I am incredibly humbled and overwhelmed by the huge numbers of viewers supporting our thoughts. I wish I could thank each of you individually via your posts but I would get finger cramps since I type with 2 fingers! For those who are upset and offended, know that we mean you no malice and ill will. They are simply our findings and opinions. I do not apologize for them. Not do I retract in any way. If the video appears to give that impression, that's just how I try to behave, and not to inflame for the most part. Again, my thanks to all!!

Adrian, this video puts a smile on my face. Loved the energy. First and foremost I can see exactly where you are coming from (as someone who used to be part of the Audio Excellence team) I don’t think there is anything wrong with you guys putting out your honest opinions on products you carry or don’t carry. Who cares? And as you said; the products you carry are clearly at different price points that is out of reach for many. But I think the bias is still there (consciously or unconsciously) as a high-end dealer reviewing a product that promises high-end performance/ parts at a much lower price tag with a direct to consumer model. For example; there is no denying that the crossover parts inside the buchardt is rivalling or even better than speakers that costs way more like many models of sonus faber’s or even wilson audio’s. But as I have always said… we are all biased in one form or the other, as human beings we just do the best we can to be aware of our own biases and keep in check. Vilip, around 6:08 mark you talk about how you guys are not the only ones with negative experiences. (Thousands… a little over exaggerating but anyhow) Well… true but that can be also said the other way around - there are legitimately “thousands” of happy users that agree with what I and some reviewers heard. Same thing can be said about brands you carry. There are fans and anti-fans of sonus faber. It’s all subjective as you pointed out At the end of the day, there’s no need to apologize for your opinions. Many are appreciative of your opinions as high-end dealers and it’s all in good fun/passion for music. Keep doing what you guys do !

Dear colleagues, never ever apologize for being honest 👍keep up the good work 😀

Always share your honest opinions fellas - in an industry where positive reviews are bought and sold, it’s a nice change of pace to see honesty in reviews!

I own a pair of the S400 MkII and generally agree with your assessment of them. That's why I relegated them to a secondary system in another room. They are competent, average sounding speakers but are underwhelming relative to the praise that was heaped on them. Don't let a few vocal, overly sensitive individuals browbeat you guys into changing your opinions. Keep up the good work.

You guys are great and always honest. Adrian advised me about going for the MC1502 after owning the MC462 and he was right! He really took the time to answer an email from a USA viewer who will probably never visit his Canadian store. You guys really do not have to make this video. You said your honest opinion and that is all you need to do. I have watched many audio reviews on KZfaq and honestly they are just entertaining and one needs to listen to the product to decide if it’s good or not. Many online and physical dealers have return policies. Honestly there are a lot of very annoying audiophiles out there. Thanks guys!

The answer to the question is: ‘yes, you were wrong’. People could listen to a retailer with an agenda to push down direct distribution model who clearly used a poor room; Or they could listen to Zero Fidelity, Steve Gutenberg, New Record Day, Jay, John Darko, 13th note and others who all report similar positive experiences with these speakers.

Dear AE Canada friends, I have been watching your excellent, fun and informative videos for almost 2 years and want to add my unconditional support and backing for what you do. While I can understand folks may take umbrage to their kit being given a mixed revue, they must not try and censor the free and fair dialog you provide the hifi community. I tend to watch several channels in assessing any gear and never feel the need to voice my opinion on top of any one channel. Nuance goes out the window when folks forget the ability to respectfully disagree. I find your presentations playful and informative. I really like the post production video edits also. Long may you continue doing what you all do so well. Russel in Vermont.

I've known Adrian for around 35 years and i met him when he was the young kid like Jay working for someone in the industry and found him to be the nicest and most knowledgeable person about audio that i had run into. I feel bad that he felt he had to justify what he and his guys had said in the video. Bottom line is, he calls it as he hears it and that's why he is as successful as he is. There is no right or wrong with audio, if you like something that's all the counts. Everyone hears differently. Good job with the video.

Huge kudos to Audio Excellence Canada for this follow up video. I think it’s a measure of the integrity of all of you that you’re clearly bothered by your findings and have been so open to viewers comments and so willing to discuss and try and understand what you heard. Great discussion guys :-) Mitch

Love your informal way of reviewing audio gear. Living in Europe it is senseless to buy from you, but I would if possible. Just hanging around for your stories, and meanwhile enjoying my own Lumina V speakers (high end for me) on a Hegel 120. So, think we like some of the same things. Keep em coming please, thanks to you all.

I love to watch you guys all riled up. I find it great the people are getting heated about speakers instead of super serious stuff like pandemics war and famine. Having a disagreement about a speaker makes it seem like some normalcy has returned. That being said I hope in the future that people remember that this Audio hobby should be fun and to please word your disagreements respectfully.

You weren't negative, mean or ignorant in any manner. You were HONEST...plain and simple! Very gracious of you to take the time to defend your positions, but at the same time - not necessary. When you speak controversially there will always be backlash but at the same time you gained alot of respect and integrity. Stand your ground and be proud of your educated assessments. You guys work with the best equipment every day and your opinions matter! I was very impressed with the subject video! Cheers and have a great weekend!

Hello Adrian/Vilip/Jay been watching your videos for long time - thank you for all you do. I appreciate the sense of humor you always have. That’s why it saddens me to hear someone’s comments struck a nerve or two . Life is too short man, so I say have fun doing what you love doing and keep having fun!! Best of luck / success to AE. I hope you can stay in business and serve your clientele new and old . I’m proud listener to Hegel H95 / Buchardt S400 mk2.

LOL.. the intro!!!! .... love you guys =) Nice edting.

I've watched a number of your reviews and found them interesting and informative. I have not listened to high end speakers but I can understand what buyers expect when they upgrade from sub-$1,000 (US) speakers to speakers priced at $2,000 or much higher. The Buchardt S400 II is competing in a price range that includes a number of highly regarded speakers. It needs to be compared to the speakers priced between $2,000 to $3,000. I honestly don't see the need for this "response" video. You provided your independent impressions in the first review and found the speakers lacking in those qualities that you listen for in speakers regardless of price. I found that refreshing because those that step up to that price point should expect to hear speakers that perform better than cheaper gear. If you have to pair the speakers with specific equipment or need to be placed just right to sound their best, that should be revealed before purchase. Keep up the good work. I am always interested in listening to opinions based on a variety of experiences with speakers and audio equipment. Forewarned is forearmed when shopping for higher end equipment, especially if most of the consumers like myself have no audio stores within reasonable driving distance that can provide listening areas for previewing speakers and audio gear.

I bought a few components from AE over the years. I can say that Vilip and Adrian have always advised me well. They have never pushed me towards a brand that they only carry if they thought that my taste was well served even by a brand they didn’t have. I genuinely trust they have my interest at heart. I have brought back a PS audio piece for servicing last month and they were the living proof that dealing with a brick and mortar store has its advantages and to further show that they are not only after selling you gear, Vilip offered to put me in touch with another one of their customers that is selling a piece of gear that would suit my taste. That means no profit for him but he thought that would serve me and another one of his customers well. If anyone is questioning their integrity or bias, it’s because they have never dealt with them.

Love you guys and value your opinions. Funny thing is, I have no idea how you can’t like these speakers. I own a pair of MK2s and they are one of the best speakers I have ever heard. I would have loved to listen to your guy’s exact setup….that would say a lot. If we just have different opinions, or your setup was not good for these speakers. Either way, love you guys. Keep up the good work.

You guys are too honest! Love your videos and I never felt you guys had any agenda behind them. Keep up the good work..!! Never apologize for being honest..

I love you guys. Been into audio over 20 years...40 years old almost 41 now. Have YG Acoustics Carmel 2, Mola Mola monoblocks and a modified Lampizator. Where I live in NJ YG is kind of king and Magico and Wilson are more NYC brands. The high end Sonus faber stuff I am dying to hear since it is warmer but most dealers don't have the good lines just the affordable 10-15k Olympica stuff. My next speaker budget I am increasing from 20k from old ones to 50-60k to go to the next level.

you product reviews are wonderful gentleman.enjoy all of them

I really appreciated you speak from the bottom of your heart. I really respect that!!!

Hello Adrian, and Audio Excellence crew. I’m not sure this video was actually required. Three different point of views was shared in an interesting, entertaining and well put together video. It can’t always go the way of the manufacturer. I have a nice pair of S300mk2 that I can bring if you want to review them. I think you’ll like them better. Wishing you all the best + keep the videos coming. Regards, Brian

What is happening in sound, everybody going every channel if somebody does not like a product. Each to there own, and if we all were the same how boring would the world be. Keep up the work.

I loved the first video. I commented positively and that was it; I didn’t read any other comments, which most times is truly helpful. It’s easy for us to say “stand on your word;” or “there is no need for this second reply or explanation video.” Most of us have never had their integrity or level of professionalism attacked in such a vicious fashion. Although I also felt this video was unnecessary, I understand why it was made. And that’s cool with me. I never jumped on the S400 or MK2 bandwagons, only because like AE, it is not my type of sound signature for a $ 2K+ Bookie; not because it is necessarily of poor quality. I love that it was said that they do not apologize for their original opinion; and at the same time, apologized if they offended Matz or any Buchardt fan… True class and strength of character, AE Bros. 💪🏽🙏🏽❤️🎶

Regardless of you being a dealer, you guys carry things you love to listen to and that reflect your tastes as well as your years and years of journey. Anybody who watches your videos will see and should understand that. At a certain level of Hifi it is purely personal taste of small differences. I think I have a very similar taste as you guys after 25 years of a never ending Hifi journey. I hope you keep up telling your opinions and stick to them regardless if people share your opinions or not. I live on the other side of the planet but really love your evaluations because they are just different and more emotional rather than analytical and that’s how I listen to music.

Love you guys for offering your honest opinions, keep up the good work ✔️👍🏻

Very honest response. Your store sells the best sounding equipment. Your use to 100k systems. Your ears are tuned to that. I get it. So totally fair assessment of a 2000 dollar speaker. I do believe these speakers are a good beginning into the hobby. Give young people a taste and then they want more. I enjoy your channel and jays channel. It’s a hobby to have fun! Cheers guys.

appreciate your comments as I was considering the s400s. Others have commented on the lack of clarity with them.relatively dull sounding.

I enjoy hearing what you guys actually think about gear so please dont let this make you hold back your opinions. I've learned a lot about how to listen and judge gear from you guys. I also bought a few pieces off you guys and I really enjoyed the experience. You guys were polite, not pushy and very knowledgable. If people are buying gear entirely based on online reviewers then it's on them when they get something that doesnt meet their expectations. I've been guilty of this but i've learned to use a combination of reviews and actual listening before making any judgements. I've disagreed with alot of rave reviews for example, I dont like the Denafrips Ares 2 and i've owned it twice just to make sure it wasnt a different piece of gear I had that was throwing off my opinion. I did not like the KEF LS50, at low volume maybe but the bass control just wasnt there for me. I'm currently using Sonus Faber Sonetto 3. This is my 3rd pair and I keep coming back to them and in my opinion they work for me and may not work for someone else. They just sound good in my small space. Anyway, keep the honest opinions coming.

Thanks for the videos they are very entertaining.

A couple of months ago I returned the mk2’s in comparison to the KLH 5’s. The KLH were better in every respect except possibly imaging. Kept the 5’s and love them.

Keep doing what you guys do. Stay truthful sometimes people can't handle it.

I appreciate and am entertained by the response video, BUT I would recommend leaving it here and moving on. In the long run, people will respect you more for the honesty.

...ALSO ... Thank you for my Lumina 2 !!! .. I do enjoy them.. and will soon be back to ask about the 5s =)

Hi, first let me say that I understand and respect this review, however, I really think these speakers should get a second chance with you guys and I’ll tell you why: I have a paid ok mk1. When I bought them, I Was hearing them with an old tagmclaren 60p. They sounded nice, but nothing like the “hype” I was seeing on the web. By that time, I had a pair of canton vento 809dc in my living room (49sqm). Anyway, I was happy but didn’t find them worth the 2000€ I paid. After some months I changed my canton 809dc for a paid of BW802N and paired them with two NAD s200. When I was testing the bw, I insanely took the s400 to the living room to Test. When I mounted the s400, with the NAD bridged (around 700wpc) my jaw just dropped. The sound of the buchardt in my living room just changed completely, huge sound stage, dynamics, air… not only they sound huge, as they sounded more natural than the bw’s. Then, a friend brought a primaluna prologue four and I paired it with my Mcintosh mc2200 pre, and let me Tell you, not only goose bumps as I also got Tears in My eyes listening to music. Long story short, I sold my bw802 because I just had them always off because I wanted to Hear the s400 all night. They have something that is so Natural that I can’t explain: its like hearing analog vs digital. My suggestion is: give them a second change but give them a bigger room in termos of widh and depth, and also connect them to a Mcintosh or something more intimate like a sudgen. They do not work as nearfield speaker and if I listen to Them that close, I really feel the same way you did. I have many friend that already bought the s400 after hearing them in my house, some were unhappy but all fixed the issues after some advise. Guys, treat them as a big speaker. Give them space and power, and them say your thoughts. Keep up the good work.

Great video. Good explanation. I once had Canadian Totem Staffs. Enjoyed them a lot. Most special is their 3D sound. Greets from Holland.

Great job guys, well said!!!! And because of Jay, I didn’t buy the Butchart, consider that I am lucky. Instead, I bought the DIY Css 1TDX.

You guys really do a great job. However, there’s no need to try so hard to answer all your critics who get under your skin. It’s all subjective and personal preference. If audiophiles always agreed, we’d have one brand of electronics and speakers, respectively. I always say…ask 10 audiophiles the same question and you’ll get 4-5 different answers. Just let it go and keep up the great work!

You guys were very respectful in your analysis of the 400, great job.

You guys are the only ones that gave this type of review. All three of you guys are in sync, which should give everyone pause regarding these speakers, not stop you from purchasing, but make you think. Everyone else is singing their praises and it is reviews like yours that I usually listen to. Thank you for doing this. I'm a detail guy and low level detail at that.

You hear what you hear. The interesting questions are divergences. Nice discussions going forward.

It's much harder to do a negative review on YT imo and here's why. When people click on your S400 MKII vid they either want to be convinced to buy a pair, or receive a pat on the back because they already have em. You're potentially pissing of both camps and as you see here, audio can be tribal. I just click because I enjoy watching, but I'de be lying if I didn't admit S400 MKII was considered at one point. So much bloody hype, how could I not!? Anyhow, I found that Buchardt video refreshing and continue to respect what you guys think / say. I didn't see it as a hit piece, more a juxtaposition of hype vs reality. My Bluesound Powernode video still gets angry comments and I'm okay with this. On the flip side, it's legitimately saved some people frustration, time, and money and I 'm guessing so have you here. Anyhow, glad you're thriving and wish you continued success. Please lay off the Leafs though 🤣

Not surprised the fan boys would be upset. You have a good channel, your combined knowledge on all things audio your years of experience is a plus for viewers. Keep up the good work.

I've been a hi-fi enthusiast for several years and the one thing I've learned is that only my own experience with gear can be relied on or is "the truth". It's not that I believe reviewers are dishonest or paid for, it's just there are too many variables to consider when evaluating a piece of gear (taste/preference, hearing, room acoustics, setup, front-end components, etc.). Have you ever brought a pair of your own speakers to your friend's place and set it up in their system to find it sounds drastically different in their room/setup? Exactly. This sucks because we can't afford to audition everything in our own rooms so we are basically forced to rely on reviews. What I've done is I have purchased several speakers that have been reviewed by popular reviewers, and if my impression matches well with theirs, then that lets me know that we have similar taste/preference and I know that I am more likely to agree with them. But to me I look at this as a journey, so buying gear that doesn't end up working out is not a big deal and I just sell it. I think people always want to believe that they bought "the best" speaker/amp/DAC for the money, but it just doesn't exist for everyone.

I want to start by saying I don't doubt your integrity or honesty. I have both sold high end audio and owned high end audio components (back in the 80s when I lived in Miami) including Krell, Mark Levinson and Wilson Audio (the father's designs). I will also say that I have not personally heard the Buchardt S400 MK II or A500. Therefore, I cannot judge your opinion in reference to my own. However, I can say, that if ones reference is in comparison to speakers costing many times more than $2K and consciously or unconsciously you probably can't help doing that, it is probably an unfair comparison. If you are a fan of Wilson Audio speakers, even their small tune tots (which don't measure very well), it colors your perception of what is good sound to you. Personally, I like to use a combination of measurements and listening, especially to piano where the entire range is played. Next I like a full symphony and finally a small live combo recording. My reasoning is simple. I know what a live piano should sound like. Does the low end carry the weight that a live instrument carries, do the high keys sound like real piano or a recorded piano? If I am somewhere out of the sweet spot could my ears be fooled into thinking someone is playing a piano in my home? On a symphony, can I feel the pressure of the low notes in my chest? Does it sound like I am at the symphony in row 6-8 center? Are instruments where they should be? On a live combo, does it sound like I am there or like I am listening to a recording? I don't tend to use vocals in evaluating speakers unless I know what the vocalist sounds like live. Without knowing, it comes down to just preference, not necessarily what was actually recorded. The description you all provided for these speakers was generally vague and uninformative. The highs weren't airy enough for you...what the hell does that mean? You were searching for the mids...compared to what? These speakers measure incredibly flat. Maybe you prefer bloated or elevated mid's and if that is the case, that is fine but you should preface your remarks to say "I prefer elevated mid's and these speakers are too flat for me."

This is the KZfaq channel that I trust. Your opinions are exactly what I had experienced with the S400 which I got rid of within a couple of weeks. BTW, I'm still enjoying the Zen Stream which replaced the Node2. Well done guys and keep up the good work. 👍

If not this one, then which other ones in same price or a bit higher do you think i need to consider?

Love your videos, but I knew to not even watch the Buchardt or Ares vid. I own the Ares and didn't want my feelings hurt. :) Many reviewers admit to not posting negative reviews if they get in a product they don't like. To avoid what happened here. Nobody wants to hear their system is not good. Keep having fun making the videos. And I bought the LRS from you and it was only around $1K, so you do sell affordable great sounding gear. Take care guys.

Which one do you prefer if compare to Dynaudio Special 40?

Thank you guys for a good job. Can you please review SVS Ultra bookshelves?

Love the channel, it’s good to get different opinions out there. It’s hard not to believe these guys. After all they’ve heard speakers that we can only dream about so they have a much wider view of what’s available where a lot of people just buy s400s blind just because of the reviews. A lot of times as there first speaker! It’s hard not to love the s400 with little to no experience in 2 channel hifi. I’ve actually heard the s400 mk2 and my only complaint is it gets a little boxy sounding at high volumes but, it’s a very large sounding speaker in a very compact box at a reasonable price so it earns my respect. I’ll never buy one but I can see the appeal. Just my 2 cents.

Great response video. Well done keeping things real.

Come on guys I've been watching Adrian and his team at Audio Excellence for some years now. One thing I can say about Adrian and Vilip is they have a vast amounts of experience. They have their opinions like we all do. That is one of the reasons that makes this hobby so interesting a convergence of opinion. For goodness sake Adrian matches any income he gets from this channel and donates it to charity. That alone should have you pushing the subscribe button. Whether you agree with the opinions here or not it's entertaining. If everybody agreed with everyone else the world would be a pretty boring place. I for one agree in most part with what's been said about these speakers. But there is so many variables here it's impossible to fully agree or not. I would need to be in the same room as the guys, and then there could well be differences in the way I perceive the speaker to them. Keep up the great work you're doing Adrian, I for one am not going anywhere.🎧👍🙂

It is strange people cannot stand the thought of others having their own opinion. You heard what you heard, made an assessment and spoke about it without ill-intent. You are not obligated to explain, apologize or respond to the Buchardt fanboys who can’t get over themselves. Keep up the good work of being as objective as you can and giving your honest listening impressions.

it is not the details it is the fun listen music that makes Hifi.

Interesting comment about the midrange since a few reviewers specifically praised the midrange.

I have Jamo, Wharfedale and Duntech speakers and my S400 MK11 sound better on the same system. I'm really enjoying them. The claim they have no mid-range is just bizarre.

It’s your honest opinion, never apologize to those who disagree, don’t back down!

We all know every speaker has a weakness. Also its a matter of taste. Thirdly, if you have other higher end speakers costing several times, you would easily discern what sonic characteristic Buchardt S400 mk 2 would be missing.

Interesting reactions. I also watched your original review and thought it was comprehensive and fair based on your opinion of what you heard. Having enjoyed hifi systems for over 40 years I think I would know a good speaker from a not so good speaker. I am always relatively dismissive (conscious bias or just plain sceptical) where any product, hifi related or not, only ever gets positive good reviews. This becomes incredible or not credible to me. In helping a friend choose a hi-end hifi system for the first time I arranged various demos at a few local dealers to let him work out just what he liked sou d wise and what his budget could get him. As it turned out it came down to two speakers both very good but one just conveyed the emotion better with greater dynamic shifts a d sounded good 65db and under as well as at high spls. Always choose with your ears and perhaps all that glitters is not gold.

I owned the buchard S400 mk1 for years and you need a high quality and power amplifier to drive well. However I used a high quality tube power amplifier class A which made them sing. Although the some comments are valid. Bias comments are no no. Just like over hyped Macintosh amplifier which are not as good as the classic or modern day amplifiers. But hey the believe in Lol. What makes you happy. Enjoy it. BTW I upgraded to Wilson Audio speakers.....🔊

Every time I hear Lewis speak I’m reminded of the John Parker character portrayed by Carl Lumbly from The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension.

Nice vid guys. Hope to stop in and meet you next time I’m in Ontario (seems like once a decade…)

No apology required. Keep up the good work. Only criticism I couldn't understand if these are MKII or original model. Kind regards...

Villip has gone full Uncle Roger in the Orange shirt👍. I appreciate the perspective of this discussion and for me it does cultivate trust. 🙏❤️

Can Louis tell me which amp or integrated he used with his Special 40s? Your reviews at always honest and very reliable and I trust your judgement on a recommendation for a good match with the sp 40s Thanks

They should sound similar to the A500. Check out the A500 review at Erin's Audio Corner for his thoughts and measurements.

Ok Boys. This is it. Jay will review them soon and has them. The XLS Encores (Danny Richie) out of any speaker for you guys to review that would be Epic!!! That’s the one.

Classy response

Hi Adrian, just to comment in regards to trying to cultivate beginner clients to hi-fi. Could you consider an open house day or evening to newbies where you could educate, showcase and demo some of your more affordable products either from your regular stock items or even some consignment gear. When I first came to visit your store on Bayview you made me feel welcome as a relatively new consumer to hi-fi from my mid-fi beginnings. Granted even though I don't own any Wilson or McIntosh gear. I never got the impression I was being upsold any time I've come in to purchase something. Just a thought. Keep up the good work.

Great video, the person you had the problem with represents so many “keyboard” warriors. I have varied interests, music, cars, Harleys and dogs to name a few. I never criticize a person’s post displaying his passion, but sure do get tired of people who do. If you don’t have anything good to say just move on. Have a great day!

for the record i use them now with exposure 2510-not bat at all...i used to have a Luxman sq 38 u, great amp but every 2-3 years new tubes...

Maybe a Part 3 with Jay?

In my opinion, this is the best high end audio channel on KZfaq. Yes, I have gone through generations of hifi systems and currently own an expensive system, so I may be biased. These folks have always acted in an ethical manner, whther you agree with them or not.

@Adrian Low let me make a few observations and comments on what has transpired so far. I have followed your channel for a while and generally enjoy your videos despite not being in the price league of most of your gear. Also, I don't expect everyone to like the same stuff. I have been in this hobby for many years and have owned gear from a range of manufacturers. The one thing I have learned about systems is that synergy is king....there is no way to evaluate any one component in a vacuum so any reviewer's comments on a single piece of gear has to be taken in the context of the systems that are used around the piece being evaluated. Unfortunately the result can be skewed significantly by a mismatch within the system...including passive components of the system such as speaker stands...room dimensions, positioning, room treatment, furniture and general stuff sitting in the room....etc. I am not in agreement with the insults you may have received, nor would I question your reputation. However, as seasoned audio consultants you should have anticipated some level of fallout and criticism based on your very negative comments on a product in its second version where both have been universally positively reviewed by reviewers that are generally way more critical and vocal than you guys. I think you knew that your review would shock the audio community as you pulled no punches or reached out to no other reviewers or the manufacturer before putting out a video that potentially could cause damage to the reputations and business of the aforementioned parties whose reputations could be perceived to be put 'on the line' hence they and lovers of the product will go into first defensive mode and aubsequently offensive mode. Part of this will be taken seriously by stakeholders of Buchardt but will also be an interesting conundrum to observers like myself...trying to stay neutral. In light of all said it was good to see this second video which brought a bit more clarification. For the future since you guys are part of an international audio community (by the way I am from a tiny Caribbean island called Barbados and we have an avid audiophile group in our region)...so you are followed from many corners of the world. Specifically on the review: 1. I think that it was done a bit too casually and rushed for such a generally well regarded product. Compared to your general standard. 2. Since it was rushed....it looked like Vilip and Lewis only listened with one amplifier.. the Hegel H120....which risks judgment on a single match which may not have worked well....maybe a H190 or 390 could have been substituted or different brand altogether. 3. Stand type and height....placement - wall distances....distance between speakers....room dimensions etc. ....Try a larger room....my room is small but even a bit larger than that one. 4. I would say that since this was not a brand you carried....and yes you say you don't confer on results prior to the video....you do shoot the video before broadcasting it....those radical results needed some investigation before dropping on KZfaq....and maybe even warranted further evaluation to confirm that your verdict was consistent before going public. Any bad equipment reviews will have repercussions for future sales and other reviewers' reputations....you even sold the speaker and then dropped the video....OUCH!!..I anticipated that discussion you subsequently had with the buyer who must have been a tad bit concerned since it was the exact speakers in question that now looked like it was either crap or had technical issues that may not have been obvious. As I said earlier there is no issue with an honest opinion but a review should show that effort was made to examine the product under the most favorable conditions. I have not forgotten that you did try the speakers with the Peachtree GAN amp and you felt that it was a bit better but the others did not seem to do the same. That is my 2 cents....As an avid audio enthusiast I would love if you were able to get a fresh pair and undertake a more deliberate and studied review (as you have done very well with other products) of this product which has been very important to the mid to lower tier audio community in the same manner as the Magnepan LRS and .7 planar speakers. Good or bad in the end would be acceptable once a fair shot is given. After that it is all Caveat Emptor. Thanks for your channel and keep up the good work.

What might be cool is for us watchers to pull together and get a fundraiser going to get Mads over to this side of the pond for an in person chat session with Adrian and gang. Sharing thoughts, goals and tradeoffs for the S400 might make for illuminating content for all interested.

Great explanation..you guys done nothing wrong

I appreciate your honesty I owned the mark 1 s400s and they were decent, but I found them slow and a bit aggressive in the treble, they also had issues with a lot of different amps hooked up to them. I ended up with Kef ref 3 and never looked back.

So many people have yet to understand that their view is not the only one. Not to mention that most comments I've read through audio forums over the years come from those that haven't even listened to the gear they talk about.

I didn’t expect your Buchardt speaker review to cause such a shit storm. I’ve seen y’all review “affordable” tube amps in your search to bring in another value product and never saw negative responses like this review did. I owned the original Buchardt speakers and sold them because they didn’t reveal information I’m use to hearing and I didn’t like having to crank up the volume to bring them to life. I’ve heard the Mk II; they’re better but still not revealing enough. I don’t believe any of you said anything about the Buchardt’s that I didn’t already know. Y’all didn’t say anything that was harmful to the product. I like what I like and some of the products you sell I like and some I don’t. No big seal.

Oh, Jay is wonderful! 🙂

Should have brought Jay back for this. How tall were the stands you used? Listening in a 10 x 12 x 12 room-Nearly a cube- may not be optimum for a speaker. I believe the Buchardt speakers offer a 30 day satisfaction period.

I think it just comes down to personal taste,remember, this hobby is subjective.

Tried the MK1 and exactly as per your description. 3 types of amp/integrated amps: Benchmark AHB2 monoblocks, Audio Space Ref 3.1 and Cayin MP100-S. I am with the new guy, my top most impression is: "No midrange!"

nice video; recentlyi auditioned the sonus faber electaamator, nice speaker, but when iget home to my Kef 201/2's i like them better; ialso auditined the Kef ref 1-not the meta's- and found them too detailed, maybe themeta is better- goingto hear them friday....have fun! not to sour ;)

Where is the data that thousands of people have returned them? Biased with the Canadian "sound?"

I don’t believe you had to explain yourself to anybody. You stated your honest opinion and that’s all that matters. However, I must say that you absolutely should have ordered a brand new pair from the manufacturer and break it in if needed.

This is wonderful, Audio Excellence! Thanks, always enjoy your video's. Hope to do so for a long time to come. Greeting from the Netherlands.

Top people keep up the good work

I slightly grimaced when I heard Audio Science Review. Please don't bring them up. This community is so toxic. They make big assumptions based on specifications. They slander manufacturers for selling products which don't perform well during their (biased) measurements. They're biased towards "Chi-Fi" electronics and professional studio monitors. ASR essentially removes the fun out of the hobby (socializing, matching equipment, trying out different gear) and replaces that with an angry mob mentality. The presence of ASR is unavoidable if consumers don't have the possibility to sample many products and form their own opinions. So consumers go to ASR for "objective" buying advice. But this is absurd considering that everyone has personal preferences. Kudos to Audio Excellence Canada for organizing open house events.

Why are the Buchardt fanbois so up in arm? Speaker liking/sound is so subjective. Just because one likes it, others may not. It is up to you to judge whether or not you like it, or it fits your budget and expectation. And remember what Andrew Robinson always say in his video, “the only person that has to like the sound of your system is you”, or something to the effect. I’m even surprised that Adrian and the guys even made a follow up video. Remember, they are a business/store; they don’t need to be doing this as they have plenty of things to do for their work I’m sure. I appreciated them doing something that they don’t carry. To me, that’s just a bonus video to gain perspective. No more, no less. Keep up the good work guys. And if I may make a suggestion, get rid of the Star Wars reference, use the old music intro, but keep it shorter 😂

Why can't we let our opinions be that. If somebody feels this way or that, who is so high and mighty to condemn? Audio is socially heading to a dark social place if we drift from being kind and considerate of others. Why can't some folks realize we are ALL on a path of learning and growing - each has benefited from others experiences and mistakes whatever they may be. We are ALL standing on the shoulders of great masters. In the long run, audio has benefited from continuous failures and improvements of so many lovers of the art to the fabulous place it has gotten to today. The art of music reproduction has gotten to an amazing place today. Let's not ruin this amazing experience with belligerent egos.

I think you guys do a great job. Don't let trolls and idiots ruin your fine channel. I am impressed with people putting out content and then having to deal with these keyboard warriors and internet idiots. Having different opinions is fine, just don't be rude about it.

Hahaha! That slap that Henrik got was on a par with the one Chris Rock got..... But this time I don't think there's many people that would side with the slapee! Just in case anyone tries to assume something about me... I don't advocate physical violence, words are, and always should be, enough. And Adrian landed it perfectly.

It would be fair if all three of you would give some explanation and they do, kind of, but only Adrian takes charge and directs the conversation

Awesome honesty - I am sure the S400 fans appreciate the follow up videos. I am now almost convinced that you had a faulty pair or little time was spent with placement. Were you guys able to play with placement between listening sessions? The S400 presented the largest image, with the most height in the presentation in a similar sized room to yours (~12x12 feet - lower height ceiling). It simply sounds big. This is in comparison to other bookshelves I have had long term in my room - Proac 1SC, B&W 685, Elac BS244, Jamo C803, KEF LS50. It also presented larger than other speakers I have demo'd in store (from memory) - Dynaudio Special 40, Dynaudio Contour 20. I wonder if you would let Jay setup the speaker for you, in your room? The speaker projecting "low" is in complete contrast to all other reviews and my personal experience. It is good you evaluated the speakers however - understand you do not have unlimited time with the speakers like other reviewers may have.

10 X 12...That's a very small room, almost near field listening distance. Darko in his review said the Bucharest need space,,,his listening room is 16.5 X 19.5...that's a substantial difference in area and listening distance. I don't know what Jay's room is like, but perhaps that size difference accounts for the difference in your evaluations. As well, you were not auditioning new out of the box speakers, but 2nd hand speakers, perhaps damaged or not broken in properly. Something has to account for the really divergent evaluations between the other reviewers and your evaluations. I don't for a minute believe that any of you or them are being dishonest. Anyway thanks for this and the prior review.

I know Audio Excellence for years ( I bought few pieces from them ) Good guys and very informative. To all people with negative comments … well it’s just a hobby and should be taken not so serious. I had many, many different systems and it’s personal opinion what’s good and what’s not. Also how’s placed and room acoustic. For years I thought Dynaudio C1 is the best speaker ( to me ) and after moving to new house seems like doesn’t sound as good:) and Focal Kanta sound way superior ,could be same with Bouchardt . So to all haters … go out bit more and relax. Cheers

I think you guys have hit upon a great vein of inquiry that could really get you more subs, review when possible more hype train products and praise those that you like and critique those you don't.