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 KEF LS50 Wireless II ranks #18, rated 4.3/5, and costs $2,999, so there is little reason to consider the other one.
The Neumann KH120 MKII is the more accurate, 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 measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 6.49 against 5.43 for the KEF LS50 Wireless II. Its bass reaches about 46Hz before falling 3dB, against 51.3Hz for the KEF LS50 Wireless II. Watch for: Vertical crossover interference makes listening height important even though horizontal dispersion is well controlled.
The case for the KEF LS50 Wireless II: Erin’s measurements give preference scores of 5.43 standalone and 7.51 with an ideal subwoofer, with a -3dB point around 51Hz. It keeps a wired aux input, which the Neumann KH120 MKII lacks. The catch: The 3.0dB response span is good but not reference-leading, and dispersion still varies with frequency.
Buy the Neumann KH120 MKII. It is rated higher for sound quality than the KEF LS50 Wireless II and costs less, so it is the default pick unless a specific strength of the other one matters more to you.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Neumann KH120 MKII | KEF LS50 Wireless II | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,898.00 per pair | $2,999.00 per pair |
| Ranked | #2 of 100 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #18 of 100 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 36Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 41.5Hz (measured, spinorama.org) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 46Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 51.3Hz (measured, spinorama.org) |
| Dimensions | 11.3”H x 7.2”W x 8.9”D (287 x 182.9 x 226.1 mm) | 12” x 7.9” x 12.2” (305 x 200 x 311 mm) each |
| Inputs | XLR | HDMI eARC, optical, digital coaxial, 3.5mm analog, USB-A (service), Ethernet |
| Drivers | 5.25” woofer, 1” titanium fabric dome tweeter | Uni-Q coincident array: 130mm aluminum woofer + 25mm MAT aluminum dome tweeter |
| Weight | 14.6 lbs (6.6 kg) each | 44.3 lbs (20.1 kg) for the pair |
| App | Yes (MA 1 alignment) | KEF Connect (placement EQ presets, source selection, firmware updates) |
| Bluetooth | No | Yes |
| DSP | Yes | - |
| EQ | Yes (via DSP) | Yes, fixed placement presets (desk/bookshelf/wall-mount) - no automatic room correction |
| Frequency Response | 44Hz - 21kHz (±3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 45Hz - 28kHz ±3dB |
| Amplifier Power | 245W (145W woofer + 100W tweeter) | 280W (LF) + 100W (HF) per speaker, bi-amped |
| Maximum SPL | 116.8dB @ 1m (manufacturer specified) | 108dB at 1m (manufacturer specified) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.49 | 5.43 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 8.44 | 7.51 |
| XLR Input | Yes | No |
| RCA Input | No | No |
| TRS Input | No | No |
| Optical Input | No | Yes |
| Coaxial Input | No | Yes |
| USB Input | No | No |
| HDMI Input | No | Yes |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | No | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | - | 4.2 |
| Subwoofer Output | - | Yes |
| Outputs | - | RCA subwoofer |
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: $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
KEF LS50 Wireless II: $2,999.00 per pair Amazon KEF Crutchfield eBay
Same family: the KEF LSX II LT (smaller bookshelf, ranked lower, rated 4/5), the KEF LSX II (smaller bookshelf, estimated 4.1/5) and the KEF LS60 (floorstanding, rated 4.8/5).
Pros: Erin’s measurements give preference scores of 5.43 standalone and 7.51 with an ideal subwoofer, with a -3dB point around 51Hz. The coincident Uni-Q layout helps preserve tonal consistency across horizontal and vertical listening positions. Low listening-window narrow-band deviation of 0.308 supports relatively clean midrange reproduction. HDMI eARC and streaming functions make it a capable all-in-one stereo system. Measured bass extension of 51.3Hz (-3dB).
Cons: The 3.0dB response span is good but not reference-leading, and dispersion still varies with frequency. Compact bass drivers limit deep-bass output. App placement adjustments are not the same as microphone-based automatic room correction. The price and primary/secondary architecture are practical trade-offs; neither driver geometry nor a single directivity statistic guarantees the best sound in every room.
Full KEF LS50 Wireless II review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 280W (LF) + 100W (HF) per speaker, bi-amped |
| App | KEF Connect (placement EQ presets, source selection, firmware updates) |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 41.5Hz (measured, spinorama.org) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 51.3Hz (measured, spinorama.org) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 |
| Coaxial Input | Yes |
| Dimensions | 12” x 7.9” x 12.2” (305 x 200 x 311 mm) each |
| Drivers | Uni-Q coincident array: 130mm aluminum woofer + 25mm MAT aluminum dome tweeter |
| EQ | Yes, fixed placement presets (desk/bookshelf/wall-mount) - no automatic room correction |
| Frequency Response | 45Hz - 28kHz ±3dB |
| HDMI Input | Yes |
| Inputs | HDMI eARC, optical, digital coaxial, 3.5mm analog, USB-A (service), Ethernet |
| Maximum SPL | 108dB at 1m (manufacturer specified) |
| Optical Input | Yes |
| Outputs | RCA subwoofer |
| RCA Input | No |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.43 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.51 |
| Subwoofer Output | Yes |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 44.3 lbs (20.1 kg) for the pair |
| XLR Input | No |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- KEF LS50 Wireless II vs JBL 305P MKII
- KEF LS50 Wireless II vs Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus
- KEF LS50 Wireless II vs Klipsch The Fives
- KEF LS50 Wireless II vs IK Multimedia iLoud MTM MKII
- KEF LS50 Wireless II vs Genelec 8020D
- KEF LS50 Wireless II vs Kali Audio SM-5
- KEF LS50 Wireless II vs Kali Audio IN-5
- KEF LS50 Wireless II vs Devialet Phantom II 98 dB
- See all 46 comparisons