Neumann KH 80From real comments

Verdict distilled from 33 mentions across 12 aspects in comments under product review videos.

Positive sentiment70%
PROS 70%
CONS 30%

Rank based on 33 mentions across 12 aspects

View the verdict as

Buy this if...

  • You want a neutral, detailed nearfield monitor for a small desktop studio
  • You plan to use Neumann's MA1/DSP room correction on iPad
  • You're open to adding a companion subwoofer for extended bass

What users love

Skip this if...

  • You need strong low-end extension without a subwoofer
  • You require Windows or Android app support for calibration
  • You want multichannel (5.1+) calibration with polished software

What users complain about

Compare in seconds

Based on user comments

Best choice
1Premium
Genelec 8351B
GLM calibration softwareStrong subwoofer synergyExceptional detail and accuracyHigh priceLow-frequency nulls and room interaction issuesRear porting limits placement
Genelec 8351B
GLM calibration software
Strong subwoofer synergy
Exceptional detail and accuracy
High price
Low-frequency nulls and room interaction issues
Rear porting limits placement
2Mid
EVE Audio SC203
Excellent sound quality for the sizeSurprising low end for a small driverAttractive build and controlsPrice seen as high for the sizeWeak bass without a subwooferLogo and knob placement disliked
EVE Audio SC203
Excellent sound quality for the size
Surprising low end for a small driver
Attractive build and controls
Price seen as high for the size
Weak bass without a subwoofer
Logo and knob placement disliked
3Premium
Genelec 8341A
Effective GLM calibration ecosystemPrecise time-aligned imagingImproved clarity via digital AES connectionBoominess near desks or wallsHighs and hi-mids feel lacking versus rivalsQuestionable value versus price for some buyers
Genelec 8341A
Effective GLM calibration ecosystem
Precise time-aligned imaging
Improved clarity via digital AES connection
Boominess near desks or walls
Highs and hi-mids feel lacking versus rivals
Questionable value versus price for some buyers
4Mid
ADAM Audio A7V
Major upgrade from previous speakersSonarworks DSP integrationBalanced, neutral sound signatureSelf-noise and electrical interference concernsBuild/material downgrade concerns versus A7XMissing TRS input option
ADAM Audio A7V
Major upgrade from previous speakers
Sonarworks DSP integration
Balanced, neutral sound signature
Self-noise and electrical interference concerns
Build/material downgrade concerns versus A7X
Missing TRS input option
5Mid
KRK Classic 8
Premium Look & Collector AppealGood Fit for Small RoomsLong-Term Brand TrustLess Detail Than RivalsMuddy Sound at Price PointSome Users Switch Away
KRK Classic 8
Premium Look & Collector Appeal
Good Fit for Small Rooms
Long-Term Brand Trust
Less Detail Than Rivals
Muddy Sound at Price Point
Some Users Switch Away
6Mid
IK Multimedia iLoud MTM
Strong bass extension for the size
IK Multimedia iLoud MTM
Strong bass extension for the size
7Premium
Genelec 8030A
Well-designed internal amplificationLong-term reliabilityAccurate, detailed soundLimited bass extensionSlight tonal colorationHigh price for the size
Genelec 8030A
Well-designed internal amplification
Long-term reliability
Accurate, detailed sound
Limited bass extension
Slight tonal coloration
High price for the size
8Mid
Yamaha HS50
Flat, accurate sound for mixingBi-amplified active designCutoff filter improves mix translationCan cause listening fatiguePrice a stretch for tight budgets
Yamaha HS50
Flat, accurate sound for mixing
Bi-amplified active design
Cutoff filter improves mix translation
Can cause listening fatigue
Price a stretch for tight budgets
9Premium
Genelec 8331A
Neutral, accurate soundExcellent imaging and soundstageGLM room calibration effectivenessHigh price for the categoryCan sound overly clinicalPerceived lack of warmth or bass texture
Genelec 8331A
Neutral, accurate sound
Excellent imaging and soundstage
GLM room calibration effectiveness
High price for the category
Can sound overly clinical
Perceived lack of warmth or bass texture
10Budget
Yamaha HS5
Clear, detailed sound
Yamaha HS5
Clear, detailed sound
You are here
31Mid
Neumann KH 80
Neutral, revealing soundPunchy, tight low end in comparisonsCompact desktop-friendly sizeClunky, iPad-only softwareLimited bass extensionPricey for the driver size
Neumann KH 80
Neutral, revealing sound
Punchy, tight low end in comparisons
Compact desktop-friendly size
Clunky, iPad-only software
Limited bass extension
Pricey for the driver size

Who wins on what

Ranked by what users actually praise

Overall Impression

Neutral, detailed sound in a compact package. Multiple owners describe the KH 80 as revealing and neutral, hearing details missed on larger monitors or headphones. Comments call it an 'ultracompact serious monitor' and even an endgame choice for desktop setups after owning many other monitors. One user integrated it with a miniDSP and subs and called it one of the best purchases they've made, achieving the exact house curve wanted.

Bass extension is limited without a subwoofer. Several commenters note the KH 80 struggles to move enough low frequency energy into a room compared to the KH 120, and one reviewer called it 'useless' at $499 for lacking low end. Owners frequently recommend pairing it with Neumann's companion subwoofer, though that add-on is seen as pricey. Group delay ramping below 200Hz was also raised as a sub-integration concern.

DSP software and app support are a mixed bag. The MA1 alignment app and DSP configuration are praised as slick and effective, with users getting a good curve right out of the box. However, others say the software is clunky for custom multichannel setups, lacks Android/PC support, and requires a $400 MA1 device for anything beyond iPad OS. Auto-sleep bugs and port noise were also reported as minor irritations.

Outdated / Not-accurate data?