Short answer: the Philharmonic BMR Monitor, if you are buying new. The Philharmonic BMR (v1) ranks higher than it (#40 vs #134 of 222 bookshelf speakers, 4.3/5 vs 3.6/5) but is discontinued, so only consider it used; the Philharmonic BMR Monitor is still sold new at $2,200.
The Philharmonic BMR Monitor is the more accurate, deeper-bass option. Three-way bookshelf speakers with premium drivers, a well-built cabinet and extremely wide dispersion for a broad soundstage. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 6.02 against 4.86 for the Philharmonic BMR (v1). Its bass reaches about 47Hz before falling 3dB, against 62Hz for the Philharmonic BMR (v1). 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.
The Philharmonic BMR (v1) is the better-sounding choice. A large three way bookshelf speaker with a ribbon tweeter, flat response, broad coverage, and an unusually expansive midrange. The catch: The measured 83dB sensitivity and roughly 4-ohm load demand meaningful external amplification.
Buy the Philharmonic BMR Monitor, since the Philharmonic BMR (v1) is discontinued and only worth hunting down used.
Want more options? Browse the full Passive Home rankings.
Three-way bookshelf speakers with premium drivers, a well-built cabinet and extremely wide dispersion for a broad 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
| Philharmonic BMR Monitor | Philharmonic BMR (v1) | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2200 per pair | $2,395 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #134 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #40 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 32Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 37.8Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 47Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | Approximately 62Hz relative to mean (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner website) |
| Dimensions | 20”H x 8”W x 12.5”D (508 x 203.2 x 317.5 mm) | 22H x 9W x 13.5D in |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal (3 ohms minimum above 80Hz, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner) | Approximately 4 ohms nominal (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Drivers | 6” Ceramic woofer, Balanced Mode Radiator 2.5” midrange, RAAL 64-10X OEM tweeter | RAAL 64-10 ribbon; 2.5” BMR midrange; 7” Scan-Speak woofer |
| Sensitivity | 84dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | Approximately 83dB/2.83V/1m (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Weight | 32 lbs (14.5 kg) each | 37.9 lbs (17.2 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | ported |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.02 (spinorama.org) | 4.86 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.67 (spinorama.org) | 7.17 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Port Tuning | - | Mid/low-30Hz range (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
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