Short answer: the Genelec 8040B. It ranks #9 of 40 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality at $2350; the Neumann KH 310 A ranks #13 and costs $4400, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
What the Genelec 8040B gets right: Based on their smaller speaker’s performance against others, I’m ranking this accordingly. The catch: Very expensive.
On the Neumann KH 310 A side: CEA2034 spinorama shows a near-perfect on-axis response with superb directivity control and minimal off-axis variation. Set against that: An unidentified dip around 80Hz shows up in the measurements, which Neumann was asked to investigate.
Buy the Genelec 8040B. It ranks higher for sound quality than the Neumann KH 310 A and costs less, so there is no real case for the other one.
Specifications Side By Side
| Genelec 8040B | Neumann KH 310 A | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2350 | $4400 |
| Ranked | #9 of 40 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #13 of 40 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) | not published by manufacturer |
| Frequency Response | 41Hz - 25kHz (-6dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 34Hz - 21kHz (+/-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | XLR | - |
| Weight | 20.7 lbs / 9.4 kg each | not published by manufacturer |
| Drivers | 6.5" (165mm) woofer | 8.25" woofer, 3" midrange, 1" tweeter |
| App | No | No |
| Bluetooth | No | - |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) | No |
| DSP | No | No |
| Output Power | 180w Per Speaker | 290W total (150W woofer, 70W mid, 70W tweeter) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | - | 70Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 42Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More useful head-to-heads from the same speaker class:
- JBL 4305P vs JBL 4329P
- HEDD Type 20 MK2 vs JBL 4305P
- Buchardt A500 vs JBL 4305P
- Genelec 8040B vs JBL 4329P
- Genelec 8040B vs Buchardt A10
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 |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Neumann KH 310 A: $4400 Bhphotovideo
Pros: CEA2034 spinorama shows a near-perfect on-axis response with superb directivity control and minimal off-axis variation. Distortion measured very low at 96dB SPL/1m. Bass stays clean and dry without bloat, and vocals show no harshness. Tri-amplified design delivers 290W combined output and up to 116.3dB SPL.
Cons: An unidentified dip around 80Hz shows up in the measurements, which Neumann was asked to investigate. Bass response shifts somewhat with amplifier temperature. Distortion rises above 100% THD at the very bottom of the bass range, as expected at that extreme. Expensive at $4,400 per pair.
Full Neumann KH 310 A review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 42Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 70Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| DSP | No |
| Dimensions | not published by manufacturer |
| Drivers | 8.25" woofer, 3" midrange, 1" tweeter |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 34Hz - 21kHz (+/-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Output Power | 290W total (150W woofer, 70W mid, 70W tweeter) |
| Weight | not published by manufacturer |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons