Short answer: the Kii THREE for better sound quality, the Dutch & Dutch 8C for the lower price. The Kii THREE ranks #2 of 31 powered bookshelf speakers at $14000. The Dutch & Dutch 8C ranks #3 at $13000, $1000 cheaper.
What the Kii THREE offers: A genuinely full-range active cardioid monitor. Watch for: The protection limiter becomes evident above approximately 96dB at 1m; bass-heavy material can overdrive the compact woofers with an audible plop even though many tracks exceed 100dB at a four-meter seat.
What the Dutch & Dutch 8C offers: All-in-one powered design with 1-inch dome tweeter, 8-inch midrange, and dual 8-inch rear subwoofers. Watch for: Premium pricing reflects integrated amplification and DSP cardioid processing.
Buy the Kii THREE if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Dutch & Dutch 8C if the price matters more than sound quality.
Specifications Side By Side
| Kii THREE | Dutch & Dutch 8C | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $14,000/pair | $13000 |
| Ranked | #2 of 31 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #3 of 31 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 28Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 23Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | Not applicable (active DSP loudspeaker) | ~106dB (measured at 0.30V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Drivers | Four 6.5" woofers; 5" midrange; 1" waveguided tweeter | 2x 8" Aluminium Cone woofers, 8" Aluminium Cone midrange, 1" Aluminium/Magnesium dome tweeter |
| Amplification | Six Ncore channels, 1,500W total per speaker | - |
| Radiation | DSP-controlled cardioid above approximately 70-90Hz | - |
| Dimensions | 15.7"H x 7.9"W x 15.7"D | 19"H x 10.5"W x 15"D (482.6 x 266.7 x 381 mm) |
| Weight | 42 lb each | 57.3 lbs / 26 kg each |
| DSP | Yes; boundary, contour, phase-exact and low-latency modes | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | <20Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Inputs | - | XLR |
| App | - | Yes (Ascend) |
| Bluetooth | - | No |
| EQ | - | Yes (24-band parametric) |
| Frequency Response | - | 20Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Max SPL | - | 106dB @ 1m continuous |
| Streaming Services | - | Yes (network streaming) |
| Wifi | - | Yes (Ethernet) |
| Output Power | - | 1000W (250W tweeter + 250W mid + 500W dual woofers) |
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- JBL M2 Master Reference Monitor vs Kii THREE
- Kii THREE vs SHIVAUDYO Point Zero
The Two Speakers In Full
Kii THREE: $14,000/pair Vintage King
Pros: A genuinely full-range active cardioid monitor. Erin measured a 28Hz F3, and boundary gain in his room kept useful response close to 20Hz. Four side/rear 6.5-inch woofers use DSP delay and cancellation to suppress rearward radiation above roughly 70-90Hz, reducing front-wall and sidewall interaction while the 5-inch midrange and waveguided tweeter maintain exceptionally smooth directivity. Six Ncore amplifier channels provide 1,500W total per cabinet, phase-exact mode offers precise impulse behavior, and Erin found imaging, tonal neutrality and left/right symmetry outstanding.
Cons: The protection limiter becomes evident above approximately 96dB at 1m; bass-heavy material can overdrive the compact woofers with an audible plop even though many tracks exceed 100dB at a four-meter seat. The BXT modules are the appropriate but very expensive solution for more deep-bass headroom. Erin preferred the treble control at -2dB because broad radiation around 3-5kHz could sound sharp. Phase-exact operation adds latency, while low-latency mode trades away some low-frequency correction. System cost, proprietary connectivity and 42-pound cabinets also narrow its audience.
Full Kii THREE review and specifications →
| Amplification | Six Ncore channels, 1,500W total per speaker |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 28Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| DSP | Yes; boundary, contour, phase-exact and low-latency modes |
| Dimensions | 15.7"H x 7.9"W x 15.7"D |
| Drivers | Four 6.5" woofers; 5" midrange; 1" waveguided tweeter |
| Radiation | DSP-controlled cardioid above approximately 70-90Hz |
| Sensitivity | Not applicable (active DSP loudspeaker) |
| Weight | 42 lb each |
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Dutch & Dutch 8C: $13000 Tidepoolaudio
Pros: All-in-one powered design with 1-inch dome tweeter, 8-inch midrange, and dual 8-inch rear subwoofers. Cardioid design achieves forward-firing response from 100 Hz upward, eliminating rear-wall boundary reflections that typically muddy imaging and soundstage. Measures nearly flat response (plus/minus 1.5 dB from 25 Hz to 18 kHz) across the full range. Achieved 105 dB listening levels without audible distortion or woofer bottoming, providing exceptional dynamic headroom. Neutral, accurate tonal balance with surprisingly spacious soundstage depth.
Cons: Premium pricing reflects integrated amplification and DSP cardioid processing. Limited to powered amplification; not suitable for passive systems. Relatively fixed setup - bass response heavily dependent on wall placement and room modes.
Full Dutch & Dutch 8C review and specifications →
| App | Yes (Ascend) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | <20Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 23Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| DSP | Yes |
| Dimensions | 19"H x 10.5"W x 15"D (482.6 x 266.7 x 381 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 8" Aluminium Cone woofers, 8" Aluminium Cone midrange, 1" Aluminium/Magnesium dome tweeter |
| EQ | Yes (24-band parametric) |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | XLR |
| Max SPL | 106dB @ 1m continuous |
| Output Power | 1000W (250W tweeter + 250W mid + 500W dual woofers) |
| Sensitivity | ~106dB (measured at 0.30V/1m, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Streaming Services | Yes (network streaming) |
| Weight | 57.3 lbs / 26 kg each |
| Wifi | Yes (Ethernet) |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons