Short answer: the Neumann KH120 MKII, narrowly, on measured flatness. Its CEA2034 spinorama is about as flat as the reviewer has measured, with excellent directivity aside from a small blip around 2kHz. The Genelec 8020D is flat from about 60Hz to 10kHz, but its sound power rolls off starting around 500Hz-1kHz as the small 4.1” woofer/tweeter pair begins to beam.
The case for the Genelec 8020D: Klippel-based spinorama measurements show a flat, well-behaved on-axis response from about 60Hz to 10kHz. The catch: Sound power rolls off starting around 500Hz-1kHz as the small 4.1” woofer/tweeter pair begins to beam.
What the Neumann KH120 MKII gets right: CEA2034 spinorama is about as flat as the reviewer has measured, with excellent directivity aside from a small blip around 2kHz. The catch: A minor directivity blip appears around 2kHz.
Buy the Genelec 8020D if the price matters more than sound quality. Buy the Neumann KH120 MKII if sound quality matters more than the price.
Still deciding? The full Powered Home rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Genelec 8020D | Neumann KH120 MKII | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,390 per pair | $2000 per pair |
| Ranked | #11 of 65 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #2 of 65 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Dimensions | 9.5"H x 5.8"W x 5.6"D (241.3 x 147.3 x 142.2 mm) | 11.3"H x 7.2"W x 8.9"D (287 x 182.9 x 226.1 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 56 Hz - 25 kHz (-6 dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 44Hz - 21kHz (±3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | XLR | XLR |
| Weight | 7.1 lbs (3.2 kg) each | 14.6 lbs (6.6 kg) each |
| Drivers | 4.1" woofer, 0.75" metal dome tweeter | 5.25" woofer, 1" titanium fabric dome tweeter |
| App | No | Yes (MA 1 alignment) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 50Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 36Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 56Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 46Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| EQ | Yes (Bass tilt, desk proximity) | Yes (via DSP) |
| Amplifier Power | 100W (50W woofer + 50W tweeter) | 245W (145W woofer + 100W tweeter) |
| Maximum SPL | 103dB @ 1m (manufacturer specified) | 116.8dB @ 1m (manufacturer specified) |
| XLR Input | Yes | Yes |
| RCA Input | No | No |
| TRS Input | No | No |
| Optical Input | No | No |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | No | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| DSP | - | Yes |
| Spinorama Preference Score | - | 5.75 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | - | 7.70 |
Related Speaker Comparisons
How Neumann KH120 MKII compares with other leading options:
- Genelec 8331A vs Neumann KH120 MKII
- Genelec 8030C vs Neumann KH120 MKII
- Neumann KH120 MKII vs Neumann KH80 DSP
- Neumann KH120 MKII vs Dynaudio LYD 5
- Neumann KH120 MKII vs Genelec 8330A
Prices on this page were last checked September 23, 2026 at 11:24 PM 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.
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
The Two Speakers In Full
Genelec 8020D: $1,390 per pair B&H Photo Video eBay
Pros: A compact waveguided monitor with balanced XLR input and placement filters, well suited to a small studio desk. Measured bass extension of 56Hz (-3dB).
Cons: Small size limits deep-bass reach and headroom. It lacks the GLM calibration of the SAM models, and the price is substantial for a compact analog-input monitor.
Full Genelec 8020D review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 100W (50W woofer + 50W tweeter) |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 50Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 56Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| Dimensions | 9.5"H x 5.8"W x 5.6"D (241.3 x 147.3 x 142.2 mm) |
| Drivers | 4.1" woofer, 0.75" metal dome tweeter |
| EQ | Yes (Bass tilt, desk proximity) |
| Frequency Response | 56 Hz - 25 kHz (-6 dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | XLR |
| Maximum SPL | 103dB @ 1m (manufacturer specified) |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | No |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 7.1 lbs (3.2 kg) each |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Audio Science Review Measurements More from Audio Science Review →
- DSAUDIO.review: Genelec 8020D vs Yamaha HS5 Soun & Frequency Response Comparison More from DSAUDIOreview →
- DSAUDIO.review: Genelec 8020D vs Yamaha HS8 Sound & Frequency Response Comparison
- DSAUDIO.review: Neumann KH80 DSP vs Genelec 8020D Sound & Frequency Response Comparison
- DSAUDIO.review: IK Multimedia iLoud MTM vs Genelec 8020D Sound & Frequency Response Comparison
- DSAUDIO.review: KEF LSX vs Genelec 8020D Sound & Frequency Response Comparison
- DSAUDIO.review: Genelec 8020D vs Adam Audo T5V Sound & Frequency Response Comparison
- DSAUDIO.review: Genelec 8020D & KRK Rokit 5 G4 PR5G4 - Same, same, but different Sound & Response Comparison
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Genelec 8020D vs Klipsch The Fives
- Genelec 8020D vs Topping MA4
- Genelec 8020D vs JBL 305P MKII
- Genelec 8020D vs Devialet Phantom II 98 dB
- Genelec 8020D vs Genelec 8320A
- Genelec 8020D vs KEF LS50 Wireless II
- Genelec 8020D vs Genelec 8330A
- Genelec 8020D vs Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus
- See all 51 comparisons
Neumann KH120 MKII: $2000 per pair B&H Photo Video eBay
Pros: ASR’s Klippel data shows exceptional neutrality: only a 1.5dB span from 300Hz to 5kHz and low listening-window narrow-band deviation of 0.208. Scores of 5.75 standalone and 7.70 with an ideal subwoofer place it among the strongest measured options here. Bass reaches -3dB around 45Hz. The review reports very low distortion at 86dB/1m and clean performance outside deep bass at 96dB. Measured bass extension of 46Hz (-3dB).
Cons: Vertical crossover interference makes listening height important even though horizontal dispersion is well controlled. A small directivity irregularity remains around 2kHz. Distortion increases below about 50Hz at high output; a subwoofer can extend the system and reduce low-frequency demands. High price, and a flat anechoic response still needs suitable placement in the room.
Full Neumann KH120 MKII review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 245W (145W woofer + 100W tweeter) |
| App | Yes (MA 1 alignment) |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 36Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 46Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| DSP | Yes |
| Dimensions | 11.3"H x 7.2"W x 8.9"D (287 x 182.9 x 226.1 mm) |
| Drivers | 5.25" woofer, 1" titanium fabric dome tweeter |
| EQ | Yes (via DSP) |
| Frequency Response | 44Hz - 21kHz (±3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | XLR |
| Maximum SPL | 116.8dB @ 1m (manufacturer specified) |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | No |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.75 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.70 |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 14.6 lbs (6.6 kg) each |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Neumann KH120 MKII vs Genelec 8030C
- Neumann KH120 MKII vs Genelec 8331A
- Neumann KH120 MKII vs Neumann KH80 DSP
- Neumann KH120 MKII vs Dynaudio LYD 5
- Neumann KH120 MKII vs Genelec 8330A
- Neumann KH120 MKII vs Genelec 8320A
- Neumann KH120 MKII vs Devialet Phantom II 98 dB
- Neumann KH120 MKII vs Topping MA4
- See all 50 comparisons