting down used.
Want more options? Browse the full Passive Home rankings.
A great value bookshelf speaker with neutral sound, an AMT ribbon tweeter, and decent bass for its size.
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
| Emotiva Airmotiv XB2 | Philharmonic BMR (v1) | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $549 per pair | $2,395 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #48 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #40 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 43Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 37.8Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 62Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | Approximately 62Hz relative to mean (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner website) |
| Dimensions | 12.8” x 8.5” x 11.5” (325 x 216 x 292 mm) | 22H x 9W x 13.5D in |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal (safe with 8-ohm rated amps) | Approximately 4 ohms nominal (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | 86dB (2.83V/1m, Manufacturer specified) | Approximately 83dB/2.83V/1m (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Drivers | 1x 6” woven cone woofer, 1x 25x32mm AMT folded ribbon tweeter | RAAL 64-10 ribbon; 2.5” BMR midrange; 7” Scan-Speak woofer |
| Weight | 18.1 lbs (8.2 kg) | 37.9 lbs (17.2 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | Bass reflex, rear ported | ported |
| Frequency Response | 48Hz - 27kHz (+3/-3dB, Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Crossover Frequency | 2.6kHz | - |
| Power Handling | 125W continuous, 200W peak | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.65 | 4.86 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.93 | 7.17 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Port Tuning | - | Mid/low-30Hz range (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
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