Neumann KH Series Studio Monitors: Comparing Their Sound

The newest KH model at the time of this review was the first in the series to incorporate DSP.
It offers the welcome ability to analyze the room's acoustic characteristics and apply correction based on the results.
When the series' prices were revised in May 2021, the KH 80 DSP alone received an unexpected price reduction; the other models increased in price.

As you might expect from the newer model, it has a very even balance from bass to treble. Separation across the frequency range is also more than satisfactory.
I auditioned several genres, including pop and EDM, and was impressed by how consistently it maintained its tonal balance.
Its compact size and output feel just right for a room of around 6–10 tatami mats, roughly 10–16 m².

• Frequency range: 57 Hz–21 kHz
• Dimensions: 154 mm W × 233 mm H × 194 mm D
• Weight: 3.4 kg

Details: https://ja-jp.neumann.com/kh-80-dsp-a-g

This example has the DSP room-correction feature described above enabled.
Please note that using this correction requires the dedicated MA 1 measurement microphone.

The improvement in sound quality is immediately apparent when you listen.
The definition becomes clearer and the whole sound moves forward. The correction is remarkably precise.
With the sound so clearly defined, I would expect it to be particularly helpful when checking reverb and making EQ decisions during a mix.

Details: https://ja-jp.neumann.com/ma-1

Next, let's listen to the KH 80 DSP with the KH 750 DSP subwoofer added.
The KH 80 DSP's specified low-frequency limit is 57 Hz. That is understandable given its size, and compares favorably with competing models.
However, depending on your genre and intended use, you may want stronger low-frequency reproduction.

The KH series includes the KH 750 DSP, a subwoofer dedicated to bass reproduction that reaches down to an extremely low 18 Hz.

After positioning it centrally relative to the KH 80 DSP pair, we placed the KH 750 DSP on the floor and recorded the sound.
It adds the satisfying part of the low end, giving the sound weight and fullness without feeling exaggerated.

The KH 750 DSP uses a sealed enclosure, which the original review credits with addressing troublesome low-frequency phase issues.
That helps explain its popularity with professionals.

• Frequency response: 18–750 Hz (±3 dB). Editorial correction: the Japanese source says 750 kHz; Neumann specifies 750 Hz. Manufacturer specification: https://www.neumann.com/en-no/products/monitors/kh-750-dsp/
• Dimensions: 330 mm W × 383 mm H × 383 mm D. Editorial correction: the source reverses width and height; the order here follows Neumann's specification at https://www.neumann.com/en-no/products/monitors/kh-750-dsp/
• Weight: 19.5 kg

Details: https://ja-jp.neumann.com/kh-750-dsp

The original review presents this example as the KH 80 DSP and KH 750 DSP with DSP correction applied. Editorial note: this section and the preceding subwoofer section link to the same audio file in the Japanese source. Both references are retained, so these two players cannot independently demonstrate a before-and-after correction comparison.
The review describes the rich low end gaining definition, making the sound dramatically tighter and easier to listen to.
From that comparison, I felt that sound calibration for the KH 750 DSP was almost essential.

Another major advantage is that combining the KH 750 DSP with a non-DSP model, such as the KH 120 or KH 310, also makes sound calibration possible.

As the diagram shows, the KH 750 DSP lets you add high-quality acoustic correction to any of these models.

Here is the KH 120, positioned above the KH 80 DSP in the range at the time of this review.
It sounds very refined and controlled, but I felt the midrange was less prominent than on the KH 80 DSP, especially with guitars.
The newer KH 80 DSP feels as though it was designed with modern sounds in mind.
Some listeners may therefore prefer the KH 80 DSP over this KH 120. That was my own impression.

• Frequency range: 52 Hz–21 kHz
• Dimensions: 182 mm W × 277 mm H × 220 mm D. Editorial correction: the Japanese source reverses width and height; Neumann's original KH 120 A specification confirms this order: https://www.neumann.com/en-hk/products/historical/kh-120-a-g
• Weight: 6.4 kg

Details: https://ja-jp.neumann.com/kh-120-a-g

As a bonus, we also auditioned this high-end monitor, which cost over ¥300,000 per speaker at the time.
From the moment it started playing, its sound quality was astonishing.

The low end is substantial, yet never feels unpleasantly bulky or congested.
Refined is exactly the right word: it has a smoothness that makes you want to keep listening.
Although the manufacturer describes the models as differing mainly in bass extension and output capability, I was surprised by how much the difference in bass changed my perception of the midrange and higher frequencies.

If you have a substantial budget for music production, or want speakers to keep for a lifetime, I strongly encourage you to audition the KH 310.

• Frequency range: 34 Hz–21 kHz
• Dimensions: 383 mm W × 253 mm H × 292 mm D. Editorial correction: the Japanese source reverses width and height; Neumann's KH 310 A specification confirms this order: https://www.neumann.com/en-us/products/historical/kh-310-a
• Weight: 13 kg

Details: https://ja-jp.neumann.com/kh-310-a