Short answer: the JBL M2 Master Reference Monitor. It ranks #1 of 40 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality; the Neumann KH 310 A ranks #13.
On the JBL M2 Master Reference Monitor side: 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 310 A offers: CEA2034 spinorama shows a near-perfect on-axis response with superb directivity control and minimal off-axis variation. Watch for: An unidentified dip around 80Hz shows up in the measurements, which Neumann was asked to investigate.
Buy the JBL M2 Master Reference Monitor if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Neumann KH 310 A if the price matters more than sound quality.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL M2 Master Reference Monitor | Neumann KH 310 A | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Contact dealer | $4400 |
| Ranked | #1 of 40 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #13 of 40 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 34Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 70Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Sensitivity | Not applicable (externally bi-amplified DSP system) | - |
| Drivers | 15" 2216Nd woofer; D2 compression driver in Image Control Waveguide | 8.25" woofer, 3" midrange, 1" tweeter |
| Crossover | 800Hz active DSP | - |
| Max SPL | 123dB manufacturer specified | - |
| Weight | 130 lb each | not published by manufacturer |
| Amplification | External two-channel amplification and JBL DSP tuning required | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 42Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Dimensions | - | not published by manufacturer |
| Frequency Response | - | 34Hz - 21kHz (+/-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| App | - | No |
| EQ | - | No |
| DSP | - | No |
| Output Power | - | 290W total (150W woofer, 70W mid, 70W tweeter) |
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- HEDD Type 20 MK2 vs Buchardt A500
- Buchardt A500 vs JBL 4329P
- Buchardt A500 vs Buchardt A10
- Neumann KH 310 A vs JBL 4329P
- Neumann KH 310 A vs JBL 708P
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 (-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
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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Neumann KH 310 A: $4400 Bhphotovideo
Pros: CEA2034 spinorama shows a near-perfect on-axis response with superb directivity control and minimal off-axis variation. Distortion measured very low at 96dB SPL/1m. Bass stays clean and dry without bloat, and vocals show no harshness. Tri-amplified design delivers 290W combined output and up to 116.3dB SPL.
Cons: An unidentified dip around 80Hz shows up in the measurements, which Neumann was asked to investigate. Bass response shifts somewhat with amplifier temperature. Distortion rises above 100% THD at the very bottom of the bass range, as expected at that extreme. Expensive at $4,400 per pair.
Full Neumann KH 310 A review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 42Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 70Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| DSP | No |
| Dimensions | not published by manufacturer |
| Drivers | 8.25" woofer, 3" midrange, 1" tweeter |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 34Hz - 21kHz (+/-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Output Power | 290W total (150W woofer, 70W mid, 70W tweeter) |
| Weight | not published by manufacturer |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons