Short answer: the KEF R3. It ranks #15 of 222 bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 4.5/5, at $1,544.56; the Philharmonic BMR Monitor ranks #134, rated 3.6/5, and costs $2,200, so there is little reason to consider the other one.
The KEF R3 is the better-sounding pick. A three way bookshelf speaker with KEF’s coaxial driver for stable imaging across seats and very low distortion, easy to run with a modest amp. Watch for: The low-frequency alignment rolls gradually rather than delivering high-output sub-bass; KEF specifies 58Hz +/-3dB and Erin’s high-level data supports using an 80Hz subwoofer crossover.
The Philharmonic BMR Monitor is the deeper-bass choice. Three-way bookshelf speakers with premium drivers, a well-built cabinet and extremely wide dispersion for a broad soundstage. Its bass reaches about 47Hz before falling 3dB, against 58Hz for the KEF R3. The catch: A 1-2dB bump around 2-3kHz creates a “glare” on vocals, guitars, and strings that the reviewer noticed consistently across many tracks.
Buy the KEF R3. It is rated higher for sound quality than the Philharmonic BMR Monitor and costs less, which makes it the one to get unless you need something the other one does better.
Want more options? Browse the full Passive Home rankings.
A three way bookshelf speaker with KEF’s coaxial driver for stable imaging across seats and very low distortion, easy to run with a modest amp.
Three-way bookshelf speakers with premium drivers, a well-built cabinet and extremely wide dispersion for a broad soundstage.
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Specifications Side By Side
| KEF R3 | Philharmonic BMR Monitor | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,544.56 per pair | $2200 per pair |
| Ranked | #15 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #134 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | Approximately 58Hz (manufacturer specified; consistent with Erin’s measured roll-off) | 47Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 35.2Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 32Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | Approximately 86-87dB/2.83V/1m (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 84dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal; suitable for Erin’s 4/8-ohm-rated amplifier | 4 ohms nominal (3 ohms minimum above 80Hz, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Drivers | 1” tweeter coaxial with 5” midrange; 6.5” woofer | 6” Ceramic woofer, Balanced Mode Radiator 2.5” midrange, RAAL 64-10X OEM tweeter |
| Dimensions | 16.6”H x 7.9”W x 13.2”D | 20”H x 8”W x 12.5”D (508 x 203.2 x 317.5 mm) |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear Flexible Port | ported, rear |
| Weight | 29.9 lbs (13.55 kg) each | 32 lbs (14.5 kg) each |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.2 (spinorama.org) | 6.02 (spinorama.org) |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.97 (spinorama.org) | 7.67 (spinorama.org) |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
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