Short answer: the Neumann KH120 MKII for better sound quality, the Audioengine HD6 for the lower price. The Neumann KH120 MKII ranks #2 of 64 powered bookshelf speakers at $2000. The Audioengine HD6 ranks #41 at $817.44, $1182.56 cheaper.
What the Neumann KH120 MKII offers: CEA2034 spinorama is about as flat as the reviewer has measured, with excellent directivity aside from a small blip around 2kHz, and bass response that stays flat almost down to 50Hz. Predicted in-room response is superb despite not being strictly valid for a near-field monitor at this distance. Horizontal beamwidth of about ±50 degrees is nice and well controlled. Distortion at 86dB SPL/1m is exceptionally low. Even at 96dB SPL/1m - just 1dB before the clipping indicator engages - it stays very clean outside of deep bass. Watch for: A minor directivity blip appears around 2kHz. Vertical directivity narrows quickly above the reference axis, so the reviewer recommends staying right at it. Distortion rises substantially in the deep bass under 50Hz at higher output (96dB SPL/1m). Cumulative spectral decay (waterfall) shows a resonance in the upper midrange. High price.
What the Audioengine HD6 offers: Rated 3.7 in the SpeakerRanking database. Watch for: A bit of an accentuated treble and bass. Slight dip in the midrange.
Buy the Neumann KH120 MKII if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Audioengine HD6 if the price matters more than sound quality.
Specifications Side By Side
| Neumann KH120 MKII | Audioengine HD6 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2000 | $817.44 |
| Ranked | #2 of 64 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #41 of 64 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) | 11.7"H x 7.2"W x 10"D (298.4 x 184.1 x 254 mm) |
| Inputs | XLR | Bluetooth, Aux, RCA Input, Digital Optical |
| Drivers | 5.25" woofer, 1" titanium fabric dome tweeter | 5.5" (140mm) woofer |
| Weight | 14.6 lbs / 6.6 kg each | 17.4 lbs / 7.9 kg |
| App | Yes (MA 1 alignment) | No |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| DSP | Yes | - |
| EQ | Yes (via DSP) | No |
| Frequency Response | 44Hz - 21kHz (±3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 45Hz-40KHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Max SPL | 116.8dB @ 1m | - |
| Output Power | 245W (145W woofer + 100W tweeter) | 50w RMS Per Speaker |
| Outputs | - | RCA Output |
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Prices on this page were last checked August 25, 2026 at 6:19 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 Bhphotovideo eBay
Pros: CEA2034 spinorama is about as flat as the reviewer has measured, with excellent directivity aside from a small blip around 2kHz, and bass response that stays flat almost down to 50Hz. Predicted in-room response is superb despite not being strictly valid for a near-field monitor at this distance. Horizontal beamwidth of about ±50 degrees is nice and well controlled. Distortion at 86dB SPL/1m is exceptionally low. Even at 96dB SPL/1m - just 1dB before the clipping indicator engages - it stays very clean outside of deep bass.
Cons: A minor directivity blip appears around 2kHz. Vertical directivity narrows quickly above the reference axis, so the reviewer recommends staying right at it. Distortion rises substantially in the deep bass under 50Hz at higher output (96dB SPL/1m). Cumulative spectral decay (waterfall) shows a resonance in the upper midrange. High price.
Full Neumann KH120 MKII review and specifications →
| 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 |
| Max SPL | 116.8dB @ 1m |
| Output Power | 245W (145W woofer + 100W tweeter) |
| Weight | 14.6 lbs / 6.6 kg each |
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Audioengine HD6: $817.44 Amazon eBay
Cons: A bit of an accentuated treble and bass. Slight dip in the midrange.
Full Audioengine HD6 review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bluetooth | No |
| Dimensions | 11.7"H x 7.2"W x 10"D (298.4 x 184.1 x 254 mm) |
| Drivers | 5.5" (140mm) woofer |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 45Hz-40KHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, Aux, RCA Input, Digital Optical |
| Output Power | 50w RMS Per Speaker |
| Outputs | RCA Output |
| Weight | 17.4 lbs / 7.9 kg |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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