Short answer: the Genelec 8351B for off-axis flatness, the Neumann KH420 for measured on-axis accuracy. The 8351B’s CEA2034 spinorama is exceptionally flat on and off axis, though deep bass distortion rises at 96dB SPL/1m and suffers below about 100Hz. The KH420’s extended flat on-axis response matches Neumann’s published measurement within 0.08dB, but its well-controlled horizontal beamwidth is narrow at about ±55 degrees.
Buy the Genelec 8351B. Both are rated the same for sound quality, and it costs $1,298 less than the Neumann KH420.
Still deciding? The full Powered Home rankings cover every ranked option.
Prices on this page were last checked November 7, 2026 at 7:34 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.
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
Specifications Side By Side
| Genelec 8351B | Neumann KH420 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $9,900 per pair | $11,198 per pair |
| Ranked | #4 of 119 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #5 of 119 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 28Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 24.4Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 33Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 27.8Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Dimensions | 17”H x 11.3”W x 10.9”D (431.8 x 287 x 276.9 mm) | 25.4”H x 13”W x 17.5”D (645.2 x 330.2 x 444.5 mm) |
| Inputs | XLR | XLR |
| Weight | 31.1 lbs (14.1 kg) each | 77.2 lbs (35 kg) each |
| Drivers | 8.6” woofer, 5” coaxial with tweeter midrange, 0.75” (19mm) coaxial tweeter | 10” woofer, 4” dome midrange, 1” fabric dome tweeter |
| App | Yes (GLM) | Yes (MA 1 alignment) |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| DSP | Yes | No |
| EQ | Yes (via GLM software) | Yes (Room response controls) |
| Frequency Response | 32Hz - 40kHz (±1.5dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 31Hz - 21kHz (±3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Amplifier Power | 550w Per Speaker | 555w Per Speaker |
| Maximum SPL | 113dB @ 1m (manufacturer specified) | 124dB @ 1m (manufacturer specified) |
| XLR Input | Yes | Yes |
| RCA Input | No | No |
| TRS Input | No | No |
| Optical Input | No | No |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | No | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Spinorama Preference Score | - | 7.02 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | - | 8.14 |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More top alternatives to Genelec 8351B: