Short answer: the Buchardt Audio E50. It ranks #16 of 222 bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 4.5/5, at $4,600. The Sonus Faber Lumina II Amator ranks #188, rated 3.0/5, at $2,000, $2,600 cheaper, which does not close the gap in sound quality.
The Buchardt Audio E50 is the better-sounding, deeper-bass 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. Its bass reaches about 40Hz before falling 3dB, against 63Hz for the Sonus Faber Lumina II Amator. The catch: 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.
The case for the Sonus Faber Lumina II Amator: A luxurious Italian bookshelf speaker with a gorgeous cabinet, solid bass for its size and wide, consistent dispersion. The catch: Very bright treble, running 3-6dB above the midrange depending on measurement angle: independently corroborated by other owners online, not just one reviewer’s opinion.
Buy the Buchardt Audio E50. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $2,600 saving on the Sonus Faber Lumina II Amator is not enough to make up the difference.
Want more options? Browse the full Passive Home rankings.
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 luxurious Italian bookshelf speaker with a gorgeous cabinet, solid bass for its size and wide, consistent dispersion.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Buchardt Audio E50 | Sonus Faber Lumina II Amator | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $4600 per pair | $2000 per pair |
| Ranked | #16 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #188 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 34Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 43Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 40Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 63Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Dimensions | 15.6” x 7.5” x 11.2” (395 x 190 x 284 mm) | 12” x 7.1” x 10.4” (304 x 180 x 263 mm) |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal | 4 ohms nominal, 3.9 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | 83.1dB (2.83V/1m, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner) | 86.9dB (2.83V/1m, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Drivers | 1” Scanspeak dome tweeter with waveguide, 6.5” Purifi extended-stroke woofer, dual 6.5” passive radiators | 1.14” DAD (Damped Apex Dome) tweeter, 5.9” paper cone woofer |
| Weight | 19 lbs (8.6 kg) each | 12.8 lbs (5.8 kg) |
| Woofer Cabinet | Passive radiator loaded | Bass reflex, ported |
| Crossover Frequency | 2000Hz | 2600Hz |
| Frequency Response | 36Hz - 30kHz ±3dB (Manufacturer specified) | 55Hz - 24kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Recommended Power | 60W - 200W | 30W - 150W |
| Country | Denmark | Italy (Vicenza) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.84 | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.61 | - |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
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