Short answer: the Dynaudio Emit 20, if you are buying new. The Philharmonic BMR (v1) ranks higher than it (#40 vs #133 of 222 bookshelf speakers, 4.3/5 vs 3.6/5) but is discontinued, so only consider it used; the Dynaudio Emit 20 is still sold new at $1,049. The Philharmonic BMR (v1)’s replacement, the Philharmonic BMR Monitor, is rated 3.6/5 at $2,200.
The Philharmonic BMR (v1) is the more accurate choice. A large three way bookshelf speaker with a ribbon tweeter, flat response, broad coverage, and an unusually expansive midrange. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 4.86 against 4.22 for the Dynaudio Emit 20. The catch: The measured 83dB sensitivity and roughly 4-ohm load demand meaningful external amplification.
The Dynaudio Emit 20 is the deeper-bass option. Bookshelf speakers with unusually deep, low distortion bass for a two-way design and wide, consistent dispersion. Its bass reaches about 54Hz before falling 3dB, against 62Hz for the Philharmonic BMR (v1). The tradeoff: A resonance around 600-800Hz gives snares and similar percussion a muffled, flat quality lacking impact: confirmed as originating in the woofer itself (isolated via measurements of the raw driver out of the cabinet), and attempts at constrained-layer damping didn’t resolve it.
Buy the Dynaudio Emit 20 if you want one new; the Philharmonic BMR (v1) is discontinued, so only look for it used.
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.
Bookshelf speakers with unusually deep, low distortion bass for a two-way design and wide, consistent dispersion.
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 Emit 20 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2,395 per pair Discontinued | $1,049.00 per pair |
| Ranked | #40 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #133 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | Approximately 62Hz relative to mean (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner website) | 54Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 37.8Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 33Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | Approximately 83dB/2.83V/1m (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 83.5dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner; 86dB manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | Approximately 4 ohms nominal (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 6 ohms nominal (5.5 ohms minimum above 80Hz, measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Drivers | RAAL 64-10 ribbon; 2.5” BMR midrange; 7” Scan-Speak woofer | 7.1” Magnesium Silicate Polymer woofer, 1.1” Cerotar soft dome with Hexis tweeter |
| Port Tuning | Mid/low-30Hz range (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported | ported, rear |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.86 | 4.22 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.17 | 5.92 |
| Dimensions | 22H x 9W x 13.5D in | 14.6”H x 8.1”W x 12.3”D (370.0 x 205.0 x 312.0 mm) |
| Weight | 37.9 lbs (17.2 kg) each | 12.8 lbs (5.8 kg) |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
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