Short answer: the Philharmonic BMR Monitor for better sound quality, the Polk R200 for the lower price. The Philharmonic BMR (v1) ranks higher than the Polk R200 (#40 vs #178 of 222 bookshelf speakers) but is discontinued. Its replacement, the Philharmonic BMR Monitor, is rated 3.6/5 at $2,200; the Polk R200 is rated 3.2/5 at $799, $1,401 cheaper.
Why pick the Polk R200: A Polk bookshelf speaker with a 6.5 inch woofer and a ring radiator tweeter, sized for a medium room. The catch: A resonance and associated distortion increase around 800Hz-1kHz creates a “tinny,” occasionally glaring quality on certain instruments and vocals, confirmed both by ear and in the frequency-response and distortion measurements.
The Philharmonic BMR (v1) is the better-sounding, 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 74Hz for the Polk R200. The catch: The measured 83dB sensitivity and roughly 4-ohm load demand meaningful external amplification.
Buy the Polk R200 if price matters most. For better sound quality, the Philharmonic BMR Monitor, the replacement for the discontinued Philharmonic BMR (v1), is rated higher but costs $2,200.
Still deciding? The full Passive Home rankings cover every ranked option.
A Polk bookshelf speaker with a 6.5 inch woofer and a ring radiator tweeter, sized for a medium room.
A large three way bookshelf speaker with a ribbon tweeter, flat response, broad coverage, and an unusually expansive midrange.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Polk R200 | Philharmonic BMR (v1) | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $799.00 per pair | $2,395 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #178 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #40 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 50Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 37.8Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 74Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | Approximately 62Hz relative to mean (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner website) |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal, 3.8 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | Approximately 4 ohms nominal (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | 85dB | Approximately 83dB/2.83V/1m (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Drivers | 25mm soft dome + 165mm woofer | RAAL 64-10 ribbon; 2.5” BMR midrange; 7” Scan-Speak woofer |
| Weight | 31.3 lbs (14.2 kg) | 37.9 lbs (17.2 kg) each |
| Dimensions | 14.1”H x 7.5”W x 13.9”D (359.0 x 190.0 x 353.8 mm) | 22H x 9W x 13.5D in |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | ported |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.09 | 4.86 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.61 | 7.17 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Port Tuning | - | Mid/low-30Hz range (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
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