Short answer: the Neumann KH420 for better sound quality, the JBL 4329P for the lower price. The Neumann KH420 ranks #4 of 48 powered bookshelf speakers at $10500. The JBL 4329P ranks #20 at $4500, $6000 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. The catch: Horizontal beamwidth, while well controlled, is on the narrow side at about ±55 degrees.
On the JBL 4329P side: Genuinely full-range performance for a bookshelf-style speaker - anechoic response extends to 30Hz (measured F3 31Hz), reaching into the low 20s Hz range in-room depending on placement, with strong bass authority rather than a rolled-off, thin low end. The tradeoff: No HDMI input, a real drawback if you want to run these directly off a TV’s ARC.
Buy the Neumann KH420 if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the JBL 4329P if the price matters more than sound quality.
Specifications Side By Side
| Neumann KH420 | JBL 4329P | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $10500 | $4,500 |
| Ranked | #4 of 48 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #20 of 48 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 24Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 27Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 32Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 31Hz (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) | 20.3"H x 12.6"W x 12.7"D |
| Inputs | XLR | USB, Optical, Bluetooth, Analog, 3.5mm, AirPlay 2 |
| Weight | 77.2 lbs / 35 kg each | 34.5 lbs (primary), 34.3 lbs (secondary) |
| Drivers | 10" woofer, 4" dome midrange, 1" fabric dome tweeter | 8" midwoofer, 1" compression driver with JBL High-Definition Imaging horn |
| App | Yes (MA 1 alignment) | - |
| Bluetooth | No | - |
| DSP | No | - |
| EQ | Yes (Room response controls) | - |
| Frequency Response | 31Hz - 21kHz (±3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 30Hz - 20kHz (anechoic, manufacturer specified) |
| Max SPL | 124dB @ 1m | - |
| Output Power | 555w Per Speaker | - |
| Sensitivity | - | 102.2dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Woofer Cabinet | - | ported |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More useful head-to-heads from the same speaker class:
- Genelec 8361A vs Buchardt A500
- Genelec 8361A vs JBL 708P
- Genelec 8361A vs Neumann KH 310 A
- Neumann KH420 vs Neumann KH 310 A
- Genelec 8361A vs JBL 4329P
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 4329P: $4,500 Amazon
Pros: Genuinely full-range performance for a bookshelf-style speaker - anechoic response extends to 30Hz (measured F3 31Hz), reaching into the low 20s Hz range in-room depending on placement, with strong bass authority rather than a rolled-off, thin low end. Wide, constant horizontal directivity through the midrange and into the treble (about ±60°, wider than most horn-loaded designs which tend to run closer to ±40°) gives a wide, stable stereo image without needing to toe the speakers out and lose top-end energy. The reviewer listened for an hour-long sessions repeatedly without listener fatigue, across two very different rooms, with consistently great results in both. Extensive connectivity: USB, Optical, Bluetooth, analog, 3.5mm, AirPlay 2, and 24-bit/192kHz support; comes with a remote.
Cons: No HDMI input, a real drawback if you want to run these directly off a TV’s ARC. The supplied ethernet link cable between the two speakers is short - workable at close range but not long enough for wider speaker placement, so budget for a longer aftermarket cable if your setup needs it. A dip around 900Hz shows up in the on-axis measurement that the reviewer couldn’t fully explain (ruled out the ports as the cause, suspects cabinet edge diffraction), though it wasn’t something that bothered him in listening. At $4,500/pair, this is a serious investment for a bookshelf-format speaker.
Full JBL 4329P review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 27Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 31Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Dimensions | 20.3"H x 12.6"W x 12.7"D |
| Drivers | 8" midwoofer, 1" compression driver with JBL High-Definition Imaging horn |
| Frequency Response | 30Hz - 20kHz (anechoic, manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | USB, Optical, Bluetooth, Analog, 3.5mm, AirPlay 2 |
| Sensitivity | 102.2dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Weight | 34.5 lbs (primary), 34.3 lbs (secondary) |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons