Short answer: the Neumann KH 310 A for better sound quality, the Yamaha HS8 for the lower price. The Neumann KH 310 A ranks #13 of 40 powered bookshelf speakers at $4400. The Yamaha HS8 ranks #23 at $678.28, $3721.72 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.
The case for the Yamaha HS8: Good for mixing and anything needing a neutral output. The tradeoff: Slight midrange boost.
Buy the Neumann KH 310 A if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Yamaha HS8 if the price matters more than sound quality.
Specifications Side By Side
| Neumann KH 310 A | Yamaha HS8 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $4400 | $678.28 |
| Ranked | #13 of 40 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #23 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 | 15.4"H x 9.8"W x 13.1"D (391.2 x 248.9 x 332.7 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 34Hz - 21kHz (+/-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 47Hz - 24kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Weight | not published by manufacturer | 22.5 lbs / 10.2 kg |
| Drivers | 8.25" woofer, 3" midrange, 1" tweeter | 8" woofer, 1" dome tweeter |
| App | No | No |
| EQ | No | Yes (Room adjustment) |
| DSP | No | No |
| Output Power | 290W total (150W woofer, 70W mid, 70W tweeter) | 120w Per Speaker |
| Inputs | - | XLR |
| 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
Yamaha HS8: $678.28 Amazon
Pros: Good for mixing and anything needing a neutral output.
Cons: Slight midrange boost. Quite expensive.
Full Yamaha HS8 review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bluetooth | No |
| DSP | No |
| Dimensions | 15.4"H x 9.8"W x 13.1"D (391.2 x 248.9 x 332.7 mm) |
| Drivers | 8" woofer, 1" dome tweeter |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) |
| Frequency Response | 47Hz - 24kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | XLR |
| Output Power | 120w Per Speaker |
| Weight | 22.5 lbs / 10.2 kg |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
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