Short answer: the JBL 308P MKII for flat on-axis response, the Neumann KH 310 A for directivity control. The 308P’s CEA2034 spinorama is essentially flat on axis from 45Hz to above 15kHz with almost no directivity error, though a resonance around 18kHz and a slight dip around 1.4kHz show up. The KH 310 A answers with a near-perfect on-axis response, superb directivity control and minimal off-axis variation.
Buy the Neumann KH 310 A when sound quality outweighs the price for you, and the JBL 308P MKII when the price outweighs sound quality instead.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Neumann KH 310 A | JBL 308P MKII | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $4,998 per pair | $298 per pair |
| Ranked | #17 of 68 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #22 of 68 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 35.2Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 42.5Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 28.3Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) | 37.6Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) |
| Frequency Response | 34Hz - 21kHz (+/-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 45Hz - 20kHz (+/-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Drivers | 8.25” woofer, 3” midrange, 1” tweeter | 8” woofer, 1” neodymium tweeter |
| App | No | No |
| EQ | No | No |
| DSP | No | No |
| Amplifier Power | 290W total (150W woofer, 70W mid, 70W tweeter) | 112W total |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.21 | 5.88 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.70 | 7.69 |
| Inputs | XLR (balanced analog) | XLR, 1/4” TRS |
| XLR Input | Yes | Yes |
| RCA Input | No | No |
| TRS Input | No | Yes |
| Optical Input | No | No |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | No | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| Dimensions | 10” x 15.1” x 11.5” (253 x 383 x 292 mm) (H x W x D) | 16.5”H x 10”W x 12.1”D (419.1 x 254 x 307.3 mm) |
| Weight | 28.7 lbs (13.0 kg) | 17.9 lbs (8.1 kg) each |
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How Neumann KH 310 A compares with other leading options:
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- Genelec 8351B vs Neumann KH 310 A
- Neumann KH420 vs Neumann KH 310 A
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Prices on this page were last checked October 2, 2026 at 10:18 PM 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: $4,998 per pair B&H Photo Video eBay
Pros: The sealed three-way design combines 35.2Hz measured -3dB extension with low distortion in the review’s demanding playback tests. Its 2.2dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz and 7.70 ideal-subwoofer score support balanced monitoring with useful full-range capability. Measured bass extension of 35.2Hz (-3dB).
Cons: Its measured tonal balance is not as even as the KH 150 or the best coaxial alternatives. Correct orientation and listening height matter for the separated drivers. The analog system lacks the integrated calibration workflow of newer DSP models, so room correction requires additional equipment. An unexplained dip around 80Hz shows in the measurements.
Full Neumann KH 310 A review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 290W total (150W woofer, 70W mid, 70W tweeter) |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 28.3Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 35.2Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| DSP | No |
| Dimensions | 10” x 15.1” x 11.5” (253 x 383 x 292 mm) (H x W x D) |
| Drivers | 8.25” woofer, 3” midrange, 1” tweeter |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 34Hz - 21kHz (+/-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | XLR (balanced analog) |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | No |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.21 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.70 |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 28.7 lbs (13.0 kg) |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Links
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JBL 308P MKII: $298 per pair Amazon B&H Photo Video eBay
Pros: A 1.8dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz and 7.69 ideal-subwoofer score support unusually good tonal balance for an accessible studio monitor. Measured -3dB extension of 42.5Hz supplies useful musical bass, and the waveguide helps maintain consistent horizontal coverage. Measured bass extension of 42.5Hz (-3dB).
Cons: Amplifier hiss may be noticeable in quiet, close-range use. Bass distortion and output limits matter when playing loudly, despite the 8-inch woofer. Keep the tweeter near ear height; vertical crossover behavior is less forgiving than the best coaxial designs. A resonance around 18kHz and a slight dip around 1.4kHz.
Full JBL 308P MKII review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 112W total |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 37.6Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 42.5Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| DSP | No |
| Dimensions | 16.5”H x 10”W x 12.1”D (419.1 x 254 x 307.3 mm) |
| Drivers | 8” woofer, 1” neodymium tweeter |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 45Hz - 20kHz (+/-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | XLR, 1/4” TRS |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | No |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.88 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.69 |
| TRS Input | Yes |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 17.9 lbs (8.1 kg) each |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons