Short answer: the Genelec 8030C if you want the tighter measured response, the Neumann KH80 DSP if you want built-in room correction for less money. These rank #3 and #4 of 67 medium powered bookshelf speakers, and $276 separates them.
The 8030C measures slightly cleaner. ASR’s Klippel data shows just a 1.9dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz with smooth listening-window behavior, and its predicted preference scores (5.35 standalone, 7.60 with a subwoofer) sit at the top of the class. Its main flaw is a small dip around 2-3kHz that shows up both on- and off-axis, and vertical placement is less forgiving than the horizontal coverage suggests.
The KH80 DSP is close behind and adds DSP room correction the 8030C does not have. Its own Klippel measurement shows a 1.4dB midrange span with virtually no on-axis tilt, and Neumann’s MA 1 alignment app lets you compensate for desk or boundary placement, something the 8030C can only address with its manual bass/treble tilt switches. Bass extension is nearly identical between them: the 8030C reaches -3dB around 56Hz in ASR’s measurement, the KH80 DSP around 59Hz in Erin’s Audio Corner’s.
Both share the same real weakness: loud bass. The 8030C’s review found demanding bass material could cause audible distress beyond moderate levels, and the KH80 DSP’s output protection and rising multitone distortion limit how loud it can play, especially low down. Neither is a substitute for a subwoofer if you listen at high levels or want full-range output.
Buy the Genelec 8030C if outright measured accuracy is the priority and you don’t need app-based room correction.
Buy the Neumann KH80 DSP if the price gap matters and you want DSP alignment to tame room and placement issues out of the box.
Want more options? Browse the full Powered Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Genelec 8030C | Neumann KH80 DSP | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,750 per pair | $599.00 per pair |
| Ranked | #3 of 67 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #4 of 67 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 47Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 51Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 59Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 57Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Dimensions | 11.7"H x 7.4"W x 7"D (297.2 x 188 x 177.8 mm) | 13.6"H x 10.8"W x 9.6"D (345.4 x 274.3 x 243.8 mm) |
| Inputs | XLR | XLR |
| Weight | 11 lbs (5 kg) each | 9 lbs (4.1 kg) each |
| Drivers | 5.1" woofer, 0.75" metal dome tweeter | 4.1" woofer, 1" 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) | 57 Hz - 25 kHz (+-3 dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Amplifier Power | 100W (50W woofer + 50W tweeter) | 140W (90W woofer + 50W tweeter) |
| Maximum SPL | 110dB @ 1m (manufacturer specified) | 110.7dB @ 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 |
| Sensitivity | - | 91.9dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | - | 5.89 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | - | 8.25 |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More worthwhile head-to-heads for Genelec 8030C:
- Genelec 8331A vs Genelec 8030C
- Genelec 8030C vs Neumann KH120 MKII
- Genelec 8030C vs Dynaudio LYD 5
- Genelec 8030C vs Genelec 8330A
- Genelec 8030C vs Genelec 8320A
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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 KH80 DSP: $599.00 per pair Amazon B&H Photo Video eBay
Pros: ASR’s selected Klippel measurement has a 1.4dB midrange response span and virtually no overall on-axis tilt. Scores of 5.89 standalone and 8.25 with an ideal subwoofer indicate excellent tonal accuracy in a compact monitor. The waveguide and steep crossover provide useful control of reflected sound, while placement filters help compensate for a desk or nearby boundaries. Existing multitone testing supports good moderate-level clarity. Measured bass extension of 57Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 91.9dB.
Cons: Bass reaches -3dB around 59Hz in this measurement, less deep than the KH120 II. Output protection and increasing multitone distortion limit loud listening, especially in the bass. Room reflections and listening distance can alter perceived treble balance despite its flat direct response. Calibration equipment adds to the cost; the preference score is not a measurement of maximum clean output.
Full Neumann KH80 DSP review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 140W (90W woofer + 50W tweeter) |
| App | Yes (MA 1 alignment) |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 51Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 57Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| DSP | Yes |
| Dimensions | 13.6"H x 10.8"W x 9.6"D (345.4 x 274.3 x 243.8 mm) |
| Drivers | 4.1" woofer, 1" fabric dome tweeter |
| EQ | Yes (via DSP) |
| Frequency Response | 57 Hz - 25 kHz (+-3 dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | XLR |
| Maximum SPL | 110.7dB @ 1m (manufacturer specified) |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | No |
| Sensitivity | 91.9dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.89 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 8.25 |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 9 lbs (4.1 kg) each |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Erin’s Audio Corner: Neumann KH 80 Studio Monitor Review. Excellent Performance. Small Size. More from Erin’s Audio Corner →
- Erin’s Audio Corner Review Measurements
- Audio Science Review Measurements More from Audio Science Review →
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- Audio Science Review Measurements (spinorama.org)
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