Short answer: the Neumann KH120 MKII for better sound quality, the Yamaha HS5 for the lower price. The Neumann KH120 MKII ranks #2 of 42 powered bookshelf speakers at $2000. The Yamaha HS5 ranks #11 at $339.98, $1660.02 cheaper.
What the Neumann KH120 MKII offers: 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. Watch for: A minor directivity blip appears around 2kHz.
On the Yamaha HS5 side: Very neutral. Set against that: Not quite as deep of bass as some of the others in this size class.
Buy the Neumann KH120 MKII if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Yamaha HS5 if the price matters more than sound quality.
Specifications Side By Side
| Neumann KH120 MKII | Yamaha HS5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2000 | $339.98 |
| Ranked | #2 of 42 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #11 of 42 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) |
| Max SPL | 116.8dB @ 1m | - |
| Output Power | 245W (145W woofer + 100W tweeter) | 45w Per Speaker |
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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
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Neumann KH120 MKII vs Genelec 8030C
- Neumann KH120 MKII vs Genelec 8331A
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Yamaha HS5: $339.98 Amazon
Pros: Very neutral. Excellent for mixing and anything needing a neutral output.
Cons: Not quite as deep of bass as some of the others in this size class. Slight midrange boost.
Full Yamaha HS5 review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 68Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 88Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bluetooth | 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) |
| Inputs | XLR |
| Output Power | 45w Per Speaker |
| Weight | 12.1 lbs / 5.5 kg each |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
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