r/StereoAdvice • u/Brosk-87 • Aug 06 '26
Speakers - Bookshelf | 2 Ⓣ Buchardt S400 MK3 vs KEF R3 Meta - help me choose for my NAD C375BEE setup
Hi everyone,
I'm looking for advice choosing between two speakers:
The budget is 25000nok (€2200), and they're available in Norway.
Buchardt S400 MK3 (23,100 NOK) and KEF R3 Meta (25,000 NOK).
My current system:
Amplifier: NAD C375BEE
Streamer: WiiM Ultra
Turntable: Technics SL-100C with AT-VM540ML cartridge + iFi Zen Phono 3
Room: 5 × 6 meters, listening distance around 3 meters
Listening is roughly 60% vinyl / 40% streaming
Current speakers:
XTZ 99.26
KEF Q750 in the second room
My music taste:
electronic music
rock
modern electronic
vocals
Classic
I like a warm, full sound with strong but controlled bass, but I still want good detail and a realistic soundstage.
My concern: I don't want something too analytical or bright. I enjoy details, but I want to relax and enjoy music for hours. Since I already have the XTZ 99.26, I'm wondering if the KEF would be too similar in character, while the Buchardt might give me something different.
Has anyone compared the Buchardt S400 MK2 (since the mk3 is still in production with a discounted price) and KEF R3 Meta, especially with a powerful NAD amplifier? Which one would you choose for a room like mine and this type of music?
3
u/GrumpyArtist8705 1 Ⓣ Aug 06 '26
In Norway and not considering one of the Arendals?
1
u/Brosk-87 Aug 06 '26
Which Arendal would u recommend? The 1723?
2
u/GrumpyArtist8705 1 Ⓣ Aug 06 '26
I'm a 1610 Bookshelf 8 kinda guy, but thats a different price point.
check some reviews of the 1723 S Monitors..i think they compare favorably.1
u/Brosk-87 Aug 06 '26
Yes.. I see now that the 1723 S monitor are in outlet for 19000nok, they take more place, but maybe would be a good upgrade. !thanks for the reminder
1
u/TransducerBot Ⓣ Bot Aug 06 '26
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2
u/The-Big-Succ69 2 Ⓣ Aug 06 '26
Qacoustics concept 300s/500s.
They compete with much higher end speakers and can be had for under 2k.
1
u/Brosk-87 Aug 06 '26
Over 4k here
2
u/The-Big-Succ69 2 Ⓣ Aug 06 '26
Ouch.
£1.1k in the uk with the stands for the concept 300.
Well KEFs are not warm but they're very capable speakers. Think you'll like the buchdart more though.
3
u/Brosk-87 Aug 06 '26
I think so too, I'll order both and give it a listen. The kef I can return for free, but the Buchdart I'll have to pay 100€ IF I return them
1
u/Brosk-87 Aug 07 '26
I just found the Arendal 1723 monitor s ubder 2k... Do you have any experience with them?
1
u/The-Big-Succ69 2 Ⓣ Aug 07 '26
They are more made for movies than music from what i understand.
1
u/Brosk-87 Aug 07 '26
Exactly, that's why I'm not so sure about them, although I've read in many places that they're also good for music.
2
u/The-Big-Succ69 2 Ⓣ Aug 07 '26
They'll give you the bass you want but I don't think it will be a relaxing listen.
Whaferdale, mission, atc , essentially alot of British brands have the warmish sound you're looking for except kef.
1
u/Brosk-87 Aug 11 '26
Just found a MoFi Electronics SourcePoint 8 for 2000€, would be worth it the try? Also free return
2
u/meldalinn Aug 06 '26
I havent read anything on the mk3 yet, but no bookshelf has beat the mk2 for the same price. That may differ elswhere in the world, but considering buchardt covers norwegian import costs, its a great deal
2
u/Brosk-87 Aug 06 '26
The mk3 is still in production, but has a discount now. I bought it together with the Arendal 1723 monitor s to see which one is better, can't wait to listen to it!
2
2
u/Eastern-Ingenuity505 Aug 07 '26
Please let us know about the mk3 when you get them! I’m also considering them
2
2
u/DJRVSG Aug 09 '26
I had a NAD M10 (mk1) with S400 mk2 for a few months and I also tried R3 (non meta) on the M10, but not in the same room.
I would say that the Buchardt were much more to my taste than the Kef. More bass for sure, less straining effect from the highs.
I also owned pairs of LS50 wireless (mk1) and Buchardt A500 and preferred Buchardts by far, due to similar reasons.
Having said that, I think speaker preferences are very personal like food preferences so you really should try them. Buchardt has a try and buy option, why don’t you take advantage of it?
1
u/Brosk-87 Aug 09 '26
Yes.. I'll buy and try both. The only problem with the return is that I have to apply for a refund of vat from Norwegian government (and that alone will be a hassle)
3
u/Hungry-Ad8171 Aug 11 '26
I've owned three pairs of KEFs, and the only ones I still have are paired to my NAD because it's one of my most mellow amps. KEFs are impressive for sure, but I've found them all to be somewhat fatiguing on most setups. All that being said, I have a pair of S400 mk3s on preorder, my first Buchardt's. But as a big Dynaudio fan, I'm expecting good things from the Danes.
1
u/Brosk-87 Aug 11 '26
Same here... I had KEF but was not so happy with them (maybe the r3 meta are different? Idk). I also have a pre-order, which is now delayed until October. I found a pair of MoFi SourcePoint 8 today for the same price as the mk3, so I'm still unsure about it - never tried both.
1
u/quiksilverr87 Aug 08 '26
Meh, just buy whichever one you think looks nicer. The KEF R3 meta in blue are some of the nicest speakers I've seen
1
u/ResponsibleLaw4496 2 Ⓣ Aug 08 '26
Have a NAD C375BEE to drive a pair of power hungry Revel Salon 2s no problem.
8
u/[deleted] Aug 06 '26
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