Short answer: the Philharmonic BMR (v1) for better sound quality, the Arendal 1723 Bookshelf S THX for the lower price. The Philharmonic BMR (v1) ranks #30 of 84 bookshelf speakers at $2200. The Arendal 1723 Bookshelf S THX ranks #33 at $1499, $701 cheaper.
What the Philharmonic BMR (v1) offers: Large three-way combining a Scan-Speak 7-inch paper/carbon woofer, 2.5-inch Tectonic balanced-mode midrange and RAAL 64-10 ribbon. Watch for: The measured 83dB sensitivity and roughly 4-ohm load demand meaningful external amplification.
What the Arendal 1723 Bookshelf S THX offers: Exceptionally controlled radiation for a conventional two-way: Erin found the early-reflections directivity index smooth enough for broad-band EQ, while horizontal coverage remains orderly through the 1.5kHz crossover. Watch for: Erin measured only 81.6dB/2.83V/1m sensitivity, so substantial amplifier voltage is required.
Buy the Philharmonic BMR (v1) if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Arendal 1723 Bookshelf S THX if the price matters more than sound quality.
Specifications Side By Side
| Philharmonic BMR (v1) | Arendal 1723 Bookshelf S THX | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Current version: $2,200/pair | $1,499/pair |
| Ranked | #30 of 84 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #33 of 84 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | Approximately 62Hz relative to mean (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner website) | ~80Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | Approximately 83dB/2.83V/1m (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 81.6dB/2.83V/1m (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Impedance | Approximately 4 ohms nominal (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 4 ohms nominal |
| Drivers | RAAL 64-10 ribbon; 2.5" BMR midrange; 7" Scan-Speak woofer | 6.5-inch woofer; 28mm waveguided soft-dome tweeter |
| Port Tuning | Mid/low-30Hz range (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported | - |
| Enclosure | - | HDF, sealed/ported |
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The Two Speakers In Full
Philharmonic BMR (v1): Current version: $2,200/pair Philharmonic Audio
Pros: Large three-way combining a Scan-Speak 7-inch paper/carbon woofer, 2.5-inch Tectonic balanced-mode midrange and RAAL 64-10 ribbon. Erin measured approximately +/-1.5dB linearity from 80Hz upward, very broad +/-40-degree-or-better horizontal coverage and about 83dB/2.83V/1m sensitivity. The port is tuned in the mid/low-30Hz region without audible chuffing, the midrange provides unusually expansive staging, and distortion remained subjectively unobtrusive.
Cons: The measured 83dB sensitivity and roughly 4-ohm load demand meaningful external amplification. A 1-2dB shelf below about 300Hz reduces warmth unless corrected, while a response/impedance feature near 250-300Hz corresponded with Erin’s sense of resonance. The ribbon produces narrower vertical than horizontal radiation, and second-order high-frequency distortion plus dynamic enhancement near 3kHz appeared in testing. This was an earlier cabinet/version, not the current v2.
Full Philharmonic BMR (v1) review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | Approximately 62Hz relative to mean (measured, Erin's Audio Corner website) |
|---|---|
| Drivers | RAAL 64-10 ribbon; 2.5" BMR midrange; 7" Scan-Speak woofer |
| Impedance | Approximately 4 ohms nominal (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Port Tuning | Mid/low-30Hz range (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | Approximately 83dB/2.83V/1m (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported |
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Arendal 1723 Bookshelf S THX: $1,499/pair Arendal Sound
Pros: Exceptionally controlled radiation for a conventional two-way: Erin found the early-reflections directivity index smooth enough for broad-band EQ, while horizontal coverage remains orderly through the 1.5kHz crossover. Midbass attack around 120–160Hz is strong, the response is mostly neutral below the treble shelf, and dynamic compression remains under roughly 1dB even near 102dB/1m above the bass. The waveguided 28mm dome and heavy HDF enclosure support clean, cinema-capable output, and sealed/ported flexibility eases subwoofer integration.
Cons: Erin measured only 81.6dB/2.83V/1m sensitivity, so substantial amplifier voltage is required. Anechoic output rolls off around 80Hz and 3% THD is crossed near 80Hz at 96dB, making an 80Hz subwoofer crossover effectively mandatory. The treble sits a couple dB high on-axis and can sound bright; Erin preferred roughly 20° toe-out or a ~2dB high shelf. A vertical cancellation appears above the tweeter axis, so multi-row installations need careful height/aiming.
Full Arendal 1723 Bookshelf S THX review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | ~80Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
|---|---|
| Drivers | 6.5-inch woofer; 28mm waveguided soft-dome tweeter |
| Enclosure | HDF, sealed/ported |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal |
| Sensitivity | 81.6dB/2.83V/1m (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons