Neumann KH80 DSP Review – HiFiReport
With Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) becoming increasingly accessible and user-friendly, a burgeoning trend of home-based music recording among younger generations has emerged, consequently fueling the demand for compact monitor speakers. The market now boasts an extensive array of options. If you’re in the market for nearfield monitors for your home studio, the KH80 DSP should undoubtedly be on your audition list. There are compelling reasons for this: firstly, it bears the prestigious Neumann name; secondly, its sonic performance punches far above its weight class, representing exceptional value. Frankly, I have yet to encounter another 4-inch woofer that delivers bass with the sheer authority of the KH 80 DSP. Thirdly, its integrated DSP offers a wealth of customization, perfectly tailored to the demands of recording and monitoring.
Neumann: A Legacy Brand
My initial point might seem to border on brand obsession, akin to a camera aficionado instantly genuflecting before the iconic Leica red dot.
However, Neumann is not just a brand; it’s a living chronicle of modern recording history. Established in Berlin in 1928, the company’s microphones have long been the gold standard in the industry. Countless seminal recordings owe their sonic excellence to Neumann microphones. Vintage Neumann condenser mics, in particular, have seen their value skyrocket. For a recording engineer, possessing a Neumann microphone is akin to offering clients an unequivocal guarantee of top-tier recording quality.
The second compelling reason to consider the KH80 DSP is its remarkable sonic performance relative to its price point. While acknowledging the inherent subjectivity of such statements, let’s delve into the objective design elements of the KH80 DSP.
New Generation Monitor
The KH series represents Neumann’s fresh line of monitor speakers developed over the past decade, ostensibly aimed at competing with Genelec in the same price bracket. Within the KH series, the KH 310 A stands out as a three-way design, while the KH 120 II and KH 150 are two-way configurations. The newly introduced KH 80 DSP, given its even smaller footprint, naturally adopts a two-way design as well. Visually, the KH 80 DSP appears to be a scaled-down rendition of the KH 120 II.
This two-way active KH 80 DSP incorporates a 25mm alloy fabric dome tweeter and a newly engineered 4-inch long-throw mid-bass driver. While the speaker design remains rooted in Germany, manufacturing has shifted to the Czech Republic, a strategic move to enhance the KH 80 DSP’s price competitiveness.
DSP Optimization & Accuracy
Merely listing design features might not fully capture your attention. After all, two-way speakers often share a similar aesthetic, and the visual distinctions among compact monitors can be subtle. However, scrutinizing the specifications reveals the truly exceptional nature of the KH 80 DSP. Its frequency response, within its operational range of 57 Hz to 21 kHz, exhibits a remarkably tight tolerance of ±0.6 dB. Furthermore, the pair-matching accuracy between any two KH 80 DSP speakers is an astonishing 0.25 dB.
These stringent testing metrics alone underscore Neumann’s unwavering commitment to professional standards. Home audio speaker brands seldom dare to disclose such data, wary of the scrutiny it might invite.
But can Neumann’s manufacturing precision truly attain such levels? Inherent variations between speaker drivers are unavoidable. Maintaining consistency within a mere 0.25 dB is an incredibly challenging feat. How does Neumann accomplish this? The answer lies in computer-automated optimization. The integrated DSP system actively compensates for the minute discrepancies in driver performance, effectively reducing pair-matching errors to an extraordinary 0.25 dB.
Dolby Atmos Ready
Why emphasize such a minuscule 0.25 dB error margin between KH 80 DSP pairs? This exceptional consistency signifies that the KH 80 DSP is not only well-suited for conventional two-channel monitoring but also perfectly poised for constructing immersive Dolby Atmos systems. Weighing a manageable 4.1 kg, mounting is straightforward. Even when configuring an odd number of Dolby Atmos speakers, pairing concerns are rendered negligible. Technically, the KH 80 DSP tweeter features a shallow elliptical waveguide, termed MMD (Mathematically Modeled Dispersion) by Neumann. This waveguide broadens horizontal dispersion while concurrently narrowing vertical dispersion. In practical terms, this translates to a wider sweet spot, accommodating comfortable listening for two or three individuals side-by-side (though a staggered front-to-back arrangement remains optimal). The narrowed vertical dispersion mitigates reflections from ceilings and floors, enhancing the KH 80 DSP’s adaptability even in less-than-ideal acoustic environments.
Technical Design Highlights
The mid-bass driver is also a noteworthy piece of engineering. It’s a custom-designed, long-throw unit featuring a composite sandwich cone diaphragm and an enhanced magnetic system, christened ELFF (Extremely Linear Force Factor) by Neumann.
The rigid, high-internal-damping composite sandwich cone maintains remarkably low distortion even at elevated sound pressure levels. ELFF ensures linear magnetic force, preserving consistent performance across the driver’s extensive excursion range, resulting in exceptionally low harmonic distortion.
The KH 80 DSP employs a bass-reflex design with a front-firing port. The port’s generous area minimizes air turbulence noise and coloration, while contributing to a rapid low-frequency transient response.
These design attributes collectively showcase the KH 80 DSP’s high technical sophistication, making its sub-$1300 USD price point for a pair of active monitors seem almost unbelievable.
DSP Room Correction
However, the impressive features don’t end there. The KH 80 DSP boasts two capabilities typically absent in conventional home speakers: firstly, it can integrate with Neumann’s acoustic space correction system, optimizing the KH 80 DSP for your specific listening environment; secondly, it allows simultaneous control of up to eight KH 80 DSP units via the Neumann Control iPad app.
Even without employing the advanced Neumann room correction system, the KH 80 DSP provides four basic Acoustic Control presets on its rear panel: Free Stand, Small Desk, Medium Desk, and Large Desk. The rear panel also houses controls for output sound pressure level and input gain. The input gain setting is contingent on your front-end equipment. When feeding the KH 80 DSP from a digital interface, you can precisely match the speaker’s gain to the interface’s output level.
Listening Impressions
The auditioning experience with the KH 80 DSP was filled with delightful surprises. Upon setting up the KH 80 DSP in the HiFiReport editorial suite, positioning them on Solid Steel stands, powering them on, and connecting them to the EAR 868P tube preamplifier, I cued up James Taylor’s “Fire & Rain” as the inaugural track. I was immediately struck by the KH 80 DSP’s sheer power. It effortlessly produced ample volume and sounded nothing like a typical small monitor. The bass extension significantly surpassed my expectations for a 4-inch mid-bass driver. Neumann’s engineering prowess is undeniable.
The version I auditioned was the 2019 Remix, exhibiting even greater soundstage transparency. Initially, I perceived a slight anomaly – the right channel seemed marginally louder than the left. A quick check of the KH 80 DSP’s rear panel revealed the culprit: the maximum SPL setting for the left channel was 108 dB, while the right channel was set to 114 dB. No wonder James Taylor seemed to be perpetually singing from the right side! After correcting the maximum SPL to a uniform 114 dB, the KH 80 DSP accurately rendered the soundstage. James Taylor’s vocals were firmly centered, the drums anchored in the middle, the electric bass provided a solid foundation, and the guitars were spatially placed as intended – sometimes to the left, sometimes to the right, and occasionally both in unison.
However, the initial setup of the KH 80 DSP did present a minor inconvenience. It utilizes an IEC C7 power cord (figure-8), and exclusively offers balanced (XLR or TRS) connectors, all oriented for upward insertion from the rear panel. This proved somewhat awkward. I eventually resorted to inverting the speakers to insert the power cords from above to ensure a secure connection. The same challenge arose with the XLR signal cables. Attempting to insert them upwards from below, I fumbled for a considerable time before successfully aligning them with the 3-pin connectors. Again, inverting the speaker simplified the process.
Fortunately, speaker installation is a one-time procedure, not a frequent task, so this minor inconvenience is easily overlooked.
Ideal for Nearfield
For the listening evaluation, I adopted a nearfield configuration, positioning the speakers approximately 1 meter apart and the listening position roughly 1 meter from the speakers. Speaker height was adjusted so that my gaze aligned directly with the mid-bass driver, with the tweeter positioned slightly above. Essentially, I treated the KH 80 DSP as oversized monitoring headphones. HiFiReport accurately established the soundstage at the center point between the speakers, and the KH 80 DSP effectively vanished from the soundscape.
My experience with James Taylor highlighted the unexpectedly impressive bass performance of the KH 80 DSP. To push the boundaries further, I selected Guns N’ Roses’ “Sweet Child o’ Mine.” The iconic, explosive electric guitar distortion intro was reproduced with accuracy by the KH 80 DSP. When the drums entered, the impactful kick drum thumps defied the expectations for a 4-inch monitor. Admittedly, the deepest bass extension was slightly diminished, but the dynamic punch and articulation were exceptional.
Recording Fidelity
Furthermore, the layered electric guitars in the recording were revealed in their full complexity. During the guitar solo, a power chord progression provided harmonic support, while a clean-toned guitar with a touch of chorus effect played arpeggiated chords. I suspect there might even be a reversed guitar track subtly layered in to enhance the overall thickness. These intricate recording and mixing post-production nuances were a delight to discern on the KH 80 DSP. I listened repeatedly, relishing the subtle sonic enhancements woven into the mix.
Moving on to EggPlantEgg’s “Love You More Than I Thought,” I was once again astounded. How many 4-inch mid-bass active monitors can reproduce such a powerful and articulate kick drum? The KH 80 DSP deserves top honors in this regard. It’s not merely about bass quantity; it’s about accurate, fast, and clean bass. The kick drum intro was forceful and impactful, with solid definition. Sustained electric piano chords provided a harmonic backdrop. The KH 80 DSP’s kick drum was punchy and well-defined. When the lead vocalist commenced singing, the crisp hi-hats provided rhythmic accompaniment. Abin’s vocals were focused and precisely positioned, conveying a sense of proximity, as expected in nearfield listening. The two guitars in the background were skillfully mixed to create a sense of spatial depth. These intricate recording details were faithfully rendered by the KH 80 DSP.
Soundstage Precision
Beyond accuracy, the KH 80 DSP’s sonic character is rich and nuanced. Consider “Piazzolla for Two,” a duet featuring flute and nylon-string guitar. Listening to “Bordel 1900,” the breathy texture of the flute was clearly audible, possessing substantial presence, gracefully complementing the warm timbre of the classical guitar. The KH 80 DSP accurately conveyed the flute’s vertical positioning and the relative placement of the seated guitarist, enhancing the listening enjoyment of the duet. The subtle tonal variations of the flute and the dynamic range of the classical guitar vividly portrayed the tango’s vibrant energy.
The KH 80 DSP’s soundstage reproduction capabilities are undeniably captivating. Turning to opera, I selected the aria “Un bel dì vedremo” from “Madama Butterfly,” featuring Mirella Freni as Butterfly and Herbert von Karajan conducting the Vienna Philharmonic, as recorded by HiFiReport. The KH 80 DSP conjured a deep and expansive soundstage originating from the center of the speakers. Freni’s voice emerged from the rear of the soundstage’s center. The initial section resembled a recitative, depicting her solitary prayer in church. As the music progressed, the orchestral forces from the pit swelled, urging Freni to deliver the deeply poignant aria. The dramatic climax arrived with a forceful high note from the brass section, followed by a descending passage, ominously foreshadowing Butterfly’s tragic fate.
Unmatched 4-inch Bass
Just how impressive is the KH 80 DSP? In my experience, I have never encountered such remarkable bass performance from a speaker with a 4-inch mid-bass driver. It delivers ample bass quantity with exceptional speed and accuracy. Whether reproducing the drive of rock music or the natural transparency of classical recordings, the KH 80 DSP excels across genres. I reiterate, I have never heard a 4-inch mid-bass driver produce such potent bass, with ample sound pressure levels (reaching a maximum of 114 dB). The KH 80 DSP is clearly designed to aggressively capture market share. For home recording enthusiasts, while more budget-friendly small monitors are available, investing slightly more in the KH 80 DSP yields not only superior monitoring quality but also the prestige of confidently stating, “I use Neumann for recording monitoring,” – a declaration synonymous with studio-grade standards.
Technical Specifications
* Type: 2-way 2-driver bass-reflex active monitor speaker
* Drivers: 25mm tweeter x1, 100mm woofer x1
* Frequency Response: 53Hz~21kHz (±6dB), 57Hz~21kHz (±3dB)
* Crossover Frequency: 1.8kHz
* Maximum SPL: 111.1 dB
* Dynamic Range: 114 dB (A-weighted)
* Latency: 2 ms (A-D-A linear phase)
* Input Connectors: XLR x1, 6.3mm x1
* Built-in Amplifier Power (Tweeter/Woofer): 70W/120W (THD+N 10%), 50W/90W (THD+N 0.1%)
* Built-in DAC Sampling Rate: 48 kHz
* Mounting Thread: M6 x 2
* Dimensions: 345 x 277 x 243 mm (H x W x D)
* Weight: 4.1 kg
