Short answer: the Neumann KH420 on documented measurements, the Genelec 8040B on reputation. The KH420’s CEA2034 spinorama matches Neumann’s published measurement to within 0.08dB at its minor dip around 60Hz, with excellent off-axis behavior, though its horizontal beamwidth is narrow at about ±55 degrees. The 8040B is placed on the strength of Genelec’s smaller models against rivals, but it is very expensive.
The case for the Genelec 8040B: Based on the smaller sibling’s measured performance against others, it is ranked accordingly. The tradeoff: Very expensive.
Buy the Neumann KH420. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the Genelec 8040B is discontinued, so it is only available used.
Still deciding? The full Powered Home rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Neumann KH420 | Genelec 8040B | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $10500 per pair | $2,790 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #5 of 68 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #33 of 68 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 24.4Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) | - |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 27.8Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | - |
| Dimensions | 25.4”H x 13”W x 17.5”D (645.2 x 330.2 x 444.5 mm) | 14.4”H x 9.3”W x 8.8”D (365.8 x 236.2 x 223.5 mm) |
| Inputs | XLR | XLR |
| Weight | 77.2 lbs (35 kg) each | 20.7 lbs (9.4 kg) each |
| Drivers | 10” woofer, 4” dome midrange, 1” fabric dome tweeter | 6.5” (165mm) woofer |
| App | Yes (MA 1 alignment) | No |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| DSP | No | No |
| EQ | Yes (Room response controls) | Yes (Room adjustment) |
| Frequency Response | 31Hz - 21kHz (±3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 41Hz - 25kHz (-6dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Amplifier Power | 555w Per Speaker | 180w Per Speaker |
| Maximum SPL | 124dB @ 1m (manufacturer specified) | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 7.02 | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 8.14 | - |
| 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
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- 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 2, 2026 at 10:18 PM 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: $10500 per pair B&H Photo Video eBay
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 →
| 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
Genelec 8040B: $2,790 per pair Discontinued B&H Photo Video eBay
Newer model: the Genelec 8340A. It’s likely to perform similarly, though we don’t have measurements to confirm that yet. It uses the same cabinet and woofer size, adding GLM room calibration and an AES/EBU digital input.
Pros: A compact professional monitor with balanced XLR input and analog room-adjustment controls. The manufacturer’s 41Hz limit is specified at -6dB, offering a useful reference for system planning without confusing it with a measured -3dB point.
Cons: It lacks GLM calibration and consumer streaming inputs. The balanced XLR connection may require an interface or controller for a typical desktop source. It is expensive. Discontinued.
Full Genelec 8040B review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 180w Per Speaker |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| DSP | No |
| Dimensions | 14.4”H x 9.3”W x 8.8”D (365.8 x 236.2 x 223.5 mm) |
| Drivers | 6.5” (165mm) woofer |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) |
| Frequency Response | 41Hz - 25kHz (-6dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | XLR |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | No |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 20.7 lbs (9.4 kg) each |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- No independent measurement review is linked for this model; it is ranked from hands-on listening and comparison against similarly priced speakers.
- Head-to-Head Comparisons