Short answer: the JBL 4305P, if you are buying new. The Buchardt A500 ranks higher than it (#15 vs #28 of 68 powered bookshelf speakers, 4.6/5 vs 4.4/5) but is discontinued, so only consider it used; the JBL 4305P is still sold new at $1,499.99.
The case for the Buchardt A500: Erin measured unusually deep bass for the cabinet size: 24.9Hz at -3dB. Watch for: Bass extension depends on the selected tuning and comes with output tradeoffs at high levels.
The case for the JBL 4305P: The measured 1.5dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz supports even mids, with a 7.45 ideal-subwoofer score and 45.4Hz -3dB bass extension. The catch: Crossover-region directivity changes mean the narrow on-axis span does not describe every listening angle.
Buy the JBL 4305P, since the Buchardt A500 is discontinued and only worth hunting down used.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Buchardt A500 | JBL 4305P | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $4,150 per pair Discontinued | $1,499.99 per pair |
| Ranked | #15 of 68 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #28 of 68 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension | Master-tuning dependent; approximately 25–40Hz | - |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 24.9Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 45Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 23.4Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 40.5Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Amplifier Power | 3 x 150W per speaker | 300W system: 125W LF + 25W HF per speaker |
| Drivers | 0.74-inch dome; front and rear 6-inch long-throw woofers | 5.25-inch pulp woofer; 1-inch annular compression driver |
| Dimensions | 14.4H x 7W x 11D inches | 13.2H x 8.3W x 8.8D inches |
| Weight | 55.1 lbs (25kg)/pair | Primary 14.6 lbs (6.6 kg), Secondary 14.1 lbs (6.4 kg) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 7.02 | 5.44 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.92 | 7.45 |
| Inputs | XLR, WiSA | XLR/TRS combo, 3.5mm Aux, Optical, USB-B, Ethernet |
| XLR Input | Yes | Yes |
| RCA Input | No | No |
| TRS Input | No | Yes |
| Optical Input | No | Yes |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | No | Yes |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | No | Yes |
| Bluetooth | No | Yes, 5.1 |
| Frequency Response | 25Hz - 40kHz (+/- 1.5dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 45Hz - 25kHz (-6dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Maximum SPL | - | ~93dB at 2m in-room before limiting (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
Related Speaker Comparisons
How Buchardt A500 compares with other leading options:
- Kii THREE vs Buchardt A500
- Genelec 8361A vs Buchardt A500
- Buchardt A500 vs Buchardt A10
- HEDD Type 20 MK2 vs Buchardt A500
- Yamaha HS8 vs Buchardt A500
Prices on this page were last checked September 29, 2026 at 3:43 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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The Two Speakers In Full
Buchardt A500: $4,150 per pair Discontinued Buchardt Audio eBay
Pros: Erin measured unusually deep bass for the cabinet size: 24.9Hz at -3dB. A 1.8dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz and 7.02 standalone preference score support balanced, full-range listening. Master Tunings and optional wireless integration provide practical flexibility. Measured bass extension of 24.9Hz (-3dB).
Cons: Bass extension depends on the selected tuning and comes with output tradeoffs at high levels. The 7.92 ideal-subwoofer score is good but not class-leading. A rear-facing woofer does not by itself establish cardioid radiation, and alternate Master Tunings should not inherit the measured configuration’s score. Discontinued.
Full Buchardt A500 review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 3 x 150W per speaker |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension | Master-tuning dependent; approximately 25–40Hz |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 23.4Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 24.9Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| Dimensions | 14.4H x 7W x 11D inches |
| Drivers | 0.74-inch dome; front and rear 6-inch long-throw woofers |
| Frequency Response | 25Hz - 40kHz (+/- 1.5dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | XLR, WiSA |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | No |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 7.02 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.92 |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 55.1 lbs (25kg)/pair |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
JBL 4305P: $1,499.99 per pair Amazon JBL eBay
Pros: The measured 1.5dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz supports even mids, with a 7.45 ideal-subwoofer score and 45.4Hz -3dB bass extension. Integrated consumer connectivity makes this a more convenient living-room system than many studio monitors. Measured bass extension of 45Hz (-3dB).
Cons: Crossover-region directivity changes mean the narrow on-axis span does not describe every listening angle. Limiting becomes relevant at high output, particularly with bass-heavy music. It suits near- to midfield listening better than the largest high-output systems here. Erin measured about 8dB lost near 50Hz at the highest drive level and reached roughly 93dB unweighted at 2m in-room.
Full JBL 4305P review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 300W system: 125W LF + 25W HF per speaker |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 40.5Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 45Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bluetooth | Yes, 5.1 |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| Dimensions | 13.2H x 8.3W x 8.8D inches |
| Drivers | 5.25-inch pulp woofer; 1-inch annular compression driver |
| Frequency Response | 45Hz - 25kHz (-6dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | XLR/TRS combo, 3.5mm Aux, Optical, USB-B, Ethernet |
| Maximum SPL | ~93dB at 2m in-room before limiting (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Optical Input | Yes |
| RCA Input | No |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.44 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.45 |
| TRS Input | Yes |
| USB Input | Yes |
| Weight | Primary 14.6 lbs (6.6 kg), Secondary 14.1 lbs (6.4 kg) |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons