The Buchardt S400 MKII Speaker is the BIGGEST NO BRAINER EVER! FULL Review.

#hifi #audiophile #stereo
Written Review: www.stevehuffphoto.com/2022/0...
Buy them direct at Buchardt Audio: buchardtaudio.com/
Today I Review the Buchardt S400 MKII Speakers which are a direct to consumer, eliminate the middleman kind of product. Because these are sold direct (with free shipping from Denmark, a 45 day in home trial and a 10 Year warranty) this means you get MUCH more for your heard earned cash.
These speakers may be the biggest no brainer in speaker buys. I can not think of a better buy for the money. I talk about how they perform in todays video and I hope you enjoy!
Enjoy!
Media Contact/Review Contact: [e-mail]

[@ChaiBearProductions]

Just finished a listening session. Wow, everything is beautiful. Some of the best imaging I’ve heard.

[@sleeper1023]

Very compelling review. I'm now highly considering these. You have raised pretty insightful points here!

[@eldloppa2]

I have these, after comparing and listening and trialing an embarrassingly large number of speakers, many of which are much, MUCH more expensive. They are indeed absolutely stunning - not just for the price, but in absolute terms too. They still amaze me basically every day.

[@HiFiHuff]

Enjoy them (I already know you do)!!

[@eldloppa2]

Lyngdorf TDAI-1120. Detail centric, drives them very well.

[@3582jj]

@@eldloppa2 does the 1120 have enough power to drive them?

[@eldloppa2]

​@@3582jj Yeah, no problem. You can always have that little bit of extra control with an EVEN more powerful amplifier, but the returns will be quickly diminishing. The speakers are 4 ohms and the amp does 120 solid watts into that. You can get by with much less and still enjoy things just fine.

[@jonathanhotopf1823]

Was hoping you’d review these speakers sometime. Been on my shopping list for a while now. Great review.

[@damonoriente736]

Very nice presentation and commentary. I had the Active A500's for about six weeks. While impressive in many ways, I found the bass had more 'bloat' (minor) than detail and the mids seemed 'cupped'. You know, hands around the mouth, shouting, kind of form, not that the speakers were 'shouty' just sort of constrained sounding in their presentation. I returned them, having hoped they would be better. Any thoughts about the S400 II in that regard? BTW, Madds is an excellent communicator, and I greatly admire what he is doing with this company.

[@zackpetrovic3029]

Thanks for the close-up shots, it looks like the MW is the NRX range and not the PFC

[@jeffkalina7727]

The Buchardt S400 Mk2 was one of the 17 standmounts we exhibited recently in Fountain Hills, AZ.. There is a lot to the setup. I heard them at my home, the Exhibition hall and at another reviewers home. They were just okay until David set them up using measurements and room correction. At his home they were awesome.

[@HiFiHuff]

Set up and upstream gear can make all the difference.

[@thomasa.3331]

You should do a review of the Alta Alyssa speaker. I would love to hear how it compares to the Fleetwood Deville's.

[@rndm4642]

Don’t have them (sure wouldn’t mind!) but it’s worth noting their crossover parts are beyond reproach for the fee they charge.

[@timball4892]

Loved the review and your opinions seem to correlate with others. You always bring a different and enjoyable opinion. Thanks! I have been considering these for some time. I, like you, enjoy different speakers, amps and so on. I currently use Magnepan3.7i's, Rogers LS 3/5A's and CSS Criton 2TDX towers. I have been oscillating between Heresy IV's, a used pair of Harbeth 30.1's and these. I wish you would have thrown in a word or two on the Klipsch's but realise they are certainly a different animal. I am probably going to pull the trigger on these as they also offer a free trial period. One of my joys in audio is listening o different set ups and knowing that each of my choices represent a solid choice in design. Planar, dynamic, horn and so on. I also use various amps as well. Tube, solid state class AB and D. Again, thanks for yet another great and insightful review.

[@HiFiHuff]

Thanks Tim!

[@howard5992]

How do you find the CSS 2TDX vs the Magnepan ? I have the 1.7i ... but have been keen to try the Heresy IV's or the 2TDX.

[@japerlm8150]

Soundstage depth is often because of a dip in the midrange 2.5 kz and placement, then clean power from the outlet, which you cant control

[@alexandruhutu1307]

I have them with the Naim Atom. The sound is just beautiful.... ❤️. This is the most appropriate word. They sound pleasant very musical. There is not a lot of something or wow of anything , is just delightful sounds of the whole lor. You can listen for hours even generes that you don't normally listen to. Maybe some people should give them time to break in. 40 to 100hrs.

[@mortimersnerd1348]

Please provide link to the stands you used with the S400 MKII. The top plate looks to fit these speakers perfectly.

[@cyberathlete]

Very nice review. I enjoyed watching this. How do these compare to the Q Acoustics Concept 300s you reviewed two years ago? That's a lot of time passed through, but wanted to know your thoughts. Thank you!

[@BS513]

I concur. I’m a big fan of midrange that is presented forward. Any speaker that has that presentation works well with movies as well. Wharfedale Reva 2 had that midrange but overall Reva 2 was polite sounding and I wanted something more energetic. Got original S400 but it did not have that midrange effect. than I moved and in new room they were dark sounding. Upgraded to mk2 and they hit all my check boxes. Could not be happier. Fyi i’m running them with Parasound new classic 200 integrated.

[@Doughny]

Hee man, everywhere I read that the S400 mk II are slighly V-shaped, so the mids are a tiny bit more in the background. Do you disagree with this?

[@papapapaw]

@@Doughny Not V curve. These are neutral leaning towards warm.

[@User_not_found_403]

Great review - I love my set. Any thoughts you can share about them vs the SoundKaos Vox3a? Especially on the Enleum. Always looking to inch up higher if its worth it :)

[@yaniv-nos-tubes]

bought the mk 2 se version make sure to pair with a warm lively amp or get a loki eq.

[@larrywe3320]

Very polarizing Speakers... Few reviewers say "so-so" ... Many say "great"

[@NemoPropaganda]

I love my s400 mkII and they are my favorite speaker despite being nowhere near the top of my budget. I also own Kanta no1 which I love very much but S400 MKII is my favorite.

[@3582jj]

Wow more than the Kantas?

[@dynodin81]

What amplifier do you with the s400ii?

[@NemoPropaganda]

@@dynodin81 most of the time I'm using Kinki Studio, recently I'm using Galion TS120SE alot.

[@phonatic]

I got my S400 MKII earlier this year, hooked them up to my Cayin CS-88A and was quite underwhelmed. I bought them because they were advertised to work well even when being placed close to the wall. Well, they didn't. I experienced a strong V-curve that even became a tad worse after a 50h burn-in. My Wharfedale Diamond 225 are less detailed but way, way more overall balanced with a much better mid-range. So, I returned the S400 MKII and have never been more happier with my Diamond 225. In that regard, the S400 MKII gave me with a valuable reality check.

[@mk5721]

I had the same experience. I tried them with 3 different amps and multiple listening positions, and I found the midrange to be over-enhanced, lacking detail, and completely separated from the high and low end. The low end was strong but muddy, and the whole thing gave me a feeling of incoherence and disconnect. I have never been so disappointed with an audio product and I returned them after 2 weeks. I am going to increase my budget and purchase a pair of Alta Alyssa bookshelf speakers.

[@sylvio1980]

I’ve been interested in buying a tube amp and Cayin Cs-88 have gotten my attention. How do you like it ? Looking to pair it up with P3ESr and Proac Tablette 10

[@phonatic]

@@sylvio1980 I had the CS-88A for about 2 1/2 years now, with a nearly daily use from Mo-Fr for about 8 hours each, except on warmer summer days. I like this amp a lot, even listen to videos over it, currently paired with a Topping DX3 Pro+. Two 6SL7 preamp-stage tubes died so far, but the stock KT88's (re-branded PSVANE classics) are still in. I normally have the amp in ultralinear mode (2x48W), though triode (2x27W) works well too with more rolled-off tops. The Diamond 225 are rated at 87 dB sensitivity with 8 Ohms nominal impedance. In my case, that would increase the brightness even further. The Tablette 10's are 86 dB / 10 Ohms, the P3ESr's 83 dB / 6 Ohms. The CS-88A has outputs for 4 and 8 Ohms. With a less common nominal impedance, it might be a gamble, though it does not mean that it won't work. I tried the S400 MK II (4 Ohms) also at the 8 Ohms output. If you can get the amp with a return policy, I would certainly give it a try. And if you don't need a built-in phono-preamp, the R8 might be indeed a much better-priced option.

[@toddstyles7194]

Garbage in is garbage out.

[@gokhanersan8561]

Burchard midrange sounds recessed on KZbin sound comparison tests, too. Tight and big bass. Total V-curve situation.

[@2HatHudders]

Thinking of pairing these with the R8, I'm presuming the R8 can't push out the bass with the buchardts

[@williamcanada6195]

Thanx !! Looking around and interested ! Just one question : what would be your take compared to Triangle 40th Anniversary Comètes ?!? Bill from Northeastern France.

[@drc97086]

The quality of the 400’s crossover is unheard of.

[@DearSX]

Great reviews

[@markovlasic1978]

great, soounds great, looks great and you need woofer?

[@StingerFromAbove]

Which amplifier under 2k would you recommend for these?

[@KayAhnung]

Hello, How do you think it will compare to the concept 300? Specially the Soundstage. I plan to buy the concept 300 but i also think about the Buchardts. Thanks for your great reviews 👍

[@gianlucavanelli5055]

Do they sound superior to dynaudio s40 even in the low range? Do they present the same punch?

[@jlo8775]

I’ve listened to these and they are superb BUT they absolutely need excellent amplification to truly appreciate them.

[@tntafoulis]

Any recommendation?

[@mattholland315]

I had great results with a Primare A25. Far better than the Buchardt amp which is really detailed (and has excellent features) but lacks bass control and overall refinement. I agree the S400 mkII need a potent amp. I also tried them with a Waversa WSlim Lite which was awful in this context and could not drive the Buchardts properly

[@Spierdalajyoutube]

@@tntafoulis classe works awesome

[@CedricRachmad]

Are the SE's worth the price difference vs the MKII? Crossover is the same, only internal wiring, cable connectors and HDF cabinet are different...

[@lonewolfmtnz]

what happens when placed 'upside down' (tweeter on top) ?

[@Buzzer9000]

Any thoughts or experiences about pairing these with the Rotel RA 1570?

[@vl7857]

You said before Dynaudio special 40 was one of the best then it became Heritage special and now buchardt s400 mk2, what's next....it never ends! .

[@HiFiHuff]

I talk in detail about those in this video and compare them. Time moves on, things get improved. As I said, these do not best the heritage special but I do prefer them to the S40 but the S49 was four years ago now. Tech progresses on.

[@stonefree1911]

What's the song in the intro?

[@rickshaw5595]

What are your thoughts on the S400 MKii versus the Klipsch Cornwall IV that you loved also??

[@mikehuntington4440]

I am definitely curious in more details about the combination with the Enleum. Would you say that you’re sacrificing a bit of bass authority and control pairing them with this amp? I’m sure the mid range and treble is awesome, but at only 25 Watts or so…. You think the bass would be the weak point. Excellent review btw, definitely agree with Your description of the sound. For me, the treble and the miss are the star of the show, I suppose because I didn’t really expect it. Treble is sweet and extended, but very well integrated and smooth with the mid range.

[@jorgebravo7980]

I own a pair of these (I like them a lot) and I had absolutely no clue Buchardt said they were designed so you can use them flipped too. That’s great! Because the tweeter is waaay to low in height while using the Buchardt stands. I literally have to be sitting in the floor to have my ears somewhat aligned in height with the tweeter. Gonna try flipping them and will comment my findings if someone is interested!

[@User_not_found_403]

I flipped mine and it did wonders. Height is all relative to your seating height, so if you position your ears in between the 2 drivers you'll be golden.

[@cremersalex]

But ... the speaker is designed with an angle with the tweater leaning a bit back (because high frequencies travel faster through air). If you turn it upside down, doesn't that go against the purpose of the design?

[@User_not_found_403]

@@cremersalex well you are also supposed to do a handstand while listening.

[@gatobakuniano]

Have you tried this?

[@mattholland315]

@@cremersalex all sound travels at the… speed of sound ;) But valid point regarding the baffle tilt which should in most cases get the tweeter more or less in axis with a seated listener.

[@hubert-williams3379]

Hi, What speaker stands are you using for these speakers?.. I know Bucardt have their own but for my space I think the foot print may not work

[@MarcusMaximus909]

These or the kef R3 meta ?

[@sakabatou]

Not that it matters, but they look like Stand 10s, rather than 6s

[@AnunakiAtlantis]

i am born in Indonesia. and never ever herd this brand. Here the most famouse made in Indonesia for electronic, but the most is for audio is Polytron ( original Indonesian brand ) And Cello that actualy imported and producted by China.

[@felipencl]

I own Elac UBR62’s and really like them. Randy (cheap audioman) ranked the UBR62’s higher then the S400 MKII. That confused me, since I considered the Buchardt as a possible future upgrade. Since you also reviewed the Elac, could you please comment how you see these speakers? Are they more similar then different or not?

[@kirkaparty4143]

my opinion: I tried Emotiva amps (as did Randy) with Buchardts, they sounded ok... But Burchardts benefit and scale up much better with better amps, you really hear the difference .

[@Dano831]

Cheap audio man is not someone who possesses the ability to reliably review audio. I’ve owned the elacs and upgraded to S400 mkii. It is a substantial upgrade. Randy is the Walmart of reviewers. You get what you pay fir. 😅

[@papapapaw]

Been following cheapaudioman a lot before. However, he caters to starting and budget audiophiles. When he gets an expensive gear, he can only use it with other budget gear so the better gear do not get to show its potential in his setup.

[@YouSoundButtHurt]

How do these compare to the Kef R3? I'm in the market for a new set of bookshelves/stand mounts and the Kef and these Buchardts are on my short list.

[@buttonman1831]

If you are shopping around, try Golden Ear, Monitor Audio, Sonus Faber. The establish brands have amazing speakers in this price category. Audio excellence didn't care for these speakers. They made a 3 part review and were underwhelmed. I have been burned by hyped up products before.

[@henriksrensen3220]

The best bookshelf speakers i have listened to up to 10000 euro, is the Audiovector r1 arrete speakers. But the Buchardt speakers are great speakers. Great review.

[@adamnocon9432]

Compare Audiovector R1 Arreté to ProAc K1 ( Frequency response 28Hz-30KHz ), Sensitivity 90dB vs R1 Frequency response: 38Hz-53kHz, Sensitivity 87 dB.

[@henriksrensen3220]

@@adamnocon9432 Numbers dont tell if you are going to love the sound of the speakers.

[@bryanbassett2110]

If you just factor in the cost of drivers, these cost about as much as Mr. Huff's DeVille speakers

[@labalo5]

Nobody needs DeVilles.

Can you compare this speaker with Klipsch Heresy 4?

[@timball4892]

I would love that as well as the Heresy's and S400 mk2 have been under serious consideration at my home

[@valayilabraham1713]

I would love to see that too. These are the 2 speakers I am considering to go with the enleum amp.

[@TheTomryan123]

A couple of comments: 1). Where are you that fall is already descending, and yet the cicadas are still singing? 2). Please tell us you are keeping an eye on your cat. It's dangerous out there for those guys.

[@faludabutt8253]

I had AB comparison of this no brainer with all of my floor standers. I had to send it back to Germany.

[@michaeljackson4010]

Germany?

[@bubblehead5394]

Isn't "airyness" an artifact of cabinet resonance?

[@henriksrensen3220]

No

[@eldloppa2]

No, what makes you think that?

[@tothemax324]

airiness is an artefact fullstop

[@davewin1792]

Airiness just describes hearing 360 degree radius around the instrument. Hence the term air.

[@tothemax324]

What does air sound like? lol

[@raynabozny2338]

NOT made in china Iam happy to see

[@charlescaruana5717]

Made in Indonesia!

[@martindevon3204]

have you got $20,000 speakers? Never heard you bragging lol

[@kawasakiaddiction6296]

Brass binding posts. Push-on steel, internal connections, crappy Chinese crossovers. Thin copper wiring with pvc "insulation". If you are that easily impressed with this junk, you do not know that you are born.

[@madsbuchardt7845]

and there is a total of zero Chinese crossover components in the s400 mk2... And if you want more high end cable and binding posts, go for the signatures.

[@kawasakiaddiction6296]

@@madsbuchardt7845 Easily modded with copper binding posts and Teflon coated cable. About £30 done. I don't understand why manufacturers get so cheap with "expensive" gear.

[@garyroman3196]

@@kawasakiaddiction6296 any more inaccurate claims you want to pass along to the group?

[@larrys1911]

You are way off base about the crossovers. They use boutique Jantzen caps and quality air core inductors. Maybe you referring to crappy emotiva speakers. And you would be surprised at the crappy caps, sandcast resistors and cheap wire that many speakers costing thousands of dollars use.