Short answer: the Neumann KH420. It ranks #5 of 119 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 4.8/5, at $11,198; the JBL M2 Master Reference Monitor ranks #59, rated 4.3/5, and costs $15,000, which makes this an easy call rather than a real tradeoff.
The case for the JBL M2 Master Reference Monitor: A huge high output reference monitor with a 15 inch woofer and deep bass, built to play loud and clean from a distance. Watch for: Its 4.1dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz and 6.58 ideal-subwoofer score do not support a top tonal-accuracy ranking.
The Neumann KH420 is the more accurate, deeper-bass choice. Large three-way studio monitors with highly accurate mids and genuinely deep bass, built for bigger rooms and dynamic material. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 7.02 against 5.74 for the JBL M2 Master Reference Monitor. Its bass reaches about 27.8Hz before falling 3dB, against 34Hz for the JBL M2 Master Reference Monitor. The tradeoff: It is a large, heavy studio monitor rather than an easy desktop speaker.
Buy the Neumann KH420. It is rated higher for sound quality than the JBL M2 Master Reference Monitor and costs less, so only choose the other one for a particular feature it does better.
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Measured Differences
- Bass depth: the Neumann KH420 reaches 27.8 Hz (3 dB down) against 34 Hz for the JBL M2 Master Reference Monitor, about half an octave deeper. You hear more of the lowest bass notes and kick drums.
- Tonal accuracy above the bass: with a subwoofer taking the low end, the Neumann KH420 scores 8.1 against 6.6 for the JBL M2 Master Reference Monitor on the Spinorama preference scale. Its frequency response and off-axis sound are smoother, so voices and instruments sound closer to the recording.
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Specifications Side By Side
| JBL M2 Master Reference Monitor | Neumann KH420 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $15,000 per pair | $11,198 per pair |
| Ranked | #59 of 119 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #5 of 119 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 34Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 27.8Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 21.0Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 24.4Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) |
| Drivers | 15” 2216Nd woofer; D2 compression driver in Image Control Waveguide | 10” woofer, 4” dome midrange, 1” fabric dome tweeter |
| Crossover Frequency | 800Hz active DSP | - |
| Weight | 130.1 lbs (59 kg) each | 77.2 lbs (35 kg) each |
| Maximum SPL | 123dB manufacturer specified | 124dB @ 1m (manufacturer specified) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.74 | 7.02 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.58 | 8.14 |
| Amplifier Power | External two-channel amplification and JBL DSP tuning required | 555w Per Speaker |
| Inputs | None (passive cabinet driven by a matched Crown amplifier via speaker-level connection) | XLR |
| XLR Input | No | Yes |
| RCA Input | No | No |
| TRS Input | No | No |
| Optical Input | No | No |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | No | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Dimensions | 49.4”H x 20”W x 14”D (1256 x 508 x 355.6 mm) | 25.4”H x 13”W x 17.5”D (645.2 x 330.2 x 444.5 mm) |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz - 40kHz (±3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 31Hz - 21kHz (±3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| App | - | Yes (MA 1 alignment) |
| DSP | - | No |
| EQ | - | Yes (Room response controls) |
Where the Ratings Come From
- JBL M2 Master Reference Monitor: Spinorama.org measurements and reviews by Erin’s Audio Corner.
- Neumann KH420: Spinorama.org measurements and reviews by Audio Science Review.
This comparison is generated from the ratings, specifications and measurements on each product’s own page, and it updates when that data changes. How we rank explains how each rating is decided.
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