Short answer: the Buchardt S400 MK3, if you are buying new. The Buchardt S400 MKII ranks higher than the Polk R200 (#111 vs #178 of 222 bookshelf speakers) but is discontinued; its replacement, the Buchardt S400 MK3, is rated 4.0/5 at $2,300 and is still sold new.
The Buchardt S400 MKII is the better-sounding, deeper-bass pick. Bookshelf speakers with very flat sound, precise imaging and adjustable bass, now discontinued but worth buying used. Its bass reaches about 59Hz before falling 3dB, against 74Hz for the Polk R200. Watch for: Sounds a bit bright and slightly boosted above about 7-8kHz on-axis, even with 30° of toe-out: benefits from about 1 inch of sidewall absorption at the first reflection points to tame it.
Why pick the Polk R200: A Polk bookshelf speaker with a 6.5 inch woofer and a ring radiator tweeter, sized for a medium room. The catch: A resonance and associated distortion increase around 800Hz-1kHz creates a “tinny,” occasionally glaring quality on certain instruments and vocals, confirmed both by ear and in the frequency-response and distortion measurements.
Buy the Buchardt S400 MK3, the replacement for the discontinued Buchardt S400 MKII; it is rated higher for sound quality than the Polk R200.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Passive Home rankings.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Buchardt S400 MKII | Polk R200 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2400 per pair Discontinued | $799.00 per pair |
| Ranked | #111 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #178 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 40Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 50Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 59Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 74Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Dimensions | 14.4”H x 7”W x 11”D (365.8 x 177.8 x 279.4 mm) | 14.1”H x 7.5”W x 13.9”D (359.0 x 190.0 x 353.8 mm) |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal, 3 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 4 ohms nominal, 3.8 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | 84.7dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner; 87dB manufacturer specified) | 85dB |
| Drivers | 6.5” aluminum cone woofer, 1” soft dome tweeter | 25mm soft dome + 165mm woofer |
| Weight | 16.5 lbs (7.5 kg) each | 31.3 lbs (14.2 kg) |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported | ported, rear |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.38 | 5.09 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.46 | 7.61 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
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