Short answer: the KEF Q Concerto Meta. It ranks #11 of 222 bookshelf speakers by sound quality (rated 4.6/5) at $999.99 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 KEF Q Concerto Meta is the more accurate, deeper-bass option. A neutral three way bookshelf speaker that sounds consistent from seat to seat, with smooth treble that many rivals at its price lack. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 6.01 against 5.38 for the Buchardt S400 MKII. Its bass reaches about 53Hz before falling 3dB, against 59Hz for the Buchardt S400 MKII. Watch for: Radiation pattern measures about ±50°, narrower than the reviewer’s preferred ±60° for a stronger sense of envelopment.
The case for the Buchardt S400 MKII: Bookshelf speakers with very flat sound, precise imaging and adjustable bass, now discontinued but worth buying used. The tradeoff: 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 KEF Q Concerto Meta. It is rated higher for sound quality; the Buchardt S400 MKII is no longer sold new.
Want more options? Browse the full Passive Home rankings.
Prices on this page were last checked November 7, 2026 at 7:34 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.
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
Specifications Side By Side
| KEF Q Concerto Meta | Buchardt S400 MKII | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $999.99 per pair | $2400 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #11 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #111 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 35Hz (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 | 16.3”H x 8.3”W x 12.4”D (414 x 210.8 x 315 mm) | 14.4”H x 7”W x 11”D (365.8 x 177.8 x 279.4 mm) |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal (3.3 ohms minimum above 80Hz, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner) | 4 ohms nominal, 3 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Drivers | 165 mm (6.5 in.) hybrid aluminium cone woofer, 100 mm (4 in.) aluminium cone midrange, 19 mm (0.75 in.) vented aluminium dome with MAT tweeter | 6.5” aluminum cone woofer, 1” soft dome tweeter |
| Sensitivity | 84.2dB (measured average, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 84.7dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner; 87dB manufacturer specified) |
| Weight | 20.9 lbs (9.5 kg) each | 16.5 lbs (7.5 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | ported |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.01 | 5.38 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.71 | 7.46 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More top alternatives to KEF Q Concerto Meta: