Short answer: the Neumann KH420 for better sound quality, the JBL 308P MKII for the lower price. The Neumann KH420 ranks #4 of 66 powered bookshelf speakers at $10500. The JBL 308P MKII ranks #26 at $498, $10002 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 KH420 offers: CEA2034 spinorama shows an extended, flat on-axis response that matches Neumann’s own published measurement to within 0.08dB at its one minor dip (around 60Hz), with excellent off-axis behavior. Predicted in-room response is smooth and rated “excellent” by the reviewer. Horizontal beamwidth of about ±55 degrees is very well controlled and stays consistent across frequency. Distortion is low at 86dB SPL/1m. Exceptionally high sustained output capability - the reviewer needed to “hold on for dear life” during extreme-level testing at 7 feet, with bass output described as making the entire house resonate. Reviewer’s overall verdict was “Great,” placing it on the recommended list and calling it a speaker “you could buy and forget about upgrading ever again.” Watch for: Horizontal beamwidth, while well controlled, is on the narrow side at about ±55 degrees. Vertical directivity is more limited than horizontal - the reviewer recommends staying within about ±30 degrees of the reference axis (just below the tweeter waveguide edge). Distortion rises noticeably in the bass region at 96dB SPL/1m, with an unusual 3rd-harmonic uptick appearing near 10kHz at that output level. At 106dB SPL/1m, the tweeter’s protection limiting engages and the clipping indicator activates - a real, measurable output ceiling despite the speaker’s otherwise very high capability. Very expensive.
Buy the JBL 308P MKII if the price matters more than sound quality. Buy the Neumann KH420 if sound quality matters more than the price.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL 308P MKII | Neumann KH420 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $498 | $10500 |
| Ranked | #26 of 66 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #4 of 66 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 82Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 32Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 60Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 24Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Dimensions | 16.5"H x 10"W x 12.1"D (419.1 x 254 x 307.3 mm) | 25.4"H x 13"W x 17.5"D (645.2 x 330.2 x 444.5 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 45Hz - 20kHz (+/-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 31Hz - 21kHz (±3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Weight | not published by manufacturer | 77.2 lbs / 35 kg each |
| Drivers | 8" woofer, 1" neodymium tweeter | 10" woofer, 4" dome midrange, 1" fabric dome tweeter |
| App | No | Yes (MA 1 alignment) |
| EQ | No | Yes (Room response controls) |
| DSP | No | No |
| Output Power | 112W total | 555w Per Speaker |
| Inputs | - | XLR |
| Bluetooth | - | No |
| Max SPL | - | 124dB @ 1m |
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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 KH420: $10500 Bhphotovideo eBay
Pros: CEA2034 spinorama shows an extended, flat on-axis response that matches Neumann’s own published measurement to within 0.08dB at its one minor dip (around 60Hz), with excellent off-axis behavior. Predicted in-room response is smooth and rated “excellent” by the reviewer. Horizontal beamwidth of about ±55 degrees is very well controlled and stays consistent across frequency. Distortion is low at 86dB SPL/1m. Exceptionally high sustained output capability - the reviewer needed to “hold on for dear life” during extreme-level testing at 7 feet, with bass output described as making the entire house resonate. Reviewer’s overall verdict was “Great,” placing it on the recommended list and calling it a speaker “you could buy and forget about upgrading ever again.”
Cons: Horizontal beamwidth, while well controlled, is on the narrow side at about ±55 degrees. Vertical directivity is more limited than horizontal - the reviewer recommends staying within about ±30 degrees of the reference axis (just below the tweeter waveguide edge). Distortion rises noticeably in the bass region at 96dB SPL/1m, with an unusual 3rd-harmonic uptick appearing near 10kHz at that output level. At 106dB SPL/1m, the tweeter’s protection limiting engages and the clipping indicator activates - a real, measurable output ceiling despite the speaker’s otherwise very high capability. Very expensive.
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