Short answer: the Neumann KH420 for measured neutrality, the KH 310 A for on-axis and off-axis consistency. The KH420 matches Neumann’s own published measurement to within 0.08dB at its one minor dip around 60Hz, with excellent off-axis behavior. The KH 310 A shows a near-perfect on-axis response with superb directivity control and minimal off-axis variation, though an unidentified dip around 80Hz remains.
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.
Buy the Neumann KH420 if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Neumann KH 310 A if the price matters more than sound quality.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Neumann KH420 | Neumann KH 310 A | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $10500 per pair | $4,998 per pair |
| Ranked | #5 of 68 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #17 of 68 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 24.4Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) | 28.3Hz (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) | 10” x 15.1” x 11.5” (253 x 383 x 292 mm) (H x W x D) |
| Inputs | XLR | XLR (balanced analog) |
| Weight | 77.2 lbs (35 kg) each | 28.7 lbs (13.0 kg) |
| Drivers | 10” woofer, 4” dome midrange, 1” fabric dome tweeter | 8.25” woofer, 3” midrange, 1” tweeter |
| App | Yes (MA 1 alignment) | No |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| DSP | No | No |
| EQ | Yes (Room response controls) | No |
| Frequency Response | 31Hz - 21kHz (±3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 34Hz - 21kHz (+/-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Amplifier Power | 555w Per Speaker | 290W total (150W woofer, 70W mid, 70W tweeter) |
| Maximum SPL | 124dB @ 1m (manufacturer specified) | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 7.02 | 6.21 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 8.14 | 7.70 |
| 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 |
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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
Neumann KH 310 A: $4,998 per pair B&H Photo Video eBay
Pros: The sealed three-way design combines 35.2Hz measured -3dB extension with low distortion in the review’s demanding playback tests. Its 2.2dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz and 7.70 ideal-subwoofer score support balanced monitoring with useful full-range capability. Measured bass extension of 35.2Hz (-3dB).
Cons: Its measured tonal balance is not as even as the KH 150 or the best coaxial alternatives. Correct orientation and listening height matter for the separated drivers. The analog system lacks the integrated calibration workflow of newer DSP models, so room correction requires additional equipment. An unexplained dip around 80Hz shows in the measurements.
Full Neumann KH 310 A review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 290W total (150W woofer, 70W mid, 70W tweeter) |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 28.3Hz (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 | 10” x 15.1” x 11.5” (253 x 383 x 292 mm) (H x W x D) |
| Drivers | 8.25” woofer, 3” midrange, 1” tweeter |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 34Hz - 21kHz (+/-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | XLR (balanced analog) |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | No |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.21 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.70 |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 28.7 lbs (13.0 kg) |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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