Short answer: the Neumann KH420 for better sound quality, the Neumann KH 150 for the lower price. The Neumann KH420 ranks #4 of 48 powered bookshelf speakers at $10500. The Neumann KH 150 ranks #14 at $3398, $7102 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 tradeoff: Horizontal beamwidth, while well controlled, is on the narrow side at about ±55 degrees.
On the Neumann KH 150 side: Neumann’s Mathematically Modelled Dispersion waveguide produces a listening window smoothness score of 0.69 with a steadily narrowing directivity index through the treble, and the 6.5 inch woofer reaches a genuine 39.6Hz extension point. Watch for: The sound power directivity index has the widest standard deviation of any speaker in this batch, 3.89, meaning off axis energy tracks the on axis response a little less consistently than the tightest speakers here as frequency rises.
Buy the Neumann KH420 if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Neumann KH 150 if the price matters more than sound quality.
Specifications Side By Side
| Neumann KH420 | Neumann KH 150 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $10500 | $3,398/pair |
| Ranked | #4 of 48 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #14 of 48 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 24Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 34.2Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 32Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 39.6Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Dimensions | 25.4"H x 13"W x 17.5"D (645.2 x 330.2 x 444.5 mm) | 13.6"H x 8.9"W x 10.7"D (345 x 225 x 273 mm) (13.58 x 8.86 x 10.75 in) |
| Inputs | XLR | - |
| Weight | 77.2 lbs / 35 kg each | 17.6 lbs / 8.0 kg (17.6 lbs) each |
| Drivers | 10" woofer, 4" dome midrange, 1" fabric dome tweeter | 1" tweeter, 6.5" woofer |
| App | Yes (MA 1 alignment) | - |
| Bluetooth | No | - |
| DSP | No | - |
| EQ | Yes (Room response controls) | - |
| Frequency Response | 31Hz - 21kHz (±3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 39Hz-20.4kHz +/-3dB |
| Max SPL | 124dB @ 1m | 118.7dB @ 1m half space |
| Output Power | 555w Per Speaker | - |
| Enclosure | - | ported |
| Power Output (Watts) | - | 245W total (145W woofer, 100W tweeter, 10% THD+N) |
| Crossover Points | - | 1.7kHz |
| Warranty | - | 2 years |
| Country | - | Germany |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More useful head-to-heads from the same speaker class:
- Genelec 8351B vs Neumann KH 310 A
- Dutch & Dutch 8C vs Kali Audio IN-8
- Dutch & Dutch 8C vs Edifier R2850DB
- Genelec 8361A vs Neumann KH 150
- Neumann KH420 vs Genelec 8050B
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 |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Neumann KH 150: $3,398/pair Bhphotovideo
Pros: Neumann’s Mathematically Modelled Dispersion waveguide produces a listening window smoothness score of 0.69 with a steadily narrowing directivity index through the treble, and the 6.5 inch woofer reaches a genuine 39.6Hz extension point. FIR based phase correction and 118.7dB max SPL give it real headroom for a compact two way, and the onboard DSP includes adjustable bass, low mid, and treble shelving plus optional MA 1 automatic room calibration.
Cons: The sound power directivity index has the widest standard deviation of any speaker in this batch, 3.89, meaning off axis energy tracks the on axis response a little less consistently than the tightest speakers here as frequency rises. No Bluetooth or wireless input, it needs a balanced XLR or S/PDIF source. At 8kg (17.6 lbs) per cabinet plus an external power brick it needs a proper stand rather than a bookshelf. Its measured preference score trails Neumann’s own larger KH 310A and KH 420 monitors, so buyers chasing the deepest bass in the KH line should look further up the range.
Full Neumann KH 150 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 34.2Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 39.6Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Country | Germany |
| Crossover Points | 1.7kHz |
| Dimensions | 13.6"H x 8.9"W x 10.7"D (345 x 225 x 273 mm) (13.58 x 8.86 x 10.75 in) |
| Drivers | 1" tweeter, 6.5" woofer |
| Enclosure | ported |
| Frequency Response | 39Hz-20.4kHz +/-3dB |
| Max SPL | 118.7dB @ 1m half space |
| Power Output (Watts) | 245W total (145W woofer, 100W tweeter, 10% THD+N) |
| Warranty | 2 years |
| Weight | 17.6 lbs / 8.0 kg (17.6 lbs) each |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons