Short answer: the KH80 DSP, and it’s the cheaper of the two. It ranks #4 of 108 powered bookshelf speakers at $1,198; the HS8 ranks #36 of 119 in the larger bookshelf class at $797.98.
The KH80’s own review has an odd twist. Despite smoother measurements, one reviewer found it sounded smaller and less present than the cheaper JBL 305P MkII, which measured worse but had more perceived bass and clarity. Measurements and listening impressions don’t always agree, and our notes are upfront about that.
Control is a real limitation on the KH80. Its companion app for EQ and setup is iPad-only, with no Android or Bluetooth option despite being control-only, which is an odd gap for a speaker this expensive.
The HS8 is the bigger, more conventional choice, described in our notes as good for mixing with a neutral output, at the cost of a slight midrange boost and a genuinely high price.
Buy the KH80 DSP for the higher relative ranking and lower price, accepting the iPad-only control app. Buy the HS8 if you want the larger cabinet and don’t mind paying more for it.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Powered Home rankings.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Neumann KH80 DSP | Yamaha HS8 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,198 per pair | $797.98 per pair |
| Ranked | #4 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #36 of 119 in Large 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) | 15.4”H x 9.8”W x 13.1”D (391.2 x 248.9 x 332.7 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 57 Hz - 25 kHz (+-3 dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 47Hz - 24kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | XLR | XLR |
| Weight | 9 lbs (4.1 kg) each | 22.5 lbs (10.2 kg) |
| Drivers | 4.1” woofer, 1” fabric dome tweeter | 8” woofer, 1” dome tweeter |
| App | Yes (MA 1 alignment) | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 51Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 34.7Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 57Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 43.9Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| DSP | Yes | No |
| 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) | 120w Per Speaker |
| Maximum SPL | 110.7dB @ 1m (manufacturer specified) | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.89 | 5.85 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 8.25 | 7.58 |
| XLR Input | Yes | Yes |
| RCA Input | No | No |
| TRS Input | No | No |
| Optical Input | No | No |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | No | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | No | No |
Watch Them Compared
Videos and reviews that test both speakers side by side.
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