Short answer: both are excellent, and the Neumann is measurably the more accurate of the two. It ranks #2 of 67 powered bookshelf speakers at $2000, just ahead of the Genelec at #3 for $875, a $1125 difference for a genuine but small step up in measured accuracy.
Audio Science Review’s Klippel data separates these two more than the rankings suggest. The Neumann shows only a 1.5dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz with a listening-window narrow-band deviation of 0.208, both notably tighter than the Genelec’s 1.9dB span. The Genelec is still very good, described as very nice overall with smooth directivity and an excellent predicted in-room response, but both speakers share a small dip in the 2 to 3kHz region that shows up in on- and off-axis measurements alike.
Bass extension and output favor the Neumann outright. ASR measured the Neumann reaching -3dB at 46Hz against the Genelec’s 59Hz, and the Neumann’s max SPL of 116.8dB at 1m comfortably beats the Genelec’s 110dB, backed by nearly double the amplifier power at 245W against 100W. The Genelec’s review also notes that demanding bass material could cause audible distress beyond moderate levels, a limitation the Neumann’s larger amplifier section handles more comfortably.
The Neumann adds DSP-based room and driver alignment through its MA 1 app, something the Genelec doesn’t offer; the Genelec instead relies on physical bass tilt, treble tilt, and room response switches on the back panel.
Buy the Neumann KH120 MKII if you want the more measurably neutral speaker with deeper bass and more headroom, and the price premium isn’t a dealbreaker.
Buy the Genelec 8030C if you want nearly the same measured performance for less money and don’t need DSP-based room correction.
Want more options? Browse the full Powered Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Genelec 8030C | Neumann KH120 MKII | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,750 per pair | $2000 per pair |
| Ranked | #3 of 67 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #2 of 67 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 47Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 36Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 59Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 46Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| 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) |
| Amplifier Power | 100W (50W woofer + 50W tweeter) | 245W (145W woofer + 100W tweeter) |
| Maximum SPL | 110dB @ 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 | - | 6.49 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | - | 8.44 |
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The Two Speakers In Full
Genelec 8030C: $1,750 per pair B&H Photo Video eBay
Pros: ASR’s Klippel measurements show a 1.9dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz and smooth listening-window behavior. Predicted preference scores of 5.35 standalone and 7.60 with an ideal subwoofer support its high position for tonal accuracy. Broad, controlled horizontal radiation makes the balance relatively stable across a desk, and bass reaches -3dB around 56Hz. Measured bass extension of 59Hz (-3dB).
Cons: A dip around 2-3kHz remains, and vertical placement is less forgiving than the horizontal coverage suggests. Deep-bass headroom is limited; isolated high-output measurements at higher frequencies do not describe full-band loudness. The review found demanding bass material could cause audible distress beyond moderate levels. A subwoofer is useful for full-range monitoring.
Full Genelec 8030C review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 100W (50W woofer + 50W tweeter) |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 47Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 59Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | 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) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | XLR |
| Maximum SPL | 110dB @ 1m (manufacturer specified) |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | No |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 11 lbs (5 kg) each |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head 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 6.49 standalone and 8.44 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 | 6.49 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 8.44 |
| 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 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
- Neumann KH120 MKII vs Genelec 8020D
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