Short answer: the Neumann KH420 on measured sound quality, the Klipsch The Nines on price. The Neumann KH420 ranks #5 of 113 powered bookshelf speakers, rated 4.8/5, at $11,198. The Klipsch The Nines ranks #63, rated 4.2/5, at $999.99, $10,198.01 cheaper.
The case for the Klipsch The Nines: The 1.7dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz supports even mids, and measured -3dB extension is 42.5Hz. It keeps a wired aux input, which the Neumann KH420 lacks. The catch: The 6.90 ideal-subwoofer score reflects limitations beyond the narrow midband span.
The Neumann KH420 is the more accurate, deeper-bass choice. A 1.2dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz, 8.14 ideal-subwoofer score and 27.8Hz measured -3dB extension combine accurate mids with genuinely deep bass. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 7.02 against 5.32 for the Klipsch The Nines. Its bass reaches about 27.8Hz before falling 3dB, against 42.5Hz for the Klipsch The Nines. The tradeoff: It is a large, heavy studio monitor rather than an easy desktop speaker.
Buy the Klipsch The Nines if the price is the priority over sound quality, or the Neumann KH420 if sound quality is the priority over the price.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Powered Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Klipsch The Nines | Neumann KH420 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $999.99 per pair | $11,198 per pair |
| Ranked | #63 of 113 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #5 of 113 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Drivers | 8” high-excursion fiber-composite woofer, 1” titanium LTS vented tweeter with Tractrix horn | 10” woofer, 4” dome midrange, 1” fabric dome tweeter |
| Amplifier Power | 240W total (480W peak; 100W LF + 20W HF per powered speaker) | 555w Per Speaker |
| Inputs | HDMI ARC, Bluetooth 5.0, phono/line RCA, 3.5mm, USB, optical | XLR |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD | - |
| Dimensions | 19.13”H x 9.5”W x 13.38”D | 25.4”H x 13”W x 17.5”D (645.2 x 330.2 x 444.5 mm) |
| Weight | 28.4 lbs (12.9 kg) primary, 26.9 lbs (12.2 kg) secondary | 77.2 lbs (35 kg) each |
| Sensitivity | 82.5dB (measured at 0.30V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 42.5Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 27.8Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 31Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 24.4Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) |
| Frequency Response | 34Hz - 25kHz +/-3dB (manufacturer specified) | 31Hz - 21kHz (±3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| App | Klipsch Connect (bass/mid/treble EQ) | Yes (MA 1 alignment) |
| Woofer Cabinet | rear-ported bass reflex | - |
| Maximum SPL | 115dB at 1m (stereo pair, manufacturer specified) | 124dB @ 1m (manufacturer specified) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.32 | 7.02 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.90 | 8.14 |
| Subwoofer Output | Yes | - |
| Outputs | Subwoofer | - |
| XLR Input | No | Yes |
| RCA Input | Yes | No |
| TRS Input | No | No |
| Optical Input | Yes | No |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | Yes | No |
| HDMI Input | Yes | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | Yes | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes | No |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | - |
| DSP | - | No |
| EQ | - | Yes (Room response controls) |
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Prices on this page were last checked October 7, 2026 at 9:25 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time 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.
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The Two Speakers In Full
Klipsch The Nines: $999.99 per pair Crutchfield eBay
Newer model: the Klipsch The Nines II, ranked higher, estimated 4.3/5.
Same family: the Klipsch The Fives (smaller bookshelf, rated 4.3/5) and the Klipsch The Sevens (smaller bookshelf, ranked lower, rated 3.7/5).
Pros: The 1.7dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz supports even mids, and measured -3dB extension is 42.5Hz. Extensive consumer connections and app adjustment make it convenient for TV and music, while the horn provides a focused listening presentation. Erin called it his favorite Klipsch speaker. Measured bass extension of 42.5Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 82.5dB.
Cons: The 6.90 ideal-subwoofer score reflects limitations beyond the narrow midband span. Horizontal coverage is relatively focused, so placement matters for multiple seats. The reviewer preferred reduced treble, and bass limiting at higher playback levels means the large woofer is not a guarantee of unlimited output. The app’s flat setting leaves treble elevated; Erin preferred a -2dB tweeter trim.
Full Klipsch The Nines review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 240W total (480W peak; 100W LF + 20W HF per powered speaker) |
| App | Klipsch Connect (bass/mid/treble EQ) |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 31Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 42.5Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| Dimensions | 19.13”H x 9.5”W x 13.38”D |
| Drivers | 8” high-excursion fiber-composite woofer, 1” titanium LTS vented tweeter with Tractrix horn |
| Frequency Response | 34Hz - 25kHz +/-3dB (manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | Yes |
| Inputs | HDMI ARC, Bluetooth 5.0, phono/line RCA, 3.5mm, USB, optical |
| Maximum SPL | 115dB at 1m (stereo pair, manufacturer specified) |
| Optical Input | Yes |
| Outputs | Subwoofer |
| RCA Input | Yes |
| Sensitivity | 82.5dB (measured at 0.30V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.32 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.90 |
| Subwoofer Output | Yes |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | Yes |
| Weight | 28.4 lbs (12.9 kg) primary, 26.9 lbs (12.2 kg) secondary |
| Woofer Cabinet | rear-ported bass reflex |
| XLR Input | No |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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- Klipsch The Nines vs JBL 4329P
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Neumann KH420: $11,198 per pair B&H Photo Video eBay
Same family: the Neumann KH80 DSP (smaller bookshelf, rated 4.6/5), the Neumann KH120 MKII (smaller bookshelf, rated 4.7/5), the Neumann KH 150 (smaller bookshelf, ranked lower, rated 4.8/5), the Neumann KH 310 A (smaller bookshelf, ranked lower, rated 4.6/5) and the Neumann KH 750 DSP (subwoofer, rated 3.5/5).
Pros: A 1.2dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz, 8.14 ideal-subwoofer score and 27.8Hz measured -3dB extension combine accurate mids with genuinely deep bass. Its three-way design and low distortion at normal levels make it particularly attractive for larger listening distances and dynamic material. Measured bass extension of 27.8Hz (-3dB).
Cons: It is a large, heavy studio monitor rather than an easy desktop speaker. Vertical alignment matters around the crossover regions. Bass distortion rises as playback levels increase, and the measured high-level limits still apply despite the substantial drivers and amplifiers. Horizontal beamwidth is well controlled but on the narrow side at about ±55°.
Full Neumann KH420 review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 555w Per Speaker |
| App | Yes (MA 1 alignment) |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 24.4Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 27.8Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | 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) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | XLR |
| Maximum SPL | 124dB @ 1m (manufacturer specified) |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | No |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 7.02 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 8.14 |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 77.2 lbs (35 kg) each |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons