Neumann KH80 DSP vs Yamaha HS8 (August 2026)

Short answer: the KH80 DSP, and it’s the cheaper of the two. It ranks #4 of 25 powered bookshelf speakers at $598.98; the HS8 ranks #14 of 21 in the larger bookshelf class at $678.28.

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.

Specifications Side By Side

	Neumann KH80 DSP	Yamaha HS8
Price	$598.98	$678.28
Ranked	#4 of 24 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers	#14 of 20 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	-
Bass Extension (-3dB)	57Hz	-
Bluetooth	No	No
DSP	Yes	No
EQ	Yes (via DSP)	Yes (Room adjustment)
Max SPL	110.7dB @ 1m	-
Output Power	140W (90W woofer + 50W tweeter)	120w Per Speaker

The Two Speakers In Full

Neumann KH80 DSP: $598.98 Amazon

Pros: Near identical sound to the 8020D. 8020D is slightly cleaner, KH80 is slightly warmer.

Cons: High price. Companion app for EQ/setup is iPad-only - no Android or Bluetooth option despite being control-only. There’s a dip in energy around the crossover that gets worse with ceiling/rear-wall reflections, and in one reviewer’s listening test the smoother-measuring KH80 actually sounded smaller and less present than the cheaper JBL 305P MKII, which had more perceived bass and clarity despite measuring worse.

App	Yes (MA 1 alignment)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	51Hz
Bass Extension (-3dB)	57Hz
Bluetooth	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)
Inputs	XLR
Max SPL	110.7dB @ 1m
Output Power	140W (90W woofer + 50W tweeter)
Weight	9 lbs / 4.1 kg each

Check current price at Amazon ($598.98) →

Yamaha HS8: $678.28 Amazon

Pros: Good for mixing and anything needing a neutral output.

Cons: Slight midrange boost. Quite expensive.

App	No
Bluetooth	No
DSP	No
Dimensions	15.4"H x 9.8"W x 13.1"D (391.2 x 248.9 x 332.7 mm)
Drivers	8" woofer, 1" dome tweeter
EQ	Yes (Room adjustment)
Frequency Response	47Hz - 24kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified)
Inputs	XLR
Output Power	120w Per Speaker
Weight	22.5 lbs / 10.2 kg

Check current price at Amazon ($678.28) →

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Product prices and availability were last checked August 9, 2026 at 6:57 AM UTC 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.