Short answer: the Neumann KH120 MKII for the higher ranking, the JBL 305P MKII for the lower price. The Neumann KH120 MKII ranks #1 of 24 powered bookshelf speakers at $2000. The JBL 305P MKII ranks #7 at $299, $1701 cheaper.
On the JBL 305P MKII side: A fantastic value in studio monitors. The tradeoff: Possible slight hissing from the amps at low levels.
The case for the Neumann KH120 MKII: CEA2034 spinorama is about as flat as the reviewer has measured, with excellent directivity aside from a small blip around 2kHz. The tradeoff: A minor directivity blip appears around 2kHz.
Buy the JBL 305P MKII if the price matters more than the ranking. Buy the Neumann KH120 MKII if the ranking matters more than the price.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL 305P MKII | Neumann KH120 MKII | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $299.00 | $2000 |
| Ranked | #7 of 24 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #1 of 24 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Dimensions | 11.7"H x 7.3"W x 9.1"D (297.2 x 185.4 x 231.1 mm) | 11.3"H x 7.2"W x 8.9"D (287 x 182.9 x 226.1 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 49 Hz - 20 kHz (+-3 dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 44Hz - 21kHz (±3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | XLR, TRS | XLR |
| Weight | 10.4 lbs / 4.7 kg each | 14.6 lbs / 6.6 kg each |
| Drivers | 5" (127mm) woofer | 5.25" woofer, 1" titanium fabric dome tweeter |
| App | No | Yes (MA 1 alignment) |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) | Yes (via DSP) |
| Output Power | 81w Per Speaker | 245W (145W woofer + 100W tweeter) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 36Hz |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | - | 46Hz |
| DSP | - | Yes |
| Max SPL | - | 116.8dB @ 1m |
The Two Speakers In Full
JBL 305P MKII: $299.00 Amazon
Pros: A fantastic value in studio monitors. Extremely close to the Focal Alpha 50 EVO, almost indistinguishable.
Cons: Possible slight hissing from the amps at low levels. Rear ported, can be an issue close to walls.
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bluetooth | No |
| Dimensions | 11.7"H x 7.3"W x 9.1"D (297.2 x 185.4 x 231.1 mm) |
| Drivers | 5" (127mm) woofer |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) |
| Frequency Response | 49 Hz - 20 kHz (+-3 dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | XLR, TRS |
| Output Power | 81w Per Speaker |
| Weight | 10.4 lbs / 4.7 kg each |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Erin’s Audio Corner Review Measurements
- Audio Science Review Measurements
- DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review Focal Alpha 50 EVO vs JBL 305P MKII sound.DEMO
- DSAUDIO.review: JBL 305P MKII vs Yamaha HS5 6-Track Comparison
- DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review JBL 305P MKII vs KRK Classic 5 CL5G3 sound.DEMO
- DSAUDIO.review: JBL 305P MKII vs Adam Audio T5V 6-Track Comparison
- DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review Adam Audio A5X vs JBL 305P MKII sound.DEMO
- DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review Kali Audio LP-6 V2 (2nd Wave) vs JBL 305P MKII sound.DEMO
- DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review Edifier MR4 vs JBL 305P MKII sound.DEMO
- DSAUDIO.review: Kali Audio IN-5 vs JBL 305P MKII Sound & Frequency Response Comparison
- DSAUDIO.review: JBL 308P MKII vs JBL 305P MKII Sound & Frequency Response Comparison
- DSAUDIO.review: Neumann KH80 DSP vs JBL 305P MKII Sound & Frquency Response Comparison
- DSAUDIO.review: JBL 305P MKII vs PreSonus Eris E5 6-Track Comparison
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Links
Neumann KH120 MKII: $2000 Bhphotovideo
Pros: CEA2034 spinorama is about as flat as the reviewer has measured, with excellent directivity aside from a small blip around 2kHz, and bass response that stays flat almost down to 50Hz. Predicted in-room response is superb despite not being strictly valid for a near-field monitor at this distance. Horizontal beamwidth of about ±50 degrees is nice and well controlled. Distortion at 86dB SPL/1m is exceptionally low. Even at 96dB SPL/1m - just 1dB before the clipping indicator engages - it stays very clean outside of deep bass.
Cons: A minor directivity blip appears around 2kHz. Vertical directivity narrows quickly above the reference axis, so the reviewer recommends staying right at it. Distortion rises substantially in the deep bass under 50Hz at higher output (96dB SPL/1m). Cumulative spectral decay (waterfall) shows a resonance in the upper midrange. High price.
| App | Yes (MA 1 alignment) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 36Hz |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 46Hz |
| Bluetooth | No |
| DSP | Yes |
| Dimensions | 11.3"H x 7.2"W x 8.9"D (287 x 182.9 x 226.1 mm) |
| Drivers | 5.25" woofer, 1" titanium fabric dome tweeter |
| EQ | Yes (via DSP) |
| Frequency Response | 44Hz - 21kHz (±3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | XLR |
| Max SPL | 116.8dB @ 1m |
| Output Power | 245W (145W woofer + 100W tweeter) |
| Weight | 14.6 lbs / 6.6 kg each |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Neumann KH120 MKII vs Genelec 8030C
- Neumann KH120 MKII vs Genelec 8020D
- Neumann KH120 MKII vs Neumann KH80 DSP
- Neumann KH120 MKII vs Kali LP-UNF
- Neumann KH120 MKII vs Focal Alpha 50 EVO
- Neumann KH120 MKII vs Adam Audio T5V
- Neumann KH120 MKII vs Presonus Eris E5
- Neumann KH120 MKII vs Edifier S2000MKIII
- See all 11 comparisons
- Links
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Product prices and availability were last checked August 9, 2026 at 6:57 AM UTC 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.