Short answer: the KH80 DSP ranks higher, but the 305P MkII has a specific real advantage. The KH80 ranks #4 of 25 powered bookshelf speakers at $598.98; the 305P MkII ranks #7 at $299.00, $300 less.
Our notes describe an unusual listening test result. Despite the KH80 measuring smoother, one reviewer found it sounded smaller and less present than the cheaper 305P MkII, which had more perceived bass and clarity despite measuring worse on paper.
The 305P MkII is described as extremely close to the Focal Alpha 50 EVO, almost indistinguishable, with only minor complaints like possible slight amp hiss at low levels.
Buy the 305P MkII for the strong value case, backed by that direct listening comparison. Buy the KH80 DSP for the higher ranking if you don’t mind its iPad-only control app.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL 305P MKII | Neumann KH80 DSP | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $299.00 | $598.98 |
| Ranked | #7 of 24 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #4 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) | 13.6"H x 10.8"W x 9.6"D (345.4 x 274.3 x 243.8 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 49 Hz - 20 kHz (+-3 dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 57 Hz - 25 kHz (+-3 dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | XLR, TRS | XLR |
| Weight | 10.4 lbs / 4.7 kg each | 9 lbs / 4.1 kg each |
| Drivers | 5" (127mm) woofer | 4.1" woofer, 1" fabric dome tweeter |
| App | No | Yes (MA 1 alignment) |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) | Yes (via DSP) |
| Output Power | 81w Per Speaker | 140W (90W woofer + 50W tweeter) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 51Hz |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | - | 57Hz |
| DSP | - | Yes |
| Max SPL | - | 110.7dB @ 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 KH80 DSP: $598.98 Amazon
Pros: Near identical sound to the 8020D. 8020D is slightly cleaner, KH80 is slightly warmer.
Cons: High price. Companion app for EQ/setup is iPad-only - no Android or Bluetooth option despite being control-only. There’s a dip in energy around the crossover that gets worse with ceiling/rear-wall reflections, and in one reviewer’s listening test the smoother-measuring KH80 actually sounded smaller and less present than the cheaper JBL 305P MKII, which had more perceived bass and clarity despite measuring worse.
| App | Yes (MA 1 alignment) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 51Hz |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 57Hz |
| Bluetooth | No |
| DSP | Yes |
| Dimensions | 13.6"H x 10.8"W x 9.6"D (345.4 x 274.3 x 243.8 mm) |
| Drivers | 4.1" woofer, 1" fabric dome tweeter |
| EQ | Yes (via DSP) |
| Frequency Response | 57 Hz - 25 kHz (+-3 dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | XLR |
| Max SPL | 110.7dB @ 1m |
| Output Power | 140W (90W woofer + 50W tweeter) |
| Weight | 9 lbs / 4.1 kg each |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Erin’s Audio Corner Review Measurements
- Audio Science Review Measurements
- DSAUDIO.review: Neumann KH80 DSP vs Genelec 8020D Sound & Frequency Response Comparison
- DSAUDIO.review: Neumann KH80 DSP vs Yamaha HS8 Sound & Frequency Response Comparison
- DSAUDIO.review: Neumann KH80 DSP vs Focal Shape 40 Sound & Frequency Response Comparison
- DSAUDIO.review: Neumann KH80 DSP vs IK Multimedia iLoud MTM Sound & Frequency Response Comparison
- DSAUDIO.review: Neumann KH80 DSP vs JBL 305P MKII Sound & Frquency Response Comparison
- DSAUDIO.review: KEF LSX vs Neumann KH80 DSP Sound & Frequency Response Comparison
- DSAUDIO.review: Adam Audio A3X vs Neumann KH80 DSP Sound & Frequency Response Comparison
- DSAUDIO.review: Neumann KH80 DSP vs KRK Rokit 5 G4 RP5G4 Sound & Frequency Response Comparison
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- Head-to-Head 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.