JBL M2 Master Reference Monitor vs Neumann KH 310 A

Short answer: the Neumann KH 310 A for measured accuracy, the JBL M2 for its flagship build. The KH 310 A shows a near-perfect on-axis response with superb directivity control and minimal off-axis variation, its only flag an unidentified dip around 80Hz that Neumann was asked to investigate. The M2’s 15-inch woofer and D2 compression driver crossing near 800Hz through a large Image Control Waveguide make it the flagship, but the required bi-amplification and DSP is expensive and complex.

Buy the Neumann KH 310 A. It is rated higher for sound quality than the JBL M2 Master Reference Monitor and costs less, so it is the default pick unless a specific strength of the other one matters more to you.

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Specifications Side By Side

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The Two Speakers In Full

JBL M2 Master Reference Monitor: $15,000 per pair JBL Professional Dealer Locator eBay

Pros: A high-output specialist: Erin’s low-distortion and compression tests support considerable dynamic capability, beyond what a single preference score captures. Measured -3dB extension is 33.7Hz. The large woofer and waveguide are particularly useful for greater listening distances. Measured bass extension of 34Hz (-3dB).

Cons: Its 4.1dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz and 6.58 ideal-subwoofer score do not support a top tonal-accuracy ranking. It requires the correct external amplification and DSP rather than a simple built-in amplifier. The very large cabinet, installation cost and possible amplifier fan noise make it impractical for most desks.

Full JBL M2 Master Reference Monitor review and specifications →

AES Input	No
Amplifier Power	External two-channel amplification and JBL DSP tuning required
Aux Input	No
Bass Extension (-10dB)	21.0Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	34Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bluetooth	No
Coaxial Input	No
Crossover Frequency	800Hz active DSP
Dimensions	49.4”H x 20”W x 14”D (1256 x 508 x 355.6 mm)
Drivers	15” 2216Nd woofer; D2 compression driver in Image Control Waveguide
Frequency Response	20Hz - 40kHz (±3dB) (Manufacturer specified)
HDMI Input	No
Inputs	None (passive cabinet driven by a matched Crown amplifier via speaker-level connection)
Maximum SPL	123dB manufacturer specified
Optical Input	No
RCA Input	No
Spinorama Preference Score	5.74
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	6.58
TRS Input	No
USB Input	No
Weight	130.1 lbs (59 kg) each
XLR Input	No

• Links
  • Official JBL M2 Page
• Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
  • Erin’s Audio Corner: JBL M2 Review More from Erin’s Audio Corner →
  • Erin’s Audio Corner Website: JBL M2
  • Erin’s Audio Corner Measurements (spinorama.org)
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Neumann KH 310 A: $4,998 per pair B&H Photo Video eBay

Pros: The sealed three-way design combines 35.2Hz measured -3dB extension with low distortion in the review’s demanding playback tests. Its 2.2dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz and 7.70 ideal-subwoofer score support balanced monitoring with useful full-range capability. Measured bass extension of 35.2Hz (-3dB).

Cons: Its measured tonal balance is not as even as the KH 150 or the best coaxial alternatives. Correct orientation and listening height matter for the separated drivers. The analog system lacks the integrated calibration workflow of newer DSP models, so room correction requires additional equipment. An unexplained dip around 80Hz shows in the measurements.

Full Neumann KH 310 A review and specifications →

AES Input	No
Amplifier Power	290W total (150W woofer, 70W mid, 70W tweeter)
App	No
Aux Input	No
Bass Extension (-10dB)	28.3Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	35.2Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bluetooth	No
Coaxial Input	No
DSP	No
Dimensions	10” x 15.1” x 11.5” (253 x 383 x 292 mm) (H x W x D)
Drivers	8.25” woofer, 3” midrange, 1” tweeter
EQ	No
Frequency Response	34Hz - 21kHz (+/-3dB) (Manufacturer specified)
HDMI Input	No
Inputs	XLR (balanced analog)
Optical Input	No
RCA Input	No
Spinorama Preference Score	6.21
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	7.70
TRS Input	No
USB Input	No
Weight	28.7 lbs (13.0 kg)
XLR Input	Yes

• Links
  • Official Neumann KH 310 A Product Page
• Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
  • Audio Science Review Measurements More from Audio Science Review →
  • Audio Science Review Measurements (spinorama.org)
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