Short answer: the Neumann KH 150. It ranks #8 of 79 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 4.8/5, at $3,398; the Neumann KH 310 A ranks #18, rated 4.6/5, and costs $4,998, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
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. It is rated higher for sound quality than the Neumann KH 310 A and costs less, so it is the default pick unless a specific strength of the other one matters more to you.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Neumann KH 150 | Neumann KH 310 A | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $3,398 per pair | $4,998 per pair |
| Ranked | #8 of 79 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #18 of 79 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) | 10” x 15.1” x 11.5” (253 x 383 x 292 mm) (H x W x D) |
| Weight | 17.6 lbs (8.0 kg) each | 28.7 lbs (13.0 kg) |
| Amplifier Power | 245W total (145W woofer, 100W tweeter, 10% THD+N) | 290W total (150W woofer, 70W mid, 70W tweeter) |
| Frequency Response | 39Hz-20.4kHz +/-3dB | 34Hz - 21kHz (+/-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 39.6Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 35.2Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 34.2Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 28.3Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) |
| Crossover Frequency | 1.7kHz | - |
| Warranty | 2 years | - |
| Country | Germany | - |
| Maximum SPL | 118.7dB @ 1m half space (manufacturer specified) | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.65 | 6.21 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 8.38 | 7.70 |
| Inputs | XLR (balanced analog), RCA S/PDIF (digital) | XLR (balanced analog) |
| XLR Input | Yes | Yes |
| RCA Input | Yes | No |
| TRS Input | No | No |
| Optical Input | No | No |
| Coaxial Input | Yes | No |
| USB Input | No | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| App | - | No |
| EQ | - | No |
| DSP | - | No |
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The Two Speakers In Full
Neumann KH 150: $3,398 per pair B&H Photo Video eBay
Smaller models: the Neumann KH120 MKII (rated 4.7/5) and the Neumann KH80 DSP (rated 4.6/5).
Pros: An exceptionally tight 1.0dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz supports neutral vocals and instruments. The measured ideal-subwoofer score is 8.38, with -3dB bass extension to 39.6Hz. DSP and optional MA 1 alignment offer useful control over room-related response errors. Measured bass extension of 39.6Hz (-3dB).
Cons: A two-way nearfield monitor cannot match the largest three-way systems for deep-bass output at distance. Keep the tweeter near ear height to avoid crossover-related changes off the vertical axis. MA 1 calibration requires additional equipment, and studio connections are less convenient than a consumer streaming system.
Full Neumann KH 150 review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 245W total (145W woofer, 100W tweeter, 10% THD+N) |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 34.2Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 39.6Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | Yes |
| Country | Germany |
| Crossover Frequency | 1.7kHz |
| Dimensions | 13.6”H x 8.9”W x 10.7”D (345 x 225 x 273 mm) |
| Drivers | 1” tweeter, 6.5” woofer |
| Enclosure | ported |
| Frequency Response | 39Hz-20.4kHz +/-3dB |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | XLR (balanced analog), RCA S/PDIF (digital) |
| Maximum SPL | 118.7dB @ 1m half space (manufacturer specified) |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | Yes |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.65 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 8.38 |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Warranty | 2 years |
| Weight | 17.6 lbs (8.0 kg) each |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Neumann KH 310 A: $4,998 per pair B&H Photo Video eBay
Pros: The sealed three-way design combines 35.2Hz measured -3dB extension with low distortion in the review’s demanding playback tests. Its 2.2dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz and 7.70 ideal-subwoofer score support balanced monitoring with useful full-range capability. Measured bass extension of 35.2Hz (-3dB).
Cons: Its measured tonal balance is not as even as the KH 150 or the best coaxial alternatives. Correct orientation and listening height matter for the separated drivers. The analog system lacks the integrated calibration workflow of newer DSP models, so room correction requires additional equipment. An unexplained dip around 80Hz shows in the measurements.
Full Neumann KH 310 A review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 290W total (150W woofer, 70W mid, 70W tweeter) |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 28.3Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 35.2Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| DSP | No |
| Dimensions | 10” x 15.1” x 11.5” (253 x 383 x 292 mm) (H x W x D) |
| Drivers | 8.25” woofer, 3” midrange, 1” tweeter |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 34Hz - 21kHz (+/-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | XLR (balanced analog) |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | No |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.21 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.70 |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 28.7 lbs (13.0 kg) |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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