Sounds to me you have a low power amp problem. I have listen to the 400mrk 2 with my Pass integrated 250 and I could not tell if my Sub was on . The Buchardt have excellent bass.
Buchardt S400 Mk II vs Sony SSCS 5 in Bass
I am still in the quest for a ideal bookshelf / stand mount as my secondary system. Recently I procured Buchardt S400 Mk II for in-home auditioning a month ago. The top end and midrange SQ is top-notch, airy and rich with dynamics. However, the bass is a bit on the light side to my taste. Although it is rated down to 33hz (- 3 dB) in room, I do not feel the bass is that impactful as compared to the Sony SSCS 5 which is only rated down to 53Hz (-3dB). Both me and my best half could hear more impactful, better-defined double bass notes from SSCS 5 than from S400. I was so puzzled / annoyed by this. Let me lay out the main specs that might affect the bass performance for comparison purpose.
Buchardt S400 Mk ii Sony sscs 5
Woofer 6" paper cone (on top) 5.12" cone (on bottom)
Enclosure 1 rear 8"x5" passive radiator 1 rear port
Bass rating 33 Hz (-3dB) 53 Hz (-3dB)
Efficiency 88 dB/m/w 87 dB/m/w
Both were driven by the same components, speaker placements, supported by the semi-sphere silicone footers, and evaluated with the same music. Does the rear port design more effective than the passive radiator? Does the position of woofer affect the bass weight? Can someone, in particular who owned the S400, shed a light on this please?
Showing 6 responses by dwest1023
I know longer have the 400’s but have a pair of the 400 Mrk 2 special.Edition on the way. I will do the test then FedEx says they will be here this Saturday. To grisly, the I dont think I said you need a Pass labs to get bass from the 400’s. At the time that is what I used when I had them. My pass is overkill especially in my 12x 14 room. . Lanx003, seems like you are looking for pounding kick drum bass? Im not sure the 400’s do that. |
Lanx I do not remember the MRK 2 being polite. However, they do not kick like my dynaudio speial 40’s. You should give them a try if they are in your budget. Almost any Dynaudio speaker will give you the sound you are looking for.. I just install the 400 speial edition and as soon as i touch the woofer the passive radiator moves. The special edition ist night and day different from the regular 400’s. I hear no problem with bass as it is very articulate even at low vol. Sound stage is incredible. Vocals are sublime. Make sure you give them time to break in. Let them play a whole day continues if you can. Every speaker I have purchased has change Character after some time. I do have my speaker close to the rear wall if that means anything. |
I do use a sub(B&W DB3). I also have a Schitt Loki max eq and though I dont need it much, it can and does correct and music I listen to. With any bookshelf I recommend a sub. I have a pair of LS50 metas and with my sub those things can rock. Another speaker I have and enjoy is the Goldenear BRX. Lanx, I think you would like the Dunaudio, no matter which one you chose. They have the warmth of the 400’s with a punchier bass, and better treble |
lanx0003 , I would not put a lot of stock in what a reviewer says. I own Goldenear BRS, Kef, LS50 meta, Buchardts 400rk2 special editions, and I have a pair of Dali Minuete SE on the way. I have not heard the Dali's yet, but all of my speakers have their plus and minuses, yet I like each one. It does not matter how much you spend on speakers, amps are never perfect. My special 40's are my favorite and I notice no congestion in the mids. |