JBL M2 Master Reference Monitor vs Neumann KH420

Short answer: the JBL M2 Master Reference Monitor. It ranks #1 of 31 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality; the Neumann KH420 ranks #4.

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. Watch for: 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 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. Watch for: Horizontal beamwidth, while well controlled, is on the narrow side at about ±55 degrees.

Buy the JBL M2 Master Reference Monitor if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Neumann KH420 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 (-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
  • Reddit Search for JBL M2 Master Reference Monitor Review
• Head-to-Head Comparisons
  • JBL M2 Master Reference Monitor vs Kii THREE
  • JBL M2 Master Reference Monitor vs Dutch & Dutch 8C
  • JBL M2 Master Reference Monitor vs Genelec 8361A
  • JBL M2 Master Reference Monitor vs Genelec 8351B
  • JBL M2 Master Reference Monitor vs SHIVAUDYO Point Zero

Neumann KH420: $10500 Bhphotovideo

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

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

• Links
  • Official Neumann KH420 Product Page
• Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
  • Audio Science Review Measurements
  • Reddit Search for Neumann KH420 Review
• Head-to-Head Comparisons
  • Neumann KH420 vs Dutch & Dutch 8C
  • Neumann KH420 vs Genelec 8361A
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  • Neumann KH420 vs Kali Audio IN-8
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  • Neumann KH420 vs Edifier R2850DB