Short answer: the Philharmonic BMR (v1) for better sound quality, the Selah Audio Integrity for the lower price. The Philharmonic BMR (v1) ranks #33 of 105 bookshelf speakers at $2200. The Selah Audio Integrity ranks #34 at $750, $1450 cheaper.
What the Selah Audio Integrity offers: CEA2034 spinorama shows a very good overall on-axis response with wide, even beamwidth and directivity through the midrange from its 3-way design. Watch for: A dip/perturbation around 1.7kHz shows up in both on- and off-axis measurements, correlating with a matching midrange distortion peak at the same frequency.
What the Philharmonic BMR (v1) gets right: Large three-way combining a Scan-Speak 7-inch paper/carbon woofer, 2.5-inch Tectonic balanced-mode midrange and RAAL 64-10 ribbon. The catch: The measured 83dB sensitivity and roughly 4-ohm load demand meaningful external amplification.
Buy the Selah Audio Integrity if the price matters more than sound quality. Buy the Philharmonic BMR (v1) if sound quality matters more than the price.
Specifications Side By Side
| Selah Audio Integrity | Philharmonic BMR (v1) | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $750 | Current version: $2,200/pair |
| Ranked | #34 of 105 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #33 of 105 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 68Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | Approximately 62Hz relative to mean (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner website) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 50Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 37.8Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Impedance | 5.5 ohms nominal | Approximately 4 ohms nominal (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Drivers | Dayton Esoteric woofer, SB Acoustics midrange, tweeter, rear oval passive radiator (3-way) | RAAL 64-10 ribbon; 2.5" BMR midrange; 7" Scan-Speak woofer |
| Dimensions | not published (DIY kit) | - |
| Weight | not published (DIY kit) | - |
| Woofer Cabinet | sealed with passive radiator | ported |
| Sensitivity | 80.5dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) | Approximately 83dB/2.83V/1m (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Port Tuning | - | Mid/low-30Hz range (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
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The Two Speakers In Full
Selah Audio Integrity: $750
Pros: CEA2034 spinorama shows a very good overall on-axis response with wide, even beamwidth and directivity through the midrange from its 3-way design. Nominal impedance sits around 5.5 ohms, an easier load than many small speakers. A tribute design to DIY speaker builder Jeff Bagby, priced at $750 per pair as a kit.
Cons: A dip/perturbation around 1.7kHz shows up in both on- and off-axis measurements, correlating with a matching midrange distortion peak at the same frequency. Very inefficient, requiring more amplifier power for the same volume. Susceptible to subsonic content, which can cause massive distortion without a high-pass filter. Requires building the cabinets and installing the drivers yourself.
Full Selah Audio Integrity review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 50Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 68Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Dimensions | not published (DIY kit) |
| Drivers | Dayton Esoteric woofer, SB Acoustics midrange, tweeter, rear oval passive radiator (3-way) |
| Impedance | 5.5 ohms nominal |
| Sensitivity | 80.5dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Weight | not published (DIY kit) |
| Woofer Cabinet | sealed with passive radiator |
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- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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Philharmonic BMR (v1): Current version: $2,200/pair Philharmonic Audio
Pros: Large three-way combining a Scan-Speak 7-inch paper/carbon woofer, 2.5-inch Tectonic balanced-mode midrange and RAAL 64-10 ribbon. Erin measured approximately +/-1.5dB linearity from 80Hz upward, very broad +/-40-degree-or-better horizontal coverage and about 83dB/2.83V/1m sensitivity. The port is tuned in the mid/low-30Hz region without audible chuffing, the midrange provides unusually expansive staging, and distortion remained subjectively unobtrusive.
Cons: The measured 83dB sensitivity and roughly 4-ohm load demand meaningful external amplification. A 1-2dB shelf below about 300Hz reduces warmth unless corrected, while a response/impedance feature near 250-300Hz corresponded with Erin’s sense of resonance. The ribbon produces narrower vertical than horizontal radiation, and second-order high-frequency distortion plus dynamic enhancement near 3kHz appeared in testing. This was an earlier cabinet/version, not the current v2.
Full Philharmonic BMR (v1) review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 37.8Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | Approximately 62Hz relative to mean (measured, Erin's Audio Corner website) |
| Drivers | RAAL 64-10 ribbon; 2.5" BMR midrange; 7" Scan-Speak woofer |
| Impedance | Approximately 4 ohms nominal (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Port Tuning | Mid/low-30Hz range (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | Approximately 83dB/2.83V/1m (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
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