Short answer: the Neumann KH420 for better sound quality, the Genelec 8040B for the lower price. The Neumann KH420 ranks #4 of 40 powered bookshelf speakers at $10500. The Genelec 8040B ranks #9 at $2350, $8150 cheaper.
What the Neumann KH420 offers: CEA2034 spinorama shows an extended, flat on-axis response that matches Neumann’s own published measurement to within 0.08dB at its one minor dip (around 60Hz), with excellent off-axis behavior. Watch for: Horizontal beamwidth, while well controlled, is on the narrow side at about ±55 degrees.
The case for the Genelec 8040B: Based on their smaller speaker’s performance against others, I’m ranking this accordingly. The tradeoff: Very expensive.
Buy the Neumann KH420 if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Genelec 8040B if the price matters more than sound quality.
Specifications Side By Side
| Neumann KH420 | Genelec 8040B | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $10500 | $2350 |
| Ranked | #4 of 40 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #9 of 40 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 24Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | - |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 32Hz (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) |
| Max SPL | 124dB @ 1m | - |
| Output Power | 555w Per Speaker | 180w Per Speaker |
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- Genelec 8050B vs Genelec 8351B
- Genelec 8361A vs JBL 4305P
- Dutch & Dutch 8C vs Kali Audio LP-8
- Neumann KH420 vs JBL 4305P
- Genelec 8361A vs Genelec 8040B
The Two Speakers In Full
Neumann KH420: $10500 Bhphotovideo
Pros: CEA2034 spinorama shows an extended, flat on-axis response that matches Neumann’s own published measurement to within 0.08dB at its one minor dip (around 60Hz), with excellent off-axis behavior. Predicted in-room response is smooth and rated “excellent” by the reviewer. Horizontal beamwidth of about ±55 degrees is very well controlled and stays consistent across frequency. Distortion is low at 86dB SPL/1m. Exceptionally high sustained output capability - the reviewer needed to “hold on for dear life” during extreme-level testing at 7 feet, with bass output described as making the entire house resonate. Reviewer’s overall verdict was “Great,” placing it on the recommended list and calling it a speaker “you could buy and forget about upgrading ever again.”
Cons: Horizontal beamwidth, while well controlled, is on the narrow side at about ±55 degrees. Vertical directivity is more limited than horizontal - the reviewer recommends staying within about ±30 degrees of the reference axis (just below the tweeter waveguide edge). Distortion rises noticeably in the bass region at 96dB SPL/1m, with an unusual 3rd-harmonic uptick appearing near 10kHz at that output level. At 106dB SPL/1m, the tweeter’s protection limiting engages and the clipping indicator activates - a real, measurable output ceiling despite the speaker’s otherwise very high capability. Very expensive.
Full Neumann KH420 review and specifications →
| App | Yes (MA 1 alignment) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 24Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 32Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bluetooth | 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) |
| Inputs | XLR |
| Max SPL | 124dB @ 1m |
| Output Power | 555w Per Speaker |
| Weight | 77.2 lbs / 35 kg each |
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Genelec 8040B: $2350 Bhphotovideo
Pros: Based on their smaller speaker’s performance against others, I’m ranking this accordingly.
Cons: Very expensive
Full Genelec 8040B review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 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) |
| Inputs | XLR |
| Output Power | 180w Per Speaker |
| Weight | 20.7 lbs / 9.4 kg each |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons