Short answer: the Neumann KH80 DSP. It ranks #4 of 100 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality (rated 4.6/5) at $1,198 and is still sold new; the Presonus Eris E5 XT ranks #68 (rated 3.5/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used. The Presonus Eris E5 XT’s replacement, the PreSonus Eris Studio 5, is rated 3.6/5.
The Neumann KH80 DSP is the more accurate choice. 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 3.58 for the Presonus Eris E5 XT. The tradeoff: Bass reaches -3dB around 59Hz in this measurement, less deep than the KH120 II.
Why pick the Presonus Eris E5 XT: ASR’s measurements show reasonably consistent directivity through the crossover, so EQ changes are more likely to benefit both direct and reflected sound. The catch: The response has bass and treble emphasis with a recessed crossover region; smooth directivity carries that imbalance into room reflections rather than fixing it.
Buy the Neumann KH80 DSP. It is rated higher for sound quality; the Presonus Eris E5 XT is no longer sold new.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Neumann KH80 DSP | Presonus Eris E5 XT | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,198 per pair | $239.98 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #4 of 100 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #68 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) | 10.2”H x 7”W x 7.7”D (259.1 x 177.8 x 195.6 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 57 Hz - 25 kHz (+-3 dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 53Hz - 22kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | XLR | TRS, XLR, RCA |
| Weight | 9 lbs (4.1 kg) each | 10.1 lbs (4.6 kg) each |
| Drivers | 4.1” woofer, 1” fabric dome tweeter | 5” (127mm) woofer |
| App | Yes (MA 1 alignment) | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 51Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 46.9Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 57Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 56.4Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| DSP | Yes | - |
| EQ | Yes (via DSP) | Yes (Room adjustment) |
| Sensitivity | 91.9dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Amplifier Power | 140W (90W woofer + 50W tweeter) | 80w Per Speaker |
| Maximum SPL | 110.7dB @ 1m (manufacturer specified) | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.89 | 3.58 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 8.25 | 6.00 |
| 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
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 7, 2026 at 9:25 PM 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: $1,198 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
Presonus Eris E5 XT: $239.98 per pair Discontinued eBay
Newer model: the PreSonus Eris Studio 5, ranked higher, estimated 3.6/5.
Older model: the Presonus Eris E5 (ranked lower, rated 3.3/5).
Same family: the PreSonus Eris E8 XT (larger bookshelf, estimated 3.7/5).
Pros: ASR’s measurements show reasonably consistent directivity through the crossover, so EQ changes are more likely to benefit both direct and reflected sound. Bass reaches -3dB around 56Hz. A standalone preference score of 3.58 rises to 6.00 with an ideal subwoofer, indicating useful bass reach but only moderate native tonal performance. Measured bass extension of 56.4Hz (-3dB).
Cons: The response has bass and treble emphasis with a recessed crossover region; smooth directivity carries that imbalance into room reflections rather than fixing it. Existing distortion testing shows problems across a broad range when pushed to 96dB. Tone correction and moderate levels help, but it is not a reference-flat monitor out of the box. Discontinued.
Full Presonus Eris E5 XT review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 80w Per Speaker |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 46.9Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 56.4Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| Dimensions | 10.2”H x 7”W x 7.7”D (259.1 x 177.8 x 195.6 mm) |
| Drivers | 5” (127mm) woofer |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) |
| Frequency Response | 53Hz - 22kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | TRS, XLR, RCA |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | Yes |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.58 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.00 |
| TRS Input | Yes |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 10.1 lbs (4.6 kg) each |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- DSAUDIO.review: New PreSonus E5 XT and Yamaha HS5 could not sound any more different! SOUND AND RESPONSE COMPARISON More from DSAUDIOreview →
- DSAUDIO.review: Bright and brighter. PreSonus E5 XT takes on Adam Audio T5V SOUND & FREQUENCY RESPONSE COMPARISON
- DSAUDIO.review: PreSonus Eris E5 XT vs PreSonus Eris E5 (new vs old) Sound & Frequency Response Comparison
- DSAUDIO.review: PreSonus E7 XT vs PreSonus E5 XT Sound & Frequency Response Comparison
- DSAUDIO.review: PreSonus Eris E8 XT vs PreSonus Eris E5 XT Sound & Frequency Response Comparison
- DSAUDIO.review: PreSonus E5 XT vs KRK Rokit 5 G4 Sound & Frequency Response Comparison
- Audio Science Review Measurements More from Audio Science Review →
- Audio Science Review Measurements (spinorama.org)
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Presonus Eris E5 XT vs Edifier S2000MKIII
- Presonus Eris E5 XT vs Edifier MR4.5
- Presonus Eris E5 XT vs Edifier MR4
- Presonus Eris E5 XT vs Palmer STUDIMON 5
- Presonus Eris E5 XT vs Adam Audio A4V
- Presonus Eris E5 XT vs KRK Classic 5
- Presonus Eris E5 XT vs Yamaha HS5
- Presonus Eris E5 XT vs M-Audio BX4 D3
- See all 54 comparisons