Short answer: the Neumann KH 310 A for better sound quality, the Adam Audio T8V for the lower price. The Neumann KH 310 A ranks #13 of 40 powered bookshelf speakers at $4400. The Adam Audio T8V ranks #25 at $349.99, $4050.01 cheaper.
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. The tradeoff: An unidentified dip around 80Hz shows up in the measurements, which Neumann was asked to investigate.
On the Adam Audio T8V side: Quite balanced and neutral, very close to the Yamaha HS8. Set against that: A crossover-region notch around 4.6kHz where tweeter and woofer interact, and a hole in the vertical response below the tweeter axis - keep the tweeter at or above ear height.
Buy the Neumann KH 310 A if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Adam Audio T8V if the price matters more than sound quality.
Specifications Side By Side
| Neumann KH 310 A | Adam Audio T8V | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $4400 | $349.99 |
| Ranked | #13 of 40 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #25 of 40 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 70Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 45Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 42Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 35Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Dimensions | not published by manufacturer | 15.8"H x 9.8"W x 13.2"D (401.3 x 248.9 x 335.3 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 34Hz - 21kHz (+/-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 33Hz - 25kHz (-6dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Weight | not published by manufacturer | 21.6 lbs / 9.8 kg |
| Drivers | 8.25" woofer, 3" midrange, 1" tweeter | 8" (203mm) woofer |
| App | No | No |
| EQ | No | Yes (Room adjustment) |
| DSP | No | No |
| Output Power | 290W total (150W woofer, 70W mid, 70W tweeter) | 90w Per Speaker |
| Inputs | - | XLR, RCA |
| Bluetooth | - | No |
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- Neumann KH 310 A vs Kali Audio LP-8
The Two Speakers In Full
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 |
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Adam Audio T8V: $349.99 Amazon
Pros: Quite balanced and neutral, very close to the Yamaha HS8. Deeper bass than the HS8
Cons: A crossover-region notch around 4.6kHz where tweeter and woofer interact, and a hole in the vertical response below the tweeter axis - keep the tweeter at or above ear height. Distortion is well controlled at 86dB SPL but gets messier at 96dB.
Full Adam Audio T8V review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 35Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 45Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| DSP | No |
| Dimensions | 15.8"H x 9.8"W x 13.2"D (401.3 x 248.9 x 335.3 mm) |
| Drivers | 8" (203mm) woofer |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) |
| Frequency Response | 33Hz - 25kHz (-6dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | XLR, RCA |
| Output Power | 90w Per Speaker |
| Weight | 21.6 lbs / 9.8 kg |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons