The Buchardt A500 is excellent. DSP built-in, tons of options and even wireless (with the add-on).

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

Support the cause: Patreon: www.patreon.com/erinsaudiocorner Contribute via PayPal: www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=CLHSW4L9SBSLY Generic Amazon Affiliate Link: amzn.to/34VclRH (^ earns me a small commission at no additional cost to you)

[@net_news]

Best review of the A500s so far, congrats Erin! Really really useful and much appreciated. This is a Review!!!

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

Awesome! Thanks!

[@ChristianGoergen]

Thank you again for testing. It’s so strange to see many brands without publishing any data. Your results are extremely helpful for our decisions.

[@bruceandt]

With this evolving technology of room correction and Master Tunings come into play for a listen? It can be difficult for a reviewer to be subjective. The real definitive comment you made is simply about speaker size. The bigger cabinets plus transducer logic. Perfect! Your use of measurement tech is just what this industry can benefit from. This is in stark contrast to most other reviewers. Your reviews are vital. Reviewing has its spectrum from raw data to emotion. Thanks for the much needed end of this rarely addressed end of that spectrum.

[@Bradimus1]

I always love how this brand looks. Never have gotten to hear any yet.

[@noahblorm2990]

Thanks for doing this review! I have been eyeing these exact speakers. The room correction alone makes it worth it imo.

[@DJMikeron]

Listen to the speaker ,not you tubers opinions and specs. Biggest mistake people make. Bouchard will blow you away no matter which on you listen to.

[@edwardasmannjr.2438]

I’ve learned a lot from you and your dedication to objective measurements, which I appreciate greatly, and today I also learned something else: the correct pronunciation of timbre. I’ve been mispronouncing it for many years, so thanks for correcting me. : )

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

You are definitely not alone. I pronounced it incorrectly for years and I still have trouble making myself correctly pronounce it.

[@johnpetrakis379]

GEEZ, this guy has some incredible test equipment!!!!

[@FOH3663]

Erin, brother you're just killin' it with all this outstanding content. Thank you again, ... it's much appreciated!

[@vintageflanker7096]

My main speakers for the last 18 months. Glad to know objective performance being THAT good. I would only upgrade some full-range solutions: either bookshelves with a pair of subs or possibly the A700... Hope you will measure the latter with much less aggressive compression behaviour, tho.

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

I believe Buchardt is going to send the A700 at some point. So we should get some data on those in the future. 👍

[@vintageflanker7096]

@@ErinsAudioCorner Awesome.👍

[@ChristianGoergen]

@@vintageflanker7096 Why would you go A700? More output wanted?

[@vintageflanker7096]

@@ChristianGoergen Yep. I basically want less compression and bass distorsion at high SPLs.

[@ChristianGoergen]

@@vintageflanker7096 Okay. I don’t listen above 90 dB at home. Movie/Music. Doesn’t matter. Standard listening room. Comfy, no treatment necessary.

[@Phloored]

Absolutely love these active set ups! The A700 is a wet dream set up for me! I'm rocking a set of bamberg audio series three with a mini dsp studio and although i lust for something like the A700 (have not heard them) i listen to what i have and realize I'm set! Active speakers with dsp is really an epiphany for me. Full range bliss.

[@naturalverities]

In my DIY experience, DSP multi amping applied with care is the best and most time- and cost-effective way to achieve superb performance from modest but intelligently paired drivers, especially so for 3+ bandpass systems. Traditional passive crossovers demand too much compromise between time domain and frequency domain design goals. And I agree that big systems bring things to the table that small systems simply can't. Would love to hear Erin's views on that subject in depth. Wave launch, boundary conditions, etc.

[@arthurprs]

Great speaker. And great review, best I've seen personally.

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

Wow, thanks!

[@psyphonyxaudio]

LOVE these .. the angles and tuning. Really awesome. They can be wireless and configured for surround sound too!! .. Wild.. See if you can try out those A700 !! =)

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

I think Buchardt is going to send me a set of the A700 sometime in the near future.

[@psyphonyxaudio]

@Erin's Audio Corner ... He better!! Haha.

[@doublet147]

Enjoyed the review. I have no experience with DSP speakers but would love to hear & mess around with some in my home.

[@pulDag]

Well done again. Thank you Erin. It's a bit silly that hub doesn't have sub-out. Espcially if it has hdmi input, so it could have been used with stereo home cinema. Hope 2nd gen will have it.

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

Thanks. Yea, I am surprised it doesn't have a subwoofer output as well. Maybe they will update that in the future.

[@Dan-iy8ig]

I have the A500s with the WISA hub. They are plenty loud - Room is 14 ft X 17 ft

[@fidrewe99]

@16:43 I just have to correct you here. What you see here is not any (undesired) limiting, but (at mostly) the indented loudness correction in order to maintain a constant perceived tonal balance, which sets Buchardts apart from other speakers in a positive way. It's a known problem that the sensitivity of our ears on the high and especially the low end increases with volume (that's part of the reason why we prefer a certain volume). What these speakers do is, they correct for these so-called fletcher munson curves, and the changes in your graph look just reflect that.

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

And it’s also limiting to protect the speaker at high output levels.

[@fidrewe99]

@@ErinsAudioCorner yes, but I don't think you see that in the graph (yet). Maybe further down in the bass. Note that there is no reduction in the bass from 96 to 102 dB in the range visible in the graph between 100 and 3000 Hz. This implies that in this range of frequency, there is no limiting present yet. Hard limiting would imply -6 dB between the two volumes.

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

@@fidrewe99 I think we are seeing a combination. A simple volume compensation would not limit the bass at higher output. It’s hard to decipher at what point the tradeoff begins, though.

[@csdstudio78]

I love how a $4000 pair of speakers use $75 drivers. And this is completely fine, there's a ton of engineering involved, warranty, etc... My point being, imagine the junk drivers being used in sub $400 speakers. $5 tops. Sb Acoustics is good stuff.

[@MattZildjian]

that is an insanely impressive frequency response

[@MarcelNL]

I am seriously in doubt between this, and the Wharfedale Elysian 2 with dual SVS SB-1000 pro connected to my NAD amp (for now). I don't play music very loud but I am often sitting at the opposite wall of where my speakers are. (my room is 5 by 5 meter, so about 15 by 15 feet.) Over time the NAD set will be replaced, but I am in doubt: have this all-in-one set or replace things step by step and keep things a bit more traditional with separate dac, pre-amp and power-amp. The idea is eventually: - Denafrips Pontus - Heaven11 Billie - Wharfedale Elysian 2 - 2x SVS SB-1000 Pro. But wouldn't that be overkill in a room of 5 by 5 meter?

[@aaronschen9896]

seems good, the world needs some small to medium floor standing DSP speakers with SOTA performance and high output sub $5k. Should be doable for a company with some scale.

[@routinecanwait1153]

Hi Erin.Great review!Is it true that you can hear some kind of a noise coming out from the amp of the speakers?If this happens is it still audible in soft music passages? Thanks in advance.

[@stefanbanovic]

@Erin's Audio Corner in comparison with Ls50wII + kc62 for 3meters listening from phone and with TV which is a better option for you? A500 vs Ls50WII+kc62? Thank you

[@darensweeney5925]

Does the speaker sound full at low volumes? What EQ assists this? Thanks

[@pliedtka]

This one uses the newer SB17NRXC2 midbass - I just wonder how much better it is than the older version. Between the Norex paper cone and the Alu or CAC, I definitely would choose the later because of it's more resolving qualities.

[@matsudakodo]

Yeah. I prefer the bass they got from the CAC, but the NRX2 helped them get a better crossover under 2 kHz.

[@Azzy_Mazzy]

You have to be the most prolific speaker reviewer right now lol, great reviews man keep it up. Side question what is the cheapest high sensitivity speaker will you recommend right now? 95dB peaks with an avr power is what I listen at, no subwoofer though cause Apartment

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

Man, I'm not even sure. High sensitivity and cheap don't really go hand-in-hand. At least, not without a trade-off for bass response.

[@Azzy_Mazzy]

@@ErinsAudioCorner yeah i just did some calculations and found out that the minimum sensitivity that i need is around 86db, so thankfully my options get more plentiful

[@keepingupwiththejones2933]

Those are some beautiful graphs. At least in this case you seem to get what you pay for.

[@IRQ1Conflict]

My understanding is that you cannot connect a sub to these?

[@teachonlywhatiseasy]

i like the aesthetic barring the screws on the front for this price. measures as good as the arendal 1960 monitors barring the sub bass. i wonder if this company ever considers making more reasonable monitors.

[@Merlijn39]

What's the best listening distance? Is 1m too little?

[@markpocock183]

Very impressive! For your listening tests, I assume you had the tweeters at ear level? Do you also have treatment on the ceiling to tame vertical reflections? Thanks for a great review.

[@pulDag]

Have a look to his home cinema room: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aJnHXpawg8aBldU

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

^ he got it. For my listening, my ear was between the waveguide and woofer.

[@Nick--_]

You've mentioned that you enjoy "wide" speakers but I was wondering if that preference extends to the center/surrounds or if it's exclusively for L/R?

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

That preference holds for all. But, to be honest, I haven't done any blind testing so it's all anecdotal.

[@H2OFSU]

Erin, since you reviewed the S400 awhile back, could you give your thoughts on how these compare versus them and a good amp? Looks like the S400 is a little wider pattern, but the frequency response is not as good. Do they use the same tweeter/wave guides and woofer, but the DSP makes all the difference? Thanks, great review.

[@vintageflanker7096]

You got data for both to compare. Please note that S400 was measured without Klippel NFS at the time, so not quite apples to apples comparaison. Both differ quite dramatically: same tweeter/waveguide yes. Then... different woofers (paper cone Vs aluminium) one being active at the back, bracing, deeper and heavier cabinet for the A500, and more importantly: active crossover for the latter. No very little similarities at the end. S400 Mk1 with whatever amp cannot compete against this fully active with DSP controlled crossover design.

[@H2OFSU]

@@vintageflanker7096 I missed the different woofer materials used, thanks. I didn’t explain correctly, my apologies. I had looked at the data, and the estimated in room response looks exactly the same above 80hz (S400 actually looks a little less rolled off). I use a sub for my system anyways, so the extra bass output isn’t a need for my room. Which led me to asking if Erin would give his subjective opinion between the two models directly. If you’ve listened to both, I’d welcome your subjective opinion as well.

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

Honestly, I have no idea. It's been nearly two years apart. I can tell you that - at the time - I wasn't as impressed as all the other reviewers were with the S400. I thought they were good but I wasn't blown away like the other guys seemed to be. However, I am really quite impressed with the A500. Funny thing is I discussed this in my video... the first time... but I forgot to turn the mic on so I had to reshoot it and forgot to mention it. That's the one downside to doing my videos "off the top" and not scripted. :D

[@RennieAsh]

I wonder how this sounds compared to the sointuva . Whether having some of the best drivers and passive is going to give improvements over relatively cheaper drivers but with active DSP

[@vintageflanker7096]

Buchardt is actually working on speakers with Purifi drivers.😉

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

^ yep. I should be getting some of those to test, too, if they do indeed produce them.

[@RennieAsh]

@@vintageflanker7096 how much would that cost I wonder.

[@colbylaro9361]

How did the boy bands sound on those speakers?

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

Great. As always. 😂

[@bobgodd]

Those look shockingly similar to the sb acoustics sb17 drivers.

[@super-z8943]

Without your in-depth review, many people will be misled thinking this is flat to 25Hz. It is, but at low spl, and Bukhardt might hide it from their marketing brochure. 60Hz filter at 86dB and 150Hz filter at 96dB? I just hope people don't get misled.

[@skumflum3768]

Buchardt would recommend the A700 for those who need headroom. At normal listening volumes it’s no issue at all. Speakers that can play 25hz at +100db needs to have giant woofers

[@256alexdt]

That has to be the funniest thing I’ve read. You’re misleading with your way of talking, most people listen under 86db.

[@super-z8943]

@@256alexdt who is misleading who again? Shouldn't Buchardt be just honest. Many people listen above 86dB.

[@256alexdt]

@@super-z8943 Many ? The majority? Or a small minority? Who buys 4k+ bookshelf? Who’s the market? Is the majority of them blasting their music at 90db+ or are more people looking to enjoy at safe listening level industry leading quality ? Misleading is Toro electric snow blower who says you can clean a 30 car driveway with 2 batteries but after cleaning my 4 car driveway the battery are at 50%, there’s no way in any realistic circumstances that toro claim could be doable but for the A500 90% of the listener’s will be delighted. Stop hating if you want to hate go hate on the LS50 those are so overhyped.

[@GregorMima]

Pity nowhere to be seen in Europe ... On the other hand we got Triangle, Adam & others ... Still amazing measurement.

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

Buchardt is located in Denmark. Maybe I’m misunderstanding you? buchardtaudio.com/pages/about-us

[@vintageflanker7096]

Buchardt only does direct sales. You got a 45 days return policy of you wanna try at home. There is absolutely no Triangle that comes close to A500 objective performance.😉

[@GregorMima]

@@ErinsAudioCorner My bad, didnt know they have direct sales only, chees.

[@yayhoo8848]

Can you loan me these speakers so I can test them out?

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

You got jokes. They’re going back to the manufacturer tomorrow.

[@yayhoo8848]

@@ErinsAudioCorner I am serious! No joke! Like Joe Biden!

[@jonjoe89]

Nice review. I have these speakers and are looking to get rid of them. So if you're in the US, leave a comment below to if you're interested. Brand new only owned them for just over a month.

[@brwn_pprbg]

I'm interested. Way I can get a hold of you? Moving to the US in August.

[@word2RG]

👍

[@Pitbull0669]

I like them but the bullshit break in time with them is unnecessary lol

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

I honestly pay zero attention to break-in stuff. I do it... just so people can't say I didn't. But it makes no difference to me unless - maybe - it's a large sub with a spider that might need a quick loosening up.

[@Pitbull0669]

@@ErinsAudioCorner I'm with you 100% when I did AVS stuff I never did lol. 2 totally polarizing point of view in that it always mad me laugh.

[@matsudakodo]

Yup...if they're warmed up to room temperature or above, they will be at their intended sound in your first listening session. Your mind will adapt to their sound over time, "breaking in" to the speakers. The real test of a great speaker is, to me, one where you can spend a lot of time away from a speaker, unconditioning your brain to them, and have them sound instantly great the moment you come back to them. Hence, the best speakers need less break-in =)

[@DJMikeron]

Bla bla bla. Listen to the speaker not opinions

[@generynkewicz4871]

Kef r3 seems better for half the price not including amplification.

[@hervedelplanque2841]

I tried Kef R3s with a NAD M10 amp and the sound quality and power were nowhere near what I get with my A500s. Bass response is in another league (25HZ vs 38 I think, you can definitely hear a big difference, much more bass with the A500). The off axis performance is also much better on the A500. I’m saying this although I always was a Kef fan but I ended up selling my LS50 wireless to get the A500s.

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

At moderate volumes, the A500 would be the clear choice for the bass capability alone. Not that I don't like the Kef. But the A500 is a true full-range speaker. The Kef is not.

[@DaleElder11]

@@hervedelplanque2841 Thank You for your thoughts. Very interesting. I love KEF also but have the A700's on the way.

[@vintageflanker7096]

I had both and it's not. Not even close.