Buchardt S400 Mk II vs Sony SSCS 5 in Bass

Thank you for the good wishes.  I will also try drum dampener silicone pads.  I had tried the spring but found the bass was softened a bit.

I've definitely been in your position, finding specific gear to audition can be difficult to impossible, even in the U.S.  Hi-end audio isn't a common hobby, and more companies are going direct and the dealership network is shrinking.  When legendary dealers like Lyric Hi-Fi close you know its the end of an era. 

I bought my tube amp without ever hearing tubes before, let alone that specific amp.  Curiosity got the better of me and I'm so glad it did.  Probably my best leap of faith purchase.  Good luck with the Buchardts, I'm sure they'll work out, its got an 8in passive radiator, so they can move a ton of air.  

I believe if we do our due diligence well, we should be doing all-right. Leap of faith is not just luck, rather is built on solid background work you have accomplished beforehand.  The more work you do, the more you could push past your comfort zone to explore / pursue the adventure.  Not every reviewer is bought out.  Even they were and give biased opinions, how about the positive feedback from users?  They can not be all blind followers, right?

Before I was a bit too conservative and over-thinking with the buying decision even within my budget, and end up with forcing myself to live with a subpar system I feel can be further enhanced to extend my level of satisfaction.  Later, I learn to stretch my budget and follow my heart to get things done.  So far, I have been lucky.  I have made most of the purchasing decision right other than a few entry-level DACs I have already got rid of and the speaker situation I am facing now.  Nothing is perfect especially with these budgetary speakers.  Knowing this is probably the highest budget now that can be approved by my best half, I would be content with what I have and start enjoying music listening and appreciation.

Just now something crosses my mind.  I was thinking of bridging my amp (400 watts wi/ the 2-3 ohm tap) to possibly push the limit of Buchardt.  I could only try with a single speaker since it is a 4-ohm speaker but, if it succeeds to get weightier bass, I could upgrade the amp later.  Well, that is the plan and will update you all if succeeded.

["lanx0003 I sort of shy away from adding a sub, primarily because I do not believe a separated sub could easily match the speed and texture of the main speakers. I had tried at least three times (SVS and REL) but none of the sub. I have tried provide me satisfactory results."]

I’m unaware of any subwoofer that claims measurably superior speed. Since the speaker location is typically the worst location for a subwoofer your dissatisfaction with that subwoofer and even with the sub-bass speaker is predictably understandable.

Consider the majority of full range statement speaker demonstrations are usually accompanied by determined room positioned and system tuned subwoofers providing an indistinguishably low frequency presentation.

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.