Short answer: the Neumann KH420 for the flatter documented response, the Genelec 8050B for excellent directivity. The KH420’s CEA2034 spinorama matches Neumann’s own published measurement to within 0.08dB at its minor dip around 60Hz, with excellent off-axis behavior. The 8050B shows a very good on-axis response with excellent directivity, but a dip around 2kHz appears in both the on-axis and predicted in-room measurements.
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.
Buy the Neumann KH420. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the Genelec 8050B is discontinued, so it is only available used.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Neumann KH420 | Genelec 8050B | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $10500 per pair | $3800 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #5 of 68 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #27 of 68 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 24.4Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) | 28.8Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 27.8Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 35.2Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Dimensions | 25.4”H x 13”W x 17.5”D (645.2 x 330.2 x 444.5 mm) | 17.8”H x 11.3”W x 10.9”D (452.1 x 287 x 276.9 mm) |
| Inputs | XLR | XLR |
| Weight | 77.2 lbs (35 kg) each | 31.7 lbs (14.4 kg) each |
| Drivers | 10” woofer, 4” dome midrange, 1” fabric dome tweeter | 8” (203mm) 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) | 32Hz - 25kHz (-6dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Amplifier Power | 555w Per Speaker | 270w 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
How Neumann KH420 compares with other leading options:
- 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 8050B: $3800 per pair Discontinued B&H Photo Video eBay
Newer model: the Genelec 8350A. 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: Measured -3dB extension of 35.2Hz gives the 8050B deeper native bass than many similarly ranked monitors. The 6.49 ideal-subwoofer score supports broadly balanced listening, with a waveguide and analog boundary controls for practical studio placement. Measured bass extension of 35.2Hz (-3dB).
Cons: A 2.7dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz and a dip around 2kHz keep it below the strongest tonal performers. Port-related response features and high-level distortion also warrant attention. Unlike the SAM models, it does not provide GLM room calibration. Discontinued.
Full Genelec 8050B review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 270w Per Speaker |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 28.8Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 35.2Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| DSP | No |
| Dimensions | 17.8”H x 11.3”W x 10.9”D (452.1 x 287 x 276.9 mm) |
| Drivers | 8” (203mm) woofer |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) |
| Frequency Response | 32Hz - 25kHz (-6dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | XLR |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | No |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 31.7 lbs (14.4 kg) each |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons