Genelec 8351B vs Neumann KH 150

Short answer: the Genelec 8351B for better sound quality, the Neumann KH 150 for the lower price. The Genelec 8351B ranks #6 of 48 powered bookshelf speakers at $9150. The Neumann KH 150 ranks #14 at $3398, $5752 cheaper.

On the Genelec 8351B side: CEA2034 spinorama shows exceptionally flat response both on- and off-axis. The tradeoff: Deep bass distortion rises substantially at higher output (96dB SPL/1m) - the reviewer notes “deep bass suffers” below about 100Hz.

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. Set against that: 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 8351B if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Neumann KH 150 if the price matters more than sound quality.

Specifications Side By Side

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The Two Speakers In Full

Genelec 8351B: $9150 Bhphotovideo

Pros: CEA2034 spinorama shows exceptionally flat response both on- and off-axis. Predicted in-room response is “as good as it gets” - should sound very neutral in nearly any room. Horizontal beamwidth of about ±50 degrees is described by the reviewer as exceptionally smooth, a model example of well-executed directivity control. Vertical directivity is nearly as good as horizontal, a benefit of its coaxial driver design that’s rare among non-coaxial monitors. Distortion at 86dB SPL/1m is remarkably low - the reviewer says it’s “better than many headphones.”

Cons: Deep bass distortion rises substantially at higher output (96dB SPL/1m) - the reviewer notes “deep bass suffers” below about 100Hz. A distortion spike also appears near 8-10kHz at that same higher output level. Cumulative spectral decay (waterfall) measurements show resonances around 1-2kHz. Very expensive.

Full Genelec 8351B review and specifications →

App	Yes (GLM)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	28Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	33Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bluetooth	No
DSP	Yes
Dimensions	17"H x 11.3"W x 10.9"D (431.8 x 287 x 276.9 mm)
Drivers	8.6" woofer, 5" coaxial with tweeter midrange, 0.75" (19mm) coaxial tweeter
EQ	Yes (via GLM software)
Frequency Response	32Hz - 40kHz (±1.5dB) (Manufacturer specified)
Inputs	XLR
Max SPL	113dB @ 1m
Output Power	550w Per Speaker
Weight	31.1 lbs / 14.1 kg each

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• Links
  • Official Genelec 8351B Product Page
• Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
  • Audio Science Review Measurements
  • Audio Science Review Measurements (spinorama.org)
  • Reddit Search for Genelec 8351B Review
• Head-to-Head Comparisons
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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

As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.

• 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
• Head-to-Head Comparisons
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