Short answer: the ELAC DBR62. It ranks #79 of 222 bookshelf speakers by sound quality (rated 4.0/5) at $699.98 and is still sold new; the Buchardt S400 MKII ranks #111 (rated 3.8/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used. The Buchardt S400 MKII’s replacement, the Buchardt S400 MK3, is rated 4.0/5 at $2,300.
The ELAC DBR62 is the deeper-bass option. An affordable bookshelf speaker that is very forgiving of placement and aiming, with wide sound and a little extra bass punch. Its bass reaches about 53Hz before falling 3dB, against 59Hz for the Buchardt S400 MKII. The tradeoff: A slight recess in the 1-2kHz region reduces vocal presence somewhat compared to other speakers in direct comparison.
Why pick the Buchardt S400 MKII: Bookshelf speakers with very flat sound, precise imaging and adjustable bass, now discontinued but worth buying used. 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.
Buy the ELAC DBR62. It is rated higher for sound quality and still sold new, while the Buchardt S400 MKII is discontinued.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Passive Home rankings.
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Specifications Side By Side
| ELAC DBR62 | Buchardt S400 MKII | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $699.98 per pair | $2400 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #79 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #111 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 41Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 40Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 53Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 59Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Dimensions | 14.1”H x 8.2”W x 10.8”D (358.1 x 208.3 x 274.3 mm) | 14.4”H x 7”W x 11”D (365.8 x 177.8 x 279.4 mm) |
| Impedance | 6 ohms nominal, 5.2 ohms minimum (measured above 80Hz, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 4 ohms nominal, 3 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | 84.3dB (measured average 300Hz-3kHz @ 2.83V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner; 86dB manufacturer specified) | 84.7dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner; 87dB manufacturer specified) |
| Drivers | 6.5” Aramid Fiber woofer, 1” soft dome tweeter | 6.5” aluminum cone woofer, 1” soft dome tweeter |
| Weight | 18.1 lbs (8.2 kg) each | 16.5 lbs (7.5 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, front | ported |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.07 | 5.38 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.27 | 7.46 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
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