Short answer: the Wharfedale Aura 2. It ranks #13 of 222 bookshelf speakers by sound quality (rated 4.6/5) at $2,799 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 Wharfedale Aura 2 is the more accurate choice. A mini tower style bookshelf speaker with nearly flat response, huge clean output, wide sound, and bass that reaches deep in most rooms. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 6.03 against 4.86 for the Philharmonic BMR (v1). The tradeoff: A breakup/peak around 13kHz can sound sharp or shrill depending on the track, the main tonal flaw noted.
The case for the Philharmonic BMR (v1): 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.
Buy the Wharfedale Aura 2. It is rated higher for sound quality; the Philharmonic BMR (v1) is no longer sold new.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Passive Home rankings.
A mini tower style bookshelf speaker with nearly flat response, huge clean output, wide sound, and bass that reaches deep in most rooms.
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
| Wharfedale Aura 2 | Philharmonic BMR (v1) | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2799 per pair | $2,395 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #13 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #40 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 30Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 37.8Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 56Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | Approximately 62Hz relative to mean (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner website) |
| Dimensions | 22.1”H x 11.3”W x 15.3”D (561.3 x 287 x 388.6 mm) | 22H x 9W x 13.5D in |
| Impedance | 6 ohms nominal (3.1 ohms minimum above 80Hz, measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | Approximately 4 ohms nominal (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Drivers | 6.5” Black Glass Fibre Matrix Cone woofer, 4” Black Glass Fibre Matrix Cone midrange, 27x90mm AMT tweeter | RAAL 64-10 ribbon; 2.5” BMR midrange; 7” Scan-Speak woofer |
| Sensitivity | 87dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | Approximately 83dB/2.83V/1m (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Weight | 45 lbs (20.4 kg) each | 37.9 lbs (17.2 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | ported |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.03 | 4.86 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.65 | 7.17 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Port Tuning | - | Mid/low-30Hz range (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
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