Short answer: the Neumann KH80 DSP if sound quality matters most, the Mackie MR524 if price matters most. The Neumann KH80 DSP ranks #4 of 100 powered bookshelf speakers, rated 4.6/5, at $1,197.96. The Mackie MR524 ranks #32, rated 4.0/5, at $379.98, $817.98 cheaper.
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 5.11 for the Mackie MR524. Watch for: Bass reaches -3dB around 59Hz in this measurement, less deep than the KH120 II.
The Mackie MR524 is the deeper-bass choice. The available third-party data suggests a useful combination of bass reach and midrange balance: -3dB around 46Hz, a 2.0dB midrange span, and preference estimates of 5.11 standalone and 7.06 with an ideal subwoofer. Its bass reaches about 46.2Hz before falling 3dB, against 57Hz for the Neumann KH80 DSP. The catch: The measured response trends upward toward the treble by about 0.47dB per octave, which can lend a brighter balance.
Buy the Neumann KH80 DSP if sound quality is the priority over the price, or the Mackie MR524 if the price is the priority over sound quality.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Neumann KH80 DSP | Mackie MR524 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,197.96 per pair | $379.98 per pair |
| Ranked | #4 of 100 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #32 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) | 11.1” x 7.1” x 8.7” (281 x 180 x 221 mm) (H x W x D) |
| Frequency Response | 57 Hz - 25 kHz (+-3 dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 45Hz-20kHz |
| Inputs | XLR | Balanced XLR, balanced TRS, RCA |
| Weight | 9 lbs (4.1 kg) each | 10.1 lbs (4.6 kg) |
| Drivers | 4.1” woofer, 1” fabric dome tweeter | 5-inch polypropylene woofer; 1-inch silk-dome tweeter |
| App | Yes (MA 1 alignment) | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 51Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | approximately 38Hz (measured, spinorama.org) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 57Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 46.2Hz (measured, spinorama.org) |
| 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) | 50W bi-amplified per speaker |
| Maximum SPL | 110.7dB @ 1m (manufacturer specified) | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.89 | 5.11 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 8.25 | 7.06 |
| XLR Input | Yes | Yes |
| 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 | No |
Related Speaker Comparisons
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- 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.
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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
Mackie MR524: $379.98 per pair B&H Photo Video eBay
Same family: the Mackie MR624 (larger bookshelf, estimated 4/5) and the Mackie MR824 (larger bookshelf, estimated 4/5).
Pros: The available third-party data suggests a useful combination of bass reach and midrange balance: -3dB around 46Hz, a 2.0dB midrange span, and preference estimates of 5.11 standalone and 7.06 with an ideal subwoofer. Balanced inputs, boundary compensation and treble trim are practical studio features. Measured bass extension of 46.2Hz (-3dB).
Cons: The measured response trends upward toward the treble by about 0.47dB per octave, which can lend a brighter balance. Boundary compensation and treble trim help with setup but are less flexible than parametric correction.
Full Mackie MR524 review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 50W bi-amplified per speaker |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | approximately 38Hz (measured, spinorama.org) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 46.2Hz (measured, spinorama.org) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| Dimensions | 11.1” x 7.1” x 8.7” (281 x 180 x 221 mm) (H x W x D) |
| Drivers | 5-inch polypropylene woofer; 1-inch silk-dome tweeter |
| Frequency Response | 45Hz-20kHz |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | Balanced XLR, balanced TRS, RCA |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | Yes |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.11 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.06 |
| TRS Input | Yes |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 10.1 lbs (4.6 kg) |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons