Short answer: the KEF R3 Meta. It ranks #10 of 222 bookshelf speakers by sound quality (rated 4.6/5) at $2,499.99 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 R3 Meta is the more accurate option. A three way bookshelf speaker with KEF’s coaxial driver, superb accuracy that holds across the room, and bass that reaches deep for its size. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 6.10 against 5.38 for the Buchardt S400 MKII. The tradeoff: Pointed straight on-axis, there’s a 1-2dB bump around 9kHz that stays consistent across angles thanks to the constant-directivity waveguide: only toeing the speaker out about 10° tames it.
The Buchardt S400 MKII is the deeper-bass choice. 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 76Hz for the KEF R3 Meta. 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 R3 Meta. 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
| KEF R3 Meta | Buchardt S400 MKII | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2,499.99 per pair | $2400 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #10 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #111 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 37Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 40Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 76Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 59Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Dimensions | 16.6”H x 7.9”W x 13.2”D (421.6 x 200.7 x 335.3 mm) | 14.4”H x 7”W x 11”D (365.8 x 177.8 x 279.4 mm) |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal (3.2 ohms minimum above 80Hz, measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 4 ohms nominal, 3 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Drivers | 6.5” Hybrid aluminum ported woofer, 5” aluminum cone midrange, 1” vented aluminium dome with MAT tweeter | 6.5” aluminum cone woofer, 1” soft dome tweeter |
| Sensitivity | 85.9dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner; 87dB manufacturer specified) | 84.7dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner; 87dB manufacturer specified) |
| Weight | 27.3 lbs (12.4 kg) each | 16.5 lbs (7.5 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported | ported |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.10 | 5.38 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.91 | 7.46 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
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