Buchardt Audio launches the MK2 Upgrade Kit – A complete Next-Generation electronics platform for existing active loudspeakers

NEWS
hi-fi+ Staff
Aug 06, 2026

Denmark – August 2026 – Buchardt Audio has announced the launch of the MK2 Upgrade Kit, a comprehensive hardware upgrade that replaces the complete electronics platform inside the company’s active loudspeakers. Designed for the A500, A500SE, A700, A700 Limited Edition, and Anniversary 10, the upgrade allows existing owners to bring their speakers up to the latest generation without replacing the loudspeakers themselves.

“Whenever we can bring meaningful new technology to existing products, we believe we should.” This philosophy has been part of Buchardt Audio since the company’s first active speaker was designed almost ten years ago.

“One of the biggest criticisms of active loudspeakers has always been that you’re locked into the technology available on the day you buy them,” says Mads Buchardt, founder of Buchardt Audio. “Streaming standards evolve, processors improve, amplifiers become more efficient, and new features emerge. We wanted to design our active speakers differently, allowing the electronics to evolve while the acoustic platform remains in service.”

A completely new electronics platform

Rather than offering incremental improvements, the MK2 Upgrade Kit replaces the complete amplifier, DSP, and power supply assembly with an entirely new platform developed specifically for Buchardt’s active loudspeakers.

At the heart of the new system is a fully digital amplifier architecture based on Axign’s digital Class-D amplifier controller, eliminating unnecessary digital-to-analog conversion stages before amplification. The platform delivers 4 × 250 watts RMS per speaker (1,000 watts total) while achieving higher efficiency, lower thermal output, and significantly reduced distortion compared to the previous generation.

The power stage is paired with a newly developed and more powerful power supply, providing increased current reserves and improved headroom for demanding dynamic content.

The MK2 DSP platform

The MK2 DSP platform is one of the biggest improvements of the new generation. It now operates at 96 kHz / 32-bit and gives you a much greater level of control directly from the speakers themselves, including:

Room correction using an iPhone or dedicated Zen microphone.
User-adjustable PEQ filters.
Adjustable ISO 226:2003 compensation / Low Level Enhancement (LLE).
High-pass filtering.
Over-the-air change of Buchardt Mastertunings.*

All of these functions are accessible through the Buchardt App using the speakers’ new onboard Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) interface (only for app use). The speakers can be discovered and configured wirelessly without the need for an external interface.

Expanded Connectivity

The MK2 platform expands the functionality of Buchardt’s active ecosystem with the addition of digital coaxial input and output, providing greater flexibility for stereo installations and future system integration.

The upgrade remains fully compatible with WiSA Wireless with any WiSA transmitter while still offering analog XLR input supported by a top-shelf ESS analog-to-digital converter (ADC).

Acoustic Improvements

For the earliest Buchardt active loudspeakers, the A500, A500SE, and A700, the MK2 Upgrade Kit also includes the company’s latest RFA19 tweeter, bringing the high-frequency performance in line with Buchardt’s newest active designs.

Combined with updated Mastertunings, the result is improved overall resolution, lower distortion, and enhanced integration across the frequency range while maintaining the fundamental sound signature each model was designed around.

Designed to Be Installed by the Owner

Unlike most active loudspeakers, where electronics are permanently integrated into the cabinet, Buchardt engineered its products with long-term serviceability in mind.

The MK2 Upgrade Kit has been designed for straightforward installation using common hand tools, allowing owners to replace the electronics themselves without requiring factory service. Detailed installation guides are included with every kit, with simple video guides currently in the making.

Shipping begins in October 2026.

For technical specifications and compatibility information, visit:

https://buchardtaudio.com/collections/accessories/products/mk2-upgrade-kit

Tags: BURCHART KIT NEWS SPEAKER UPGRADE