Short answer: the Neumann KH420 for better sound quality, the Neumann KH 310 A for the lower price. The Neumann KH420 ranks #4 of 40 powered bookshelf speakers at $10500. The Neumann KH 310 A ranks #13 at $4400, $6100 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 Neumann KH 310 A offers: CEA2034 spinorama shows a near-perfect on-axis response with superb directivity control and minimal off-axis variation. Watch for: An unidentified dip around 80Hz shows up in the measurements, which Neumann was asked to investigate.
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.
Specifications Side By Side
| Neumann KH420 | Neumann KH 310 A | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $10500 | $4400 |
| Ranked | #4 of 40 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #13 of 40 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 24Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 42Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 32Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 70Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Dimensions | 25.4"H x 13"W x 17.5"D (645.2 x 330.2 x 444.5 mm) | not published by manufacturer |
| Inputs | XLR | - |
| Weight | 77.2 lbs / 35 kg each | not published by manufacturer |
| 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 | - |
| DSP | No | No |
| EQ | Yes (Room response controls) | No |
| Frequency Response | 31Hz - 21kHz (±3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 34Hz - 21kHz (+/-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Max SPL | 124dB @ 1m | - |
| Output Power | 555w Per Speaker | 290W total (150W woofer, 70W mid, 70W tweeter) |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More useful head-to-heads from the same speaker class:
- Genelec 8361A vs Buchardt A500
- Genelec 8361A vs Genelec 8050B
- Genelec 8361A vs JBL 4329P
- Genelec 8361A vs Neumann KH 310 A
- 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 310 A: $4400 Bhphotovideo
Pros: CEA2034 spinorama shows a near-perfect on-axis response with superb directivity control and minimal off-axis variation. Distortion measured very low at 96dB SPL/1m. Bass stays clean and dry without bloat, and vocals show no harshness. Tri-amplified design delivers 290W combined output and up to 116.3dB SPL.
Cons: An unidentified dip around 80Hz shows up in the measurements, which Neumann was asked to investigate. Bass response shifts somewhat with amplifier temperature. Distortion rises above 100% THD at the very bottom of the bass range, as expected at that extreme. Expensive at $4,400 per pair.
Full Neumann KH 310 A review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 42Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 70Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| DSP | No |
| Dimensions | not published by manufacturer |
| Drivers | 8.25" woofer, 3" midrange, 1" tweeter |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 34Hz - 21kHz (+/-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Output Power | 290W total (150W woofer, 70W mid, 70W tweeter) |
| Weight | not published by manufacturer |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons