Short answer: the Neumann KH120 MKII if sound quality matters most, the Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus if price matters most. The Neumann KH120 MKII ranks #2 of 100 powered bookshelf speakers, rated 4.7/5, at $1,898. The Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus ranks #19, rated 4.3/5, at $699.99, $1,198.01 cheaper.
What the Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus does well: Erin’s Klippel data combines a small 1.7dB midrange response span with a -3dB point around 44Hz. The catch: A mild 4-6kHz edge and a smaller 1-2kHz recession were audible in the review, so its smooth midrange summary does not mean there is nothing to improve with EQ.
The Neumann KH120 MKII is the more accurate pick. ASR’s Klippel data shows exceptional neutrality: only a 1.5dB span from 300Hz to 5kHz and low listening-window narrow-band deviation of 0.208. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 6.49 against 5.57 for the Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus. The catch: Vertical crossover interference makes listening height important even though horizontal dispersion is well controlled.
Buy the Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus if the price is the priority over sound quality, or the Neumann KH120 MKII if sound quality is the priority over the price.
Want more options? Browse the full Powered Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus | Neumann KH120 MKII | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $699.99 per pair | $1,898.00 per pair |
| Ranked | #19 of 100 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #2 of 100 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Drivers | 5.25” aluminum-cone woofer with XBL motor, 5.25” passive radiator (rear), 1” aluminum dome tweeter with waveguide and phase plug | 5.25” woofer, 1” titanium fabric dome tweeter |
| Amplifier Power | 240W total (100W + 20W Class D amplifiers per enclosure) | 245W (145W woofer + 100W tweeter) |
| Inputs | USB, Optical, Coax, Analog, Bluetooth | XLR |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD | - |
| Dimensions | 10” x 6.5” x 8” (254 x 165 x 203 mm) | 11.3”H x 7.2”W x 8.9”D (287 x 182.9 x 226.1 mm) |
| Weight | 10.8 lbs (4.9 kg) (passive unit), 12.1 lbs (5.5 kg) (active unit) | 14.6 lbs (6.6 kg) each |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 42Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 46Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 34Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 36Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Frequency Response | 48Hz - 20kHz ±3dB (manufacturer specified, Flat mode) | 44Hz - 21kHz (±3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.57 | 6.49 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.38 | 8.44 |
| Subwoofer Output | Yes | - |
| Outputs | RCA subwoofer | - |
| XLR Input | No | Yes |
| RCA Input | No | No |
| TRS Input | No | No |
| Optical Input | Yes | No |
| Coaxial Input | Yes | No |
| USB Input | Yes | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes | No |
| App | - | Yes (MA 1 alignment) |
| DSP | - | Yes |
| EQ | - | Yes (via DSP) |
| Maximum SPL | - | 116.8dB @ 1m (manufacturer specified) |
Related Speaker Comparisons
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- Genelec 8030C vs Neumann KH120 MKII
- Neumann KH120 MKII vs Neumann KH80 DSP
- Neumann KH120 MKII vs Dynaudio LYD 5
- Neumann KH120 MKII vs Genelec 8330A
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
Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus: $699.99 per pair Amazon eBay
Older model: the Vanatoo Transparent One Encore (ranked lower, rated 3.9/5).
Pros: Erin’s Klippel data combines a small 1.7dB midrange response span with a -3dB point around 44Hz. Scores of 5.57 standalone and 7.38 with an ideal subwoofer make it an attractive standalone system as well as a subwoofer partner. Remote tone controls, multiple digital and analog inputs, and automatic subwoofer crossover engagement simplify setup. Measured bass extension of 42Hz (-3dB).
Cons: A mild 4-6kHz edge and a smaller 1-2kHz recession were audible in the review, so its smooth midrange summary does not mean there is nothing to improve with EQ. No HDMI ARC. Deep bass and louder playback still benefit from a subwoofer; amplifier wattage alone does not establish clean room-filling output.
Full Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 240W total (100W + 20W Class D amplifiers per enclosure) |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 34Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 42Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD |
| Coaxial Input | Yes |
| Dimensions | 10” x 6.5” x 8” (254 x 165 x 203 mm) |
| Drivers | 5.25” aluminum-cone woofer with XBL motor, 5.25” passive radiator (rear), 1” aluminum dome tweeter with waveguide and phase plug |
| Frequency Response | 48Hz - 20kHz ±3dB (manufacturer specified, Flat mode) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | USB, Optical, Coax, Analog, Bluetooth |
| Optical Input | Yes |
| Outputs | RCA subwoofer |
| RCA Input | No |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.57 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.38 |
| Subwoofer Output | Yes |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | Yes |
| Weight | 10.8 lbs (4.9 kg) (passive unit), 12.1 lbs (5.5 kg) (active unit) |
| XLR Input | No |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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Neumann KH120 MKII: $1,898.00 per pair B&H Photo Video eBay
Older model: the Neumann KH 120 A (ranked lower, rated 4.4/5).
Same family: the Neumann KH80 DSP (smaller bookshelf, ranked lower, rated 4.6/5), 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 Klippel data shows exceptional neutrality: only a 1.5dB span from 300Hz to 5kHz and low listening-window narrow-band deviation of 0.208. Scores of 6.49 standalone and 8.44 with an ideal subwoofer place it among the strongest measured options here. Bass reaches -3dB around 45Hz. The review reports very low distortion at 86dB/1m and clean performance outside deep bass at 96dB. Measured bass extension of 46Hz (-3dB).
Cons: Vertical crossover interference makes listening height important even though horizontal dispersion is well controlled. A small directivity irregularity remains around 2kHz. Distortion increases below about 50Hz at high output; a subwoofer can extend the system and reduce low-frequency demands. High price, and a flat anechoic response still needs suitable placement in the room.
Full Neumann KH120 MKII review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 245W (145W woofer + 100W tweeter) |
| App | Yes (MA 1 alignment) |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 36Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 46Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| DSP | Yes |
| Dimensions | 11.3”H x 7.2”W x 8.9”D (287 x 182.9 x 226.1 mm) |
| Drivers | 5.25” woofer, 1” titanium fabric dome tweeter |
| EQ | Yes (via DSP) |
| Frequency Response | 44Hz - 21kHz (±3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | XLR |
| Maximum SPL | 116.8dB @ 1m (manufacturer specified) |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | No |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.49 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 8.44 |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 14.6 lbs (6.6 kg) each |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Neumann KH120 MKII vs Genelec 8030C
- Neumann KH120 MKII vs Genelec 8331A
- Neumann KH120 MKII vs Neumann KH80 DSP
- Neumann KH120 MKII vs Dynaudio LYD 5
- Neumann KH120 MKII vs Genelec 8330A
- Neumann KH120 MKII vs Genelec 8320A
- Neumann KH120 MKII vs Devialet Phantom II 98 dB
- Neumann KH120 MKII vs Topping MA4
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