Some very special features of the A10 are not covered here. With the hub, you can do room eq (some people would pay 500$ or more for that feature) and you can add your specific very precise Eq on top of the room eq and the master tuning... so when Steve says that the warm master tuning is too much for him, he could have fixed that with eq... maybe not for everyone but very powerful features!

Love your work Steve!! The content just keeps getting better and more interesting.

So basically based on Steve, these speakers are "gorgeous", "amazing" "cool" "percussive" "incredible" from a "really small speaker" and when listening to one of his favourite Bob Dylan tracks, the A10 let him have a good time with it. Wow. Can't wait for my pair. Mads is working some magic over in Denmark. Thank you Steve for a really lovely personal and explorative review. Always appreciated.

So testing the Buchardt A10 without taking a direct digital signal in. Converting from digital to analogue and getting the speaker to convert to digital for DSP does not seems the best use case. Great when your source is analogue, a reel to reel or LP but must suffer something in the multiple conversions when the source is already digital. A benefit from Buchardt is the return policy. You can test them out at home, get the high level of support if needed and make your mind up with no pressure. If you don't like them you return them and get the A700. What is often missed is that the electronics can be removed and replaced by the user. So if it does fail, as most amplifiers will sometime you only have to send off the box of electronics, not the full speaker. Potentially this also means if WiSA is replaced or other changes in DACs you can get an upgrade without having to replace the whole system. Just as you can with separates.

I own the A10s and I think your observations are spot on . I love these speakers they’re amazing for their size . But ..As you say Steve suitable for smaller rooms not played too loud as massive dynamic range is not on the menu here . I’m awaiting 2x Buchardt S10 subs to augment , crossing over at 80hz will deburden the Purify woofer of low bass duties and hopefully 🤞..Just add a bit more scale to the bottom end Great review ..As always 👍

Excellent review as par for the course. I have to say, I was very impressed with the Audio System of the Day. That turntable really caught my 👁️

I own A500’s. I live in Japan in a smaller apartment. I love my A500. I believe I have them set up for more detail. A great product.

I enjoyed Steve's analysis of the differences between active and passive speakers in this video. I've had years of experience listening to excellent active speakers in a studio situation-mostly Genelecs. But I do prefer and mix though passive speakers because I find them to have more sonic depth and musicality. On the technical side, I do believe active speakers seem to compress sound making music sound flatter with less dimensionality. It is probably more useful for engineers when tracking to use active speakers for the increased precision and detail (they are good for hearing flaws in the recording) but for the average serious listener, I would certainly recommend a high quality amplifier paired with passive speakers to get the most enjoyable listening experience.

I note their use of Ash wood for the cabinet with great interest... Ash and Hickory are the wood of choice for hammer and mallet handles, because they damp out impact better than any other woods!

Thanks for this great review again, but Steve, though interesting to use your preamp.. I think it would have been great to use these speakers as they are meant to be used: in Wifi mode, and see what the result is. I use analog, but I can understand that someone can build an all digital ( up to the speakers drivers..) system, and that makes sense equally. Otherwise, it's a great review. I think I'd lean toward the passive version as well, but that's a matter of taste. It's nice to have the choice.

So far I spent more than $25.000 on equipment, and have a lot of friends who spent even more, $40.000 - $50.000 on gears, and we are always in doubt did we chose the best combination, other words a did we find the great synergy between separates . I am in this hobby for decades and somehow getting full of manufacturer’s B/S and really thinking on to get rid of separates and give a try to active speakers. P.S I already have S400 MK2, but they’re not great match with my $10.000 power amp in pure A class :) but they work much better with $4.000 power amp in A/B class 😊

PLEASE check out the A500.! I sold off the amps, the pre amp, the wires and lead a much simpler musical life. Instead of playing with gear, I play with the master tunings. Don't forget they have room correction that is based in the streaming hub.

You missed the point of the DSP built into the system which is that it can be tuned to exactly replicate any sound stage from any other speaker. The A10 represents the beginning of the end for hifi separate systems. Those two boxes and a hidden streaming box can literally meet all your listening needs. It actually is the universal speaker, you just haven’t realised it yet!

Bob Dylan is still alive ! Thanks for the update

I'd like to see how these stack up to the Dynaudio Focus 10s

That's a beautiful viewer system. I'm sure it sounds amazing.

Color Me Impressed that Steve used Hootenanny as a test album.

I'm only interested in active speakers. This was right in my wheelhouse.

Hi Steve, another great and interesting video, the passive speakers are also great . Regards mark

Ive owned the A500 and currently own S400 mk2. Based on your review, I hope the company isn't taking their sound in a new direction. I love that warmish sound that they had, as I listen to a lot of rock that isn't exactly audiophile quality. Sounds like these speakers and this type of sound might not be for me.

System of the day is an absolute beauty.

In 52 years of trying and buying and dreaming of finding hifi that’s perfect it never happened waste of time and a hobby I shouldn’t have gone into. The more technology evolves the more expensive and stupid it becomes. I’ve now resorted to my problem get off the merry go round. It’s took 52 years. Good luck to anyone trying to find audio nirvana. Have fun. First it was the michel gyro sec then the nakamichi dragon then tannoy dual concentric then £300 cable. I gave up and brought a wiim amp and mission speakers and an old rel earthquake sub that’s me done till I die no more overspending. TVs are the same from co ax to scart lead to hdmi to soon to be replaced module changing I guess like computers. Never ending. Strange I think mobile phones have ruined immersion in music swipe swipe swipe never getting engaged in the music. My friend has an rca victor hmv music system 1950’s he’s 84 he still loves it. He’s happy. I sometimes think it should all be about the music not the gear. 😮

I have a small room (approx. 10'x13") and would like to get as much low frequency information as is practically possible during playback. Current system is: Esoteric K-01xd cd player Esoteric C-02 preamplifier Auralic G1 streamer Buckeye ET 7040 SA mono block amplifiers WATT Puppy 7 speakers Many recordings sound great with this system in the small room, but it's sometimes seems that this is too much for the room to handle. The A10 speakers w/their on board amps would take up A LOT less space and cost a small fraction of what's currently in the room. Curious about what sort of trade offs might be heard by going with an pair of A-10 speakers.

With this speaker is great that for 4100euros (hub included) is all you need. No preamp, no DAC no cables. And still have options how to experiment with sound.

Thanks Steve ' Active speakers are very convient and they have came along ways in Sound Performace '

A10 is in direct competition with the Servolab Grown/Up. It's also an active speaker with fantastic bass. I heard it in a small room at an audio show. The bass was deep, powerful and fast.

Thanks for the review and your effort. I respect your work but let me be a little critical. What sense does it make to test wireless speakers using wires and compare them to passive speakers with much more expensive electronics? Should the viewer really consider your conclusions?

Very nice review Steve! This pair as well as the Genelac G3's are on my shortlist. Outside of the deeper lower frequency response of the A10's (that unfortunately isn't a benefit for me due to space) what are the differences in midrange and high frequency from your aural memory? Is one more refined/detailed than the other? Any insight is much appreciated!

How's the sound character compared to Dynaudio Heritage Special?

This woofer is a special one! Reminds me of the ProAc Response 2.5’s textured paper woofer.

The woofer reminds me at Wolf von Langas amazing Serendipity Speakers

Why use an external DAC, and then convert analog to digital again inside the speaker? No matter how good the DAC is, is not the shortest path for the digital signal. Why not use the HUB spdif in, I have the A700

USB Configuration: The A10 includes a USB Type-A port for installing configuration files called “Mastertunings,” which optimize the built-in DSP unit for specific placements or sound preferences.

Hi Steve, great video as always. Glad to see your reviews of active speakers. I recall you reviewed/ commented on BW Formation duos a while back. Can you comment on your impression of Duos ( from your memory of course) vs. A10? Thanks.

If I were to purchase a new amp and speakers, what would be a good percentage split of my budget for each? Spend equal on both? More on an amp? More on speakers? 🤷‍♂️. I know 'it depends', but roughly?

Steve, do you think that these would “work” in a large room? 20 feet wide X 30 feet deep X 9 feet high. MLP will be 10 feet.

thanks steve!!! nice!!!!

Did you ask Burchardt if there is aprogram to make the A10 sound like the S-400?

Nice review. I'm using the 400mkII on my moon ace. I feel the same way as you discribed the 400. Why did you not use the s400 master tuning to compare the 10 to the 400? Great review as always

I think someone had something similar in their car at the gas station. The bass was shaking the metal roof above the gas pumps.

Hi Steve, edgy (A10) vs sweet (S400), it sounds like you're describing the A10's A/D & D/A converters (& Class D amps) impact on the sound? This brings a second point, with these highly integrated solutions, with no possibility of substitution, how does the audiophile determine what is causing their like or dislike of the sound? In other words, how do you smartly move on from the A10 if you feel the need?

I'm wondering Steve if you let the a-10s break in longer that would have affected the sound in your comparison to the MK 400

Steve Huff preferred the sound with the hub and not through his pass labs pre.

You should try out the Buchardt A500SE Special Edition. This has the same woofer as the A10 but has the original soft dome tweeter.

Heyyy cool! I actually want to buy these when I have the money for them!

John Darko recently raved about these speakers, as well! Madds has got it going on…I am sitting happy with my DynAudio Contour 20s, here…manufactured just down the street from Bouchardt's Headquarters…(Madds old employer I think)….would love to hear a comparison of my Contours to the S400 MkIIs 😮…interesting that Steve prefers the passive Buchardts…🤔

I see you were using your Jay's Audio cd2 transport again. Correct me if I'm wrong but I think you are using the mk 2. If you are I think a great video would be to obtain the Beatechnik upgrade kit which upgrades it to the mk 3 status. You could show the upgrade process and comment on the result. Something a bit different for the channel.

Is this the first-ever speaker with pure path digital amps(power DACs) and digital crossovers, with no digital-to-analog conversion before the PWM stage?

Am I reading their measurements on their site correctly? 55dB SPL +/- 1.5 dB per volt at TEN meters?! TEN?!?!?

DAC and DAC again ?

Interesting but loudspeakers last a long time I wonder if actives will last long. They are similar to powered subs and those fail mostly from amplifier death.

I've heard good things about the Cabasse Rialto... maybe try to demo one!

There is a master tuning to make the A10 sound like the 400 mk2

Hi Steve, Which color was your review unit? Very nice.

I was watching this video asking myself what's up with that woofer it looks like the surround is destroyed. Lol

This seems like a studio monitor marketed for hifi…Steve was kind to avoid using the word analytical 🧐

What would be the argument for coosing a small speaker that sound like a larger one, instead of just choosing a larger one? If you factor in the cost of the advanced design and some speakerstands, the floorstander migt be cheaper after all.

These sound as though they’d be good for mastering. Steve, what are your thoughts?

Since there’s ADC, it almost seems like wireless is the right way to go here and skip the extra conversion step? Maybe that’s a missed opportunity. Does the wireless module have Qobuz connect, etc? Thanks!

I want it. Let me quickly go sell a wheel on my Porsche.

Does SG become non-esoteric now?

Buchardt is the United Nations of speakers

Amazing! Wish I could afford them😕

Didn't you leave out an Audio Research component right under the turntable in today's system of the day?

Are these speakers Roon Ready?

The wonderful world of dsp. Unlimited possibilities.

Anyone have idea on the amp and dsp used in Buchard

Can this be used with vinyl? Usually Steve, your reviews include a portion using vinyl, so I am curious that you made no mention at all about whether it is an option hooking up a turntable or not.

Well, well, well, gather 'round, y'all! Now, here's the thing about these here audiophiles, bless their hearts, they got their ears tuned finer than a fiddle on the Fourth of July! But here’s the hitch - when they start talkin' 'bout how this set of cans or that fancy speaker sounds, it's all tangled up in their personal reckonin's and feelings. Yes, siree, it's as subjective as sweet tea recipes at a state fair! Now, on the flip side like a catfish on a hot skillet, you got them reviewers measurin' sound more scientifically, diggin' deep into them frequencies and decibels like they’re prospectin' for audio gold! They ain’t swayed by the siren call of fancy brands or the smooth talk of pricey tags. Nope, they stick to the cold, hard facts, as unyielding as a granny's pound cake! Their tools? More precise than a moonshiner’s still! They measure all them peaks and valleys in the sound, flatter than a pancake on a Sunday mornin'! And why, you might ask, does this matter more than a possum in a pickle jar? Well, darlin', it's 'cause when you're investin' your hard-earned greenbacks, you want the true-blue, no-nonsense, objective truth. You want measurements you can trust clearer than the water in a mountain stream, not just how somethin' tickles someone’s fancy or ruffles their feathers. That way, you know you're gettin' the real deal, as solid as a handshake in the olden days. Yeehaw! 🤠

I wonder,,, when you compared the active with the passive Burchardt, you speak of small sound differences. Was'nt that the amplification? Because it was class A and class D.

Buchardt A10 Active Speaker's 28 Hz BASS Will BLOW YOU Away! DSP, that's how.

How do they get bass like that, it's easy. Build your speakers like Bluetooth speakers. With quality drivers and crossovers

I wonder what kind of Class-D amplifiers are in there? Hope they are not TPA3116 based.

So for the extra money is it really worth the extra when compared to the klipsch nines at a much lower price? Seem their in the same weight class and bass response on the nines with the app and dsp is really amazing also, especially for the size.

So you used wired connections. Does that mean you didn’t use the room correction software?

Should a 6.5" woofer really be used down to 28hz? I'd say no. There are many competent subs for that range.

Better than the a500?

what's the first album you are recommended??

The analog signal, if there is one.. will be converted? into a 192khz signal 24 bit. Okay, if I'm listening , on KZfaq, with my headphones, I would say they sound a little bit ...hard?, harsh, very technical..You can't compare it with analog sound. Technic Beat or electronical musik they are amazing. I guess..

When are we ever going to hear the equipment, Steve?

Because they’re growers not showers 😂

Please review the elipson 3210😊

These or the genelec g3?

Anyone know Steve’s shirt? It’s class A for sure 😊

Ordered 26th Aug. Still not sent :(

I think Devialet Phantom I goes down to 14 Hz. And that's a different kind of speaker 😂

Active is where it’s at

is that available in philippines? my hands is itchy on that spakers

Very good review. Don’t like looks of this A10, low WAF. S400 mk2 seems better option here, soundwise and looks.

Purifi stuff from Bruno inside, if you know you know

Some say they sound better wireless, so that would have been very interesting

I’d like to hear them

I don't think this review was informative enough, as the speakers weren't really used as intended. When an external DAC and amplifier are used which already color the sound to a certain extent and then convert the analogue to digital again, one cannot say how the speakers really sound with the original digital audio file directly transferred to the A/D converter in the speaker .

That prolapsed woofer is gross 😅!

for most people with neighbours heavy bass is not practical. I'm more than happy with KEF lsx 2 - incredible sound for something so small and great at low volume and if the neighbour is ever out unflappable at full blast.

These things are 5600 dollars Canadian BEFORE tax or shipping or duties. No thanks. I may look for them on the used market but, at this price? I'd be looking at the Sonus Faber Duetto.

Definitely 💯 not my cup of tea 🫖

The answer is simple : purifi drivers

At the asking price of 3,800 euros, I am hard-pressed to believe that it will compete with Magnepans for overall resolution and image size. Deep bass is cool, but it isn't really necessary for realism.