Short answer: the Neumann KH120 MKII. It ranks #2 of 108 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality (rated 4.7/5) at $1,898 and is still sold new; the Devialet Phantom II 98 dB ranks #11 (rated 4.4/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used. The Devialet Phantom II 98 dB’s replacement, the Devialet Phantom Ultimate 98dB, is rated 4.4/5 at $3,998.
The case for the Neumann KH120 MKII: An extremely accurate compact studio monitor, with very low distortion and bass to about 45Hz. The tradeoff: Vertical crossover interference makes listening height important even though horizontal dispersion is well controlled.
The Devialet Phantom II 98 dB is the deeper-bass pick. A compact wireless streaming speaker with startlingly deep bass for its size and an even, well balanced sound. Its bass reaches about 30Hz before falling 3dB, against 46Hz for the Neumann KH120 MKII. The tradeoff: Small-enclosure bass extension at the measurement level does not guarantee the same response at high volume.
Buy the Neumann KH120 MKII. It is rated higher for sound quality; the Devialet Phantom II 98 dB is no longer sold new.
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An extremely accurate compact studio monitor, with very low distortion and bass to about 45Hz.
A compact wireless streaming speaker with startlingly deep bass for its size and an even, well balanced sound.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Neumann KH120 MKII | Devialet Phantom II 98 dB | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,898.00 per pair | $2,998 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #2 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #11 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 36Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | approximately 22.6Hz (measured, spinorama.org) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 46Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 30Hz (measured, spinorama.org) |
| Dimensions | 11.3”H x 7.2”W x 8.9”D (287 x 182.9 x 226.1 mm) | 6.6 x 6.2 x 8.6 in each |
| Inputs | XLR | Wi-Fi, Ethernet, Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, UPnP, Roon Ready, analog/optical combo jack |
| Drivers | 5.25” woofer, 1” titanium fabric dome tweeter | One aluminum full-range driver; two aluminum bass drivers |
| Weight | 14.6 lbs (6.6 kg) each | 9.5 lbs (4.3 kg) each |
| App | Yes (MA 1 alignment) | - |
| Bluetooth | No | Yes |
| DSP | Yes | - |
| EQ | Yes (via DSP) | - |
| Frequency Response | 44Hz - 21kHz (±3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 18Hz - 21kHz (-6dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Amplifier Power | 245W (145W woofer + 100W tweeter) | 400W RMS each |
| Maximum SPL | 116.8dB @ 1m (manufacturer specified) | 98dB at 1m each (manufacturer specified) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.49 | 6.87 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 8.44 | 7.95 |
| XLR Input | Yes | No |
| RCA Input | No | No |
| 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 | No |
| Bluetooth Codecs | - | SBC, AAC |
| Bluetooth Version | - | 5.0 |
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