Short answer: the Neumann KH120 MKII for the higher ranking, the KEF LSX II LT for the lower price. The Neumann KH120 MKII ranks #1 of 24 powered bookshelf speakers at $2000. The KEF LSX II LT ranks #17 at $449.99, $1550.01 cheaper.
On the KEF LSX II LT side: Coaxial (Uni-Q-style) driver keeps the tweeter centered in the midrange. The tradeoff: Small drivers mean it’s SPL-limited: bass compression kicks in around 88-92dB/1m per speaker.
The case for the Neumann KH120 MKII: CEA2034 spinorama is about as flat as the reviewer has measured, with excellent directivity aside from a small blip around 2kHz. Set against that: A minor directivity blip appears around 2kHz.
Buy the KEF LSX II LT if the price matters more than the ranking. Buy the Neumann KH120 MKII if the ranking matters more than the price.
Specifications Side By Side
| KEF LSX II LT | Neumann KH120 MKII | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $449.99 | $2000 |
| Ranked | #17 of 24 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #1 of 24 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Dimensions | 9.5"H x 6.1"W x 7.1"D (241.3 x 154.9 x 180.3 mm) | 11.3"H x 7.2"W x 8.9"D (287 x 182.9 x 226.1 mm) |
| Inputs | Wifi, USB-C, HDMI, Optical, Bluetooth | XLR |
| Outputs | RCA Subwoofer | - |
| Drivers | 115mm (4.5in.) magnesium/aluminium alloy cone woofer, 19mm (0.75in.) aluminium dome tweeter | 5.25" woofer, 1" titanium fabric dome tweeter |
| Weight | 15 lbs / 6.8 kg | 14.6 lbs / 6.6 kg each |
| App | No | Yes (MA 1 alignment) |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| EQ | No | Yes (via DSP) |
| Output Power | 100w RMS Per Speaker | 245W (145W woofer + 100W tweeter) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 36Hz |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | - | 46Hz |
| DSP | - | Yes |
| Frequency Response | - | 44Hz - 21kHz (±3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Max SPL | - | 116.8dB @ 1m |
The Two Speakers In Full
KEF LSX II LT: $449.99 Amazon
Pros: Coaxial (Uni-Q-style) driver keeps the tweeter centered in the midrange, giving wide and consistent dispersion both horizontally and vertically (about ±60° each) - a wide sweet spot for multiple seats or positions. The KEF Connect app provides genuinely useful DSP control: desk/wall boundary compensation, adjustable bass contour (standard/less/extra), treble trim, and subwoofer integration, letting you tune the sound to wherever it’s placed. Distortion at a moderate 86dB looks good for the speaker’s compact size. Tonal profile stays consistent from 0° to 30° off-axis, so side-seat listeners hear essentially the same balance as someone centered. Extensive connectivity for its size: HDMI, USB, optical, sub output, plus Wi-Fi/Bluetooth. Clearly outperformed the reviewer’s soundbars, including ones bundled with their own subwoofers, as a TV audio replacement.
Cons: Small drivers mean it’s SPL-limited: bass compression kicks in around 88-92dB/1m per speaker, and multitone distortion crosses the reviewer’s 3% threshold around 96dB - not intended for loud or large-room duty. F3 of 55Hz and F10 of 46Hz mean it loses much of its bass by around 50Hz; a subwoofer (controllable through the same app) is needed for real low end. Diffraction dips appear around 4-5kHz and again near 8kHz, likely tied to the tweeter housing or surround, giving a mild reduction in treble attack and sibilance. A possible port or enclosure resonance shows up around 800Hz in the rear-radiation measurements, though the reviewer wasn’t certain of the exact cause or whether it’s audible. No analog input on this LT variant, so a turntable can’t be connected directly - only the pricier standard LSX II model includes one.
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bluetooth | No |
| Dimensions | 9.5"H x 6.1"W x 7.1"D (241.3 x 154.9 x 180.3 mm) |
| Drivers | 115mm (4.5in.) magnesium/aluminium alloy cone woofer, 19mm (0.75in.) aluminium dome tweeter |
| EQ | No |
| Inputs | Wifi, USB-C, HDMI, Optical, Bluetooth |
| Output Power | 100w RMS Per Speaker |
| Outputs | RCA Subwoofer |
| Weight | 15 lbs / 6.8 kg |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Links
Neumann KH120 MKII: $2000 Bhphotovideo
Pros: CEA2034 spinorama is about as flat as the reviewer has measured, with excellent directivity aside from a small blip around 2kHz, and bass response that stays flat almost down to 50Hz. Predicted in-room response is superb despite not being strictly valid for a near-field monitor at this distance. Horizontal beamwidth of about ±50 degrees is nice and well controlled. Distortion at 86dB SPL/1m is exceptionally low. Even at 96dB SPL/1m - just 1dB before the clipping indicator engages - it stays very clean outside of deep bass.
Cons: A minor directivity blip appears around 2kHz. Vertical directivity narrows quickly above the reference axis, so the reviewer recommends staying right at it. Distortion rises substantially in the deep bass under 50Hz at higher output (96dB SPL/1m). Cumulative spectral decay (waterfall) shows a resonance in the upper midrange. High price.
| App | Yes (MA 1 alignment) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 36Hz |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 46Hz |
| Bluetooth | No |
| DSP | Yes |
| Dimensions | 11.3"H x 7.2"W x 8.9"D (287 x 182.9 x 226.1 mm) |
| Drivers | 5.25" woofer, 1" titanium fabric dome tweeter |
| EQ | Yes (via DSP) |
| Frequency Response | 44Hz - 21kHz (±3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | XLR |
| Max SPL | 116.8dB @ 1m |
| Output Power | 245W (145W woofer + 100W tweeter) |
| Weight | 14.6 lbs / 6.6 kg each |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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- See all 11 comparisons
- Links
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Product prices and availability were last checked August 9, 2026 at 6:57 AM UTC and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.