Buchardt A500, KEF LS50 Wireless, etc. What are your top 3 downsides?


I'm seeing reviews popping up recently for the new version of the KEF LS50 wireless and the Buchardt A500. PS Audio is working on a wireless speaker, too, I gather. Specific models don't really matter. I'm interested in the general approach these products represent.

What you would you list as the top three most important minuses for investing in these speakers as the system? Sonic quality? Likelihood to become outdated by newer technologies? Lack of choice regarding DAC, etc?

Or, if it's really hard to come up with major downsides for these types of speakers, are they harbingers of a larger shift for audiophiles?

I don't have a bias, here. More interested in drawing out your views and experience.
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Showing 2 responses by decooney

1. when the manufacturer no longer makes that model, or amp replacement inside, the whole unit becomes a throw-away. i.e. think old subs, "oh, we don’t make that model any more, we’ll give you a discount on new model".

2. one small thing goes wrong inside, you get to pay to ship it back to fix it. Waiting time, hope they will be around long enough to fix the proprietary technology. It’s not like separates with shared parts in common.

3. expect class D sound, "a new model is coming out" merry-go-round. It's not tube!  :) 
@mfgillia
decooney When one small thing went wrong with the A500s Mads sent me out a new module, which contains all of the electronics inside one small box. It took about three days to arrive and five minutes to install. Didn’t ship anything back nor did I ever pay for shipping.

That’s an impressive level of service delivery. I don’t think I’ve received much of anything lately in 3 days, not from any merchant.

I looked up Buchardt just now, remembering they are from Denmark. Makes sense now, all of the best sounding speaker drivers I’ve used all come from Denmark. The Danes take their products and services very seriously with great passion. And their audio too. Thanks for sharing :) Those Buchardt A700 speakers are nice too.  

Good to know!