Short answer: the Buchardt S400 MK3. It ranks #59 of 141 bookshelf speakers by sound quality (rated 4.0/5) at $2,300 and is still sold new; the Klipsch RP-600M ranks #117 (rated 2.9/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used.
The Buchardt S400 MK3 is the better-sounding option. A ground-up redesign of the S400 with an 18 percent larger cabinet and a 7.5” SB Acoustics Satori Papyrus paper cone woofer, which Buchardt says has 65.5 percent more displacement than the MKII’s 6” driver. The tradeoff: No independent measurements have been published yet.
The case for the Klipsch RP-600M: More linear horizontal dispersion than the updated RP-600M II: as you move side-to-side, the tonal character changes less, a genuine advantage for off-axis listening consistency. Watch for: A strong, annoying resonance in the lower vocal range around 300Hz stands out clearly (though it can be EQ’d out).
Buy the Buchardt S400 MK3. It is rated higher for sound quality and still sold new, while the Klipsch RP-600M is discontinued.
Want more options? Browse the full Passive Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Buchardt S400 MK3 | Klipsch RP-600M | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2,300 per pair | $377.99 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #59 of 141 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #117 of 141 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Crossover Frequency | 2.2kHz (first order) | - |
| Dimensions | 15.4”H x 7.8”W x 11”D (392 x 198 x 280 mm) | 15.7”H x 8”W x 11.9”D (398.8 x 203.2 x 302.3 mm) |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Drivers | 1” aluminum dome tweeter in waveguide, 7.5” Satori Papyrus paper cone woofer | 6.5” Cerametallic cone woofer, 1” titanium LTS vented tweeter with Tractrix horn |
| Frequency Response | 33Hz - 20kHz (in-room, manufacturer specified) | - |
| Impedance | 4 ohms | 8 ohms nominal, 3.5 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | 87dB anechoic, 90dB in-room (manufacturer specified) | 85.2dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Weight | 18.7 lbs (8.5 kg) each | 16.1 lbs (7.3 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | ported |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 40Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | - | 73Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | - | 3.66 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | - | 5.61 |
Related Speaker Comparisons
How Buchardt S400 MK3 compares with other leading options:
- KEF R3 Meta vs Buchardt S400 MK3
- KEF Q Concerto Meta vs Buchardt S400 MK3
- KEF R3 vs Buchardt S400 MK3
- Wharfedale Super Linton vs Buchardt S400 MK3
- Wharfedale Linton 85 vs Buchardt S400 MK3
Prices on this page were last checked October 4, 2026 at 9:58 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 S400 MK3: $2,300 per pair Estimated Buchardt Audio eBay
Older models: the Buchardt Audio S400 (ranked higher, rated 4.4/5) and the Buchardt S400 MKII (ranked lower, rated 3.8/5).
Pros: A ground-up redesign of the S400 with an 18 percent larger cabinet and a 7.5” SB Acoustics Satori Papyrus paper cone woofer, which Buchardt says has 65.5 percent more displacement than the MKII’s 6” driver. A custom 1” aluminum dome tweeter sits in a new waveguide, crossed at 2.2kHz with a first order Jantzen crossover. Buchardt rates in-room bass extension to 33Hz and anechoic sensitivity at 87dB, and includes foam port plugs to trim bass near a wall. Sold direct with free worldwide shipping, duties included, and a 10 year warranty for the first owner.
Cons: No independent measurements have been published yet. The S400 MKII measured very well, but the MK3 shares only its binding posts, so that result can’t be carried over and its linearity, directivity and real bass extension are unknown. The 33Hz figure is an in-room number, not an anechoic one. The MKII’s adjustable passive radiator is gone in favor of a rear port that wants at least 5cm from the wall. A 4 ohm load means it needs an amplifier comfortable driving 4 ohms, and it is sold only direct from Buchardt.
