Short answer: the Dynaudio Contour 20i, if you are buying new. The Philharmonic BMR (v1) ranks higher than it (#40 vs #96 of 222 bookshelf speakers, 4.3/5 vs 3.9/5) but is discontinued, so only consider it used; the Dynaudio Contour 20i is still sold new at $5,750. The Philharmonic BMR (v1)’s replacement, the Philharmonic BMR Monitor, is rated 3.6/5 at $2,200.
The Philharmonic BMR (v1) is the better-sounding pick. A large three way bookshelf speaker with a ribbon tweeter, flat response, broad coverage, and an unusually expansive midrange. Watch for: The measured 83dB sensitivity and roughly 4-ohm load demand meaningful external amplification.
What the Dynaudio Contour 20i does well: Beautifully built bookshelf speakers with wide, spacious sound, clean output at high volume, and bass that blends easily near a wall. The tradeoff: Notably room-dependent: sounds too bright in the lower treble in smaller rooms with close sidewalls, needing sidewall absorption to sound neutral, while performing better in larger or more open rooms without that treatment.
Buy the Dynaudio Contour 20i, since the Philharmonic BMR (v1) is discontinued and only worth hunting down used.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Passive Home rankings.
A large three way bookshelf speaker with a ribbon tweeter, flat response, broad coverage, and an unusually expansive midrange.
Beautifully built bookshelf speakers with wide, spacious sound, clean output at high volume, and bass that blends easily near a wall.
Prices on this page were last checked October 31, 2026 at 7:11 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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Specifications Side By Side
| Philharmonic BMR (v1) | Dynaudio Contour 20i | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2,395 per pair Discontinued | $5750 per pair |
| Ranked | #40 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #96 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | Approximately 62Hz relative to mean (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner website) | 56Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 37.8Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 32Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | Approximately 83dB/2.83V/1m (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 82.5dB |
| Impedance | Approximately 4 ohms nominal (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 4 ohms |
| Drivers | RAAL 64-10 ribbon; 2.5” BMR midrange; 7” Scan-Speak woofer | 18 cm MSP woofer, 28mm Esotar 2i with Hexis tweeter |
| Port Tuning | Mid/low-30Hz range (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported | ported, rear |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.86 | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.17 | - |
| Dimensions | 22H x 9W x 13.5D in | 17.4”H x 8.5”W x 14.2”D (442 x 215.9 x 360.7 mm) |
| Weight | 37.9 lbs (17.2 kg) each | 30.9 lbs (14 kg) each |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
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