Philharmonic BMR Monitor Semi-Objective Review - Road Show Stop 1

[perceptionist]

Is the ribbon version being discontinued?

The ATM version exists more for supply chain risk mitigation. It's less like something as update or replacement.

 

[Alannn]

Or the HT tower.

I love Philharmonic Audio but the super bmr seems to be the worst of both worlds? Expensive but limited SPL. It's a novelty item but they do intend to have them available regularly in 2027. I hope one gets tested. They have not been testing their recent additions like the super mini.

The middle ground compromise does sometimes seem to be the worst of all worlds. But sometimes it's a middle sweet spot. HT Tower surely hits higher SPL (and is helped by it's efficiency spec advantage) than the Super BMR. How much louder, and what is the need? The max SPL of the BMR monitor is a more obvious shortcoming. Although, the BMR Monitor owns the bang for the buck title.
The Super BMR vs HT Tower is certainly an interesting comparison. Perhaps buying stands is a wash with buying outriggers. The MTM section is the same. What about woofers? Two Purifi PTT6.5X04-NFA-01 (HT Tower) vs one Purifi PTT8.0X04-NAB-01 (Super BMR).

Super BMR has 88% of the effective woofer area, handles only 70% of the power, but wait, it has an edge in efficiency. The lower total Q factor certainly looks like an advantage for the HT Tower woofers. But of course, implementation counts for a lot (still unknown, although we do know the Super BMR goes lower by a few hz). As usual, price is the bottom line. Super BMR costs 73% as much plus some small savings in shipping expense. How much is that 27% price saving worth to you?

Some people prefer towers, some monitors. Perhaps that will be the deciding factor for most. Who doesn't want to see a Super BMR klippel test? Or any test for that matter. Likely it will be a long wait.

 

[perceptionist]

The middle ground compromise does sometimes seem to be the worst of all worlds. But sometimes it's a middle sweet spot. HT Tower surely hits higher SPL (and is helped by it's efficiency spec advantage) than the Super BMR. How much louder, and what is the need? The max SPL of the BMR monitor is a more obvious shortcoming. Although, the BMR Monitor owns the bang for the buck title.
The Super BMR vs HT Tower is certainly an interesting comparison. Perhaps buying stands is a wash with buying outriggers. The MTM section is the same. What about woofers? Two Purifi PTT6.5X04-NFA-01 (HT Tower) vs one Purifi PTT8.0X04-NAB-01 (Super BMR).

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Super BMR has 88% of the effective woofer area, handles only 70% of the power, but wait, it has an edge in efficiency. The lower total Q factor certainly looks like an advantage for the HT Tower woofers. But of course, implementation counts for a lot (still unknown, although we do know the Super BMR goes lower by a few hz). As usual, price is the bottom line. Super BMR costs 73% as much plus some small savings in shipping expense. How much is that 27% price saving worth to you?

Some people prefer towers, some monitors. Perhaps that will be the deciding factor for most. Who doesn't want to see a Super BMR klippel test? Or any test for that matter. Likely it will be a long wait.

To buy the Super BMR for $3200 plus stands or curved Cantabile for $3600, that is the question.

 

[ScienceMajorSellout]

To buy the Super BMR for $3200 plus stands or curved Cantabile for $3600, that is the question.

I don't even play an instrument and that's an easy one.

 

[Penelinfi]

Does the BMR HT use the X variant? I thought they used one with higher sensitivity?

 

[WillBrink]

OMG, I need Super BMR Monitors! I saw there are some regular BMR available, no Super BMR Monitors. Ugh. Anyone have both and compared them?

 

[Jdunk54nl]

OMG, I need Super BMR Monitors! I saw there are some regular BMR available, no Super BMR Monitors. Ugh. Anyone have both and compared them?

Super bmr is new and preorder

 

[Mort]

OMG, I need Super BMR Monitors! I saw there are some regular BMR available, no Super BMR Monitors. Ugh. Anyone have both and compared them?

There have been no deliveries of super BMR yet. June I think

 

[WillBrink]

There have been no deliveries of super BMR yet. June I think

Now I see the Cantabile, which is similar $ and available now, such choices!

 

[jetrep]

If you have the time, money, and patience definitely go for it! Having more independent data and reviews about Philharmonic speakers is definitely a good thing. The current klippel measurements are from Erin, but he was paid for that. I know @Mort and I would love it! These definitely hold their value if you’re trying to sell but I’m pretty sure you’ll end up keeping them. A lot of us bought in once and keep buying more haha.

As for your second point I’m not too sure about that! If you have decent subs, I’m sure you could save by getting the monitors since crossing over to 4 subs should cover all your bass needs. But the HT towers are just more capable mains. They are mean to have more dynamic range than both the BMR tower and monitors (and are also meant to be paired with a sub) They also go meaningfully lower on their own, which means your crossover point doesn’t have to work as hard and you get a more seamless handoff rather than asking the subs to pick up a bigger chunk of the range. (Not that the monitors don’t already go pretty low!) but we’re picking nits here since you’re crossing to 4 subs.

IMO The HT towers are the way to go. They would take up the same the same floor space as the monitors and stands, so might as well get the “built in” stands and purifi woofers. You’ll be happy with whatever you choose!

Do you have experience with both the BMR monitors and HT Towers? I have the BMR monitors. They sound great but I'm wanting them to get a bit louder. I've not had them long so I'm still sorting things out but I'm wondering how much louder the HT Towers can get.

 

[ryanosaur]

Do you have experience with both the BMR monitors and HT Towers? I have the BMR monitors. They sound great but I'm wanting them to get a bit louder. I've not had them long so I'm still sorting things out but I'm wondering how much louder the HT Towers can get.

They are higher sensitivity and have greater power handling capabilities. The difference will not be insignificant in terms of pure SPL capabilities,

 

[ry_]

If you want BMR monitors but louder, the HT towers are definitely what you are after. They were designed for the higher SPL and dynamics need for home theater.

While I personally don’t have experience with the monitors, I can definitely say that the HT towers get loud and low without any distortion/fatigue. I like to listen loud when the lady of the house isn’t in!