Short answer: the Neumann KH120 MKII. It ranks #2 of 100 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality (rated 4.7/5) at $1,898 and is still sold new; the Neumi BS5P ranks #50 (rated 3.8/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used. The Neumi BS5P’s replacement, the Neumi BS5P-ARC, is rated 3.8/5.
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 4.83 for the Neumi BS5P. Its bass reaches about 46Hz before falling 3dB, against 90.8Hz for the Neumi BS5P. Watch for: Vertical crossover interference makes listening height important even though horizontal dispersion is well controlled.
The case for the Neumi BS5P: Erin’s retest with corrected tweeter polarity, updated internal EQ and plugged ports gives a much more neutral result: 4.83 standalone and 7.83 with an ideal subwoofer, with a 2.7dB midrange span. The catch: That result is conditional on the tested firmware and port configuration, not a guarantee for an unknown stock or used pair.
Buy the Neumann KH120 MKII. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the Neumi BS5P is discontinued, so it is only available used.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Powered Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Neumann KH120 MKII | Neumi BS5P | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,898.00 per pair | $150 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #2 of 100 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #50 of 100 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 36Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 56.1Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 46Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 90.8Hz (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) | 10.6” x 7.2” x 8.5” (269 x 183 x 216 mm) (H x W x D) |
| Inputs | XLR | Bluetooth, optical, coaxial and RCA |
| Drivers | 5.25” woofer, 1” titanium fabric dome tweeter | 1” silk-dome tweeter; 5” fiberglass woofer |
| Weight | 14.6 lbs (6.6 kg) each | 12.6 lbs (5.7 kg) |
| App | Yes (MA 1 alignment) | - |
| Bluetooth | No | Yes |
| DSP | Yes | - |
| EQ | Yes (via DSP) | - |
| Frequency Response | 44Hz - 21kHz (±3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 50Hz - 20kHz (Typical in-room) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Amplifier Power | 245W (145W woofer + 100W tweeter) | 75W total |
| Maximum SPL | 116.8dB @ 1m (manufacturer specified) | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.49 | 4.83 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 8.44 | 7.83 |
| XLR Input | Yes | No |
| RCA Input | No | Yes |
| TRS Input | No | No |
| Optical Input | No | Yes |
| Coaxial Input | No | Yes |
| USB Input | No | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Bass Extension | - | Erin’s response shows usable midbass but limited deep-bass headroom |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More top alternatives to 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 Dynaudio LYD 5
- Neumann KH120 MKII vs Genelec 8330A
Prices on this page were last checked October 9, 2026 at 8:01 AM 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.
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
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
Neumi BS5P: $150 per pair Discontinued eBay
Newer model: the Neumi BS5P-ARC, ranked higher, rated 3.8/5.
Pros: Erin’s retest with corrected tweeter polarity, updated internal EQ and plugged ports gives a much more neutral result: 4.83 standalone and 7.83 with an ideal subwoofer, with a 2.7dB midrange span. The reviewer also found that configuration substantially better in listening. Its analog and digital inputs make it a flexible inexpensive system. Measured bass extension of 90.8Hz (-3dB).
Cons: That result is conditional on the tested firmware and port configuration, not a guarantee for an unknown stock or used pair. The first sample had reversed tweeter polarity, so its poor initial result should not be generalized to every unit either. Plugged-port bass reaches -3dB around 91Hz. Confirm configuration before expecting the improved balance; tonal scores do not remove output limits. Discontinued.
Full Neumi BS5P review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 75W total |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension | Erin’s response shows usable midbass but limited deep-bass headroom |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 56.1Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 90.8Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Coaxial Input | Yes |
| Dimensions | 10.6” x 7.2” x 8.5” (269 x 183 x 216 mm) (H x W x D) |
| Drivers | 1” silk-dome tweeter; 5” fiberglass woofer |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz - 20kHz (Typical in-room) (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, optical, coaxial and RCA |
| Optical Input | Yes |
| RCA Input | Yes |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.83 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.83 |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 12.6 lbs (5.7 kg) |
| XLR Input | No |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons