Short answer: the Neumann KH420 if sound quality matters most, the Edifier R2850DB if price matters most. The Neumann KH420 ranks #5 of 66 powered bookshelf speakers at $10500. The Edifier R2850DB ranks #59 at $499.99, $10000.01 cheaper.
On the Edifier R2850DB side: 3 way speaker. Set against that: Quite large and heavy.
The case for the Neumann KH420: CEA2034 spinorama shows an extended, flat on-axis response that matches Neumann’s own published measurement to within 0.08dB at its one. The tradeoff: Horizontal beamwidth, while well controlled, is on the narrow side at about ±55 degrees.
Buy the Edifier R2850DB when the price outweighs sound quality for you, and the Neumann KH420 when sound quality outweighs the price instead.
If sound quality matters at all to you, skip the Edifier R2850DB. It ranks near the bottom of the 66 powered bookshelf speakers, so look higher up the list instead.
Specifications Side By Side
| Edifier R2850DB | Neumann KH420 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $499.99 | $10500 |
| Ranked | #59 of 66 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #5 of 66 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Dimensions | 18.1"H x 10.1"W x 12.4"D (459.7 x 256.5 x 315 mm) | 25.4"H x 13"W x 17.5"D (645.2 x 330.2 x 444.5 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 42Hz-20KHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 31Hz - 21kHz (±3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, 2x RCA Input, Digital Optical, Digital Coax | XLR |
| Weight | 50.7 lbs / 23 kg | 77.2 lbs / 35 kg each |
| Drivers | 8" (203mm) woofer | 10" woofer, 4" dome midrange, 1" fabric dome tweeter |
| App | No | Yes (MA 1 alignment) |
| Bluetooth | Yes, 5.1 | No |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, aptX | - |
| EQ | No | Yes (Room response controls) |
| DSP | No | No |
| Output Power | 75w RMS Per Speaker | 555w Per Speaker |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 24Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | - | 32Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Max SPL | - | 124dB @ 1m |
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- Adam Audio T7V vs Genelec 8361A
- Genelec 8361A vs Kali Audio LP-6
- Kali Audio LP-8 vs Genelec 8361A
- Kali Audio IN-8 V2 vs Neumann KH420
- Neumann KH420 vs Focal Alpha 65 EVO
Prices on this page were last checked September 4, 2026 at 6:09 AM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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The Two Speakers In Full
Edifier R2850DB: $499.99 Amazon eBay
Pros: A three-way home speaker system with digital and analog inputs, useful when convenient source switching and a large cabinet are priorities. Dedicated drivers divide bass, midrange and treble duties.
Cons: These are bulky speakers that need substantial desk or stand space. The integrated system is less flexible to upgrade component-by-component than a separate amplifier and passive speakers.
Full Edifier R2850DB review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes, 5.1 |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, aptX |
| DSP | No |
| Dimensions | 18.1"H x 10.1"W x 12.4"D (459.7 x 256.5 x 315 mm) |
| Drivers | 8" (203mm) woofer |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 42Hz-20KHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, 2x RCA Input, Digital Optical, Digital Coax |
| Output Power | 75w RMS Per Speaker |
| Weight | 50.7 lbs / 23 kg |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Edifier R2850DB vs Focal Twin6 Be
- Edifier R2850DB vs Klipsch The Sevens
- Edifier R2850DB vs Kali Audio LP-8
- Edifier R2850DB vs Adam Audio T7V
- Edifier R2850DB vs Adam Audio T8V
- Edifier R2850DB vs Focal Alpha 65 EVO
- Edifier R2850DB vs Emotiva Airmotiv 6s
- Edifier R2850DB vs JBL 4329P
- See all 33 comparisons
Neumann KH420: $10500 B&H Photo Video eBay
Pros: A 1.2dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz, 7.51 ideal-subwoofer score and 27.8Hz measured -3dB extension combine accurate mids with genuinely deep bass. Its three-way design and low distortion at normal levels make it particularly attractive for larger listening distances and dynamic material.
Cons: It is a large, heavy studio monitor rather than an easy desktop speaker. Vertical alignment matters around the crossover regions. Bass distortion rises as playback levels increase, and the measured high-level limits still apply despite the substantial drivers and amplifiers.
Full Neumann KH420 review and specifications →
| App | Yes (MA 1 alignment) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 24Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 32Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| DSP | No |
| Dimensions | 25.4"H x 13"W x 17.5"D (645.2 x 330.2 x 444.5 mm) |
| Drivers | 10" woofer, 4" dome midrange, 1" fabric dome tweeter |
| EQ | Yes (Room response controls) |
| Frequency Response | 31Hz - 21kHz (±3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | XLR |
| Max SPL | 124dB @ 1m |
| Output Power | 555w Per Speaker |
| Weight | 77.2 lbs / 35 kg each |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons