Short answer: the Neumann KH120 MKII for better sound quality, the Dynaudio LYD 5 for the lower price. The Neumann KH120 MKII ranks #2 of 100 powered bookshelf speakers, rated 4.7/5, at $1,898. The Dynaudio LYD 5 ranks #6, rated 4.5/5, at $998, $900 cheaper.
The Neumann KH120 MKII is the deeper-bass pick. 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. Its bass reaches about 46Hz before falling 3dB, against 68Hz for the Dynaudio LYD 5. It has an adjustable EQ, which the Dynaudio LYD 5 lacks. The tradeoff: Vertical crossover interference makes listening height important even though horizontal dispersion is well controlled.
What the Dynaudio LYD 5 does well: ASR’s Klippel data is substantially stronger than a low ranking suggests: 4.72 standalone and 7.38 with an ideal subwoofer, with a 1.9dB span from 300Hz to 5kHz. Watch for: Bass reaches -3dB around 72Hz, so it gives up low-frequency weight to deeper-reaching monitors.
Buy the Neumann KH120 MKII if sound quality is the priority over the price, or the Dynaudio LYD 5 if the price is the priority over sound quality.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Neumann KH120 MKII | Dynaudio LYD 5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,898.00 per pair | $998 per pair |
| Ranked | #2 of 100 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #6 of 100 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 36Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 50Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 46Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 68Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Dimensions | 11.3”H x 7.2”W x 8.9”D (287 x 182.9 x 226.1 mm) | 10.2”H x 6.7”W x 8.3”D (260 x 170 x 211 mm) |
| Inputs | XLR | XLR, RCA |
| Drivers | 5.25” woofer, 1” titanium fabric dome tweeter | 5” woofer, 28mm soft dome tweeter |
| Weight | 14.6 lbs (6.6 kg) each | 11.9 lbs (5.4 kg) each |
| App | Yes (MA 1 alignment) | No |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| DSP | Yes | No |
| EQ | Yes (via DSP) | No |
| Frequency Response | 44Hz - 21kHz (±3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 50Hz - 21kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Amplifier Power | 245W (145W woofer + 100W tweeter) | 100W total (50W LF, 50W HF) |
| Maximum SPL | 116.8dB @ 1m (manufacturer specified) | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.49 | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 8.44 | - |
| XLR Input | Yes | Yes |
| RCA Input | No | Yes |
| TRS Input | No | No |
| Optical Input | No | No |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | No | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | No | No |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More worthwhile head-to-heads for Neumann KH120 MKII:
- Genelec 8331A vs Neumann KH120 MKII
- Genelec 8030C vs Neumann KH120 MKII
- Neumann KH120 MKII vs Neumann KH80 DSP
- Neumann KH120 MKII vs Genelec 8330A
- Neumann KH120 MKII vs Genelec 8320A
Prices on this page were last checked October 7, 2026 at 9:25 PM 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 Genelec 8330A
- Neumann KH120 MKII vs Genelec 8320A
- Neumann KH120 MKII vs Devialet Phantom II 98 dB
- Neumann KH120 MKII vs Topping MA4
- Neumann KH120 MKII vs Genelec 8020D
- See all 51 comparisons
Dynaudio LYD 5: $998 per pair B&H Photo Video eBay
Pros: ASR’s Klippel data is substantially stronger than a low ranking suggests: 4.72 standalone and 7.38 with an ideal subwoofer, with a 1.9dB span from 300Hz to 5kHz. Low listening-window narrow-band deviation of 0.242 supports relatively uncolored midrange reproduction. It is particularly competitive when used with a subwoofer rather than judged only by bass reach. Measured bass extension of 68Hz (-3dB).
Cons: Bass reaches -3dB around 72Hz, so it gives up low-frequency weight to deeper-reaching monitors. The existing review identifies a dip near 1.6kHz, upper-bass emphasis and uneven crossover-region dispersion. These issues and limited deep-bass capability keep it below the leading all-rounders despite its strong bass-normalized score. A subwoofer does not correct upper-frequency directivity errors.
Full Dynaudio LYD 5 review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 100W total (50W LF, 50W HF) |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 50Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 68Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| DSP | No |
| Dimensions | 10.2”H x 6.7”W x 8.3”D (260 x 170 x 211 mm) |
| Drivers | 5” woofer, 28mm soft dome tweeter |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz - 21kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | XLR, RCA |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | Yes |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 11.9 lbs (5.4 kg) each |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons