Short answer: the Neumann KH80 DSP. It ranks #4 of 100 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 4.6/5, at $1,198. The Kali Audio IN-UNF ranks #81, rated 3.3/5, at $699, $499 cheaper, which does not close the gap in sound quality.
The Neumann KH80 DSP is the better-sounding choice. ASR’s selected Klippel measurement has a 1.4dB midrange response span and virtually no overall on-axis tilt. The tradeoff: Bass reaches -3dB around 59Hz in this measurement, less deep than the KH120 II.
The Kali Audio IN-UNF is the deeper-bass choice. A specialized ultra-nearfield system with coaxial satellites and an opposed-woofer bass module designed to sit on the desk. Its bass reaches about 39Hz before falling 10dB, against 51Hz for the Neumann KH80 DSP. It keeps a wired aux input, which the Neumann KH80 DSP lacks. Watch for: The intended desk geometry is part of the acoustic design.
Buy the Neumann KH80 DSP. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $499 saving on the Kali Audio IN-UNF is not enough to make up the difference.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Neumann KH80 DSP | Kali Audio IN-UNF | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,198 per pair | $699 per pair |
| Ranked | #4 of 100 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #81 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) | Bass module: 11.6”H x 19.4”W x 5.25”D; satellites: 6.25” diameter |
| Frequency Response | 57 Hz - 25 kHz (+-3 dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 47Hz - 21kHz +/-3dB (manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | XLR | USB-C, optical, 3.5mm, balanced TRS |
| Weight | 9 lbs (4.1 kg) each | 24.7 lbs (11.2 kg) |
| Drivers | 4.1” woofer, 1” fabric dome tweeter | Bass module: two opposed 4.5” woofers; satellites: 4” coincident midrange with 1” textile-dome tweeter |
| App | Yes (MA 1 alignment) | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 51Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 39Hz (manufacturer specified; Erin did not publish an anechoic F10) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 57Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 47Hz (manufacturer specified; Erin did not publish an anechoic F3) |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| DSP | Yes | Yes (placement/boundary and tonal trims) |
| EQ | Yes (via DSP) | - |
| Sensitivity | 91.9dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Amplifier Power | 140W (90W woofer + 50W tweeter) | 100W LF + 60W mid/HF per channel (continuous) |
| Maximum SPL | 110.7dB @ 1m (manufacturer specified) | 103dB peak at 1m (manufacturer specified) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.89 | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 8.25 | - |
| XLR Input | Yes | No |
| RCA Input | No | No |
| TRS Input | No | Yes |
| Optical Input | No | Yes |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | No | Yes |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | No | Yes |
| Crossover Frequency | - | 280Hz LF-to-midrange; 2.8kHz midrange-to-HF |
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The Two Speakers In Full
Neumann KH80 DSP: $1,198 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
Kali Audio IN-UNF: $699 per pair Kali Audio eBay
Same family: the Kali Audio IN-5 (smaller bookshelf, ranked higher, rated 4.2/5) and the Kali Audio IN-8 V2 (smaller bookshelf, rated 4.4/5).
Pros: A specialized ultra-nearfield system with coaxial satellites and an opposed-woofer bass module designed to sit on the desk. Erin found it worked much better when positioned using Kali’s placement template, with useful agreement between the intended response and close-range moving-microphone measurements. DSP placement controls and varied inputs make it a thoughtful solution for the right desk.
Cons: The intended desk geometry is part of the acoustic design. The bass module and prescribed spacing occupy considerable desk space and may conflict with large monitors. It is not designed for arbitrary room placement.
Full Kali Audio IN-UNF review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 100W LF + 60W mid/HF per channel (continuous) |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 39Hz (manufacturer specified; Erin did not publish an anechoic F10) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 47Hz (manufacturer specified; Erin did not publish an anechoic F3) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| Crossover Frequency | 280Hz LF-to-midrange; 2.8kHz midrange-to-HF |
| DSP | Yes (placement/boundary and tonal trims) |
| Dimensions | Bass module: 11.6”H x 19.4”W x 5.25”D; satellites: 6.25” diameter |
| Drivers | Bass module: two opposed 4.5” woofers; satellites: 4” coincident midrange with 1” textile-dome tweeter |
| Frequency Response | 47Hz - 21kHz +/-3dB (manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | USB-C, optical, 3.5mm, balanced TRS |
| Maximum SPL | 103dB peak at 1m (manufacturer specified) |
| Optical Input | Yes |
| RCA Input | No |
| TRS Input | Yes |
| USB Input | Yes |
| Weight | 24.7 lbs (11.2 kg) |
| XLR Input | No |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Kali Audio IN-UNF vs Edifier S1000MKII
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