Short answer: the Neumann KH 310 A for better sound quality, the JBL 306P MKII for the lower price. The Neumann KH 310 A ranks #13 of 66 powered bookshelf speakers at $4400. The JBL 306P MKII ranks #39 at $398, $4002 cheaper.
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. 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. Watch for: 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.
What the JBL 306P MKII offers: CEA2034 spinorama shows a nice, smooth on-axis response with very good directivity control for a compact 6.5” monitor. Dual 56W Class D amps keep the design affordable at $398 per pair while following JBL’s well-regarded 300-series voicing. Watch for: A narrow but noticeable dip around 1.6kHz shows up in the on-axis and listening-window curves. Distortion runs classically high for this series, reaching around 5% near 200Hz at 96dB SPL. Amplifier hiss is audible from roughly 2 feet away, and the monitor runs out of headroom at higher volumes.
Buy the Neumann KH 310 A if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the JBL 306P MKII if the price matters more than sound quality.
Specifications Side By Side
| Neumann KH 310 A | JBL 306P MKII | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $4400 | $398 |
| Ranked | #13 of 66 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #39 of 66 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 70Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 78Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 42Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 60Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Dimensions | not published by manufacturer | 16.1"H x 11.2"W x 12.9"D (408 x 285 x 328 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 34Hz - 21kHz (+/-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 39Hz - 24kHz (-10dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Weight | not published by manufacturer | 13.4 lbs / 6.1 kg each |
| Drivers | 8.25" woofer, 3" midrange, 1" tweeter | 6.5" woofer, 1" neodymium tweeter |
| App | No | No |
| EQ | No | No |
| DSP | No | No |
| Output Power | 290W total (150W woofer, 70W mid, 70W tweeter) | 112W total |
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- Neumann KH 150 vs Focal Solo6 ST6
- Focal Alpha 65 EVO vs Buchardt A500
- Neumann KH 310 A vs Kali Audio LP-6 V2
- Neumann KH 310 A vs Adam Audio T8V
Prices on this page were last checked August 25, 2026 at 6:19 AM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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The Two Speakers In Full
Neumann KH 310 A: $4400 Bhphotovideo eBay
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 |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Neumann KH 310 A vs Neumann KH 150
- Neumann KH 310 A vs Kali Audio IN-8 V2
- Neumann KH 310 A vs Yamaha HS8
- Neumann KH 310 A vs JBL 4305P
- Neumann KH 310 A vs Genelec 8040B
- Neumann KH 310 A vs Focal Alpha 65 EVO
- Neumann KH 310 A vs Genelec 8050B
- Neumann KH 310 A vs Kali Audio LP-6 V2
- See all 27 comparisons
JBL 306P MKII: $398 Bhphotovideo eBay
Pros: CEA2034 spinorama shows a nice, smooth on-axis response with very good directivity control for a compact 6.5” monitor. Dual 56W Class D amps keep the design affordable at $398 per pair while following JBL’s well-regarded 300-series voicing.
Cons: A narrow but noticeable dip around 1.6kHz shows up in the on-axis and listening-window curves. Distortion runs classically high for this series, reaching around 5% near 200Hz at 96dB SPL. Amplifier hiss is audible from roughly 2 feet away, and the monitor runs out of headroom at higher volumes.
Full JBL 306P MKII review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 60Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 78Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| DSP | No |
| Dimensions | 16.1"H x 11.2"W x 12.9"D (408 x 285 x 328 mm) |
| Drivers | 6.5" woofer, 1" neodymium tweeter |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 39Hz - 24kHz (-10dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Output Power | 112W total |
| Weight | 13.4 lbs / 6.1 kg each |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons