Short answer: the JBL 4329P for full-range bass in a bookshelf, the Neumann KH420 for measured accuracy. The 4329P extends anechoically to 30Hz with a measured F3 of 31Hz and reaches into the low 20s in-room, with strong bass authority. The KH420 matches Neumann’s own published measurement to within 0.08dB at its minor dip around 60Hz, with excellent off-axis behavior.
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. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the JBL 4329P is discontinued, so it is only available used.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Neumann KH420 | JBL 4329P | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $10500 per pair | $4,500 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #5 of 68 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #45 of 68 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 24.4Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) | 27Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 27.8Hz (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 | 34.4 lbs (15.6 kg) (primary), 34.4 lbs (15.6 kg) (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 | Yes, 5.3 |
| DSP | No | - |
| EQ | Yes (Room response controls) | - |
| Frequency Response | 31Hz - 21kHz (±3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 30Hz - 20kHz (anechoic, manufacturer specified) |
| Amplifier Power | 555w Per Speaker | 300W RMS per speaker (600W total system power) |
| Maximum SPL | 124dB @ 1m (manufacturer specified) | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 7.02 | 5.40 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 8.14 | 6.72 |
| XLR Input | Yes | No |
| RCA Input | No | No |
| TRS Input | No | No |
| Optical Input | No | Yes |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | No | Yes |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | No | Yes |
| Sensitivity | - | 102.2dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | - | SBC, aptX Adaptive |
| Woofer Cabinet | - | ported |
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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
JBL 4329P: $4,500 per pair Discontinued eBay
Pros: Measured -3dB extension of 32.2Hz provides deeper native bass than the smaller 4305P. Integrated amplification and streaming make it convenient for a full-range living-room system, and its larger format is useful when scale matters. Measured bass extension of 31Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 102.2dB.
Cons: The measured 4.5dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz includes a notable midrange dip, so it is not as neutral as its size and price might suggest. Its 6.72 ideal-subwoofer score trails the 4305P. There is no HDMI connection for the simplest TV hookup. Discontinued.
Full JBL 4329P review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 300W RMS per speaker (600W total system power) |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 27Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 31Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bluetooth | Yes, 5.3 |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, aptX Adaptive |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| 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) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | USB, Optical, Bluetooth, Analog, 3.5mm, AirPlay 2 |
| Optical Input | Yes |
| RCA Input | No |
| Sensitivity | 102.2dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.40 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.72 |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | Yes |
| Weight | 34.4 lbs (15.6 kg) (primary), 34.4 lbs (15.6 kg) (secondary) |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported |
| XLR Input | No |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons