Genelec 8040B vs Neumann KH 150

Last updated: October 1, 2026

Short answer: the Neumann KH 150, on measurements. Its Mathematically Modelled Dispersion waveguide delivers a listening window smoothness score of 0.69 with a steadily narrowing directivity index through the treble, and its 6.5 inch woofer reaches a genuine 39.6Hz extension point. The catch is a sound power directivity index standard deviation of 3.89, the widest in this batch, while the Genelec 8040B is very expensive.

Genelec 8040B vs Neumann KH 150

The case for the Genelec 8040B: Based on the smaller sibling’s measured performance against others, it is ranked accordingly. The tradeoff: Very expensive.

Buy the Neumann KH 150. It is rated higher for sound quality and still sold new, while the Genelec 8040B is discontinued.

Still deciding? The full Powered Home rankings cover every ranked option.

Specifications Side By Side

Genelec 8040B Neumann KH 150
Price$2,790 per pair Discontinued$3,398 per pair
Ranked#33 of 68 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers#8 of 68 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers
Dimensions14.4”H x 9.3”W x 8.8”D (365.8 x 236.2 x 223.5 mm)13.6”H x 8.9”W x 10.7”D (345 x 225 x 273 mm)
Frequency Response41Hz - 25kHz (-6dB) (Manufacturer specified)39Hz-20.4kHz +/-3dB
InputsXLRXLR (balanced analog), RCA S/PDIF (digital)
Weight20.7 lbs (9.4 kg) each17.6 lbs (8.0 kg) each
Drivers6.5” (165mm) woofer1” tweeter, 6.5” woofer
AppNo-
BluetoothNoNo
EQYes (Room adjustment)-
DSPNo-
Amplifier Power180w Per Speaker245W total (145W woofer, 100W tweeter, 10% THD+N)
XLR InputYesYes
RCA InputNoYes
TRS InputNoNo
Optical InputNoNo
Coaxial InputNoYes
USB InputNoNo
HDMI InputNoNo
AES InputNoNo
Aux InputNoNo
Enclosure-ported
Bass Extension (-3dB)-39.6Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bass Extension (-10dB)-34.2Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Crossover Frequency-1.7kHz
Warranty-2 years
Country-Germany
Maximum SPL-118.7dB @ 1m half space (manufacturer specified)
Spinorama Preference Score-6.65
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub-8.38

More worthwhile head-to-heads for Neumann KH 150:

Prices on this page were last checked October 3, 2026 at 10:26 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 8040B: $2,790 per pair Discontinued B&H Photo Video eBay

Genelec 8040B ranking card

Newer model: the Genelec 8340A. It’s likely to perform similarly, though we don’t have measurements to confirm that yet. It uses the same cabinet and woofer size, adding GLM room calibration and an AES/EBU digital input.

Pros: A compact professional monitor with balanced XLR input and analog room-adjustment controls. The manufacturer’s 41Hz limit is specified at -6dB, offering a useful reference for system planning without confusing it with a measured -3dB point.

Cons: It lacks GLM calibration and consumer streaming inputs. The balanced XLR connection may require an interface or controller for a typical desktop source. It is expensive. Discontinued.

AES InputNo
Amplifier Power180w Per Speaker
AppNo
Aux InputNo
BluetoothNo
Coaxial InputNo
DSPNo
Dimensions14.4”H x 9.3”W x 8.8”D (365.8 x 236.2 x 223.5 mm)
Drivers6.5” (165mm) woofer
EQYes (Room adjustment)
Frequency Response41Hz - 25kHz (-6dB) (Manufacturer specified)
HDMI InputNo
InputsXLR
Optical InputNo
RCA InputNo
TRS InputNo
USB InputNo
Weight20.7 lbs (9.4 kg) each
XLR InputYes

Neumann KH 150: $3,398 per pair B&H Photo Video eBay

Neumann KH 150 ranking card

Pros: An exceptionally tight 1.0dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz supports neutral vocals and instruments. The measured ideal-subwoofer score is 8.38, with -3dB bass extension to 39.6Hz. DSP and optional MA 1 alignment offer useful control over room-related response errors. Measured bass extension of 39.6Hz (-3dB).

Cons: A two-way nearfield monitor cannot match the largest three-way systems for deep-bass output at distance. Keep the tweeter near ear height to avoid crossover-related changes off the vertical axis. MA 1 calibration requires additional equipment, and studio connections are less convenient than a consumer streaming system.

AES InputNo
Amplifier Power245W total (145W woofer, 100W tweeter, 10% THD+N)
Aux InputNo
Bass Extension (-10dB)34.2Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bass Extension (-3dB)39.6Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
BluetoothNo
Coaxial InputYes
CountryGermany
Crossover Frequency1.7kHz
Dimensions13.6”H x 8.9”W x 10.7”D (345 x 225 x 273 mm)
Drivers1” tweeter, 6.5” woofer
Enclosureported
Frequency Response39Hz-20.4kHz +/-3dB
HDMI InputNo
InputsXLR (balanced analog), RCA S/PDIF (digital)
Maximum SPL118.7dB @ 1m half space (manufacturer specified)
Optical InputNo
RCA InputYes
Spinorama Preference Score6.65
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub8.38
TRS InputNo
USB InputNo
Warranty2 years
Weight17.6 lbs (8.0 kg) each
XLR InputYes