Full Buchardt S400 MK3 review and specifications →
| Crossover Frequency | 2.2kHz (first order) |
|---|---|
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 15.4”H x 7.8”W x 11”D (392 x 198 x 280 mm) |
| Drivers | 1” aluminum dome tweeter in waveguide, 7.5” Satori Papyrus paper cone woofer |
| Frequency Response | 33Hz - 20kHz (in-room, manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 4 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 87dB anechoic, 90dB in-room (manufacturer specified) |
| Weight | 18.7 lbs (8.5 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- No independent measurement review is linked for this model; it is ranked from hands-on listening and comparison against similarly priced speakers.
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Buchardt S400 MK3 vs ELAC DBR62
- Buchardt S400 MK3 vs Buchardt S400 MKII
- Buchardt S400 MK3 vs ELAC Debut 3.0 DB63
- Buchardt S400 MK3 vs Klipsch RP-600M II
- Buchardt S400 MK3 vs Wharfedale Linton 85
- Buchardt S400 MK3 vs Wharfedale Super Linton
- Buchardt S400 MK3 vs KEF Q3 Meta
- Buchardt S400 MK3 vs KEF R3
- See all 10 comparisons
Klipsch RP-600M: $377.99 per pair Discontinued Amazon eBay
Newer model: the Klipsch RP-600M II, ranked higher, rated 3.7/5.
Pros: More linear horizontal dispersion than the updated RP-600M II: as you move side-to-side, the tonal character changes less, a genuine advantage for off-axis listening consistency. Takes exceptionally well to EQ correction (miniDSP or similar), letting a knowledgeable owner fix its tonal shortcomings without needing to upgrade. Standard 6.5” woofer/horn-tweeter two-way design with reasonably gradual bass rolloff (F3 ~70Hz, F10 ~40Hz) rather than a steep vented-enclosure cutoff. Measured bass extension of 73Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 85.2dB.
Cons: A strong, annoying resonance in the lower vocal range around 300Hz stands out clearly (though it can be EQ’d out). Overall tonal balance is notably less neutral than the newer RP-600M II, with a roughly 3-4dB suckout in the estimated in-room response. The waveguide doesn’t extend flush to the baffle edge, increasing diffraction compared to the redesigned version. Klipsch’s marketed sensitivity spec (about 96dB) is a half-space, in-room-style rating roughly 9dB above the true anechoic figure (closer to 85-86dB), which can mislead buyers comparing spec sheets. Elevated treble on-axis, similar to its successor, benefits from toe-out or careful placement. Vertical listening tolerance is limited to about ±10° from the tweeter axis. Still needs a subwoofer for real bass weight; a boost around 120Hz gives kick drums their “tambour” without the underlying “meat.”. Discontinued.
Full Klipsch RP-600M review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 40Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 73Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 15.7”H x 8”W x 11.9”D (398.8 x 203.2 x 302.3 mm) |
| Drivers | 6.5” Cerametallic cone woofer, 1” titanium LTS vented tweeter with Tractrix horn |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal, 3.5 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | 85.2dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.66 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 5.61 |
| Weight | 16.1 lbs (7.3 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Erin’s Audio Corner: The Truth about Klipsch’s “NEW” Sound. RP-600M Update. More from Erin’s Audio Corner →
- Erin’s Audio Corner Website Klipsch RP-600M
- GR-Research: We Bought The "NEW" RP-600M II Is KLIPSCH Listening?! More from GR-Research →
- Audio Science Review Measurements More from Audio Science Review →
- Audio Science Review Measurements (spinorama.org)
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Klipsch RP-600M vs Sonus Faber Lumina II Amator
- Klipsch RP-600M vs Wharfedale Diamond 9.1
- Klipsch RP-600M vs KEF Q350
- Klipsch RP-600M vs Triangle Borea BR03
- Klipsch RP-600M vs Emotiva Airmotiv B2+
- Klipsch RP-600M vs B&W 805S
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- Klipsch RP-600M vs Aperion Audio Verus V8B
- See all 38 comparisons