Short answer: the Neumann KH 310 A for better sound quality, the JBL 708P for the lower price. The Neumann KH 310 A ranks #13 of 40 powered bookshelf speakers at $4400. The JBL 708P ranks #20 at $4000, $400 cheaper.
What the Neumann KH 310 A gets right: CEA2034 spinorama shows a near-perfect on-axis response with superb directivity control and minimal off-axis variation. The catch: An unidentified dip around 80Hz shows up in the measurements, which Neumann was asked to investigate.
What the JBL 708P offers: CEA2034 spinorama shows extremely good frequency response both on- and off-axis, with excellent horizontal directivity. Watch for: A port resonance creates a mild rise around 600-900Hz.
Buy the Neumann KH 310 A if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the JBL 708P if the price matters more than sound quality.
Specifications Side By Side
| Neumann KH 310 A | JBL 708P | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $4400 | $4000 |
| Ranked | #13 of 40 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #20 of 40 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 70Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 82Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 42Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 62Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Dimensions | not published by manufacturer | 17.2"H x 9.8"W x 11.5"D (438 x 248 x 292 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 34Hz - 21kHz (+/-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 41Hz - 25kHz (+/-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Weight | not published by manufacturer | 25.1 lbs / 11.4 kg each |
| Drivers | 8.25" woofer, 3" midrange, 1" tweeter | 8" woofer, 2409H 1" compression driver |
| App | No | No |
| EQ | No | No |
| DSP | No | No |
| Output Power | 290W total (150W woofer, 70W mid, 70W tweeter) | 500W total (250W woofer, 250W tweeter) |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More useful head-to-heads from the same speaker class:
- Buchardt A500 vs Buchardt A10
- Genelec 8050B vs JBL 4329P
- Buchardt A500 vs JBL 4329P
- JBL 4329P vs JBL 708P
- Genelec 8050B 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 |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
JBL 708P: $4000 Bhphotovideo
Pros: CEA2034 spinorama shows extremely good frequency response both on- and off-axis, with excellent horizontal directivity. Bi-amplified 500W design (250W woofer, 250W compression driver) handles an 8” woofer and JBL’s 2409H compression tweeter.
Cons: A port resonance creates a mild rise around 600-900Hz. Vertical dispersion is narrower than horizontal, so staying within a few degrees of the tweeter axis matters. Distortion climbs at 96dB SPL, with the tweeter reaching about 2.5% THD at elevated levels.
Full JBL 708P review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 62Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 82Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| DSP | No |
| Dimensions | 17.2"H x 9.8"W x 11.5"D (438 x 248 x 292 mm) |
| Drivers | 8" woofer, 2409H 1" compression driver |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 41Hz - 25kHz (+/-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Output Power | 500W total (250W woofer, 250W tweeter) |
| Weight | 25.1 lbs / 11.4 kg each |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons