Short answer: the Neumann KH80 DSP. It ranks #4 of 100 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 4.6/5, at $1,197.96. The Adam Audio A4V ranks #65, rated 3.6/5, at $1,079.98, $117.98 cheaper, a saving that is not big enough to make up the sound-quality gap.
The Neumann KH80 DSP is the more accurate pick. ASR’s selected Klippel measurement has a 1.4dB midrange response span and virtually no overall on-axis tilt. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 5.89 against 3.92 for the Adam Audio A4V. The tradeoff: Bass reaches -3dB around 59Hz in this measurement, less deep than the KH120 II.
The case for the Adam Audio A4V: Compact monitor with onboard DSP, placement controls and room-correction integration. The tradeoff: A small average-deviation figure hides a major localized response irregularity: the selected measurement spans 10.8dB from 300Hz to 5kHz, and listening-window narrow-band deviation is 0.547.
Buy the Neumann KH80 DSP. It is rated higher for sound quality, and saving $117.98 with the Adam Audio A4V does not make up for the sound-quality gap.
Still deciding? The full Powered Home rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Neumann KH80 DSP | Adam Audio A4V | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,197.96 per pair | $1,079.98 per pair |
| Ranked | #4 of 100 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #65 of 100 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Dimensions | 13.6”H x 10.8”W x 9.6”D (345.4 x 274.3 x 243.8 mm) | 10.6H x 6.2W x 8.7D in |
| Frequency Response | 57 Hz - 25 kHz (+-3 dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 58Hz - 41kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | XLR | XLR and RCA; Ethernet for control |
| Weight | 9 lbs (4.1 kg) each | 12.8 lbs (5.8 kg) each |
| Drivers | 4.1” woofer, 1” fabric dome tweeter | X-ART folded-ribbon tweeter, 4” MLM woofer |
| App | Yes (MA 1 alignment) | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 51Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 57Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| DSP | Yes | - |
| EQ | Yes (via DSP) | - |
| Sensitivity | 91.9dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Amplifier Power | 140W (90W woofer + 50W tweeter) | 130W RMS each |
| Maximum SPL | 110.7dB @ 1m (manufacturer specified) | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.89 | 3.92 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 8.25 | 6.33 |
| XLR Input | Yes | Yes |
| RCA Input | No | Yes |
| 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 |
| Enclosure | - | 2-way active, dual front ports |
Related Speaker Comparisons
How Neumann KH80 DSP compares with other leading options:
- Genelec 8331A vs Neumann KH80 DSP
- Neumann KH120 MKII vs Neumann KH80 DSP
- Genelec 8030C vs Neumann KH80 DSP
- Neumann KH80 DSP vs Reflector Audio Square Two
- Neumann KH80 DSP vs Dynaudio LYD 5
Prices on this page were last checked October 9, 2026 at 8:01 AM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
The Two Speakers In Full
Neumann KH80 DSP: $1,197.96 per pair Amazon B&H Photo Video eBay
Same family: the Neumann KH120 MKII (larger bookshelf, ranked higher, rated 4.7/5), the Neumann KH 150 (larger bookshelf, rated 4.8/5), the Neumann KH 310 A (larger bookshelf, rated 4.6/5), the Neumann KH420 (larger bookshelf, rated 4.8/5) and the Neumann KH 750 DSP (subwoofer, rated 3.5/5).
Pros: ASR’s selected Klippel measurement has a 1.4dB midrange response span and virtually no overall on-axis tilt. Scores of 5.89 standalone and 8.25 with an ideal subwoofer indicate excellent tonal accuracy in a compact monitor. The waveguide and steep crossover provide useful control of reflected sound, while placement filters help compensate for a desk or nearby boundaries. Existing multitone testing supports good moderate-level clarity. Measured bass extension of 57Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 91.9dB.
Cons: Bass reaches -3dB around 59Hz in this measurement, less deep than the KH120 II. Output protection and increasing multitone distortion limit loud listening, especially in the bass. Room reflections and listening distance can alter perceived treble balance despite its flat direct response. Calibration equipment adds to the cost; the preference score is not a measurement of maximum clean output. It is expensive for its size.
Full Neumann KH80 DSP review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 140W (90W woofer + 50W tweeter) |
| App | Yes (MA 1 alignment) |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 51Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 57Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| DSP | Yes |
| Dimensions | 13.6”H x 10.8”W x 9.6”D (345.4 x 274.3 x 243.8 mm) |
| Drivers | 4.1” woofer, 1” fabric dome tweeter |
| EQ | Yes (via DSP) |
| Frequency Response | 57 Hz - 25 kHz (+-3 dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | XLR |
| Maximum SPL | 110.7dB @ 1m (manufacturer specified) |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | No |
| Sensitivity | 91.9dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.89 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 8.25 |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 9 lbs (4.1 kg) each |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Erin’s Audio Corner: Neumann KH 80 Studio Monitor Review. Excellent Performance. Small Size. More from Erin’s Audio Corner →
- Erin’s Audio Corner Review Measurements
- Audio Science Review Measurements More from Audio Science Review →
- DSAUDIO.review: Neumann KH80 DSP vs Genelec 8020D Sound & Frequency Response Comparison More from DSAUDIOreview →
- DSAUDIO.review: Neumann KH80 DSP vs Yamaha HS8 Sound & Frequency Response Comparison
- DSAUDIO.review: Neumann KH80 DSP vs Focal Shape 40 Sound & Frequency Response Comparison
- DSAUDIO.review: Neumann KH80 DSP vs IK Multimedia iLoud MTM Sound & Frequency Response Comparison
- DSAUDIO.review: Neumann KH80 DSP vs JBL 305P MKII Sound & Frquency Response Comparison
- DSAUDIO.review: KEF LSX vs Neumann KH80 DSP Sound & Frequency Response Comparison
- DSAUDIO.review: Adam Audio A3X vs Neumann KH80 DSP Sound & Frequency Response Comparison
- DSAUDIO.review: Neumann KH80 DSP vs KRK Rokit 5 G4 RP5G4 Sound & Frequency Response Comparison
- Joy & Oluv’Sone: 🎃🔥 UBoom X - Halloween Rock Special 🎸🤘 More from Oluv’Sone →
- Audio Science Review Measurements (spinorama.org)
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Neumann KH80 DSP vs Genelec 8030C
- Neumann KH80 DSP vs Reflector Audio Square Two
- Neumann KH80 DSP vs Neumann KH120 MKII
- Neumann KH80 DSP vs Dynaudio LYD 5
- Neumann KH80 DSP vs Genelec 8331A
- Neumann KH80 DSP vs Genelec 8330A
- Neumann KH80 DSP vs Genelec 8320A
- Neumann KH80 DSP vs Devialet Phantom II 98 dB
- See all 65 comparisons
Adam Audio A4V: $1,079.98 per pair Amazon B&H Photo Video eBay
Same family: the ADAM Audio A44H (larger bookshelf, ranked higher, estimated 3.8/5), the Adam Audio A7V (larger bookshelf, rated 4/5), the ADAM Audio A8H (larger bookshelf, estimated 4.4/5) and the ADAM Audio A77H (larger bookshelf, estimated 4.4/5).
Pros: Compact monitor with onboard DSP, placement controls and room-correction integration. ASR’s Klippel data gives a -3dB point around 59Hz and preference scores of 3.92 standalone and 6.33 with an ideal subwoofer. Its adjustment facilities are useful when placement or tonal correction is needed.
Cons: A small average-deviation figure hides a major localized response irregularity: the selected measurement spans 10.8dB from 300Hz to 5kHz, and listening-window narrow-band deviation is 0.547. The native response should therefore not be called smoothly neutral. Correction potential is not the same as stock performance, and analog audio inputs mean a separate interface is needed for USB sources.
Full Adam Audio A4V review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 130W RMS each |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| Dimensions | 10.6H x 6.2W x 8.7D in |
| Drivers | X-ART folded-ribbon tweeter, 4” MLM woofer |
| Enclosure | 2-way active, dual front ports |
| Frequency Response | 58Hz - 41kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | XLR and RCA; Ethernet for control |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | Yes |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.92 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.33 |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 12.8 lbs (5.8 kg) each |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons