Short answer: the Neumann KH120 MKII for better sound quality, the Adam Audio A4V for the lower price. The Neumann KH120 MKII ranks #2 of 65 powered bookshelf speakers at $2000. The Adam Audio A4V ranks #42 at $599.99, $1400.01 cheaper.
What the Neumann KH120 MKII offers: ASR’s Klippel data shows exceptional neutrality: only a 1.5dB span from 300Hz to 5kHz and low listening-window narrow-band deviation of 0.208. Scores of 5.75 standalone and 7.70 with an ideal subwoofer place it among the strongest measured options here. Bass reaches -3dB around 45Hz. The review reports very low distortion at 86dB/1m and clean performance outside deep bass at 96dB. Watch for: Vertical crossover interference makes listening height important even though horizontal dispersion is well controlled. A small directivity irregularity remains around 2kHz. Distortion increases below about 50Hz at high output; a subwoofer can extend the system and reduce low-frequency demands. High price, and a flat anechoic response still needs suitable placement in the room.
What the Adam Audio A4V offers: Compact monitor with onboard DSP, placement controls and room-correction integration. ASR’s Klippel data gives a -3dB point around 59Hz and preference scores of 3.02 standalone and 5.43 with an ideal subwoofer. Its adjustment facilities are useful when placement or tonal correction is needed. Watch for: A small average-deviation figure hides a major localized response irregularity: the selected measurement spans 10.8dB from 300Hz to 5kHz, and listening-window narrow-band deviation is 0.547. The native response should therefore not be called smoothly neutral. Correction potential is not the same as stock performance, and analog audio inputs mean a separate interface is needed for USB sources.
Buy the Neumann KH120 MKII when sound quality outweighs the price for you, and the Adam Audio A4V when the price outweighs sound quality instead.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Neumann KH120 MKII | Adam Audio A4V | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2000 per pair | $1,199.98 per pair |
| Ranked | #2 of 65 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #42 of 65 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 36Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | - |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 46Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | - |
| Dimensions | 11.3"H x 7.2"W x 8.9"D (287 x 182.9 x 226.1 mm) | 10.6H x 6.2W x 8.7D in |
| Inputs | XLR | XLR and RCA; Ethernet for control |
| Drivers | 5.25" woofer, 1" titanium fabric dome tweeter | X-ART folded-ribbon tweeter, 4" MLM woofer |
| Weight | 14.6 lbs (6.6 kg) each | 12.8 lbs (5.8 kg) each |
| App | Yes (MA 1 alignment) | - |
| Bluetooth | No | - |
| DSP | Yes | - |
| EQ | Yes (via DSP) | - |
| Frequency Response | 44Hz - 21kHz (±3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Amplifier Power | 245W (145W woofer + 100W tweeter) | 130W RMS each |
| Maximum SPL | 116.8dB @ 1m (manufacturer specified) | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.75 | 3.02 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.70 | 5.43 |
| Enclosure | - | 2-way active, dual front ports |
Related Speaker Comparisons
How Neumann KH120 MKII compares with other leading options:
- Genelec 8331A vs Neumann KH120 MKII
- Genelec 8030C vs Neumann KH120 MKII
- Neumann KH120 MKII vs Neumann KH80 DSP
- Neumann KH120 MKII vs Dynaudio LYD 5
- Neumann KH120 MKII vs Genelec 8330A
Prices on this page were last checked September 16, 2026 at 12:41 AM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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The Two Speakers In Full
Neumann KH120 MKII: $2000 per pair B&H Photo Video eBay
Pros: ASR’s Klippel data shows exceptional neutrality: only a 1.5dB span from 300Hz to 5kHz and low listening-window narrow-band deviation of 0.208. Scores of 5.75 standalone and 7.70 with an ideal subwoofer place it among the strongest measured options here. Bass reaches -3dB around 45Hz. The review reports very low distortion at 86dB/1m and clean performance outside deep bass at 96dB. Measured bass extension of 46Hz (-3dB).
Cons: Vertical crossover interference makes listening height important even though horizontal dispersion is well controlled. A small directivity irregularity remains around 2kHz. Distortion increases below about 50Hz at high output; a subwoofer can extend the system and reduce low-frequency demands. High price, and a flat anechoic response still needs suitable placement in the room.
Full Neumann KH120 MKII review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 245W (145W woofer + 100W tweeter) |
|---|---|
| App | Yes (MA 1 alignment) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 36Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 46Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| DSP | Yes |
| Dimensions | 11.3"H x 7.2"W x 8.9"D (287 x 182.9 x 226.1 mm) |
| Drivers | 5.25" woofer, 1" titanium fabric dome tweeter |
| EQ | Yes (via DSP) |
| Frequency Response | 44Hz - 21kHz (±3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | XLR |
| Maximum SPL | 116.8dB @ 1m (manufacturer specified) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.75 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.70 |
| Weight | 14.6 lbs (6.6 kg) each |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Neumann KH120 MKII vs Genelec 8030C
- Neumann KH120 MKII vs Genelec 8331A
- Neumann KH120 MKII vs Neumann KH80 DSP
- Neumann KH120 MKII vs Dynaudio LYD 5
- Neumann KH120 MKII vs Genelec 8330A
- Neumann KH120 MKII vs Genelec 8320A
- Neumann KH120 MKII vs Devialet Phantom II 98 dB
- Neumann KH120 MKII vs Topping MA4
- See all 50 comparisons
Adam Audio A4V: $1,199.98 per pair B&H Photo Video eBay
Pros: Compact monitor with onboard DSP, placement controls and room-correction integration. ASR’s Klippel data gives a -3dB point around 59Hz and preference scores of 3.02 standalone and 5.43 with an ideal subwoofer. Its adjustment facilities are useful when placement or tonal correction is needed.
Cons: A small average-deviation figure hides a major localized response irregularity: the selected measurement spans 10.8dB from 300Hz to 5kHz, and listening-window narrow-band deviation is 0.547. The native response should therefore not be called smoothly neutral. Correction potential is not the same as stock performance, and analog audio inputs mean a separate interface is needed for USB sources.
Full Adam Audio A4V review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 130W RMS each |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 10.6H x 6.2W x 8.7D in |
| Drivers | X-ART folded-ribbon tweeter, 4" MLM woofer |
| Enclosure | 2-way active, dual front ports |
| Inputs | XLR and RCA; Ethernet for control |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.02 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 5.43 |
| Weight | 12.8 lbs (5.8 kg) each |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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