Short answer: the Genelec 8050B. It ranks #8 of 40 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality at $3800; the Neumann KH 310 A ranks #13 and costs $4400, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
What the Genelec 8050B offers: CEA2034 spinorama shows a very good on-axis response with excellent directivity. Watch for: A dip around 2kHz shows up in both the on-axis and predicted in-room measurements.
What the Neumann KH 310 A gets right: CEA2034 spinorama shows a near-perfect on-axis response with superb directivity control and minimal off-axis variation. The catch: An unidentified dip around 80Hz shows up in the measurements, which Neumann was asked to investigate.
Buy the Genelec 8050B. 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 8050B | Neumann KH 310 A | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $3800 | $4400 |
| Ranked | #8 of 40 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #13 of 40 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 68Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 70Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 50Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 42Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Dimensions | 17.8"H x 11.3"W x 10.9"D (452.1 x 287 x 276.9 mm) | not published by manufacturer |
| Frequency Response | 32Hz - 25kHz (-6dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 34Hz - 21kHz (+/-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | XLR | - |
| Weight | 31.7 lbs / 14.4 kg each | not published by manufacturer |
| Drivers | 8" (203mm) woofer | 8.25" woofer, 3" midrange, 1" tweeter |
| App | No | No |
| Bluetooth | No | - |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) | No |
| DSP | No | No |
| Output Power | 270w Per Speaker | 290W total (150W woofer, 70W mid, 70W tweeter) |
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- Buchardt A500 vs Buchardt A10
- Buchardt A500 vs JBL 4329P
- HEDD Type 20 MK2 vs Buchardt A500
- Genelec 8050B vs JBL 4329P
- Neumann KH 310 A vs JBL 708P
The Two Speakers In Full
Genelec 8050B: $3800 Bhphotovideo
Pros: CEA2034 spinorama shows a very good on-axis response with excellent directivity. Predicted in-room response is smooth, with only a 2kHz dip as a real issue. Horizontal beamwidth of about ±50 degrees is very smooth and well controlled. Vertical directivity is similarly even outside the 2kHz region, as long as listening position stays within about ±20 degrees of the woofer’s border. Distortion at 96dB SPL/1m is typical low-frequency behavior with the rest of the range well controlled.
Cons: A dip around 2kHz shows up in both the on-axis and predicted in-room measurements. An unexplained distortion spike appears around 10-15kHz at 96dB SPL/1m that the reviewer couldn’t identify a clear cause for. Cumulative spectral decay (waterfall) shows a port resonance lingering in the upper-bass/lower-midrange region. Very expensive.
Full Genelec 8050B review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 50Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 68Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| DSP | No |
| Dimensions | 17.8"H x 11.3"W x 10.9"D (452.1 x 287 x 276.9 mm) |
| Drivers | 8" (203mm) woofer |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) |
| Frequency Response | 32Hz - 25kHz (-6dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | XLR |
| Output Power | 270w Per Speaker |
| Weight | 31.7 lbs / 14.4 kg each |
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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