Short answer: the Philharmonic BMR Monitor, if you are buying new. The Philharmonic BMR (v1) ranks higher than the ATC SCM19 (#40 vs #209 of 222 bookshelf speakers) but is discontinued; its replacement, the Philharmonic BMR Monitor, is rated 3.6/5 at $2,200 and is still sold new.
The Philharmonic BMR (v1) is the better-sounding option. A large three way bookshelf speaker with a ribbon tweeter, flat response, broad coverage, and an unusually expansive midrange. The tradeoff: The measured 83dB sensitivity and roughly 4-ohm load demand meaningful external amplification.
Why pick the ATC SCM19: A heavy, sealed pro style ATC bookshelf speaker with a very dense cabinet and low distortion at high volume. The tradeoff: Some stored energy resonance around 500-700Hz, 4dB bump around 700Hz.
Buy the Philharmonic BMR Monitor, the replacement for the discontinued Philharmonic BMR (v1); it is rated higher for sound quality than the ATC SCM19.
Still deciding? The full Passive Home rankings cover every ranked option.
A large three way bookshelf speaker with a ribbon tweeter, flat response, broad coverage, and an unusually expansive midrange.
A heavy, sealed pro style ATC bookshelf speaker with a very dense cabinet and low distortion at high volume.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Philharmonic BMR (v1) | ATC SCM19 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2,395 per pair Discontinued | $3750 per pair |
| Ranked | #40 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #209 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | Approximately 62Hz relative to mean (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner website) | 60Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 37.8Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 34Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Sensitivity | Approximately 83dB/2.83V/1m (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 85dB (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Impedance | Approximately 4 ohms nominal (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 6 ohms |
| Drivers | RAAL 64-10 ribbon; 2.5” BMR midrange; 7” Scan-Speak woofer | 5.9” Super Linear Magnet cone woofer, 1” soft dome tweeter |
| Port Tuning | Mid/low-30Hz range (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported | sealed |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.86 | 4.61 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.17 | 7.03 |
| Dimensions | 22H x 9W x 13.5D in | 17.2”H x 10.4”W x 11.8”D (436.9 x 264.2 x 299.7 mm) |
| Weight | 37.9 lbs (17.2 kg) each | 39.2 lbs (17.8 kg) each |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
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