Neumann KH 150 vs Yamaha HS8

Short answer: the Neumann KH 150 for better sound quality, the Yamaha HS8 for the lower price. The Neumann KH 150 ranks #14 of 48 powered bookshelf speakers at $3398. The Yamaha HS8 ranks #26 at $678.28, $2719.72 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. Set against that: 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 Yamaha HS8: Good for mixing and anything needing a neutral output. The catch: Slight midrange boost. Quite expensive.

Buy the Neumann KH 150 if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Yamaha HS8 if the price matters more than sound quality.

Specifications Side By Side

Related Speaker Comparisons

More useful head-to-heads from the same speaker class:

• Genelec 8050B vs Kali Audio LP-8
• JBL 308P MKII vs Adam Audio S2V
• JBL 708P vs Kali Audio LP-8
• Kali Audio IN-8 vs Neumann KH 150
• Neumann KH 150 vs Focal Alpha 65 EVO

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

As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.

• Links
  • Neumann KH 150 Official Page
• Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
  • Audio Science Review Measurements
  • Audio Science Review Measurements (spinorama.org)
  • Reddit Search for Neumann KH 150 Review
• Head-to-Head Comparisons
  • Neumann KH 150 vs Neumann KH 310 A
  • Neumann KH 150 vs JBL 4305P
  • Neumann KH 150 vs Kali Audio IN-8
  • Neumann KH 150 vs Focal Alpha 65 EVO
  • Neumann KH 150 vs Kali Audio LP-6 V2
  • Neumann KH 150 vs Genelec 8040B
  • Neumann KH 150 vs Genelec 8050B
  • Neumann KH 150 vs JBL 4329P
  • See all 15 comparisons

Yamaha HS8: $678.28 Amazon

Pros: Good for mixing and anything needing a neutral output.

Cons: Slight midrange boost. Quite expensive.

Full Yamaha HS8 review and specifications →

App	No
Bass Extension (-10dB)	34.7Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	43.9Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bluetooth	No
DSP	No
Dimensions	15.4"H x 9.8"W x 13.1"D (391.2 x 248.9 x 332.7 mm)
Drivers	8" woofer, 1" dome tweeter
EQ	Yes (Room adjustment)
Frequency Response	47Hz - 24kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified)
Inputs	XLR
Output Power	120w Per Speaker
Weight	22.5 lbs / 10.2 kg

As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.

• Links
  • Official Yamaha HS8 Product Page
• Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
  • Sercan Solmaz: Adam Audio T8V vs Yamaha HS8 vs KRK Rokit 8 (STUDIO SPEAKER SOUND TEST)
  • DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review Edifier R2850DB vs Yamaha HS8 sound.DEMO
  • DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review Adam Audio A7X vs Yamaha HS8 sound.DEMO
  • DSAUDIO.review: Yamaha HS7 vs Yamaha HS8 Sound & Frequency Response Comparison
  • DSAUDIO.review: Yamaha HS8 vs Yamaha HS5 Sound & Frequency Response Comparison
  • DSAUDIO.review: Genelec 8020D vs Yamaha HS8 Sound & Frequency Response Comparison
  • DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review APS Klasik 2020 vs Yamaha HS8 sound.DEMO
  • DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review Focal Alpha 65 EVO vs Yamaha HS8 sound.DEMO
  • DSAUDIO.review: Yamaha HS8 vs PreSonus Eris E8 XT Sound & Frequency Response Comparison
  • DSAUDIO.review: Yamaha HS8 vs Kali Audio LP-8 Sound & Frequency Response Comparison
  • DSAUDIO.review: KRK Rokit 8 G4 RP8G4 vs Yamaha HS8 Sound & Frequency Response Comparison
  • DSAUDIO.review: Neumann KH80 DSP vs Yamaha HS8 Sound & Frequency Response Comparison
  • DSAUDIO.review: Yamaha HS8 vs IK Multimedia iLoud MTM Sound & Frequency Response Comparison
  • Audio Science Review Measurements (spinorama.org)
  • Reddit Search for Yamaha HS8 Review
• Head-to-Head Comparisons
  • Yamaha HS8 vs Kali Audio LP-8
  • Yamaha HS8 vs JBL 308P MKII
  • Yamaha HS8 vs Presonus Eris Studio 8
  • Yamaha HS8 vs Genelec S360
  • Yamaha HS8 vs Adam Audio T8V
  • Yamaha HS8 vs Focal Solo6 ST6
  • Yamaha HS8 vs Adam Audio T7V
  • Yamaha HS8 vs JBL 708P
  • See all 29 comparisons