Post Philharmonic BMR Review: How Does It Sound with SS or Tube Power?

0:00 - Intro
0:28 - Nils Lofgren with Emotiva XPA 1L
3:18 - Nils Lofgren with Tube Class A
6:28 - Alanis Morissette with Emotiva XPA 1L
10:58 - Alanis with Tube Class A
15:24 - Buckethead with Emotiva XPA 1L (Warning)
18:05 - Buckethead with Glorious Class A Tube Goodness!
Source: NAD C658 Network Streamer - Songs used via Amazon HD
Speaker Cables are older MIT Matrix 18
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Music Used
Track #1 - Nils Lofgren Band Live - Bass and Drum Intro
Track #2 - Alanis Morissette - Uninvited - City of Angels Soundtrack
Track #3 - Buckethead - Coat of Charms - Jettison Part 4

[@rusty1999]

Wow!!! the tube amp rocks!!! Plays smoother and the clarity is crazy 🔥 🔥 🔥

[@2ChannelListening]

Its a neat amp for sure. Thank you for listening.

[@cedman498]

Nice work! Thanks for putting this together.

[@2ChannelListening]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@a3marketing991]

I just received my BMR Towers in Zebrawood this weekend and running them with an NAD M23 amplifier and Doge 8 Clarity tube preamp. Beautiful craftsmanship and sound quality!

[@2ChannelListening]

Oh my, what a great combination. Please report back in after you've had a few hundred hours. Thanks.

[@xavierwood2030]

Thanks for the demo. I cant decide which amp I like better; they both have their advantages.

[@2ChannelListening]

I ended up playing 5 rounds with those songs with both amps. Sitting here in person, I was rather shocked at how close it was, yet the tube amp couldn't keep this pace up all day, needed another 5 or so watts of headroom.

[@brainache555]

Your system sounds glorious! I would be happy listening all day long! :) I cant decide which amplifier sounded the best! Nevermind the tube amplifier was more fun and lively :) It made the distorted guitar sound very REAL!

[@2ChannelListening]

Truthfully, I was surprised how well my EL84 performed, how hard it could drive the BMR's - it didn't have enough juice to push the Sony SS-M3. Just shows what 3db of efficiency loss renders. Thanks for watching.

[@Techrewinds]

Great gear love it 😍

[@2ChannelListening]

Thank you

[@calvincurry8496]

Thanks for reviewing these Speaker s. Im a big Fan of Salk and Philharmonic Speakers. I love the Naturalness and Neutrality of these Speakers. Would love to hear these vs the Buchardts S 400 mk 2s. Also you Mentioned the Salk Songtowers( Dennis Murphy Design) please review the Salk Songtower 2 s in the Future. Thank youso much for this review and sound sample. God Bless🙏

[@2ChannelListening]

Thank you very much Mr. Curry.

[@gamesandchill5831]

Thanks for the BMR review! Do you think the BMRs would work well paired with a Class D integrated amp like the NAD D 3045?

[@2ChannelListening]

I do not foresee any issue with this pairing, provided your distances and playback levels are within the power limits of the D3045. Happy hunting.

[@michaelmityok1001]

The BMRs sound particularly good given the Emotiva amp, if on the end of my CODA CSiB they most likely would blow some minds! Curious about the source, what are you using?

[@2ChannelListening]

Good point, I'll add that in the description. Thank you Michael.

[@martlet530]

Many Thanks!!!!

[@2ChannelListening]

You're welcome!

[@jvburnes]

I have a pair of curved rosewood BMRs showing up tomorrow. Will be feeding them with dual mono hypex nc400s, streaming from moode audio on raspberry pi 4b from original flacs and streaming from jazz groove radio through topping e30 dac. i'll let you know how it sounds.

[@2ChannelListening]

Fantastic, give the drivers at least 50 hours before being too critical, takes a short while for the ribbon tweeter to settle. Congrats - enjoy.

[@Mapledrip40]

Thanks for the video! I have BMR's, great speaker. So, Im in the market for some nice SET monoblocks. Do you think i could get away with 8 watts? Probably similarly sized rood as you. In the long run i plan to get into something higher sensitivity.

[@2ChannelListening]

My little amp was 12 watts and I certainly pushed all 12 watts with orchestral and rock music, I don't think 8 watts would give you what you need if you like modest volume. Leaves you zero headroom for dynamic moments.

[@Mapledrip40]

@@2ChannelListening Thanks for the insight. These tube amps tend to romance me into irrational purchases haha. I'll resist and wait for other speakers or maybe a more powerful amp

[@drexellake4051]

I'm buying a pair as soon as the next shipment arrives. I have the Emotiva UPA-200 amp and USP-1 pre amp. I plan to swap them for a Van Alstine control amp. Hard to decide about losing the options, but sound it the priority.

[@2ChannelListening]

Good luck and nice choices!

[@brianpacheco1927]

What tube amp did you use? I’m thinking of getting a Rogue Cronus. I know these need a lot of power but they sound good at low listening volumes so just curious. Thanks!

[@2ChannelListening]

Hello Brian, I used a 12 watt class A PSE type EL84 amp. Its a hand made, small batch brand from Poland. Red King Premium from Eryk S Concenpt. The BMR's performed much better and bigger than I would have expected with only 12 watts. 30-40 tube watts should get you all you really could use with these speakers in a modest sized room. More watts does equal more headroom and effortlessness, but you will pay for those watts in tube terms, not cheap like Class D or A/B. Good luck, thanks for watching.

[@WheeledandWellArmed]

I'm looking at the Zu Dirty Weekend MK2 for $1200 local pickup or the Philharmonic BMR for $1600 with shipping. Which would you choose?

[@2ChannelListening]

Oh boy, that's a tough one. If its a tighter space, would go for the BMR's. If you have room to blast the ZU's, you can't go wrong for $1,200. You would be surprised by the BMR's bass quality, however, $400 is $400.

[@net_news]

sound much more real with tubes! both sound good btw

[@2ChannelListening]

Thank you :-)

[@TomlynAdvisors]

What would you expect pairing the BMRs to a Hegel H190 ? Good match, or should I consider alternatives ?

[@2ChannelListening]

There would be no reason I can see for an H190 and BMR to work well together. The BMR works well with modest tube amps and should work well with the H190 characteristics.

[@Hi-Fi369]

Both amplifiers did great it comes down to personal taste to my ears 👂🏼 the speakers performed nicely with the tube amplifier and the last track 🤔 I kinda like the SS a bit better for rock 🤙 any way great demo 💥👍🏼😁

[@2ChannelListening]

Indeed, thanks for stopping by and sharing!

[@theaustralianconundrum]

@@2ChannelListening Subscribed and rang that bell from Australia! Great information and nice presentation!

[@markmason3535]

You have me really interested in these speakers. How much power does it take to do them justice?

[@2ChannelListening]

Entirely depends on your room configuration, listening distance and sound levels you wish to achieve. This 12 watt Class A amp was enough for my needs. More headroom is always better.

[@roberts3889]

What stand mount speaker would be a step up from the BMR, up to $5K?

[@54tristin]

I’m not a tube snob. Really but to me the tube amp was smoother, a little warmer, but with a less etched detail, I could live with either!

[@2ChannelListening]

Indeed that is the essence of the results. Thank you for listening.

[@briancampbell7712]

these sound sweet...please help me decide on these 3 standmounts Totem element fire V2 or Dali Epicon 2 or these Pholharmonic BMR ??...keep in mind i really like the sound of my Dali Rubicon 2 bit want an upgrade

[@2ChannelListening]

Start from the bottom, most affordable with the greatest return on performance, the BMR. You may find its all the speaker you want. I would skip Dali Rubicon 2 and look at Opera for the money. Totem Fire V2 has serious competition at its newest price increase, not exactly competitive. I'm living with Opera Callas now and am pretty happy. Good luck.

[@briancampbell7712]

@@2ChannelListening okay... cost not part of the equation which would you pick?...

[@briancampbell7712]

?

[@briancampbell7712]

Those speakers seem nice...👍🏼 of the Amplifiers below: I would love to hear the 3 brands for comparison Advance Paris Myconnect 250 ....Anthem and AVM 90 ... Vincent SV-700

[@2ChannelListening]

Thank you for watching.

[@milosevicbojan07]

Big like!!!!!

[@2ChannelListening]

Big thanks!

[@elvinechevarria8079]

Wow those speakers sound really good 👍

[@2ChannelListening]

Thank you for watching.

[@54tristin]

I would buy them in the right color!😊

[@2ChannelListening]

Salk Sound has a healthy variety of veneers for a more customized version of the BMR's.

[@K24_V]

Im wondering how this speaker will perform on a home theater situation?

[@2ChannelListening]

Works great as a left/right channel for small to medium sized room. I tried it.

[@K24_V]

@@2ChannelListening thanks i really enjoy this demo im trying to build a home theater/ music listening room and aiming on something like this

[@word2RG]

crazy how more coherent the tube amp is.

[@2ChannelListening]

To be fair, the tube amp is also considerably more expensive than the Emotiva's. Thanks for watching.

[@drexellake4051]

How tall are the stands?

[@2ChannelListening]

Spikes removed, these were at 23"

[@maheeinfy13]

How do they compare to Sierra 2 EX

[@2ChannelListening]

Hello Sami, as much as I really appreciate and like the Sierra 2EX, I feel the BMR's out perform them from the upper mid's to the lowest lows. They are equals in air and treble, same ribbon driver, but the BMR's are blended so much more cohesively thanks to that little piston mid. The SB Acoustic woofer is very impressive as well. The BMR has incredible output for its size. I've owned less impressive floor standing speakers that couldn't due what the BMR did in my room. The 2EX would remain a more intimate setting speaker for smaller rooms, offices and bedrooms. The BMR can handle mid-sized rooms much better in my opinion. On the second hand market though, the price and build quality of the Sierra 2EX is an outstanding value proposition.

[@maheeinfy13]

@@2ChannelListening Thanks for the reply. I listen only at low volumes and value mids and tone more than anything else. It seems either speaker is a good choice for my tastes. Sierra 2 EX being cheaper, more color choices and VLAM bamboo cabinet better(?) than MDF, i may go with Sierras when i decide to upgrade

[@2ChannelListening]

The Bamboo cabinets are really fantastic and impressive. If the internal volume were just a bit bigger...boy howdy.

[@Brian-ny4pw]

I heard both, hands down the bmr. The bmr digs deeper and sounds more expansive .

[@thomaskahalepuna9604]

Since Dennis is now sourcing these from China, please comment on the finish and cabinet resonance.

[@2ChannelListening]

I really didn't hear cabinet influence, round and stiff, works well. I will say the hyper gloss finish and type of Rosewood grain used looks like something I'd find on a dashboard from a 2000's Acura. I certainly wouldn't go this route again, I would have Salk made the cabinet.

[@02honeydew]

The emotiva was so good with these even after KZbin compressed it into oblivion.

[@2ChannelListening]

I admit I have been impressed with these Emotiva amps. Thank you.

[@ColocasiaCorm]

What is wrong with KZbin compression?

[@02honeydew]

@@ColocasiaCorm it just compresses the video files a lot so sound isn't the greatest when you're trying to listen to how something like speakers or headphones sound specifically

[@fabfour289]

11:59 says it all for me...

[@2ChannelListening]

Thanks for listening!

[@stonefree1911]

They are ok. I could never live with those weird little midrange units tho....

[@2ChannelListening]

Seriously the mid-range driver is that off putting? Huh, interesting, thanks for sharing Dutch.

[@Shorby99EK]

I thought the same thing until I heard them!

[@lanx0003]

Appreciated but the music you picked seems not able to demonstrate the speakers.

[@2ChannelListening]

I can assure you that in front of the Philharmonics, Nils and Alanis do a fine job of showing off the expansive capabilities of these monitors. However, recording, processing, uploading, more processing and your playback device absolutely mutes the characteristic of any such exercise. I stopped bothering with making these for that reason.

[@lanx0003]

@@2ChannelListening Hi, just my humble two cents after listening with my headphones (nice one). Please don't take it offensively. The BMR looks so appealing and fit in my budget. But my overall impression after several web recording auditioning is that the speakers sound lean and the treble is a bit edgy with SS amp to my taste. I understand how the human perceive the sound is quite subjective. But I want to know your honest opinions. Thanks.

[@2ChannelListening]

@@lanx0003 no worries, I did not take any offense. I believe you, I've done enough of these music demo video's to hear just how different and "not intentional" the speakers deviate from what they produce in my room. I absolutely can tell you the BMR's slightly off axis or even 45 degrees off axis have zero fatigue factor, even at sustained higher SPL's. Unless you are using an old Phase Linear or Carver M series amp, something that imparts lots of hard grain, you cannot upset these speakers. What is so impressive about the BMR's is just how large of a room they can fill. The SB Acoustics driver is a serious gem, very linear and dole's out serious bass notes for its size. At 18" tall, it is not a small monitor. Dennis Murphy is a seriously good X-over builder and he gets the points right with terrific compromises at this price level. I had said in my interview that I was skeptical of trading the larger 7" Scan Speak for a 6" SB Acoustic, the SB nails it. I like Harbeth yes, but no way would I spend $3.3k on P3ESR XD when one can have a BMR for cheaper and get legit, balanced, clean 98+ db performance. Thanks for coming back to ask!

[@54tristin]

Emotive was more dynamic more detailed!

[@2ChannelListening]

Thanks.

[@johnsweda2999]

Zo gave them a beating! you can't tell from a hi-fi show it is impossible to analyse the quality, too much noise in the system not set up properly too many people in the room too many chairs you name it everything's against it never buy speakers for a hi-fi show and they use trickery some manufacturers studio Gear to enhance the sound Some good synergy good phase alignment I can hear a bit lost at 7 minutes in the female vocals could be the recording could be the amplifier room placement try moving them back in inch or tilting them up 5 degrees always good. How do you find the curtains how's that changed to sound lined thick curtains be nice you take the curtains past the speakers to the cores The valve amp is about the same on the vocals not as harsh in the top frequencies still has that nasty dip 700- 800Hz show anything on the measurements like that could be the recording

[@2ChannelListening]

I would agree with you, I wouldn't judge what I hear in a show. Of course its hard to know what you are going to get based on everything you mentioned and the price/quality of the front end gear. One thing I always respected about Sean Casey at ZU is his use of Peachtree gear and or Modwright.

[@johnsweda2999]

@@2ChannelListening it's not Shaun from zero fidelity...!! Its the other zo Guy where's the GoPro on his head.

[@2ChannelListening]

Oh right, the one I need to take my Dramamine before consuming his reviews, gotcha.

[@2ChannelListening]

Okay, so I powered through that mess...saying they are "Okay" at a show, with towers stacked in front of them and using a Topping...yeah, that's not a beating John. Come on man...

[@johnsweda2999]

@@2ChannelListening I meant beating as in bullying beating them up not praising them get the page mate lol

[@tweedpenguin712]

These speakers sound smooth but boring.

[@2ChannelListening]

Many times I will take smooth and boring over exciting and fatiguing. What's your poison?

[@knutarneaakra6013]

What a dreadful music in my ears. Sorry

[@2ChannelListening]

Sure thing, you tried :-)

[@JamesBrown-jy5sy]

Okay sound. Sound a little sterile for my taste and certainly nothing I would waste over $2k on. Erin's Audio Corner tested this same SB Acoustics ceramic midwoofer and determined when used below 80Hz the distortion was terrible. He stated that driver is better used as midrange only, so where Mr. Murphy determined this was an outstanding driver for bass duty is beyond me. Personally, I would spend a little more money and get a pair of Tekton Pendragons(which I currently own) or a pair of Eric's Double Impacts. Either speaker will easily "mop the floor" with this overpriced, so-called "monitor" speaker. Always remember folks...small speakers are like small cars...they both SUCK...LOL. Thank you for the sound clips 2 Channel Listening.

[@2ChannelListening]

Pretty rough comments, also very strange comparisons you make by throwing the incredibly large and space dependent Pendragons in the mix. The BMR's I push very hard, saying they have distortion in the 40hz range on up is completely unfounded with the experience I have. For disclosure, the curved Rosewood finish I have is $1,900 before shipping. The standard level cabinet is $1,700 before shipping. Thanks for watching.

[@Shorby99EK]

I guess we each have our own taste. Nothing about the BMR’s were sterile sounding or any hint of distortion even playing 20hz test tones. How ever I’ve heard tektons on tubes and solid state. Both ways the speakers never stopped drawing attention to themselves. But hey to each there own

[@jlo8775]

As good as Tektons are, they are fatiguing which makes them a non-starter.

[@2ChannelListening]

@@jlo8775 greetings. I can only say that I have not had such an experience with my Uruz, outfitted with the ribbon tweeter, I can play these at moderate volumes all day long and experience no discomfort. Many ZU's on the other hand, not so. Thanks for stopping by.

[@Shorby99EK]

@@2ChannelListening How do your telktons image and sound compared to the BMR’s