Short answer: the Neumann KH 150 for better sound quality, the JBL 308P MKII for the lower price. The Neumann KH 150 ranks #14 of 66 powered bookshelf speakers at $3398. The JBL 308P MKII ranks #26 at $498, $2900 cheaper.
What the JBL 308P MKII offers: CEA2034 spinorama shows an essentially flat on-axis response from 45Hz to above 15kHz, with almost no directivity error. Dual 56W Class D amps drive an 8” woofer and 1” tweeter with a smooth, imperceptible crossover transition. Excellent value at $498 per pair. Watch for: A resonance shows up around 18kHz and a slight dip around 1.4kHz. An electronic limiter creates measurable anomalies around 96dB, and maximum clean output tops out around 105dB SPL before heavy limiting kicks in. Some audible tweeter hiss at close range.
What the Neumann KH 150 offers: Neumann’s Mathematically Modelled Dispersion waveguide produces a listening window smoothness score of 0.69 with a steadily narrowing directivity index through the treble, and the 6.5 inch woofer reaches a genuine 39.6Hz extension point. FIR based phase correction and 118.7dB max SPL give it real headroom for a compact two way, and the onboard DSP includes adjustable bass, low mid, and treble shelving plus optional MA 1 automatic room calibration. Watch for: The sound power directivity index has the widest standard deviation of any speaker in this batch, 3.89, meaning off axis energy tracks the on axis response a little less consistently than the tightest speakers here as frequency rises. No Bluetooth or wireless input, it needs a balanced XLR or S/PDIF source. At 8kg (17.6 lbs) per cabinet plus an external power brick it needs a proper stand rather than a bookshelf. Its measured preference score trails Neumann’s own larger KH 310A and KH 420 monitors, so buyers chasing the deepest bass in the KH line should look further up the range.
Buy the JBL 308P MKII if the price matters more than sound quality. Buy the Neumann KH 150 if sound quality matters more than the price.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL 308P MKII | Neumann KH 150 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $498 | $3,398/pair |
| Ranked | #26 of 66 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #14 of 66 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 82Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 39.6Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 60Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 34.2Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Dimensions | 16.5"H x 10"W x 12.1"D (419.1 x 254 x 307.3 mm) | 13.6"H x 8.9"W x 10.7"D (345 x 225 x 273 mm) (13.58 x 8.86 x 10.75 in) |
| Frequency Response | 45Hz - 20kHz (+/-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 39Hz-20.4kHz +/-3dB |
| Weight | not published by manufacturer | 17.6 lbs / 8.0 kg (17.6 lbs) each |
| Drivers | 8" woofer, 1" neodymium tweeter | 1" tweeter, 6.5" woofer |
| App | No | - |
| EQ | No | - |
| DSP | No | - |
| Output Power | 112W total | - |
| Enclosure | - | ported |
| Power Output (Watts) | - | 245W total (145W woofer, 100W tweeter, 10% THD+N) |
| Max SPL | - | 118.7dB @ 1m half space |
| Crossover Points | - | 1.7kHz |
| Warranty | - | 2 years |
| Country | - | Germany |
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Prices on this page were last checked August 25, 2026 at 6:19 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.
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The Two Speakers In Full
JBL 308P MKII: $498 Bhphotovideo eBay
Pros: CEA2034 spinorama shows an essentially flat on-axis response from 45Hz to above 15kHz, with almost no directivity error. Dual 56W Class D amps drive an 8” woofer and 1” tweeter with a smooth, imperceptible crossover transition. Excellent value at $498 per pair.
Cons: A resonance shows up around 18kHz and a slight dip around 1.4kHz. An electronic limiter creates measurable anomalies around 96dB, and maximum clean output tops out around 105dB SPL before heavy limiting kicks in. Some audible tweeter hiss at close range.
Full JBL 308P MKII review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 60Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 82Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| DSP | No |
| Dimensions | 16.5"H x 10"W x 12.1"D (419.1 x 254 x 307.3 mm) |
| Drivers | 8" woofer, 1" neodymium tweeter |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 45Hz - 20kHz (+/-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Output Power | 112W total |
| Weight | not published by manufacturer |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Neumann KH 150: $3,398/pair Bhphotovideo eBay
Pros: Neumann’s Mathematically Modelled Dispersion waveguide produces a listening window smoothness score of 0.69 with a steadily narrowing directivity index through the treble, and the 6.5 inch woofer reaches a genuine 39.6Hz extension point. FIR based phase correction and 118.7dB max SPL give it real headroom for a compact two way, and the onboard DSP includes adjustable bass, low mid, and treble shelving plus optional MA 1 automatic room calibration.
Cons: The sound power directivity index has the widest standard deviation of any speaker in this batch, 3.89, meaning off axis energy tracks the on axis response a little less consistently than the tightest speakers here as frequency rises. No Bluetooth or wireless input, it needs a balanced XLR or S/PDIF source. At 8kg (17.6 lbs) per cabinet plus an external power brick it needs a proper stand rather than a bookshelf. Its measured preference score trails Neumann’s own larger KH 310A and KH 420 monitors, so buyers chasing the deepest bass in the KH line should look further up the range.
Full Neumann KH 150 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 34.2Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 39.6Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Country | Germany |
| Crossover Points | 1.7kHz |
| Dimensions | 13.6"H x 8.9"W x 10.7"D (345 x 225 x 273 mm) (13.58 x 8.86 x 10.75 in) |
| Drivers | 1" tweeter, 6.5" woofer |
| Enclosure | ported |
| Frequency Response | 39Hz-20.4kHz +/-3dB |
| Max SPL | 118.7dB @ 1m half space |
| Power Output (Watts) | 245W total (145W woofer, 100W tweeter, 10% THD+N) |
| Warranty | 2 years |
| Weight | 17.6 lbs / 8.0 kg (17.6 lbs) each |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons