JBL M2 Master Reference Monitor vs Neumann KH 150

Short answer: the JBL M2 Master Reference Monitor. It ranks #1 of 48 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality; the Neumann KH 150 ranks #14.

What the JBL M2 Master Reference Monitor offers: Flagship quasi-active two-way with a 15-inch 2216Nd woofer and D2 compression driver crossing near 800Hz through a large Image Control Waveguide. Set against that: The required bi-amplification/DSP ecosystem is expensive and complex; Erin’s Crown I-Tech 5000HD had fans loud enough that he moved it to another room for measurements.

What the Neumann KH 150 gets right: 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. The tradeoff: 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.

Buy the JBL M2 Master Reference Monitor if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Neumann KH 150 if the price matters more than sound quality.

Specifications Side By Side

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The Two Speakers In Full

JBL M2 Master Reference Monitor: Contact dealer JBL Professional Dealer Locator

Pros: Flagship quasi-active two-way with a 15-inch 2216Nd woofer and D2 compression driver crossing near 800Hz through a large Image Control Waveguide. Erin measured F3 at 34Hz, less than 1% THD at 86 and 96dB, and only about 0.25dB compression by 102dB. Radiation stays broadly constant to roughly +/-60 degrees through 8-9kHz, producing excellent direct/reflected-sound agreement and enormous clean dynamic range. External DSP amplification permits precise factory crossover, phase and response correction.

Cons: The required bi-amplification/DSP ecosystem is expensive and complex; Erin’s Crown I-Tech 5000HD had fans loud enough that he moved it to another room for measurements. Midrange resonances remain visible despite the otherwise neutral response, and treble dispersion narrows above roughly 9kHz before beaming above 12kHz. Each 130-pound enclosure is physically imposing. This is an amplified system, so passive impedance and sensitivity figures are not applicable to the complete configured product.

Full JBL M2 Master Reference Monitor review and specifications →

Amplification	External two-channel amplification and JBL DSP tuning required
Bass Extension (-10dB)	21.0Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	34Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner)
Crossover	800Hz active DSP
Drivers	15" 2216Nd woofer; D2 compression driver in Image Control Waveguide
Max SPL	123dB manufacturer specified
Sensitivity	Not applicable (externally bi-amplified DSP system)
Weight	130 lb each

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• Links
  • Official JBL M2 Page
• Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
  • Erin’s Audio Corner: JBL M2 Review
  • Erin’s Audio Corner Website: JBL M2
  • Erin’s Audio Corner Measurements (spinorama.org)
  • Reddit Search for JBL M2 Master Reference Monitor Review
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Neumann KH 150: $3,398/pair Bhphotovideo

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

As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.

• Links
  • Neumann KH 150 Official Page
• Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
  • Audio Science Review Measurements
  • Audio Science Review Measurements (spinorama.org)
  • Reddit Search for Neumann KH 150 Review
• Head-to-Head Comparisons
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