Short answer: the Neumann KH120 MKII for better sound quality, the Vanatoo Transparent Zero Plus for the lower price. The Neumann KH120 MKII ranks #2 of 42 powered bookshelf speakers at $2000. The Vanatoo Transparent Zero Plus ranks #12 at $499.99, $1500.01 cheaper.
The case for the Neumann KH120 MKII: 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. The tradeoff: A minor directivity blip appears around 2kHz.
What the Vanatoo Transparent Zero Plus offers: Genuinely neutral tonal balance in a small desktop-class powered speaker - a rarity in this size and price range, where the reviewer says most competitors have a scooped mid-range, one-note bass. Watch for: An 8th-order Butterworth high-pass at 58Hz sharply limits bass below that point - F3 measures 92Hz and F10 53Hz, so kick drum fundamentals and true low end need a subwoofer.
Buy the Neumann KH120 MKII if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Vanatoo Transparent Zero Plus if the price matters more than sound quality.
Specifications Side By Side
| Neumann KH120 MKII | Vanatoo Transparent Zero Plus | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2000 | $499.99 |
| Ranked | #2 of 42 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #12 of 42 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 36Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 53Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 46Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 92Hz (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) | 8.5"H x 5.5"W x 6"D |
| Inputs | XLR | Bluetooth (aptX HD), USB (24-bit/96kHz), Toslink Optical (24-bit/96kHz), 3.5mm Analog |
| Drivers | 5.25" woofer, 1" titanium fabric dome tweeter | 4" aluminum cone woofer, 4" long-throw passive radiator, 1" soft dome tweeter |
| Weight | 14.6 lbs / 6.6 kg each | 7 lbs each |
| App | Yes (MA 1 alignment) | - |
| Bluetooth | No | - |
| DSP | Yes | Yes (8th-order Butterworth high-pass at 58Hz) |
| EQ | Yes (via DSP) | - |
| Frequency Response | 44Hz - 21kHz (±3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Max SPL | 116.8dB @ 1m | - |
| Output Power | 245W (145W woofer + 100W tweeter) | 120W total (Class D) |
| Sensitivity | - | 88.5dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
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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.
Full Neumann KH120 MKII review and specifications →
| App | Yes (MA 1 alignment) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 36Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 46Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| 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 |
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- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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Vanatoo Transparent Zero Plus: $499.99 Amazon
Pros: Genuinely neutral tonal balance in a small desktop-class powered speaker - a rarity in this size and price range, where the reviewer says most competitors have a scooped mid-range, one-note bass, and piercing V-shaped highs. Flexible mounting: flip the cabinet orientation to angle the tweeter up for flat-desktop placement or level for stand-mount ear height. Subwoofer output with auto-sense, so it engages automatically when a sub is connected. Wide input selection - Bluetooth aptX HD, USB (24-bit/96kHz), Toslink, and 3.5mm analog. Distortion stays reasonable (below 3%) up to about 88dB, and multitone distortion at max output (96dB) is the only real weak point.
Cons: An 8th-order Butterworth high-pass at 58Hz sharply limits bass below that point - F3 measures 92Hz and F10 53Hz, so kick drum fundamentals and true low end need a subwoofer. Very sensitive to ear height relative to the tweeter: sitting even slightly above the tweeter axis scoops out the 2-4kHz upper mid-range. Multitone distortion at maximum output (96dB) is high enough to add noticeable vocal graininess - stick closer to 88dB for clean output. The reviewer’s only real gripe is wishing it extended lower, which he acknowledges is an unreasonable ask for a speaker this size.
Full Vanatoo Transparent Zero Plus review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 53Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 92Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| DSP | Yes (8th-order Butterworth high-pass at 58Hz) |
| Dimensions | 8.5"H x 5.5"W x 6"D |
| Drivers | 4" aluminum cone woofer, 4" long-throw passive radiator, 1" soft dome tweeter |
| Inputs | Bluetooth (aptX HD), USB (24-bit/96kHz), Toslink Optical (24-bit/96kHz), 3.5mm Analog |
| Output Power | 120W total (Class D) |
| Sensitivity | 88.5dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Weight | 7 lbs each |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
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- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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