Short answer: the Neumann KH420 for better sound quality, the Focal Solo6 ST6 for the lower price. The Neumann KH420 ranks #5 of 118 powered bookshelf speakers, rated 4.8/5, at $11,198. The Focal Solo6 ST6 ranks #53, rated 4.3/5, at $2,998, $8,200 cheaper.
The Neumann KH420 is the more accurate, deeper-bass pick. A 1.2dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz, 8.14 ideal-subwoofer score and 27.8Hz measured -3dB extension combine accurate mids with genuinely deep bass. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 7.02 against 5.32 for the Focal Solo6 ST6. Its bass reaches about 27.8Hz before falling 3dB, against 46.9Hz for the Focal Solo6 ST6. Watch for: It is a large, heavy studio monitor rather than an easy desktop speaker.
Why pick the Focal Solo6 ST6: ASR measured a tight 1.6dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz and a 7.34 ideal-subwoofer score, supporting accurate midrange monitoring. The catch: The measured -3dB point is 46.9Hz, so deep-bass work benefits from a subwoofer.
Buy the Neumann KH420 if sound quality is the priority over the price, or the Focal Solo6 ST6 if the price is the priority over sound quality.
Still deciding? The full Powered Home rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Neumann KH420 | Focal Solo6 ST6 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $11,198 per pair | $2,998 per pair |
| Ranked | #5 of 118 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #53 of 118 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 24.4Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) | 38.1Hz (measured, spinorama.org) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 27.8Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 46.9Hz (measured, spinorama.org) |
| Dimensions | 25.4”H x 13”W x 17.5”D (645.2 x 330.2 x 444.5 mm) | 24.6 x 33.4 x 29.5cm (9.7 x 13.1 x 11.6 in) each, 13kg (28.6 lb) each |
| Inputs | XLR | XLR |
| Weight | 77.2 lbs (35 kg) each | 28.7 lbs (13 kg) |
| Drivers | 10” woofer, 4” dome midrange, 1” fabric dome tweeter | 1” Beryllium inverted-dome tweeter, 6.5” “W” composite sandwich-cone woofer |
| App | Yes (MA 1 alignment) | - |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| DSP | No | - |
| EQ | Yes (Room response controls) | - |
| Frequency Response | 31Hz - 21kHz (±3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 40Hz - 40kHz (±3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Amplifier Power | 555w Per Speaker | 130W total (80W LF + 50W HF); Bi-amped (Class G LF + Class AB HF) |
| Maximum SPL | 124dB @ 1m (manufacturer specified) | 110dB peak at 1m |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 7.02 | 5.32 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 8.14 | 7.34 |
| 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 |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More top alternatives to Neumann KH420:
- Genelec 8351B vs Neumann KH420
- Genelec 8361A vs Neumann KH420
- Neumann KH420 vs Neumann KH 150
- Dutch & Dutch 8C vs Neumann KH420
- Neumann KH420 vs Neumann KH 310 A
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.
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The Two Speakers In Full
Neumann KH420: $11,198 per pair B&H Photo Video eBay
Same family: the Neumann KH80 DSP (smaller bookshelf, rated 4.6/5), the Neumann KH120 MKII (smaller bookshelf, rated 4.7/5), the Neumann KH 150 (smaller bookshelf, ranked lower, rated 4.8/5), the Neumann KH 310 A (smaller bookshelf, ranked lower, rated 4.6/5) and the Neumann KH 750 DSP (subwoofer, rated 3.5/5). See every Neumann KH generation.
Pros: A 1.2dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz, 8.14 ideal-subwoofer score and 27.8Hz measured -3dB extension combine accurate mids with genuinely deep bass. Its three-way design and low distortion at normal levels make it particularly attractive for larger listening distances and dynamic material. Measured bass extension of 27.8Hz (-3dB).
Cons: It is a large, heavy studio monitor rather than an easy desktop speaker. Vertical alignment matters around the crossover regions. Bass distortion rises as playback levels increase, and the measured high-level limits still apply despite the substantial drivers and amplifiers. Horizontal beamwidth is well controlled but on the narrow side at about ±55°.
Full Neumann KH420 review and specifications →
| Released | 2014 (12 years ago) |
|---|---|
| AES Input | No |
| Amplifier Power | 555w Per Speaker |
| App | Yes (MA 1 alignment) |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 24.4Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 27.8Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| DSP | No |
| Dimensions | 25.4”H x 13”W x 17.5”D (645.2 x 330.2 x 444.5 mm) |
| Drivers | 10” woofer, 4” dome midrange, 1” fabric dome tweeter |
| EQ | Yes (Room response controls) |
| Frequency Response | 31Hz - 21kHz (±3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | XLR |
| Maximum SPL | 124dB @ 1m (manufacturer specified) |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | No |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 7.02 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 8.14 |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 77.2 lbs (35 kg) each |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Focal Solo6 ST6: $2,998 per pair B&H Photo Video eBay
Same family: the Focal ST6 Twin6 (larger bookshelf, ranked lower, estimated 3.8/5) and the Focal Trio6 ST6 (larger bookshelf, ranked lower, rated 4.2/5). See every Focal Twin6, Solo6 and Trio6 generation.
Pros: ASR measured a tight 1.6dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz and a 7.34 ideal-subwoofer score, supporting accurate midrange monitoring. The beryllium tweeter and Focus mode offer a useful professional workflow, with Focus serving as an alternate mix-check presentation. Its beryllium inverted-dome tweeter and 6.5-inch W composite sandwich-cone woofer are a low-mass, low-distortion pairing. Measured bass extension of 46.9Hz (-3dB).
Cons: The measured -3dB point is 46.9Hz, so deep-bass work benefits from a subwoofer. The standard-mode score does not apply to Focus mode. There is no automatic room-calibration system, and premium driver materials alone do not establish superior sound.
Full Focal Solo6 ST6 review and specifications →
| Released | 2022 (4 years ago) |
|---|---|
| AES Input | No |
| Amplifier Power | 130W total (80W LF + 50W HF); Bi-amped (Class G LF + Class AB HF) |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 38.1Hz (measured, spinorama.org) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 46.9Hz (measured, spinorama.org) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| Dimensions | 24.6 x 33.4 x 29.5cm (9.7 x 13.1 x 11.6 in) each, 13kg (28.6 lb) each |
| Drivers | 1” Beryllium inverted-dome tweeter, 6.5” “W” composite sandwich-cone woofer |
| Frequency Response | 40Hz - 40kHz (±3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | XLR |
| Maximum SPL | 110dB peak at 1m |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | No |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.32 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.34 |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 28.7 lbs (13 kg) |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons