Short answer: the GR-Research NX-Studio. It ranks #4 of 222 bookshelf speakers by sound quality (rated 4.8/5) at $3,630 and is still sold new; the Philharmonic BMR (v1) ranks #40 (rated 4.3/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used. The Philharmonic BMR (v1)’s replacement, the Philharmonic BMR Monitor, is rated 3.6/5 at $2,200.
What the Philharmonic BMR (v1) does well: 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.
The GR-Research NX-Studio is the better-sounding pick. A DIY kit bookshelf speaker with a ribbon tweeter for wide open, detailed sound, superb imaging, and tight, fast sealed bass. The catch: Bass will be very tight but won’t be quite as deep as others due to the sealed woofer enclosure.
Buy the GR-Research NX-Studio. It is rated higher for sound quality and still sold new, while the Philharmonic BMR (v1) is discontinued.
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 DIY kit bookshelf speaker with a ribbon tweeter for wide open, detailed sound, superb imaging, and tight, fast sealed bass.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Philharmonic BMR (v1) | GR-Research NX-Studio | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2,395 per pair Discontinued | $3630 per pair |
| Ranked | #40 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #4 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | Approximately 62Hz relative to mean (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner website) | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 37.8Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Sensitivity | Approximately 83dB/2.83V/1m (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 87dB |
| Impedance | Approximately 4 ohms nominal (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 8 ohms |
| Drivers | RAAL 64-10 ribbon; 2.5” BMR midrange; 7” Scan-Speak woofer | GR-Research M165NQ 6.5” paper cone, non-resonant polymer frame, copper shorting rings and aluminum phase plug sealed enclosure woofer, GR-Research Neo3 Planar Magnetic Ribbon open baffle tweeter |
| Port Tuning | Mid/low-30Hz range (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported | sealed |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.86 | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.17 | - |
| Dimensions | 22H x 9W x 13.5D in | 18”H x 8.5”W x 15.5”D (457.2 x 215.9 x 393.7 mm) |
| Weight | 37.9 lbs (17.2 kg) each | 20.5 lbs (9.3 kg) each |
| DIY Kit | No | Yes |
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