Short answer: the Neumann KH 310 A. It ranks #13 of 40 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality at $4400; the JBL 4329P ranks #19 and costs $4500, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
On the Neumann KH 310 A side: CEA2034 spinorama shows a near-perfect on-axis response with superb directivity control and minimal off-axis variation. Set against that: An unidentified dip around 80Hz shows up in the measurements, which Neumann was asked to investigate.
What the JBL 4329P offers: Genuinely full-range performance for a bookshelf-style speaker - anechoic response extends to 30Hz (measured F3 31Hz), reaching into the low 20s Hz range in-room depending on placement. Watch for: No HDMI input, a real drawback if you want to run these directly off a TV’s ARC.
Buy the Neumann KH 310 A. It ranks higher for sound quality than the JBL 4329P and costs less, so there is no real case for the other one.
Specifications Side By Side
| Neumann KH 310 A | JBL 4329P | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $4400 | $4,500 |
| Ranked | #13 of 40 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #19 of 40 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 70Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 31Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 42Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 27Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Dimensions | not published by manufacturer | 20.3"H x 12.6"W x 12.7"D |
| Frequency Response | 34Hz - 21kHz (+/-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 30Hz - 20kHz (anechoic, manufacturer specified) |
| Weight | not published by manufacturer | 34.5 lbs (primary), 34.3 lbs (secondary) |
| Drivers | 8.25" woofer, 3" midrange, 1" tweeter | 8" midwoofer, 1" compression driver with JBL High-Definition Imaging horn |
| App | No | - |
| EQ | No | - |
| DSP | No | - |
| Output Power | 290W total (150W woofer, 70W mid, 70W tweeter) | - |
| Sensitivity | - | 102.2dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Inputs | - | USB, Optical, Bluetooth, Analog, 3.5mm, AirPlay 2 |
| Woofer Cabinet | - | ported |
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- HEDD Type 20 MK2 vs Buchardt A500
- HEDD Type 20 MK2 vs Buchardt A10
- Buchardt A500 vs Buchardt A10
- JBL M2 Master Reference Monitor vs Neumann KH 310 A
- Buchardt A10 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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JBL 4329P: $4,500 Amazon
Pros: Genuinely full-range performance for a bookshelf-style speaker - anechoic response extends to 30Hz (measured F3 31Hz), reaching into the low 20s Hz range in-room depending on placement, with strong bass authority rather than a rolled-off, thin low end. Wide, constant horizontal directivity through the midrange and into the treble (about ±60°, wider than most horn-loaded designs which tend to run closer to ±40°) gives a wide, stable stereo image without needing to toe the speakers out and lose top-end energy. The reviewer listened for an hour-long sessions repeatedly without listener fatigue, across two very different rooms, with consistently great results in both. Extensive connectivity: USB, Optical, Bluetooth, analog, 3.5mm, AirPlay 2, and 24-bit/192kHz support; comes with a remote.
Cons: No HDMI input, a real drawback if you want to run these directly off a TV’s ARC. The supplied ethernet link cable between the two speakers is short - workable at close range but not long enough for wider speaker placement, so budget for a longer aftermarket cable if your setup needs it. A dip around 900Hz shows up in the on-axis measurement that the reviewer couldn’t fully explain (ruled out the ports as the cause, suspects cabinet edge diffraction), though it wasn’t something that bothered him in listening. At $4,500/pair, this is a serious investment for a bookshelf-format speaker.
Full JBL 4329P review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 27Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 31Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Dimensions | 20.3"H x 12.6"W x 12.7"D |
| Drivers | 8" midwoofer, 1" compression driver with JBL High-Definition Imaging horn |
| Frequency Response | 30Hz - 20kHz (anechoic, manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | USB, Optical, Bluetooth, Analog, 3.5mm, AirPlay 2 |
| Sensitivity | 102.2dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Weight | 34.5 lbs (primary), 34.3 lbs (secondary) |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons