Short answer: the Perlisten A3m, if you are buying new. The Philharmonic BMR (v1) ranks higher than it (#40 vs #51 of 222 bookshelf speakers, 4.3/5 vs 4.2/5) but is discontinued, so only consider it used; the Perlisten A3m is still sold new at $3,000. The Philharmonic BMR (v1)’s replacement, the Philharmonic BMR Monitor, is rated 3.6/5 at $2,200.
Why pick the Perlisten A3m: A sealed high output monitor with dual 8 inch woofers and a waveguide tweeter, a great match for a subwoofer in a home theater. The catch: The low-quality vendor Spinorama data measures only 85.8Hz at -3dB, 74.1Hz at -6dB, and 55.7Hz at -12dB, conflicting with Perlisten’s much deeper in-room extension claim.
The Philharmonic BMR (v1) is the more accurate, deeper-bass choice. 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 4.30 for the Perlisten A3m. Its bass reaches about 62Hz before falling 3dB, against 85.8Hz for the Perlisten A3m. Watch for: The measured 83dB sensitivity and roughly 4-ohm load demand meaningful external amplification.
Buy the Perlisten A3m new; the Philharmonic BMR (v1) is no longer sold new, so it only makes sense as a used find.
Still deciding? The full Passive Home rankings cover every ranked option.
A sealed high output monitor with dual 8 inch woofers and a waveguide tweeter, a great match for a subwoofer in a home theater.
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
| Perlisten A3m | Philharmonic BMR (v1) | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $3,000 per pair | $2,395 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #51 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #40 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 85.8Hz (measured, spinorama.org) | Approximately 62Hz relative to mean (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner website) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | approximately 61Hz (measured, spinorama.org) | 37.8Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Enclosure | Sealed | - |
| Drivers | Two 8-inch carbon-fiber woofers; 35mm Teteron dome tweeter | RAAL 64-10 ribbon; 2.5” BMR midrange; 7” Scan-Speak woofer |
| Sensitivity | 87.4dB at 2.83V/1m | Approximately 83dB/2.83V/1m (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal; 3 ohms minimum | Approximately 4 ohms nominal (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Dimensions | 26.6 x 11.0 x 13.8 in each | 22H x 9W x 13.5D in |
| Maximum SPL | 111.4dB peak at 1m (manufacturer specified) | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.30 | 4.86 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.34 | 7.17 |
| Weight | 63.9 lbs (29 kg) | 37.9 lbs (17.2 kg) each |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Port Tuning | - | Mid/low-30Hz range (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Woofer Cabinet | - | ported |
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