Short answer: the Neumann KH120 MKII. It ranks #2 of 100 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 4.7/5, at $1,898. The Audioengine HD6 ranks #77, rated 3.3/5, at $1,048, $850 cheaper, not enough of a saving to outweigh the sound-quality gap.
The Neumann KH120 MKII is the better-sounding option. 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. It has an adjustable EQ, which the Audioengine HD6 lacks. The tradeoff: Vertical crossover interference makes listening height important even though horizontal dispersion is well controlled.
What the Audioengine HD6 does well: Analog and optical inputs, RCA output and built-in amplification provide a convenient self-contained stereo setup. It keeps a wired aux input, which the Neumann KH120 MKII lacks. The tradeoff: Listening impressions describe bass and treble emphasis with a recessed midrange, which may suit casual listening better than neutral monitoring.
Buy the Neumann KH120 MKII. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $850 saving on the Audioengine HD6 is not enough to make up the difference.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Powered Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Neumann KH120 MKII | Audioengine HD6 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,898.00 per pair | $1,048.00 per pair |
| Ranked | #2 of 100 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #77 of 100 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 | Yes |
| DSP | Yes | - |
| EQ | Yes (via DSP) | No |
| Frequency Response | 44Hz - 21kHz (±3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 45Hz-40kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Amplifier Power | 245W (145W woofer + 100W tweeter) | 50w RMS Per Speaker |
| Maximum SPL | 116.8dB @ 1m (manufacturer specified) | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.49 | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 8.44 | - |
| XLR Input | Yes | No |
| RCA Input | No | Yes |
| TRS Input | No | No |
| Optical Input | No | Yes |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | No | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | No | Yes |
| Outputs | - | RCA variable output (subwoofer) |
| Bluetooth Version | - | 5.0 |
| Bluetooth Codecs | - | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD |
| Subwoofer Output | - | Yes |
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 October 9, 2026 at 8:01 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: $1,898.00 per pair B&H Photo Video eBay
Older model: the Neumann KH 120 A (ranked lower, rated 4.4/5).
Same family: the Neumann KH80 DSP (smaller bookshelf, ranked lower, rated 4.6/5), the Neumann KH 150 (larger bookshelf, rated 4.8/5), the Neumann KH 310 A (larger bookshelf, rated 4.6/5), the Neumann KH420 (larger bookshelf, rated 4.8/5) and the Neumann KH 750 DSP (subwoofer, rated 3.5/5).
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 6.49 standalone and 8.44 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 →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 245W (145W woofer + 100W tweeter) |
| App | Yes (MA 1 alignment) |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 36Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 46Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | 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) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | XLR |
| Maximum SPL | 116.8dB @ 1m (manufacturer specified) |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | No |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.49 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 8.44 |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 14.6 lbs (6.6 kg) each |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- 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 51 comparisons
Audioengine HD6: $1,048.00 per pair Amazon eBay
Same family: the Audioengine HD3 (smaller bookshelf, rated 3.2/5) and the Audioengine HD4 (smaller bookshelf, ranked lower, rated 3.2/5).
Pros: Analog and optical inputs, RCA output and built-in amplification provide a convenient self-contained stereo setup. The cabinet and driver size can be practical for general music listening without assembling a separate amplifier system.
Cons: Listening impressions describe bass and treble emphasis with a recessed midrange, which may suit casual listening better than neutral monitoring.
Full Audioengine HD6 review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 50w RMS Per Speaker |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 |
| Coaxial Input | 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) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, Aux, RCA Input, Digital Optical |
| Optical Input | Yes |
| Outputs | RCA variable output (subwoofer) |
| RCA Input | Yes |
| Subwoofer Output | Yes |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 17.4 lbs (7.9 kg) |
| XLR Input | No |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Audioengine HD6 vs Edifier R2000DB
- Audioengine HD6 vs Edifier MR5
- Audioengine HD6 vs Edifier S1000W
- Audioengine HD6 vs Presonus Eris E5
- Audioengine HD6 vs Edifier S1000MKII
- Audioengine HD6 vs Kali Audio IN-UNF
- Audioengine HD6 vs KRK Classic 5
- Audioengine HD6 vs Audioengine HD4
- See all 48 comparisons