Short answer: the Polk Signature Elite ES20, if you are buying new. The Philharmonic BMR (v1) ranks higher than it (#40 vs #119 of 222 bookshelf speakers, 4.3/5 vs 3.7/5) but is discontinued, so only consider it used; the Polk Signature Elite ES20 is still sold new at $398.98. The Philharmonic BMR (v1)’s replacement, the Philharmonic BMR Monitor, is rated 3.6/5 at $2,200.
The Polk Signature Elite ES20 is the deeper-bass option. Large, efficient bookshelf speakers with unusually deep bass for the price and wide horizontal coverage. Its bass reaches about 55.7Hz before falling 3dB, against 62Hz for the Philharmonic BMR (v1). The tradeoff: Predicted in-room smoothness of 0.238 and directivity-index consistency of 3.81 are average rather than class-leading.
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. The catch: The measured 83dB sensitivity and roughly 4-ohm load demand meaningful external amplification.
Buy the Polk Signature Elite ES20 if you want one new; the Philharmonic BMR (v1) is discontinued, so only look for it used.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Passive Home rankings.
Large, efficient bookshelf speakers with unusually deep bass for the price and wide horizontal coverage.
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 Signature Elite ES20 | Philharmonic BMR (v1) | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $398.98 per pair | $2,395 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #119 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #40 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Enclosure | 2-way, Power Port bass-reflex | - |
| Drivers | 1” Terylene dome tweeter, 6.5” polypropylene woofer | RAAL 64-10 ribbon; 2.5” BMR midrange; 7” Scan-Speak woofer |
| Dimensions | 14.8H x 8.5W x 13.8D in | 22H x 9W x 13.5D in |
| Weight | 17 lbs (7.7 kg) each | 37.9 lbs (17.2 kg) each |
| Sensitivity | 86dB | Approximately 83dB/2.83V/1m (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Impedance | 4/8-ohm compatible | Approximately 4 ohms nominal (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Country | United States (design) | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.49 | 4.86 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.44 | 7.17 |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 55.7Hz (measured, ASR via spinorama.org) | Approximately 62Hz relative to mean (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner website) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 38.6Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) | 37.8Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Port Tuning | - | Mid/low-30Hz range (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Woofer Cabinet | - | ported |
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