Short answer: the Neumann KH 310 A for better sound quality, the Neumann KH 150 for the lower price. The Neumann KH 310 A ranks #13 of 48 powered bookshelf speakers at $4400. The Neumann KH 150 ranks #14 at $3398, $1002 cheaper.
What the Neumann KH 150 gets right: 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.
The case for the Neumann KH 310 A: CEA2034 spinorama shows a near-perfect on-axis response with superb directivity control and minimal off-axis variation. Set against that: An unidentified dip around 80Hz shows up in the measurements, which Neumann was asked to investigate.
Buy the Neumann KH 150 if the price matters more than sound quality. Buy the Neumann KH 310 A if sound quality matters more than the price.
Specifications Side By Side
| Neumann KH 150 | Neumann KH 310 A | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $3,398/pair | $4400 |
| Ranked | #14 of 48 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #13 of 48 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Enclosure | ported | - |
| Drivers | 1" tweeter, 6.5" woofer | 8.25" woofer, 3" midrange, 1" 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) | not published by manufacturer |
| Weight | 17.6 lbs / 8.0 kg (17.6 lbs) each | not published by manufacturer |
| Power Output (Watts) | 245W total (145W woofer, 100W tweeter, 10% THD+N) | - |
| Frequency Response | 39Hz-20.4kHz +/-3dB | 34Hz - 21kHz (+/-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 39.6Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 70Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 34.2Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 42Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Max SPL | 118.7dB @ 1m half space | - |
| Crossover Points | 1.7kHz | - |
| Warranty | 2 years | - |
| Country | Germany | - |
| App | - | No |
| EQ | - | No |
| DSP | - | No |
| Output Power | - | 290W total (150W woofer, 70W mid, 70W tweeter) |
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- Neumann KH 150 vs JBL 4329P
- Genelec 8050B vs Neumann KH 310 A
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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Neumann KH 310 A: $4400 Bhphotovideo
Pros: CEA2034 spinorama shows a near-perfect on-axis response with superb directivity control and minimal off-axis variation. Distortion measured very low at 96dB SPL/1m. Bass stays clean and dry without bloat, and vocals show no harshness. Tri-amplified design delivers 290W combined output and up to 116.3dB SPL.
Cons: An unidentified dip around 80Hz shows up in the measurements, which Neumann was asked to investigate. Bass response shifts somewhat with amplifier temperature. Distortion rises above 100% THD at the very bottom of the bass range, as expected at that extreme. Expensive at $4,400 per pair.
Full Neumann KH 310 A review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 42Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 70Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| DSP | No |
| Dimensions | not published by manufacturer |
| Drivers | 8.25" woofer, 3" midrange, 1" tweeter |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 34Hz - 21kHz (+/-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Output Power | 290W total (150W woofer, 70W mid, 70W tweeter) |
| Weight | not published by manufacturer |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons