Short answer: the Neumann KH 150 for better sound quality, the Kali Audio LP-8 for the lower price. The Neumann KH 150 ranks #14 of 48 powered bookshelf speakers at $3398. The Kali Audio LP-8 ranks #25 at $299, $3099 cheaper.
What the Neumann KH 150 offers: Neumann’s Mathematically Modelled Dispersion waveguide produces a listening window smoothness score of 0.69 with a steadily narrowing directivity index through the treble, and the 6.5 inch woofer reaches a genuine 39.6Hz extension point. Watch for: The sound power directivity index has the widest standard deviation of any speaker in this batch, 3.89, meaning off axis energy tracks the on axis response a little less consistently than the tightest speakers here as frequency rises.
On the Kali Audio LP-8 side: Note the newer V2 is out which could be a little better. The catch: Eris 8 has this beat by a little bit. A bit of a hooded response.
Buy the Neumann KH 150 if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Kali Audio LP-8 if the price matters more than sound quality.
Specifications Side By Side
| Neumann KH 150 | Kali Audio LP-8 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $3,398/pair | $299.00 |
| Ranked | #14 of 48 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #25 of 48 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Enclosure | ported | - |
| Drivers | 1" tweeter, 6.5" woofer | 8" woofer, 1" soft dome tweeter |
| Dimensions | 13.6"H x 8.9"W x 10.7"D (345 x 225 x 273 mm) (13.58 x 8.86 x 10.75 in) | 16.5"H x 10"W x 11.3"D (419.1 x 254 x 287 mm) |
| Weight | 17.6 lbs / 8.0 kg (17.6 lbs) each | 19.8 lbs / 9.0 kg each |
| Power Output (Watts) | 245W total (145W woofer, 100W tweeter, 10% THD+N) | - |
| Frequency Response | 39Hz-20.4kHz +/-3dB | 45Hz - 21kHz (+-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 39.6Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 34.2Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | - |
| Max SPL | 118.7dB @ 1m half space | - |
| Crossover Points | 1.7kHz | - |
| Warranty | 2 years | - |
| Country | Germany | - |
| Inputs | - | TRS, XLR, RCA |
| App | - | No |
| Bluetooth | - | No |
| EQ | - | Yes (Room adjustment) |
| DSP | - | No |
| Output Power | - | 100w Per Speaker |
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The Two Speakers In Full
Neumann KH 150: $3,398/pair Bhphotovideo
Pros: Neumann’s Mathematically Modelled Dispersion waveguide produces a listening window smoothness score of 0.69 with a steadily narrowing directivity index through the treble, and the 6.5 inch woofer reaches a genuine 39.6Hz extension point. FIR based phase correction and 118.7dB max SPL give it real headroom for a compact two way, and the onboard DSP includes adjustable bass, low mid, and treble shelving plus optional MA 1 automatic room calibration.
Cons: The sound power directivity index has the widest standard deviation of any speaker in this batch, 3.89, meaning off axis energy tracks the on axis response a little less consistently than the tightest speakers here as frequency rises. No Bluetooth or wireless input, it needs a balanced XLR or S/PDIF source. At 8kg (17.6 lbs) per cabinet plus an external power brick it needs a proper stand rather than a bookshelf. Its measured preference score trails Neumann’s own larger KH 310A and KH 420 monitors, so buyers chasing the deepest bass in the KH line should look further up the range.
Full Neumann KH 150 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 34.2Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 39.6Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Country | Germany |
| Crossover Points | 1.7kHz |
| Dimensions | 13.6"H x 8.9"W x 10.7"D (345 x 225 x 273 mm) (13.58 x 8.86 x 10.75 in) |
| Drivers | 1" tweeter, 6.5" woofer |
| Enclosure | ported |
| Frequency Response | 39Hz-20.4kHz +/-3dB |
| Max SPL | 118.7dB @ 1m half space |
| Power Output (Watts) | 245W total (145W woofer, 100W tweeter, 10% THD+N) |
| Warranty | 2 years |
| Weight | 17.6 lbs / 8.0 kg (17.6 lbs) each |
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- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Kali Audio LP-8: $299.00 Amazon
Pros: Note the newer V2 is out which could be a little better.
Cons: Eris 8 has this beat by a little bit. A bit of a hooded response
Full Kali Audio LP-8 review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bluetooth | No |
| DSP | No |
| Dimensions | 16.5"H x 10"W x 11.3"D (419.1 x 254 x 287 mm) |
| Drivers | 8" woofer, 1" soft dome tweeter |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) |
| Frequency Response | 45Hz - 21kHz (+-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | TRS, XLR, RCA |
| Output Power | 100w Per Speaker |
| Weight | 19.8 lbs / 9.0 kg each |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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