Short answer: the Neumann KH 310 A for better sound quality, the JBL 4305P for the lower price. The Neumann KH 310 A ranks #13 of 40 powered bookshelf speakers at $4400. The JBL 4305P ranks #14 at $2200, $2200 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. Watch for: An unidentified dip around 80Hz shows up in the measurements, which Neumann was asked to investigate.
What the JBL 4305P gets right: Erin measured a 45Hz F3 and heard solid 40–50Hz in-room extension—excellent for a compact 5.25-inch active monitor. The catch: The limiter becomes conspicuous around 96dB: Erin measured about 8dB lost near 50Hz at the highest drive and achieved roughly 93dB unweighted at 2m in-room.
Buy the Neumann KH 310 A if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the JBL 4305P if the price matters more than sound quality.
Specifications Side By Side
| Neumann KH 310 A | JBL 4305P | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $4400 | $2,200/pair |
| Ranked | #13 of 40 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #14 of 40 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 70Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 45Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 42Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | - |
| Dimensions | not published by manufacturer | 13.2H x 8.3W x 8.8D inches |
| Frequency Response | 34Hz - 21kHz (+/-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Weight | not published by manufacturer | - |
| Drivers | 8.25" woofer, 3" midrange, 1" tweeter | 5.25-inch pulp woofer; 1-inch annular compression driver |
| App | No | - |
| EQ | No | - |
| DSP | No | - |
| Output Power | 290W total (150W woofer, 70W mid, 70W tweeter) | - |
| Sensitivity | - | Not applicable (active DSP loudspeaker) |
| Maximum Output | - | ~93dB at 2m in-room before limiting (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Amplification | - | 300W system: 125W LF + 25W HF per speaker |
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- Genelec 8040B vs Neumann KH 310 A
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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JBL 4305P: $2,200/pair Amazon JBL
Pros: Erin measured a 45Hz F3 and heard solid 40–50Hz in-room extension—excellent for a compact 5.25-inch active monitor. Tonality is neutral and non-fatiguing, vocal coloration is absent, imaging is precise, and the HDI horn maintains near-constant horizontal directivity above 2kHz. Each speaker is bi-amplified (125W LF + 25W HF), while USB, optical, balanced analog, AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Bluetooth and 24/192 wired interconnect make this an unusually complete system. Grilles caused no meaningful response penalty.
Cons: The limiter becomes conspicuous around 96dB: Erin measured about 8dB lost near 50Hz at the highest drive and achieved roughly 93dB unweighted at 2m in-room, so this is a near/midfield system rather than a high-output theater speaker. A baffle discontinuity produces a 1–2kHz directivity mismatch that cannot be corrected uniformly in the vertical plane; stay within about +/-5° of tweeter height. Soundstage depth and layering trailed the KEF Reference 1 Meta, and wireless speaker linking caps resolution at 24/96.
Full JBL 4305P review and specifications →
| Amplification | 300W system: 125W LF + 25W HF per speaker |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 45Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Dimensions | 13.2H x 8.3W x 8.8D inches |
| Drivers | 5.25-inch pulp woofer; 1-inch annular compression driver |
| Maximum Output | ~93dB at 2m in-room before limiting (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | Not applicable (active DSP loudspeaker) |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons