Short answer: the Neumann KH 310 A for better sound quality, the Focal Solo6 ST6 for the lower price. The Neumann KH 310 A ranks #13 of 48 powered bookshelf speakers at $4400. The Focal Solo6 ST6 ranks #23 at $1499, $2901 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 Focal Solo6 ST6 side: Beryllium inverted-dome tweeter over a 6.5” ‘W’ composite sandwich-cone woofer - a low-mass, low-distortion driver combination rarely found below far pricier monitors. Set against that: Bass alignment Q is on the higher side, which can correlate with a touch of extra bass fullness/looseness versus a more critically-damped alignment.
Buy the Neumann KH 310 A if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Focal Solo6 ST6 if the price matters more than sound quality.
Specifications Side By Side
| Neumann KH 310 A | Focal Solo6 ST6 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $4400 | $1,499.00 |
| Ranked | #13 of 48 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #23 of 48 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 70Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 46.9Hz (measured, spinorama.org) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 42Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 38.1Hz (measured, spinorama.org) |
| Dimensions | not published by manufacturer | 24.6 x 33.4 x 29.5cm (9.7 x 13.1 x 11.6 in) each, 13kg (28.6 lb) each |
| Frequency Response | 34Hz - 21kHz (+/-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Weight | not published by manufacturer | - |
| Drivers | 8.25" woofer, 3" midrange, 1" tweeter | 1" Beryllium inverted-dome tweeter, 6.5" "W" composite sandwich-cone woofer |
| App | No | - |
| EQ | No | - |
| DSP | No | - |
| Output Power | 290W total (150W woofer, 70W mid, 70W tweeter) | - |
| Maximum Output | - | 110dB peak at 1m |
| Amplification | - | 130W total, bi-amped (80W Class G LF + 50W Class AB HF) |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More useful head-to-heads from the same speaker class:
- Genelec 8040B vs Neumann KH 150
- Neumann KH 150 vs JBL 4305P
- Buchardt A500 vs JBL 4305P
- JBL 4329P vs Focal Solo6 ST6
- Focal Solo6 ST6 vs Genelec S360
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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Focal Solo6 ST6: $1,499.00 B&H Photo Sweetwater
Pros: Beryllium inverted-dome tweeter over a 6.5” ‘W’ composite sandwich-cone woofer - a low-mass, low-distortion driver combination rarely found below far pricier monitors. Directivity control is the tightest of this entire batch (directivity_spdi_stddev 2.87), and the listening-window response is smooth (smoothness_listening_window 0.380). Bi-amped 130W total (80W Class G woofer + 50W Class AB tweeter), each driver on its own amplifier. ‘Focus Mode’ switches the cabinet to a single-driver full-range reference signature for a second mix-translation check without extra hardware. Bass reaches 46.9Hz at -3dB / 38.1Hz at -10dB, solid for a 6.5” driver.
Cons: Bass alignment Q (lfq 0.826) is on the higher side, which can correlate with a touch of extra bass fullness/looseness versus a more critically-damped alignment. XLR-only balanced input, no unbalanced/TRS or digital connectivity. No automatic DSP room correction - tuning is limited to fixed analog shelving/high-pass switches. At $1,499 each ($2,998/pair), it’s a meaningful step up from typical prosumer active monitors.
Full Focal Solo6 ST6 review and specifications →
| Amplification | 130W total, bi-amped (80W Class G LF + 50W Class AB HF) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 38.1Hz (measured, spinorama.org) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 46.9Hz (measured, spinorama.org) |
| Dimensions | 24.6 x 33.4 x 29.5cm (9.7 x 13.1 x 11.6 in) each, 13kg (28.6 lb) each |
| Drivers | 1" Beryllium inverted-dome tweeter, 6.5" "W" composite sandwich-cone woofer |
| Maximum Output | 110dB peak at 1m |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons