Short answer: the Perlisten S4b. It ranks #2 of 222 bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 4.8/5, at $8,000. The Buchardt Audio E50 ranks #16, rated 4.5/5, at $4,600, $3,400 cheaper, a saving that is not big enough to make up the sound-quality gap.
The Buchardt Audio E50 is the deeper-bass choice. A bookshelf speaker with remarkably deep bass for its size, a very neutral midrange, and low distortion, with no need to sit near a wall. Its bass reaches about 40Hz before falling 3dB, against 78Hz for the Perlisten S4b. Watch for: A roughly 3dB dip in the upper midrange/lower treble softens attack and dialogue clarity: the reviewer’s main complaint, and it’s baked into the crossover rather than a directivity artifact, so it’s audible both on and off axis.
Why pick the Perlisten S4b: A compact sealed bookshelf speaker with reference grade accuracy, exceptionally smooth dispersion, and very low distortion at high volume. The tradeoff: Erin measured only 84.5dB sensitivity and an impedance minimum just under 4 ohms, a difficult efficiency/load combination that deserves substantial clean amplification.
Buy the Perlisten S4b. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $3,400 saving on the Buchardt Audio E50 is not enough to make up the difference.
Still deciding? The full Passive Home rankings cover every ranked option.
A bookshelf speaker with remarkably deep bass for its size, a very neutral midrange, and low distortion, with no need to sit near a wall.
A compact sealed bookshelf speaker with reference grade accuracy, exceptionally smooth dispersion, and very low distortion at high volume.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Buchardt Audio E50 | Perlisten S4b | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $4600 per pair | $8,000 per pair |
| Ranked | #16 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #2 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 34Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 40Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 40Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 78Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Dimensions | 15.6” x 7.5” x 11.2” (395 x 190 x 284 mm) | 16.5”H x 9.4”W x 7.3”D |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal | Just under 4 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | 83.1dB (2.83V/1m, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner) | 84.5dB/2.83V/1m (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Drivers | 1” Scanspeak dome tweeter with waveguide, 6.5” Purifi extended-stroke woofer, dual 6.5” passive radiators | DPC array with 28mm beryllium tweeter and dual 28mm midrange domes; 7” woofer |
| Weight | 19 lbs (8.6 kg) each | 24.3 lbs (11 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | Passive radiator loaded | sealed |
| Crossover Frequency | 2000Hz | - |
| Frequency Response | 36Hz - 30kHz ±3dB (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Recommended Power | 60W - 200W | - |
| Country | Denmark | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.84 | 5.35 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.61 | 8.01 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
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