Short answer: the Wharfedale Aura 2. It ranks #13 of 222 bookshelf speakers by sound quality (rated 4.6/5) at $2,799 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 Wharfedale Aura 2 is the more accurate choice. A mini tower style bookshelf speaker with nearly flat response, huge clean output, wide sound, and bass that reaches deep in most rooms. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 6.03 against 5.38 for the Buchardt S400 MKII. The catch: A breakup/peak around 13kHz can sound sharp or shrill depending on the track, the main tonal flaw noted.
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 catch: 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 Wharfedale Aura 2. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the Buchardt S400 MKII is discontinued, so it is only available used.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete 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
| Wharfedale Aura 2 | Buchardt S400 MKII | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2799 per pair | $2400 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #13 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #111 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 30Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 40Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 56Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 59Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Dimensions | 22.1”H x 11.3”W x 15.3”D (561.3 x 287 x 388.6 mm) | 14.4”H x 7”W x 11”D (365.8 x 177.8 x 279.4 mm) |
| Impedance | 6 ohms nominal (3.1 ohms minimum above 80Hz, measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 4 ohms nominal, 3 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Drivers | 6.5” Black Glass Fibre Matrix Cone woofer, 4” Black Glass Fibre Matrix Cone midrange, 27x90mm AMT tweeter | 6.5” aluminum cone woofer, 1” soft dome tweeter |
| Sensitivity | 87dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 84.7dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner; 87dB manufacturer specified) |
| Weight | 45 lbs (20.4 kg) each | 16.5 lbs (7.5 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | ported |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.03 | 5.38 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.65 | 7.46 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More worthwhile head-to-heads for Wharfedale Aura 2: