Short answer: the Neumann KH120 MKII for the higher ranking, the Genelec 8030C for the lower price. The Neumann KH120 MKII ranks #1 of 24 powered bookshelf speakers at $2000. The Genelec 8030C ranks #2 at $1590, $410 cheaper.
On the Genelec 8030C side: CEA2034 spinorama shows a near-flat on-axis response with smooth directivity - “very nice overall.” Predicted in-room response is excellent. The tradeoff: A minor but measurable dip between 2-3kHz shows up in both on- and off-axis measurements.
The case for the Neumann KH120 MKII: CEA2034 spinorama is about as flat as the reviewer has measured, with excellent directivity aside from a small blip around 2kHz. Set against that: A minor directivity blip appears around 2kHz.
Buy the Genelec 8030C if the price matters more than the ranking. Buy the Neumann KH120 MKII if the ranking matters more than the price.
Specifications Side By Side
| Genelec 8030C | Neumann KH120 MKII | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1590 | $2000 |
| Ranked | #2 of 24 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #1 of 24 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 47Hz | 36Hz |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 59Hz | 46Hz |
| Dimensions | 11.7"H x 7.4"W x 7"D (297.2 x 188 x 177.8 mm) | 11.3"H x 7.2"W x 8.9"D (287 x 182.9 x 226.1 mm) |
| Inputs | XLR | XLR |
| Weight | 11 lbs / 5 kg each | 14.6 lbs / 6.6 kg each |
| Drivers | 5.1" woofer, 0.75" metal dome tweeter | 5.25" woofer, 1" titanium fabric dome tweeter |
| App | No | Yes (MA 1 alignment) |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| EQ | Yes (Bass tilt, treble tilt, room response) | Yes (via DSP) |
| Frequency Response | 54Hz - 20kHz (±2.5dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 44Hz - 21kHz (±3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Max SPL | 110dB @ 1m | 116.8dB @ 1m |
| Output Power | 100W (50W woofer + 50W tweeter) | 245W (145W woofer + 100W tweeter) |
| DSP | - | Yes |
The Two Speakers In Full
Genelec 8030C: $1590 Bhphotovideo
Pros: CEA2034 spinorama shows a near-flat on-axis response with smooth directivity - “very nice overall.” Predicted in-room response is excellent aside from one minor dip. Reasonably wide horizontal beamwidth of about ±60 degrees that doesn’t narrow even above 10kHz. At 106dB SPL/1m, bass distortion measures much lower than a comparable passive speaker-plus-amplifier combination (Revel M106) tested the same way. Compression is purely instantaneous/amplitude-related rather than thermal, with max SPL before compression reaching 111dB SPL at 200Hz (96dB plus 15dB of headroom). The reviewer found it immediately musical, with reference tracks “translating” beautifully out of the box, and EQ correction of its one measured flaw improved detail with no downsides. Overall conclusion: excellent value, a rare combination of measured accuracy and genuinely engaging sound.
Cons: A minor but measurable dip between 2-3kHz shows up in both on- and off-axis measurements. Vertical directivity varies significantly with frequency, so listening height needs to stay right at the tweeter/ear axis for accurate tonal balance. Distortion at 106dB SPL/1m is elevated in the 500Hz-2kHz range compared to the Revel M106 comparison, even though bass distortion is much better. Compression headroom drops substantially at low frequencies - only about 105dB SPL max at 50Hz (a 0.5dB compression point) versus 111dB SPL at 200Hz, roughly a 6dB difference. As a near-field monitor, it has genuinely limited headroom in the deep bass - the reviewer noted severe distortion on deep-bass-heavy tracks at anything beyond modest listening levels.
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 47Hz |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 59Hz |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Dimensions | 11.7"H x 7.4"W x 7"D (297.2 x 188 x 177.8 mm) |
| Drivers | 5.1" woofer, 0.75" metal dome tweeter |
| EQ | Yes (Bass tilt, treble tilt, room response) |
| Frequency Response | 54Hz - 20kHz (±2.5dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | XLR |
| Max SPL | 110dB @ 1m |
| Output Power | 100W (50W woofer + 50W tweeter) |
| Weight | 11 lbs / 5 kg each |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Links
Neumann KH120 MKII: $2000 Bhphotovideo
Pros: CEA2034 spinorama is about as flat as the reviewer has measured, with excellent directivity aside from a small blip around 2kHz, and bass response that stays flat almost down to 50Hz. Predicted in-room response is superb despite not being strictly valid for a near-field monitor at this distance. Horizontal beamwidth of about ±50 degrees is nice and well controlled. Distortion at 86dB SPL/1m is exceptionally low. Even at 96dB SPL/1m - just 1dB before the clipping indicator engages - it stays very clean outside of deep bass.
Cons: A minor directivity blip appears around 2kHz. Vertical directivity narrows quickly above the reference axis, so the reviewer recommends staying right at it. Distortion rises substantially in the deep bass under 50Hz at higher output (96dB SPL/1m). Cumulative spectral decay (waterfall) shows a resonance in the upper midrange. High price.
| App | Yes (MA 1 alignment) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 36Hz |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 46Hz |
| Bluetooth | 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) |
| Inputs | XLR |
| Max SPL | 116.8dB @ 1m |
| Output Power | 245W (145W woofer + 100W tweeter) |
| Weight | 14.6 lbs / 6.6 kg each |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Links
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Product prices and availability were last checked August 9, 2026 at 6:57 AM UTC 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.