Short answer: the Neumann KH120 MKII for the higher ranking, the Neumann KH80 DSP for the lower price. The Neumann KH120 MKII ranks #1 of 24 powered bookshelf speakers at $2000. The Neumann KH80 DSP ranks #4 at $598.98, $1401.02 cheaper.
What the Neumann KH120 MKII gets right: CEA2034 spinorama is about as flat as the reviewer has measured, with excellent directivity aside from a small blip around 2kHz. The tradeoff: A minor directivity blip appears around 2kHz.
On the Neumann KH80 DSP side: Near identical sound to the 8020D. Set against that: Companion app for EQ/setup is iPad-only - no Android or Bluetooth option despite being control-only.
Buy the Neumann KH120 MKII if the ranking matters more than the price. Buy the Neumann KH80 DSP if the price matters more than the ranking.
Specifications Side By Side
| Neumann KH120 MKII | Neumann KH80 DSP | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2000 | $598.98 |
| Ranked | #1 of 24 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #4 of 24 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 36Hz | 51Hz |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 46Hz | 57Hz |
| 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) |
| Max SPL | 116.8dB @ 1m | 110.7dB @ 1m |
| Output Power | 245W (145W woofer + 100W tweeter) | 140W (90W woofer + 50W tweeter) |
The Two Speakers In Full
Neumann KH120 MKII: $2000 Bhphotovideo
Pros: CEA2034 spinorama is about as flat as the reviewer has measured, with excellent directivity aside from a small blip around 2kHz, and bass response that stays flat almost down to 50Hz. Predicted in-room response is superb despite not being strictly valid for a near-field monitor at this distance. Horizontal beamwidth of about ±50 degrees is nice and well controlled. Distortion at 86dB SPL/1m is exceptionally low. Even at 96dB SPL/1m - just 1dB before the clipping indicator engages - it stays very clean outside of deep bass.
Cons: A minor directivity blip appears around 2kHz. Vertical directivity narrows quickly above the reference axis, so the reviewer recommends staying right at it. Distortion rises substantially in the deep bass under 50Hz at higher output (96dB SPL/1m). Cumulative spectral decay (waterfall) shows a resonance in the upper midrange. High price.
| App | Yes (MA 1 alignment) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 36Hz |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 46Hz |
| Bluetooth | 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) |
| Inputs | XLR |
| Max SPL | 116.8dB @ 1m |
| Output Power | 245W (145W woofer + 100W tweeter) |
| Weight | 14.6 lbs / 6.6 kg each |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Links
Neumann KH80 DSP: $598.98 Amazon
Pros: Near identical sound to the 8020D. 8020D is slightly cleaner, KH80 is slightly warmer.
Cons: High price. Companion app for EQ/setup is iPad-only - no Android or Bluetooth option despite being control-only. There’s a dip in energy around the crossover that gets worse with ceiling/rear-wall reflections, and in one reviewer’s listening test the smoother-measuring KH80 actually sounded smaller and less present than the cheaper JBL 305P MKII, which had more perceived bass and clarity despite measuring worse.
| App | Yes (MA 1 alignment) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 51Hz |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 57Hz |
| Bluetooth | 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) |
| Inputs | XLR |
| Max SPL | 110.7dB @ 1m |
| Output Power | 140W (90W woofer + 50W tweeter) |
| Weight | 9 lbs / 4.1 kg each |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Erin’s Audio Corner Review Measurements
- Audio Science Review Measurements
- DSAUDIO.review: Neumann KH80 DSP vs Genelec 8020D Sound & Frequency Response Comparison
- DSAUDIO.review: Neumann KH80 DSP vs Yamaha HS8 Sound & Frequency Response Comparison
- DSAUDIO.review: Neumann KH80 DSP vs Focal Shape 40 Sound & Frequency Response Comparison
- DSAUDIO.review: Neumann KH80 DSP vs IK Multimedia iLoud MTM Sound & Frequency Response Comparison
- DSAUDIO.review: Neumann KH80 DSP vs JBL 305P MKII Sound & Frquency Response Comparison
- DSAUDIO.review: KEF LSX vs Neumann KH80 DSP Sound & Frequency Response Comparison
- DSAUDIO.review: Adam Audio A3X vs Neumann KH80 DSP Sound & Frequency Response Comparison
- DSAUDIO.review: Neumann KH80 DSP vs KRK Rokit 5 G4 RP5G4 Sound & Frequency Response Comparison
- Joy & Oluv’Sone: 🎃🔥 UBoom X - Halloween Rock Special 🎸🤘
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Links
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Product prices and availability were last checked August 9, 2026 at 6:57 AM UTC 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.