Genelec 8040B vs Neumann KH 150

Short answer: the Genelec 8040B. It ranks #9 of 48 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality at $2350; the Neumann KH 150 ranks #14 and costs $3398, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.

The case for the Genelec 8040B: Based on their smaller speaker’s performance against others, I’m ranking this accordingly. The tradeoff: Very expensive.

What the Neumann KH 150 offers: Neumann’s Mathematically Modelled Dispersion waveguide produces a listening window smoothness score of 0.69 with a steadily narrowing directivity index through the treble, and the 6.5 inch woofer reaches a genuine 39.6Hz extension point. Watch for: The sound power directivity index has the widest standard deviation of any speaker in this batch, 3.89, meaning off axis energy tracks the on axis response a little less consistently than the tightest speakers here as frequency rises.

Buy the Genelec 8040B. It ranks higher for sound quality than the Neumann KH 150 and costs less, so there is no real case for the other one.

Specifications Side By Side

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The Two Speakers In Full

Genelec 8040B: $2350 Bhphotovideo

Pros: Based on their smaller speaker’s performance against others, I’m ranking this accordingly.

Cons: Very expensive

Full Genelec 8040B review and specifications →

App	No
Bluetooth	No
DSP	No
Dimensions	14.4"H x 9.3"W x 8.8"D (365.8 x 236.2 x 223.5 mm)
Drivers	6.5" (165mm) woofer
EQ	Yes (Room adjustment)
Frequency Response	41Hz - 25kHz (-6dB) (Manufacturer specified)
Inputs	XLR
Output Power	180w Per Speaker
Weight	20.7 lbs / 9.4 kg each

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• Links
  • Official Genelec 8040B Product Page
• Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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Neumann KH 150: $3,398/pair Bhphotovideo

Pros: Neumann’s Mathematically Modelled Dispersion waveguide produces a listening window smoothness score of 0.69 with a steadily narrowing directivity index through the treble, and the 6.5 inch woofer reaches a genuine 39.6Hz extension point. FIR based phase correction and 118.7dB max SPL give it real headroom for a compact two way, and the onboard DSP includes adjustable bass, low mid, and treble shelving plus optional MA 1 automatic room calibration.

Cons: The sound power directivity index has the widest standard deviation of any speaker in this batch, 3.89, meaning off axis energy tracks the on axis response a little less consistently than the tightest speakers here as frequency rises. No Bluetooth or wireless input, it needs a balanced XLR or S/PDIF source. At 8kg (17.6 lbs) per cabinet plus an external power brick it needs a proper stand rather than a bookshelf. Its measured preference score trails Neumann’s own larger KH 310A and KH 420 monitors, so buyers chasing the deepest bass in the KH line should look further up the range.

Full Neumann KH 150 review and specifications →

Bass Extension (-10dB)	34.2Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	39.6Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Country	Germany
Crossover Points	1.7kHz
Dimensions	13.6"H x 8.9"W x 10.7"D (345 x 225 x 273 mm) (13.58 x 8.86 x 10.75 in)
Drivers	1" tweeter, 6.5" woofer
Enclosure	ported
Frequency Response	39Hz-20.4kHz +/-3dB
Max SPL	118.7dB @ 1m half space
Power Output (Watts)	245W total (145W woofer, 100W tweeter, 10% THD+N)
Warranty	2 years
Weight	17.6 lbs / 8.0 kg (17.6 lbs) each

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• Links
  • Neumann KH 150 Official Page
• Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
  • Audio Science Review Measurements
  • Audio Science Review Measurements (spinorama.org)
  • Reddit Search for Neumann KH 150 Review
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