Neumann KH 80 DSP review

The KH 80 DSP has the strongest published accuracy figures on this list. Neumann quotes a free field response of 57 Hz to 21 kHz at +/- 3 dB and a reproduction accuracy of +/- 1.25 dB from 61 Hz to 20 kHz, from a cabinet only 233 mm tall. A 120 W woofer amplifier and a 70 W tweeter amplifier drive the 4-inch woofer and 1-inch tweeter, for a maximum output of 108.8 dB SPL in half space. The MMD waveguide is designed for precise dispersion, and a rear Acoustical Control switch adjusts for free standing, small, medium or large desk placement. For deeper correction, Neumann offers Automatic Monitor Alignment with its MA 1 measurement microphone, sold separately, and the KH 750 DSP subwoofer if you need more low end. Inputs are balanced XLR and quarter-inch jack. Neumann's page shows no US price, and it costs more than most picks here, so we scored value conservatively. We compared documented features and published prices; we did not test it.

Who it is for

Producers who want reference-class accuracy in a 4-inch cabinet and plan to calibrate the room.

Price

See vendor pricing (USD check pending).

US price check pending. See the vendor pricing page.

Key features

• 4-inch woofer and 1-inch tweeter with 120 W and 70 W amplifiers
• 57 Hz to 21 kHz (+/- 3 dB) free field response
• Mathematically Modeled Dispersion (MMD) waveguide
• 4-position low-mid acoustical control for desk placement
• Optional Automatic Monitor Alignment with the MA 1 microphone

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: 190 W of amplifier power in a 233 mm tall cabinet
• Strength: Reproduction accuracy of +/- 1.25 dB from 61 Hz to 20 kHz
• Strength: Room correction path through MA 1 software
• Weakness: No US price on Neumann's product page
• Weakness: MA 1 alignment needs an extra measurement microphone
• Weakness: Bass stops higher than 5-inch and 6.5-inch rivals

Key facts

• Drivers: 4-inch woofer, 1-inch tweeter
• Power: 120 W + 70 W
• Frequency response: 57 Hz to 21 kHz (+/- 3 dB)
• Max SPL: 108.8 dB (half space)
• Weight: 3.5 kg

Where it ranks

Neumann KH 80 DSP is No. 6 in our Best Studio Monitors verdict.