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.
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 |
| Dimensions | 14.4”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 Response | 41Hz - 25kHz (-6dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 39Hz-20.4kHz +/-3dB |
| Inputs | XLR | XLR (balanced analog), RCA S/PDIF (digital) |
| Weight | 20.7 lbs (9.4 kg) each | 17.6 lbs (8.0 kg) each |
| Drivers | 6.5” (165mm) woofer | 1” tweeter, 6.5” woofer |
| App | No | - |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) | - |
| DSP | No | - |
| Amplifier Power | 180w Per Speaker | 245W total (145W woofer, 100W tweeter, 10% THD+N) |
| XLR Input | Yes | Yes |
| RCA Input | No | Yes |
| TRS Input | No | No |
| Optical Input | No | No |
| Coaxial Input | No | Yes |
| USB Input | No | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| 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 |
Related Speaker Comparisons
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- Genelec 8351B vs Neumann KH 150
- Neumann KH420 vs Neumann KH 150
- Genelec 8361A vs 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.
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The Two Speakers In Full
Genelec 8040B: $2,790 per pair Discontinued B&H Photo Video eBay
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.
Full Genelec 8040B review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 180w Per Speaker |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | 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) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | XLR |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | No |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 20.7 lbs (9.4 kg) each |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- No independent measurement review is linked for this model; it is ranked from hands-on listening and comparison against similarly priced speakers.
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Neumann KH 150: $3,398 per pair B&H Photo Video eBay
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.
Full Neumann KH 150 review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 245W total (145W woofer, 100W tweeter, 10% THD+N) |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 34.2Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 39.6Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | Yes |
| Country | Germany |
| Crossover Frequency | 1.7kHz |
| Dimensions | 13.6”H x 8.9”W x 10.7”D (345 x 225 x 273 mm) |
| Drivers | 1” tweeter, 6.5” woofer |
| Enclosure | ported |
| Frequency Response | 39Hz-20.4kHz +/-3dB |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | XLR (balanced analog), RCA S/PDIF (digital) |
| Maximum SPL | 118.7dB @ 1m half space (manufacturer specified) |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | Yes |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.65 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 8.38 |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Warranty | 2 years |
| Weight | 17.6 lbs (8.0 kg) each |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons


