Short answer: the Neumann KH120 MKII for measured flatness, the Kali Audio IN-5 for a three-way coaxial layout. The KH120 MKII is about as flat as the reviewer has measured, with bass flat almost to 50Hz and only a small directivity blip around 2kHz. The IN-5’s 4-inch coaxial midrange/tweeter above a 5-inch woofer keeps its pattern consistent, but at 96dB the midrange rises above 3% THD.
On the Kali Audio IN-5 side: Compact active three-way with a 4-inch coaxial midrange/tweeter above a dedicated 5-inch woofer, reducing intermodulation and maintaining strong horizontal/vertical pattern consistency. Set against that: At 96dB the midrange rises above 3% THD, largely second order, and the built-in limiter/compression shows the system is not designed for farfield theater levels.
Buy the Neumann KH120 MKII if sound quality is the priority over the price, or the Kali Audio IN-5 if the price is the priority over sound quality.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Powered Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Neumann KH120 MKII | Kali Audio IN-5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2000 per pair | $698 per pair |
| Ranked | #2 of 68 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #21 of 68 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 36Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 40.0Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 46Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | Approximately 45Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Dimensions | 11.3”H x 7.2”W x 8.9”D (287 x 182.9 x 226.1 mm) | 15” x 8.1” x 11.1” (382 x 206 x 282 mm) (H x W x D) |
| Inputs | XLR | XLR, TRS, RCA |
| Drivers | 5.25” woofer, 1” titanium fabric dome tweeter | 1” tweeter coaxial with 4” midrange; 5” woofer |
| Weight | 14.6 lbs (6.6 kg) each | 18.6 lbs (8.43 kg) each |
| App | Yes (MA 1 alignment) | - |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| DSP | Yes | - |
| EQ | Yes (via DSP) | - |
| Frequency Response | 44Hz - 21kHz (±3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 39Hz - 25kHz (-10dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Amplifier Power | 245W (145W woofer + 100W tweeter) | 80W LF + 40W mid + 40W HF |
| Maximum SPL | 116.8dB @ 1m (manufacturer specified) | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.49 | 5.12 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 8.44 | 7.13 |
| XLR Input | Yes | Yes |
| RCA Input | No | Yes |
| TRS Input | No | Yes |
| Optical Input | No | No |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | No | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Woofer Cabinet | - | ported, front |
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
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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 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
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Kali Audio IN-5: $698 per pair Amazon eBay
Pros: The active three-way layout separates bass duties from the coaxial mid/tweeter, giving flexible listening geometry. Erin’s data shows a 1.8dB midrange response span and -3dB bass around 45Hz, with scores of 5.12 standalone and 7.13 with an ideal subwoofer. Placement switches and balanced inputs help integrate it into a studio; moderate-level distortion is well controlled in the existing review. Measured bass extension of 45Hz (-3dB).
Cons: Local listening-window irregularities remain despite the small overall midrange span. The review reports midrange distortion rising above 3% at 96dB and a brighter perceived balance at closer distances. Limiting makes it unsuitable for demanding farfield playback. Coaxial construction improves geometry but does not remove response errors or guarantee unlimited output.
Full Kali Audio IN-5 review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 80W LF + 40W mid + 40W HF |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 40.0Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | Approximately 45Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| Dimensions | 15” x 8.1” x 11.1” (382 x 206 x 282 mm) (H x W x D) |
| Drivers | 1” tweeter coaxial with 4” midrange; 5” woofer |
| Frequency Response | 39Hz - 25kHz (-10dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | XLR, TRS, RCA |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | Yes |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.12 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.13 |
| TRS Input | Yes |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 18.6 lbs (8.43 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, front |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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