Short answer: the Neumann KH 310 A. It ranks #13 of 48 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality at $4400; the Genelec S360 ranks #28 and costs $4775, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
What the Neumann KH 310 A offers: 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.
The case for the Genelec S360: A large format 10 inch two way monitor built for main monitoring duty in film and post production, capable of a peak SPL over 128dB while retaining Genelec’s GLM calibrated Smart Active Monitoring and Directivity Control Waveguide. The catch: The bass alignment measures the highest Q of any speaker in this batch, 1.16, meaning it’s the most likely of the ten to show a mild bump near its port tuning frequency rather than a clean rolloff.
Buy the Neumann KH 310 A. It ranks higher for sound quality than the Genelec S360 and costs less, so there is no real case for the other one.
Specifications Side By Side
| Neumann KH 310 A | Genelec S360 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $4400 | $4,775 each |
| Ranked | #13 of 48 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #28 of 48 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 70Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 39.6Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 42Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 35.6Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Dimensions | not published by manufacturer | 20.9"H x 14.2"W x 14.2"D (530 x 360 x 360 mm) (20.9 x 14.2 x 14.2 in) |
| Frequency Response | 34Hz - 21kHz (+/-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 36Hz-22kHz -6dB |
| Weight | not published by manufacturer | 66.1 lbs / 30 kg (66.1 lbs) each |
| Drivers | 8.25" woofer, 3" midrange, 1" tweeter | 1" titanium compression tweeter, 10" cone woofer |
| App | No | - |
| EQ | No | - |
| DSP | No | - |
| Output Power | 290W total (150W woofer, 70W mid, 70W tweeter) | - |
| Enclosure | - | ported |
| Power Output (Watts) | - | 350W total (250W woofer, 100W tweeter, Class D) |
| Max SPL | - | Peak 128dB |
| Warranty | - | 2 years (5 with product registration) |
| Country | - | Finland |
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- JBL 4329P vs Genelec S360
- Neumann KH 310 A vs JBL 4329P
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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Genelec S360: $4,775 each Bhphotovideo
Pros: A large format 10 inch two way monitor built for main monitoring duty in film and post production, capable of a peak SPL over 128dB while retaining Genelec’s GLM calibrated Smart Active Monitoring and Directivity Control Waveguide. Listening window smoothness measures a solid 0.52 and the measured extension point reaches 39.6Hz, unusually deep for a monitor this size.
Cons: The bass alignment measures the highest Q of any speaker in this batch, 1.16, meaning it’s the most likely of the ten to show a mild bump near its port tuning frequency rather than a clean rolloff. On axis deviation measures a moderate 0.478dB average. At roughly $9,550/pair and 30kg (66 lbs) each it is one of the largest and most expensive entries in this catalog, intended for professional control rooms rather than home listening, and the model has since been updated to the S360A, so pricing and minor spec details should be confirmed with a dealer before buying.
Full Genelec S360 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 35.6Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 39.6Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Country | Finland |
| Dimensions | 20.9"H x 14.2"W x 14.2"D (530 x 360 x 360 mm) (20.9 x 14.2 x 14.2 in) |
| Drivers | 1" titanium compression tweeter, 10" cone woofer |
| Enclosure | ported |
| Frequency Response | 36Hz-22kHz -6dB |
| Max SPL | Peak 128dB |
| Power Output (Watts) | 350W total (250W woofer, 100W tweeter, Class D) |
| Warranty | 2 years (5 with product registration) |
| Weight | 66.1 lbs / 30 kg (66.1 lbs) each |
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