Buchardt Audio has announced the MK2 Upgrade Kit, a way to move existing active loudspeakers onto its latest electronics platform. According to StereoNET's 12 August report, it supports the A500, A500SE, A700, A700 Limited Edition and Anniversary 10. The proposal retains the cabinets and drivers while replacing the electronics that tend to age more quickly.
The kit updates amplification, DSP, connectivity and room correction as one package. Its fully digital Class D design uses Axign technology, with a MOSFET output stage rated by Buchardt at 4×250W RMS and 1,000W per speaker. Buchardt also says the DAC function is integrated directly into the amplifier architecture and the power supply is larger. These are manufacturer specifications; StereoNET does not present independent measurements.
DSP runs at 96kHz/32-bit, while Mastertuning design uses 64-bit double-precision processing. The platform provides room correction through an iPhone or optional Zen microphone, parametric EQ, high-pass filtering, delay and ISO 226:2003-based Low Level Enhancement. Mastertunings and system updates can be delivered from the app over Bluetooth Low Energy.
Coaxial digital input and output allow a wired link between speakers, while WiSA HT remains available with a compatible transmitter. XLR analogue input passes through a new ESS A/D stage. Kits for the A500, A500SE and original A700 also include RFA19 19mm aluminium-dome tweeters; the A700 Limited Edition and Anniversary 10 already use that driver and receive electronics only.
The A500, A500SE and A700 kit costs €1,500 for a pair, including tweeters. The A700 Limited Edition and Anniversary 10 version costs €1,250. Shipping is scheduled for October 2026, and Buchardt says the upgraded pair receives a new two-year warranty. Installation is intended for owners using standard tools, though compatibility and working requirements should be checked against the final instructions.