Short answer: the Neumann KH80 DSP for nearly the same sound at a fraction of the price, the KH120 MKII only if you need the extra headroom and bass reach. These rank #2 and #4 out of 67 powered bookshelf speakers, $1401 apart, one of the widest price gaps between two similarly-ranked speakers in this class.
The measured difference between them is small. ASR’s Klippel data gives the KH120 MKII a 1.5dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz with a listening-window deviation of just 0.208, while the KH80 DSP measures a 1.4dB span with virtually no on-axis tilt, essentially tied on tonal accuracy. Preference scores back that up: 6.49 standalone and 8.44 with a subwoofer for the KH120 MKII versus 5.89 and 8.25 for the KH80 DSP. Both share the same vertical crossover sensitivity around 2kHz that makes consistent listening height matter.
Where the KH120 MKII pulls ahead is bass and headroom. It reaches -3dB at 46Hz and -10dB at 36Hz, against the KH80 DSP’s 57Hz and 51Hz, a real difference for anyone mixing bass-heavy material. Max SPL is 116.8dB versus 110.7dB, and output power is 245W against 140W. The KH120 MKII’s cons still flag distortion increasing below about 50Hz at high output on both models, so a subwoofer helps either system.
Everything else matches: both use XLR-only input, MA 1 app-based alignment, DSP-driven EQ, and no Bluetooth.
Buy the Neumann KH80 DSP if you want Neumann’s house tuning at a fraction of the cost and don’t need the deeper bass extension or extra SPL headroom.
Buy the Neumann KH120 MKII if your room or material demands the lower bass reach and higher output, and the price gap doesn’t rule it out.
Want more options? Browse the full Powered Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Neumann KH120 MKII | Neumann KH80 DSP | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2000 per pair | $599.00 per pair |
| Ranked | #2 of 67 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #4 of 67 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 36Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 51Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 46Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 57Hz (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) | 13.6"H x 10.8"W x 9.6"D (345.4 x 274.3 x 243.8 mm) |
| Inputs | XLR | XLR |
| Drivers | 5.25" woofer, 1" titanium fabric dome tweeter | 4.1" woofer, 1" fabric dome tweeter |
| Weight | 14.6 lbs (6.6 kg) each | 9 lbs (4.1 kg) each |
| App | Yes (MA 1 alignment) | Yes (MA 1 alignment) |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| DSP | Yes | Yes |
| EQ | Yes (via DSP) | Yes (via DSP) |
| Frequency Response | 44Hz - 21kHz (±3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 57 Hz - 25 kHz (+-3 dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Amplifier Power | 245W (145W woofer + 100W tweeter) | 140W (90W woofer + 50W tweeter) |
| Maximum SPL | 116.8dB @ 1m (manufacturer specified) | 110.7dB @ 1m (manufacturer specified) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.49 | 5.89 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 8.44 | 8.25 |
| XLR Input | Yes | Yes |
| RCA Input | No | No |
| 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 |
| Sensitivity | - | 91.9dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin's Audio Corner) |
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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
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Neumann KH80 DSP: $599.00 per pair Amazon B&H Photo Video eBay
Pros: ASR’s selected Klippel measurement has a 1.4dB midrange response span and virtually no overall on-axis tilt. Scores of 5.89 standalone and 8.25 with an ideal subwoofer indicate excellent tonal accuracy in a compact monitor. The waveguide and steep crossover provide useful control of reflected sound, while placement filters help compensate for a desk or nearby boundaries. Existing multitone testing supports good moderate-level clarity. Measured bass extension of 57Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 91.9dB.
Cons: Bass reaches -3dB around 59Hz in this measurement, less deep than the KH120 II. Output protection and increasing multitone distortion limit loud listening, especially in the bass. Room reflections and listening distance can alter perceived treble balance despite its flat direct response. Calibration equipment adds to the cost; the preference score is not a measurement of maximum clean output.
Full Neumann KH80 DSP review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 140W (90W woofer + 50W tweeter) |
| App | Yes (MA 1 alignment) |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 51Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 57Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| DSP | Yes |
| Dimensions | 13.6"H x 10.8"W x 9.6"D (345.4 x 274.3 x 243.8 mm) |
| Drivers | 4.1" woofer, 1" fabric dome tweeter |
| EQ | Yes (via DSP) |
| Frequency Response | 57 Hz - 25 kHz (+-3 dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | XLR |
| Maximum SPL | 110.7dB @ 1m (manufacturer specified) |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | No |
| Sensitivity | 91.9dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.89 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 8.25 |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 9 lbs (4.1 kg) each |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Erin’s Audio Corner: Neumann KH 80 Studio Monitor Review. Excellent Performance. Small Size. More from Erin’s Audio Corner →
- Erin’s Audio Corner Review Measurements
- Audio Science Review Measurements More from Audio Science Review →
- DSAUDIO.review: Neumann KH80 DSP vs Genelec 8020D Sound & Frequency Response Comparison More from DSAUDIOreview →
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- Audio Science Review Measurements (spinorama.org)
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