Genelec 8351B vs Neumann KH420

Short answer: the Genelec 8351B. It ranks #4 of 66 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality at $9150; the Neumann KH420 ranks #5 and costs $10500, so there is little reason to consider the other one.

On the Genelec 8351B side: 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.

The case for the Neumann KH420: CEA2034 spinorama shows an extended, flat on-axis response that matches Neumann’s own published measurement to within 0.08dB at its one. The tradeoff: Horizontal beamwidth, while well controlled, is on the narrow side at about ±55 degrees.

Buy the Genelec 8351B. It ranks higher for sound quality than the Neumann KH420 and costs less, which settles it without a real tradeoff to make.

Specifications Side By Side

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• Genelec 8351B vs SHIVAUDYO Point Zero

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The Two Speakers In Full

Genelec 8351B: $9150 B&H Photo Video eBay

Pros: The vertical ASR measurement scores 7.75 with an ideal subwoofer and reaches 35.2Hz at -3dB. Coaxial midrange and treble help maintain consistent sound as the listening angle changes. Low measured distortion at ordinary listening levels and GLM calibration make it a strong precision-monitoring choice.

Cons: Bass distortion increases at higher playback levels, so a subwoofer remains useful for demanding material. Upper-treble distortion in the test also cautions against assuming unlimited output. Calibration hardware adds to an already expensive system, and the quoted result is for the measured vertical orientation.

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

• Links
  • Official Genelec 8351B Product Page
• Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
  • Audio Science Review Measurements More from Audio Science Review →
  • Audio Science Review Measurements (spinorama.org)
• Head-to-Head Comparisons
  • Genelec 8351B vs Genelec 8361A
  • Genelec 8351B vs Neumann KH 150
  • Genelec 8351B vs Neumann KH 310 A
  • Genelec 8351B vs HEDD Type 20 MK2
  • Genelec 8351B vs SHIVAUDYO Point Zero
  • Genelec 8351B vs JBL 308P MKII
  • Genelec 8351B vs Yamaha HS8
  • Genelec 8351B vs Kali Audio LP-6 V2
  • See all 24 comparisons

Neumann KH420: $10500 B&H Photo Video eBay

Pros: A 1.2dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz, 7.51 ideal-subwoofer score and 27.8Hz measured -3dB extension combine accurate mids with genuinely deep bass. Its three-way design and low distortion at normal levels make it particularly attractive for larger listening distances and dynamic material.

Cons: It is a large, heavy studio monitor rather than an easy desktop speaker. Vertical alignment matters around the crossover regions. Bass distortion rises as playback levels increase, and the measured high-level limits still apply despite the substantial drivers and amplifiers.

Full Neumann KH420 review and specifications →

App	Yes (MA 1 alignment)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	24Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	32Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bluetooth	No
DSP	No
Dimensions	25.4"H x 13"W x 17.5"D (645.2 x 330.2 x 444.5 mm)
Drivers	10" woofer, 4" dome midrange, 1" fabric dome tweeter
EQ	Yes (Room response controls)
Frequency Response	31Hz - 21kHz (±3dB) (Manufacturer specified)
Inputs	XLR
Max SPL	124dB @ 1m
Output Power	555w Per Speaker
Weight	77.2 lbs / 35 kg each

• Links
  • Official Neumann KH420 Product Page
• Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
  • Audio Science Review Measurements More from Audio Science Review →
  • Audio Science Review Measurements (spinorama.org)
• Head-to-Head Comparisons
  • Neumann KH420 vs Genelec 8361A
  • Neumann KH420 vs Neumann KH 150
  • Neumann KH420 vs Dutch & Dutch 8C
  • Neumann KH420 vs Neumann KH 310 A
  • Neumann KH420 vs JBL 308P MKII
  • Neumann KH420 vs Yamaha HS8
  • Neumann KH420 vs Kali Audio LP-6 V2
  • Neumann KH420 vs Kali Audio IN-8 V2
  • See all 24 comparisons