Short answer: the Genelec 8351B for better sound quality, the Neumann KH 310 A for the lower price. The Genelec 8351B ranks #6 of 40 powered bookshelf speakers at $9150. The Neumann KH 310 A ranks #13 at $4400, $4750 cheaper.
What the Genelec 8351B gets right: CEA2034 spinorama shows exceptionally flat response both on- and off-axis. The catch: Deep bass distortion rises substantially at higher output (96dB SPL/1m) - the reviewer notes “deep bass suffers” below about 100Hz.
What the Neumann KH 310 A offers: CEA2034 spinorama shows a near-perfect on-axis response with superb directivity control and minimal off-axis variation. Watch for: An unidentified dip around 80Hz shows up in the measurements, which Neumann was asked to investigate.
Buy the Genelec 8351B if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Neumann KH 310 A if the price matters more than sound quality.
Specifications Side By Side
| Genelec 8351B | Neumann KH 310 A | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $9150 | $4400 |
| Ranked | #6 of 40 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #13 of 40 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 28Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 42Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 33Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 70Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Dimensions | 17"H x 11.3"W x 10.9"D (431.8 x 287 x 276.9 mm) | not published by manufacturer |
| Inputs | XLR | - |
| Weight | 31.1 lbs / 14.1 kg each | not published by manufacturer |
| Drivers | 8.6" woofer, 5" coaxial with tweeter midrange, 0.75" (19mm) coaxial tweeter | 8.25" woofer, 3" midrange, 1" tweeter |
| App | Yes (GLM) | No |
| Bluetooth | No | - |
| DSP | Yes | No |
| EQ | Yes (via GLM software) | No |
| Frequency Response | 32Hz - 40kHz (±1.5dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 34Hz - 21kHz (+/-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Max SPL | 113dB @ 1m | - |
| Output Power | 550w Per Speaker | 290W total (150W woofer, 70W mid, 70W tweeter) |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More useful head-to-heads from the same speaker class:
- Genelec 8361A vs Genelec 8040B
- Genelec 8361A vs JBL 4305P
- Neumann KH420 vs JBL 4305P
- Genelec 8351B vs JBL 4329P
- Genelec 8351B vs HEDD Type 20 MK2
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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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