Short answer: the KH80 DSP ranks higher, but the 305P MkII has a specific real advantage. The KH80 ranks #4 of 108 powered bookshelf speakers at $1,198; the 305P MkII ranks #18 at $319, $879 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.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Powered Home rankings.
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Specifications Side By Side
| JBL 305P MKII | Neumann KH80 DSP | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $319.00 per pair | $1,198 per pair |
| Ranked | #18 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #4 of 108 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) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 50Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 57Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 43Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 51Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| 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) |
| Amplifier Power | 81w Per Speaker | 140W (90W woofer + 50W tweeter) |
| Sensitivity | 91.1dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 91.9dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.38 | 5.89 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.52 | 8.25 |
| XLR Input | Yes | Yes |
| RCA Input | No | No |
| TRS Input | Yes | 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 |
| DSP | - | Yes |
| Maximum SPL | - | 110.7dB @ 1m (manufacturer specified) |
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