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 Sigberg Audio SBS Gen 2 ranks #23, rated 4.2/5, and costs $18,043.20, which makes this an easy call rather than a real tradeoff.
The Neumann KH80 DSP is the better-sounding pick. ASR’s selected Klippel measurement has a 1.4dB midrange response span and virtually no overall on-axis tilt. Watch for: Bass reaches -3dB around 59Hz in this measurement, less deep than the KH120 II.
The Sigberg Audio SBS Gen 2 is the more accurate, deeper-bass pick. The measured speaker-and-subwoofer system has a 1.7dB midrange response span and a 7.51 ideal-subwoofer preference score, supporting useful tonal accuracy above the bass region. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 6.56 against 5.89 for the Neumann KH80 DSP. Its bass reaches about 24Hz before falling 3dB, against 57Hz for the Neumann KH80 DSP. The catch: The measured system explicitly includes a subwoofer: its 6.56 full-system score and bass extension must not be attributed to the bookshelf speaker alone.
Buy the Neumann KH80 DSP. It is rated higher for sound quality than the Sigberg Audio SBS Gen 2 and costs less, so it is the default pick unless a specific strength of the other one matters more to you.
Still deciding? The full Powered Home rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Neumann KH80 DSP | Sigberg Audio SBS Gen 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,197.96 per pair | $18,043.20 for the full system (2 speakers + 2 dedicated subwoofers, built to order) |
| Ranked | #4 of 100 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #23 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) | 16.1”H x 7.5”W x 9.1”D (410 x 190 x 230 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 57 Hz - 25 kHz (+-3 dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 26Hz - 20kHz (±2.5dB, with subwoofers) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | XLR | XLR, RCA, Optical, Coaxial/SPDIF, AES |
| Weight | 9 lbs (4.1 kg) each | 20.9 lbs (9.5 kg) each |
| Drivers | 4.1” woofer, 1” fabric dome tweeter | 5.5” midbass, 5.5” coaxial mid/tweeter with 1” silk dome |
| App | Yes (MA 1 alignment) | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 51Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 57Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 24Hz (measured, spinorama.org, with companion subwoofer) |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| DSP | Yes | Yes |
| EQ | Yes (via DSP) | Yes (9-band parametric, factory presets) |
| Sensitivity | 91.9dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Amplifier Power | 140W (90W woofer + 50W tweeter) | 350W per speaker |
| Maximum SPL | 110.7dB @ 1m (manufacturer specified) | 116dB (manufacturer specified) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.89 | 6.56 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 8.25 | 7.51 |
| XLR Input | Yes | Yes |
| RCA Input | No | Yes |
| TRS Input | No | No |
| Optical Input | No | Yes |
| Coaxial Input | No | Yes |
| USB Input | No | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | Yes |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Enclosure | - | sealed |
| Country | - | Norway |
| Measurement Source | - | Manufacturer |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More worthwhile head-to-heads for Neumann KH80 DSP:
- 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
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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
Sigberg Audio SBS Gen 2: $18,043.20 for the full system (2 speakers + 2 dedicated subwoofers, built to order) Sigberg Audio eBay
Older model: the Sigberg Audio SBS.1 (ranked lower, rated 4.1/5).
Pros: The measured speaker-and-subwoofer system has a 1.7dB midrange response span and a 7.51 ideal-subwoofer preference score, supporting useful tonal accuracy above the bass region. The measured system reaches -3dB around 34Hz. Onboard parametric EQ and dedicated amplification provide flexible integration for a complete high-performance setup. Measured bass extension of 24Hz (-3dB).
Cons: The measured system explicitly includes a subwoofer: its 6.56 full-system score and bass extension must not be attributed to the bookshelf speaker alone. It is not directly equivalent to the standalone-monitor tests around it. The complete system is expensive and occupies more space than the main speakers suggest; the score alone does not prove superior output or room performance.
Full Sigberg Audio SBS Gen 2 review and specifications →
| AES Input | Yes |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 350W per speaker |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 24Hz (measured, spinorama.org, with companion subwoofer) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | Yes |
| Country | Norway |
| DSP | Yes |
| Dimensions | 16.1”H x 7.5”W x 9.1”D (410 x 190 x 230 mm) |
| Drivers | 5.5” midbass, 5.5” coaxial mid/tweeter with 1” silk dome |
| EQ | Yes (9-band parametric, factory presets) |
| Enclosure | sealed |
| Frequency Response | 26Hz - 20kHz (±2.5dB, with subwoofers) (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | XLR, RCA, Optical, Coaxial/SPDIF, AES |
| Maximum SPL | 116dB (manufacturer specified) |
| Measurement Source | Manufacturer |
| Optical Input | Yes |
| RCA Input | Yes |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.56 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.51 |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 20.9 lbs (9.5 kg) each |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Sigberg Audio SBS Gen 2 vs IK Multimedia iLoud MTM MKII
- Sigberg Audio SBS Gen 2 vs Kali Audio IN-5
- Sigberg Audio SBS Gen 2 vs JBL 305P MKII
- Sigberg Audio SBS Gen 2 vs KEF LSX II LT
- Sigberg Audio SBS Gen 2 vs Adam Audio T5V
- Sigberg Audio SBS Gen 2 vs Kali LP-UNF
- Sigberg Audio SBS Gen 2 vs Yamaha HS5
- Sigberg Audio SBS Gen 2 vs Edifier S2000MKIII
- See all 12 comparisons