Short answer: the Neumann KH 310 A for better sound quality, the Kali Audio LP-8 for the lower price. The Neumann KH 310 A ranks #13 of 40 powered bookshelf speakers at $4400. The Kali Audio LP-8 ranks #22 at $299, $4101 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.
The case for the Kali Audio LP-8: Note the newer V2 is out which could be a little better. The tradeoff: Eris 8 has this beat by a little bit.
Buy the Neumann KH 310 A if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Kali Audio LP-8 if the price matters more than sound quality.
Specifications Side By Side
| Neumann KH 310 A | Kali Audio LP-8 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $4400 | $299.00 |
| Ranked | #13 of 40 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #22 of 40 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 70Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 42Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | - |
| Dimensions | not published by manufacturer | 16.5"H x 10"W x 11.3"D (419.1 x 254 x 287 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 34Hz - 21kHz (+/-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 45Hz - 21kHz (+-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Weight | not published by manufacturer | 19.8 lbs / 9.0 kg each |
| Drivers | 8.25" woofer, 3" midrange, 1" tweeter | 8" woofer, 1" soft dome tweeter |
| App | No | No |
| EQ | No | Yes (Room adjustment) |
| DSP | No | No |
| Output Power | 290W total (150W woofer, 70W mid, 70W tweeter) | 100w Per Speaker |
| Inputs | - | TRS, XLR, RCA |
| Bluetooth | - | No |
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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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- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Kali Audio LP-8: $299.00 Amazon
Pros: Note the newer V2 is out which could be a little better.
Cons: Eris 8 has this beat by a little bit. A bit of a hooded response
Full Kali Audio LP-8 review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bluetooth | No |
| DSP | No |
| Dimensions | 16.5"H x 10"W x 11.3"D (419.1 x 254 x 287 mm) |
| Drivers | 8" woofer, 1" soft dome tweeter |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) |
| Frequency Response | 45Hz - 21kHz (+-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | TRS, XLR, RCA |
| Output Power | 100w Per Speaker |
| Weight | 19.8 lbs / 9.0 kg each |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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