Short answer: the TAD Compact Reference One (CR1TX). It ranks #1 of 222 bookshelf speakers by sound quality (rated 4.9/5) at $87,500 and is still sold new; the Buchardt Audio S400 ranks #30 (rated 4.4/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used. The Buchardt Audio S400’s replacement, the Buchardt S400 MK3, is rated 4.0/5 at $2,300.
The TAD Compact Reference One (CR1TX) is the better-sounding option. A superb bookshelf speaker, a large three way with a coaxial driver that keeps sound consistent around the room and incredibly low distortion. The tradeoff: Extraordinarily expensive at $87500 per pair.
The Buchardt Audio S400 is the deeper-bass choice. A compact bookshelf speaker with impressively deep bass for its size and smooth, broad dispersion, now discontinued but worth buying used. Its bass reaches about 53Hz before falling 3dB, against 69Hz for the TAD Compact Reference One (CR1TX). Watch for: The impedance reaches 3.7 ohms (Erin), so a genuinely four-ohm-stable separate amplifier is recommended rather than a basic AVR.
Buy the TAD Compact Reference One (CR1TX). It is rated higher for sound quality, and the Buchardt Audio S400 is discontinued, so it is only available used.
Want more options? Browse the full Passive Home rankings.
Measured Differences
- Close enough not to matter: bass extension (38 Hz vs 38 Hz, 10 dB down); preference score with a subwoofer (7.8 vs 7.4).
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Specifications Side By Side
| TAD Compact Reference One (CR1TX) | Buchardt Audio S400 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $87,500 per pair | €1,800 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #1 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #30 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 38Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 38Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 69Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 53Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Drivers | Coaxial 1.38” tweeter + 6.5” midrange, 8” woofer | 0.74” waveguided tweeter; 6” aluminum woofer |
| Weight | 101 lbs (45.8 kg) each | 16.1 lbs (7.30 kg) each |
| Sensitivity | 85.5dB (measured average 300Hz-3kHz @ 2.83V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner) | Approximately 86dB/2.83V/1m (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Power Handling | 200W max | - |
| Crossover Frequency | 250Hz, 2kHz | - |
| Dimensions | 24.7”H x 13.4”W x 17.6”D (628 x 341 x 446 mm) | 14.8”H x 7.1”W x 9.6”D (375 x 180 x 245 mm) |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal, 3.7 ohms minimum (measured above 80Hz, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 3.7 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Frequency Response | 32Hz - 100kHz (manufacturer specified) | - |
| Country | Japan | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.45 | 5.23 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.79 | 7.43 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Woofer Cabinet | - | sealed with rear passive radiator |
Where the Ratings Come From
- TAD Compact Reference One (CR1TX): Spinorama.org measurements and reviews by Erin’s Audio Corner.
- Buchardt Audio S400: Spinorama.org measurements and reviews by Erin’s Audio Corner.
This comparison is generated from the ratings, specifications and measurements on each product’s own page, and it updates when that data changes. How we rank explains how each rating is decided.
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