Short answer: the Neumann KH80 DSP if sound quality matters most, the Edifier MR4 if price matters most. The Neumann KH80 DSP ranks #4 of 108 powered bookshelf speakers, rated 4.6/5, at $1,198. The Edifier MR4 ranks #72, rated 3.5/5, at $169.99, $1,028.01 cheaper.
The Neumann KH80 DSP is the more accurate, deeper-bass choice. Compact studio monitors with extremely accurate sound and room tuning, ideal for a desk or small studio. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 5.89 against 3.25 for the Edifier MR4. Its bass reaches about 57Hz before falling 3dB, against 79Hz for the Edifier MR4. The tradeoff: Bass reaches -3dB around 59Hz in this measurement, less deep than the KH120 II.
The case for the Edifier MR4: A budget desktop monitor pair with balanced TRS inputs, tone controls and a front headphone jack. It keeps a wired aux input, which the Neumann KH80 DSP lacks. The tradeoff: Bass reaches -3dB around 79Hz, so deep extension should not be inferred from the overall flat trend.
Buy the Neumann KH80 DSP if sound quality is the priority over the price, or the Edifier MR4 if the price is the priority over sound quality.
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Measured Differences
- Bass depth: the Neumann KH80 DSP reaches 51 Hz (10 dB down) against 59 Hz for the Edifier MR4, about half an octave deeper. You hear more of the lowest bass notes and kick drums.
- Tonal accuracy above the bass: with a subwoofer taking the low end, the Neumann KH80 DSP scores 8.2 against 6.0 for the Edifier MR4 on the Spinorama preference scale. Its frequency response and off-axis sound are smoother, so voices and instruments sound closer to the recording.
- Efficiency: the Neumann KH80 DSP is rated at 91.9 dB sensitivity against 78 dB for the Edifier MR4, so it plays as loud with roughly a third of the amplifier power.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Neumann KH80 DSP | Edifier MR4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,198 per pair | $169.99 per pair |
| Ranked | #4 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #72 of 108 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) | 9”H x 5.5”W x 7.6”D (228.6 x 139.7 x 193 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 57 Hz - 25 kHz (+-3 dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 60 Hz-20 kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | XLR | TRS Balanced, RCA, Aux |
| Weight | 9 lbs (4.1 kg) each | 9.9 lbs (4.5 kg) |
| Drivers | 4.1” woofer, 1” fabric dome tweeter | 4” (102mm) woofer, 1” silk dome tweeter |
| App | Yes (MA 1 alignment) | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 51Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 59Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 57Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 79Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| DSP | Yes | - |
| EQ | Yes (via DSP) | Yes (Monitor and Music modes) |
| Sensitivity | 91.9dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 78dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Amplifier Power | 140W (90W woofer + 50W tweeter) | 42W RMS total (21W per speaker) |
| Maximum SPL | 110.7dB @ 1m (manufacturer specified) | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.89 | 3.25 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 8.25 | 6.00 |
| XLR Input | Yes | No |
| RCA Input | No | Yes |
| TRS Input | No | Yes |
| Optical Input | No | No |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | No | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | No | Yes |
| Outputs | - | Headphone |
| Headphone Output | - | Yes |
Where the Ratings Come From
- Neumann KH80 DSP: Spinorama.org measurements and reviews by Erin’s Audio Corner, Audio Science Review and Joy & Oluv’Sone.
- Edifier MR4: Spinorama.org measurements and reviews by Erin’s Audio Corner, Audio Science Review and DSAUDIO.review.
This comparison is generated from the ratings, specifications and measurements on each product’s own page, and it updates when that data changes. How we rank explains how each rating is decided.
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