Short answer: the Arendal 1723 Bookshelf S THX, if you are buying new. The Philharmonic BMR (v1) ranks higher than it (#40 vs #50 of 222 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. The Philharmonic BMR (v1)’s replacement, the Philharmonic BMR Monitor, is rated 3.6/5 at $2,200.
The Philharmonic BMR (v1) is the deeper-bass option. A large three way bookshelf speaker with a ribbon tweeter, flat response, broad coverage, and an unusually expansive midrange. Its bass reaches about 62Hz before falling 3dB, against 80Hz for the Arendal 1723 Bookshelf S THX. The catch: The measured 83dB sensitivity and roughly 4-ohm load demand meaningful external amplification.
The case for the Arendal 1723 Bookshelf S THX: A THX certified bookshelf speaker with well controlled sound, strong midbass punch, and clean output for home theater. 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.
Measured Differences
- Bass depth: the Philharmonic BMR (v1) reaches 37.8 Hz (10 dB down) against 44.6 Hz for the Arendal 1723 Bookshelf S THX, about half an octave deeper. You hear more of the lowest bass notes and kick drums.
- Tonal accuracy above the bass: with a subwoofer taking the low end, the Arendal 1723 Bookshelf S THX scores 7.7 against 7.2 for the Philharmonic BMR (v1) on the Spinorama preference scale. Its frequency response and off-axis sound are smoother, so voices and instruments sound closer to the recording.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Philharmonic BMR (v1) | Arendal 1723 Bookshelf S THX | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2,395 per pair Discontinued | $1,499 per pair |
| Ranked | #40 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #50 of 222 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 |
Where the Ratings Come From
- Philharmonic BMR (v1): Spinorama.org measurements and reviews by Erin’s Audio Corner.
- Arendal 1723 Bookshelf S THX: Spinorama.org measurements and reviews by Erin’s Audio Corner video.
This comparison is generated from the ratings, specifications and measurements on each product’s own page, and it updates when that data changes. How we rank explains how each rating is decided.
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