Short answer: the Neumann KH420 for better sound quality, the JBL 4305P for the lower price. The Neumann KH420 ranks #4 of 40 powered bookshelf speakers at $10500. The JBL 4305P ranks #14 at $2200, $8300 cheaper.
The case for the Neumann KH420: 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. The tradeoff: Horizontal beamwidth, while well controlled, is on the narrow side at about ±55 degrees.
What the JBL 4305P gets right: Erin measured a 45Hz F3 and heard solid 40–50Hz in-room extension—excellent for a compact 5.25-inch active monitor. The catch: The limiter becomes conspicuous around 96dB: Erin measured about 8dB lost near 50Hz at the highest drive and achieved roughly 93dB unweighted at 2m in-room.
Buy the Neumann KH420 if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the JBL 4305P if the price matters more than sound quality.
Specifications Side By Side
| Neumann KH420 | JBL 4305P | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $10500 | $2,200/pair |
| Ranked | #4 of 40 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #14 of 40 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 24Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | - |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 32Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 45Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Dimensions | 25.4"H x 13"W x 17.5"D (645.2 x 330.2 x 444.5 mm) | 13.2H x 8.3W x 8.8D inches |
| Inputs | XLR | - |
| Weight | 77.2 lbs / 35 kg each | - |
| Drivers | 10" woofer, 4" dome midrange, 1" fabric dome tweeter | 5.25-inch pulp woofer; 1-inch annular compression driver |
| App | Yes (MA 1 alignment) | - |
| Bluetooth | No | - |
| DSP | No | - |
| EQ | Yes (Room response controls) | - |
| Frequency Response | 31Hz - 21kHz (±3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Max SPL | 124dB @ 1m | - |
| Output Power | 555w Per Speaker | - |
| Sensitivity | - | Not applicable (active DSP loudspeaker) |
| Maximum Output | - | ~93dB at 2m in-room before limiting (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Amplification | - | 300W system: 125W LF + 25W HF per speaker |
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- Dutch & Dutch 8C vs Kali Audio LP-8
- Dutch & Dutch 8C vs Edifier R2850DB
- Neumann KH420 vs Genelec 8040B
- Genelec 8361A vs JBL 4305P
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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JBL 4305P: $2,200/pair Amazon JBL
Pros: Erin measured a 45Hz F3 and heard solid 40–50Hz in-room extension—excellent for a compact 5.25-inch active monitor. Tonality is neutral and non-fatiguing, vocal coloration is absent, imaging is precise, and the HDI horn maintains near-constant horizontal directivity above 2kHz. Each speaker is bi-amplified (125W LF + 25W HF), while USB, optical, balanced analog, AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Bluetooth and 24/192 wired interconnect make this an unusually complete system. Grilles caused no meaningful response penalty.
Cons: The limiter becomes conspicuous around 96dB: Erin measured about 8dB lost near 50Hz at the highest drive and achieved roughly 93dB unweighted at 2m in-room, so this is a near/midfield system rather than a high-output theater speaker. A baffle discontinuity produces a 1–2kHz directivity mismatch that cannot be corrected uniformly in the vertical plane; stay within about +/-5° of tweeter height. Soundstage depth and layering trailed the KEF Reference 1 Meta, and wireless speaker linking caps resolution at 24/96.
Full JBL 4305P review and specifications →
| Amplification | 300W system: 125W LF + 25W HF per speaker |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 45Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Dimensions | 13.2H x 8.3W x 8.8D inches |
| Drivers | 5.25-inch pulp woofer; 1-inch annular compression driver |
| Maximum Output | ~93dB at 2m in-room before limiting (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | Not applicable (active DSP loudspeaker) |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons