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Buchardt S400 MKII vs Klipsch R-41M Comparison

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Buchardt S400 MKII

Passive Bookshelf | 33-40k HZ

Buchardt S400 MKII
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Klipsch R-41M

Passive Bookshelf | 68-21k Hz

Klipsch Reference R-41M
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Buchardt S400 MKII Buchardt S400 MKII
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Klipsch R-41M Klipsch R-41M
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Buchardt S400 MKII
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Klipsch R-41M
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Buchardt S400 MKII vs Klipsch R-41M Speaker Comparison

In this review, we will be comparing S400 MKII and R-41M, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from Buchardt and Klipsch.

Let's have a brief look at the main features of Buchardt S400 MKII and Klipsch R-41M first before getting into our more detailed comparison.

Buchardt S400 MKII Key Specs

  • 2-way Design
  • 0.74" aluminum waveguide Tweeter
  • 6" paper Woofer
  • 33-40k HZ Frequency Response
  • 88 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 4ohms
  • Power Range:40-200watts
  • Weight:7.50kg
  • Dimensions (H x W x D): 365.0" x 7" x 11"( 365.0 x 180.0 x 280.0mm )

Klipsch R-41M Key Specs

  • 2-way Design
  • 1" Tractrix Horn Tweeter
  • 4" Copper-spun IMG Woofer
  • 68-21k Hz Frequency Response
  • 90 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 8ohms
  • Power Range:50watts
  • Weight:3.20kg
  • Dimensions (H x W x D): 287.0" x 5.7" x 7.8"( 287.0 x 146.0 x 200.0mm )

What size room are the Buchardt S400 MKII and Klipsch R-41M speakers good for?

The size of the room in which you are planning to use these loudspeakers is an important decision factor. Here we have compared their suitability to various sizes of environments considering their size and max power parameters:

Listening Environment* Buchardt S400 MKII Klipsch R-41M
Near-field Poor Good
Small Room Average Good
Mid-size Room Good Average
Large Room Average Poor
Very Large Room Poor No way

(* Approximate Room sizes: Small < 100sq. ft / 9 m2, Mid-size: 100-220 sq. ft / 9-20 m2, Large 220-400 sq. ft / 20-36 m2, Very Large: > 400 sq. ft / 36 m2. Average Floor Height: 9" / 2.7m. Typical room sizes differ from country to country, and the actual listening experience changes depending on floor height, room shape, surface materials, listening position, speaker locations, etc.)

In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the Buchardt S400 MKII and Klipsch R-41M compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these loudspeakers is the better choice for you.


**This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.


Drivers

Both S400 MKII and R-41M are 2-way speakers.

Driver Buchardt S400 MKII Klipsch R-41M
Driver Setup 2-way 2-way
Tweeter 0.74-inch 1-inch
Midrange - -
Woofer 1 x 6-inch 1 x 4-inch

S400 MKII features a 0.74" fine weave soft fabric textile aluminum waveguide Tweeter and 1 x 6" paper Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 1800Hz. On the other hand, the R-41M features a 1" Tractrix Horn Tweeter and 1 x 4" Copper-spun IMG Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 1730Hz.

Frequency Response

S400 MKII has a frequency range of 33-40k HZ whereas R-41M has a frequency range of 68-21k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 33Hz, the S400 MKII can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the R-41M's min frequency of 68Hz.

Below graphs depict how these two speakers compare with the max, min and average values of the Min and Max Frequencies of other speakers in the Bookshelf class in our database.

Low Frequency

Bookshelf Speakers

S400 MKII
R-41M
Min
Average
Max
High Frequency

Bookshelf Speakers

Buchardt S400 MKII
Klipsch R-41M
Min
Average
Max

None of these speakers achieves full range experience which is commonly agreed as 20Hz-20kHz. In order to achieve lower lows / deeper bass, we recommend you pair these with a subwoofer. Visit our Powered Subwoofers section to find out more about the available options.

Impedance and Sensitivity

S400 MKII is a 4 ohms speaker compared to the R-41M which has a nominal impedance of 8 ohms. Lower impedance speakers, especially the ones that are rated at 4 ohms may put more pressure on the amplifier unit especially when played at high volume levels, so make sure the amp you pair with the S400 MKII can provide this impedance level.

These two speakers also have different sensitivity levels. S400 MKII sensitivity is rated at 88 dB and the R-41M's is rated at 90 dB. This 2 dB difference makes the Klipsch R-41M a more sensitive speaker compared to Buchardt S400 MKII, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.

Sensitivity

Bookshelf Speakers

S400 MKII
R-41M
Min
Average
Max

Power Range

Power range is the range of input power in watts RMS that a loudspeaker is designed to handle. While using an amplifier within this range ensures the nominal performance , inputting a power that is higher than the max wattage can result in a damaged speaker.

S400 MKII can handle a max power of 200 watts RMS from the amp the whereas R-41M has a max power handling value of 50 watts RMS, 150 watts less than the S400 MKII.

Keep in mind that a higher max power handling value doesn't necessarily make that a louder speaker compared to a lower max handling speaker. Loudness or the sound level is also impacted by parameters such as Impedance, sensitivity and system efficiencies.

Physical Specs

Size of a speaker can sometimes become an important decision factor due to space constraints or in some cases purely for esthetic reasons. In this section, we are going to compare Buchardt S400 MKII's and Klipsch R-41M's external dimensions. Buchardt S400 MKII has external dimensions of 365.0 x 180.0 x 280.0mm ( 14.4 x 7 x 11inch) whereas Klipsch R-41M has external dimensions of 287.0 x 146.0 x 200.0mm ( 11.2 x 5.7 x 7.8inch) .

Buchardt S400 MKII is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 34mm wider, 78mm taller and 80mm deeper than Klipsch R-41M.

Below you can see the front view size comparison of Buchardt S400 MKII and Klipsch R-41M in scale.

Buchardt S400 MKII vs Klipsch R-41M Size Comparison - Front View
Comparison image of Buchardt S400 MKII and Klipsch R-41M Size and External Dimensions

Base Surface Area Comparison
Base surface area of a loudspeaker may become a determining factor when the space in your room or desk is limited. The base surface area of the Buchardt S400 MKII is approximately 504.0cm2 / 78.1inch2 and base area of the Klipsch R-41M is approximately 292.0cm2 / 45.3inch2. The S400 MKII requires 73% more surface area than the R-41M which gives it a small disadvantage on placement in tight spaces.

Here is an another comparison that shows both speakers on a BDI Octave Media Cabinet, next to a standard size amplifier and turntable in scale:

Buchardt S400 MKII vs Klipsch R-41M Size Comparison on a Media Console
Size Comparison image of Buchardt S400 MKII and Klipsch R-41M on a Media Console
Weight Comparison

The weight of a loudspeaker can become an important factor if you need to move and reposition the unit often. Weight of a speaker can also "sometimes" be an indicator of the rigidity of the enclosure and the quality of the internal components used. The Buchardt S400 MKII weighs 7.50kg / 16.5lbs and the Klipsch R-41M weighs 3.20kg / 7lbs. This makes the S400 MKII 134% heavier than the R-41M.

Here is a comparison of how S400 MKII and R-41M's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Bookshelf class.

Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
Buchardt S400 MKII
Klipsch R-41M
Min
Average
Max

What's in the Box of Klipsch R-41M?

Here are the items that come with the R-41M:
  • 2 Bookshelf loudspeakers
  • 2 Grilles (installed)
  • 8 Self-adhesive rubber feet
  • Quick Setup Guide
  • Important Safety Instructions
  • Warranty Information

  • Reasons to choose Buchardt S400 MKII over Klipsch Reference R-41M
    Max Input Power 200 watts vs 50 watts Handle more power from your amplifier
    Woofer Size 6 inches vs 4 inches Larger woofer
    Low Frequency Response 33 Hz vs 68 Hz Generates deeper bass
    High Frequency Response 40k Hz vs 21k Hz Generates higher frequency
    Passive Radiator one 5x8-inch vs None Increases the bass performance

    Reasons to choose Klipsch Reference R-41M over Buchardt S400 MKII

    Sensitivity 90 dB vs 88 dB Play louder with same amount of amplification power
    Nominal Impedance 8 ohms vs 4 ohms Less selective with amplifiers
    Mounting Bracket Yes vs No Allows mounting on walls
    Height 287mm vs 365mm Easier to fit in smaller spaces
    Base Surface Area 292cm2 vs 504cm2 Takes less floor space
    Price per pair* 229USD vs 2200USD costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time)
    Buchardt S400 MKII vs Klipsch R-41M Specs Table
    Detailed comparison of specifications
    General Buchardt S400 MKII Klipsch Reference R-41M
    Brand Buchardt Klipsch
    Speaker Type Bookshelf speakers Bookshelf speakers
    Power Range 40-200 watts 50 watts
    Sensitivity 88 dB 90 dB
    Impedance 4 ohms 8 ohms
    Frequency Response 33-40k HZ 68-21k Hz
    Drivers
    Woofer Quantity 1 1
    Woofer Size 6" 4"
    Woofer Composition paper Copper-spun IMG
    Woofer Surround Material n/a Rubber
    Tweeter Size 0.74" 1"
    Tweeter Type aluminum waveguide Tractrix Horn
    Aimable Tweeter No No
    Midrange Driver No No
    Crossover Frequency 1800Hz 1730Hz
    Firing Direction n/a rear
    Physical Specs
    Height 365.0mm (14.4") 287.0mm (11.3")
    Width 180.0mm (7.1") 146.0mm (5.7")
    Depth 280.0mm (11") 200.0mm (7.9")
    Weight 7.50kg (16.5lbs) 3.20kg (7lbs)
    Enclosure Passive Radiator Bass Reflex
    Finish n/a MDF/Wood-grain vinyl
    Available Colors Black, White, Walnut, Rosewood, Light Oak Black
    Mounting Bracket No Keyhole
    Recommended Stand Height n/a 26-31"
    Grille Yes Yes
    Moisture Resistancy No No
    Connections
    Biamp Inputs n/a No
    Other
    Parts Warranty 10 years 5 Years
    Labor Warranty 10 years 5 Years

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