Short answer: the Perlisten S4b. It ranks #2 of 222 bookshelf speakers by sound quality (rated 4.8/5) at $8,000 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.
The Philharmonic BMR (v1) is the deeper-bass choice. 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 78Hz for the Perlisten S4b. The tradeoff: The measured 83dB sensitivity and roughly 4-ohm load demand meaningful external amplification.
The Perlisten S4b is the better-sounding pick. A compact sealed bookshelf speaker with reference grade accuracy, exceptionally smooth dispersion, and very low distortion at high volume. The tradeoff: Erin measured only 84.5dB sensitivity and an impedance minimum just under 4 ohms, a difficult efficiency/load combination that deserves substantial clean amplification.
Buy the Perlisten S4b. It is rated higher for sound quality and still sold new, while the Philharmonic BMR (v1) is discontinued.
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.
A compact sealed bookshelf speaker with reference grade accuracy, exceptionally smooth dispersion, and very low distortion at high volume.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Philharmonic BMR (v1) | Perlisten S4b | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2,395 per pair Discontinued | $8,000 per pair |
| Ranked | #40 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #2 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | Approximately 62Hz relative to mean (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner website) | 78Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 37.8Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 40Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | Approximately 83dB/2.83V/1m (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 84.5dB/2.83V/1m (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Impedance | Approximately 4 ohms nominal (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | Just under 4 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Drivers | RAAL 64-10 ribbon; 2.5” BMR midrange; 7” Scan-Speak woofer | DPC array with 28mm beryllium tweeter and dual 28mm midrange domes; 7” woofer |
| Port Tuning | Mid/low-30Hz range (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported | sealed |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.86 | 5.35 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.17 | 8.01 |
| Dimensions | 22H x 9W x 13.5D in | 16.5”H x 9.4”W x 7.3”D |
| Weight | 37.9 lbs (17.2 kg) each | 24.3 lbs (11 kg) each |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
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