Short answer: the Neumann KH420. It ranks #5 of 66 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality at $10500; the Genelec 8361A ranks #6 and costs $10900, which makes this an easy call rather than a real tradeoff.
The case for the Genelec 8361A: Three-way coaxial design: 5” mid-range with an inset 1” metal dome tweeter. Set against that: Approximately $11,000 per pair.
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.
Buy the Neumann KH420. It ranks higher for sound quality than the Genelec 8361A and costs less, so there is no real case for the other one.
Specifications Side By Side
| Genelec 8361A | Neumann KH420 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $10900 | $10500 |
| Ranked | #6 of 66 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #5 of 66 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) |
| Max SPL | 118dB @ 1m | 124dB @ 1m |
| Output Power | 1000w Per Speaker | 555w Per Speaker |
Related Speaker Comparisons
A few more comparisons worth a look in the same class:
- JBL M2 Master Reference Monitor vs Genelec 8351B
- Genelec 8351B vs SHIVAUDYO Point Zero
- Genelec 8351B vs HEDD Type 20 MK2
- Genelec 8351B vs Genelec 8361A
- Genelec 8351B vs Neumann KH420
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The Two Speakers In Full
Genelec 8361A: $10900 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.
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 →
| App | Yes (GLM) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 29Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 34Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Bluetooth | 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) |
| Inputs | XLR |
| Max SPL | 118dB @ 1m |
| Output Power | 1000w Per Speaker |
| Weight | 70.3 lbs / 31.9 kg each |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head 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
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons