Short answer: the Neumann KH120 MKII is the clearly more accurate nearfield monitor; the Yamaha HS5 remains the simpler, more affordable studio staple. Neumann is ranked 2 of 68, while Yamaha is 43 of 68.
ASR’s Klippel measurements give the KH120 MKII a notably tighter 1.5dB span through the critical 300Hz to 5kHz region, bass reaching roughly 45Hz, and low distortion at sensible monitoring levels. Its DSP and MA 1 alignment add meaningful room-integration options, though listening height matters because of vertical crossover interference.
The HS5 offers balanced inputs, placement controls, and fairly smooth early-reflection behavior. Its measured balance is bass-light, however, with an elevated midrange and a 4.3dB span through the same midrange window. A subwoofer adds low bass but does not erase that voicing.
Neumann KH120 MKII vs Yamaha HS5 is a reference-monitor comparison between maximum accuracy and a capable budget nearfield. Neumann is 2 of 68; Yamaha is 43 of 68.
The KH120 MKII has an exceptionally flat CEA2034 response, controlled directivity apart from a small 2kHz issue, and bass that remains flat near 50Hz. The HS5 is also notably neutral, but its smaller low end makes a subwoofer or careful bass expectations more important.
Buy the Neumann KH120 MKII if mix translation, deeper bass, and DSP room alignment justify its $2,000 price.
Buy the Yamaha HS5 if you want a compact neutral monitor at $399.98 and can accept leaner bass.
Still deciding? The full Powered Home rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Neumann KH120 MKII | Yamaha HS5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2000 per pair | $399.98 per pair |
| Ranked | #2 of 68 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #43 of 68 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 36Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 68Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 46Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 88Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Dimensions | 11.3”H x 7.2”W x 8.9”D (287 x 182.9 x 226.1 mm) | 11.2”H x 6.7”W x 8.7”D (284.5 x 170.2 x 221 mm) |
| Inputs | XLR | XLR |
| Drivers | 5.25” woofer, 1” titanium fabric dome tweeter | 5” (127mm) woofer |
| Weight | 14.6 lbs (6.6 kg) each | 12.1 lbs (5.5 kg) each |
| App | Yes (MA 1 alignment) | No |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| DSP | Yes | - |
| EQ | Yes (via DSP) | Yes (Room adjustment) |
| Frequency Response | 44Hz - 21kHz (±3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 58Hz - 24kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Amplifier Power | 245W (145W woofer + 100W tweeter) | 45w Per Speaker |
| Maximum SPL | 116.8dB @ 1m (manufacturer specified) | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.49 | 3.70 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 8.44 | 6.32 |
| 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 |
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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 |
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Yamaha HS5: $399.98 per pair Amazon eBay
Pros: ASR found reasonably smooth early-reflection directivity, which makes broad EQ correction more promising than on speakers whose off-axis response changes abruptly. Balanced inputs and placement controls suit studio use. The measured preference scores are 3.70 standalone and 6.32 with an ideal subwoofer. Measured bass extension of 88Hz (-3dB).
Cons: The measurements do not support describing it as very neutral: excess midrange and reduced lower-midrange/upper-bass weight produce a bass-light balance. The 300Hz-5kHz span is 4.3dB. Its automated -3dB crossing is affected by response shape, so it should not be treated as a simple bass-cutoff specification. A subwoofer adds low bass but does not fix the elevated midrange.
Full Yamaha HS5 review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 45w Per Speaker |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 68Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 88Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| Dimensions | 11.2”H x 6.7”W x 8.7”D (284.5 x 170.2 x 221 mm) |
| Drivers | 5” (127mm) woofer |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) |
| Frequency Response | 58Hz - 24kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | XLR |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | No |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.70 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.32 |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 12.1 lbs (5.5 kg) each |
| XLR Input | Yes |
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