Short answer: the Arendal 1723 Bookshelf S THX, if you are buying new. The Philharmonic BMR (v1) ranks higher than it (#36 vs #43 of 131 bookshelf speakers, 4.3/5 vs 4.2/5) but is discontinued, so only consider it used; the Arendal 1723 Bookshelf S THX is still sold new at $1,499.
What the Philharmonic BMR (v1) does well: Large three-way combining a Scan-Speak 7-inch paper/carbon woofer, 2.5-inch Tectonic balanced-mode midrange and RAAL 64-10 ribbon. The tradeoff: The measured 83dB sensitivity and roughly 4-ohm load demand meaningful external amplification.
The case for the Arendal 1723 Bookshelf S THX: 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. The catch: Erin measured only 81.6dB/2.83V/1m sensitivity, so substantial amplifier voltage is required.
Buy the Arendal 1723 Bookshelf S THX new; the Philharmonic BMR (v1) is no longer sold new, so it only makes sense as a used find.
Want more options? Browse the full Passive Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Philharmonic BMR (v1) | Arendal 1723 Bookshelf S THX | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2,395 per pair Discontinued | $1,499 per pair |
| Ranked | #36 of 131 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #43 of 131 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) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 37.8Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 44.6Hz (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 | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.86 | 4.89 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.17 | 7.68 |
| Dimensions | 22H x 9W x 13.5D in | 15.2”H x 9.6”W x 12.6”D (385 x 245 x 320 mm) |
| Weight | 37.9 lbs (17.2 kg) each | 32 lbs (14.5 kg) each |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Enclosure | - | HDF, sealed/ported |
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How Philharmonic BMR (v1) compares with other leading options:
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Prices on this page were last checked September 29, 2026 at 3:43 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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The Two Speakers In Full
Philharmonic BMR (v1): $2,395 per pair Discontinued eBay
Newer model: the Philharmonic BMR Monitor, ranked lower, rated 3.6/5.
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. Measured bass extension of 62Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 83dB.
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. Discontinued.
Full Philharmonic BMR (v1) review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 37.8Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | Approximately 62Hz relative to mean (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner website) |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 22H x 9W x 13.5D in |
| 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) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.86 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.17 |
| Weight | 37.9 lbs (17.2 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported |
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Arendal 1723 Bookshelf S THX: $1,499 per pair Arendal Sound eBay
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. Measured bass extension of ~80Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 81.6dB.
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 (-10dB) | 44.6Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | ~80Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 15.2”H x 9.6”W x 12.6”D (385 x 245 x 320 mm) |
| 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) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.89 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.68 |
| Weight | 32 lbs (14.5 kg) each |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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