Short answer: these are both genuinely elite large monitors: choose the Neumann KH420 for deeper extension and slightly cleaner measured midrange, or the Genelec 8361A for coaxial imaging and room-calibration workflow. Their prices and physical demands are close enough that installation should decide the comparison.
The case for the Genelec 8361A: Three-way coaxial design: 5” mid-range with an inset 1” metal dome tweeter. Set against that: Flagship-level pricing.
What the Neumann KH420 gets right: CEA2034 spinorama shows an extended, flat on-axis response that matches Neumann’s own published measurement to within 0.08dB at its one. Set against that: Horizontal beamwidth, while well controlled, is on the narrow side at about ±55 degrees.
The KH420 reaches roughly 27.8Hz at -3dB and posts a 1.2dB 300Hz to 5kHz response span. The 8361A is still exceptionally controlled, with 33.7Hz extension, low distortion, strong output, and the imaging benefits of its coaxial layout. Neither is a casual desktop speaker.
Buy the Neumann KH420 for the strongest measured bass extension and tonal accuracy in a large monitoring room.
Buy the Genelec 8361A for consistent coaxial imaging and a Genelec GLM-based setup.
Still deciding? The full Powered Home rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Genelec 8361A | Neumann KH420 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $10900 per pair | $10500 per pair |
| Ranked | #6 of 67 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #5 of 67 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 29Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) | 24Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 34Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) | 32Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Dimensions | 22.5"H x 14"W x 13.6"D (571.5 x 355.6 x 345.4 mm) | 25.4"H x 13"W x 17.5"D (645.2 x 330.2 x 444.5 mm) |
| Inputs | XLR | XLR |
| Drivers | Dual 263 x 137 mm woofers, 5.1" coaxial with tweeter midrange, 1" (25mm) coaxial tweeter | 10" woofer, 4" dome midrange, 1" fabric dome tweeter |
| Weight | 70.3 lbs (31.9 kg) each | 77.2 lbs (35 kg) each |
| App | Yes (GLM) | Yes (MA 1 alignment) |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| DSP | Yes | No |
| EQ | Yes (via GLM software) | Yes (Room response controls) |
| Frequency Response | 30Hz - 43kHz (±2dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 31Hz - 21kHz (±3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Amplifier Power | 1000w Per Speaker | 555w Per Speaker |
| Maximum SPL | 118dB @ 1m (manufacturer specified) | 124dB @ 1m (manufacturer specified) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.04 | 6.39 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.35 | 7.51 |
| 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 |
Related Speaker Comparisons
How Neumann KH420 compares with other leading options:
- Genelec 8351B vs Neumann KH420
- Neumann KH420 vs Neumann KH 150
- Dutch & Dutch 8C vs Neumann KH420
- Neumann KH420 vs Neumann KH 310 A
- JBL 308P MKII vs Neumann KH420
Prices on this page were last checked September 22, 2026 at 5:11 AM 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.
The Two Speakers In Full
Genelec 8361A: $10900 per pair B&H Photo Video eBay
Pros: The coaxial design combines consistent imaging with substantial output capability. ASR measured a 1.8dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz, 33.7Hz -3dB extension and a 7.35 ideal-subwoofer score. Low distortion and restrained compression support its use at greater distances than smaller nearfield monitors. Measured bass extension of 34Hz (-3dB).
Cons: Its larger size buys headroom, not uniformly better tonality than the smaller Ones models. Some lower-midrange unevenness remains, and listening angle can affect perceived treble balance. The cabinets are very heavy and expensive; GLM setup and suitable stands need to be budgeted separately.
Full Genelec 8361A review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 1000w Per Speaker |
| App | Yes (GLM) |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 29Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 34Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| DSP | Yes |
| Dimensions | 22.5"H x 14"W x 13.6"D (571.5 x 355.6 x 345.4 mm) |
| Drivers | Dual 263 x 137 mm woofers, 5.1" coaxial with tweeter midrange, 1" (25mm) coaxial tweeter |
| EQ | Yes (via GLM software) |
| Frequency Response | 30Hz - 43kHz (±2dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | XLR |
| Maximum SPL | 118dB @ 1m (manufacturer specified) |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | No |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.04 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.35 |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 70.3 lbs (31.9 kg) each |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Neumann KH420: $10500 per pair 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. Measured bass extension of 32Hz (-3dB).
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 →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 555w Per Speaker |
| App | Yes (MA 1 alignment) |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 24Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 32Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | 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) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | XLR |
| Maximum SPL | 124dB @ 1m (manufacturer specified) |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | No |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.39 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.51 |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 77.2 lbs (35 kg) each |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons