Can you do a quick comparison?
Thanks
I plan to do a long comparison (once I have time to), so just quick here (at the risk of getting a scolding for maybe posting in the wrong thread).
First impression with the Genelec 8331 after two years I've spent with Neumann KH 120: Tonality is close. First thought was "Huh? That's not so different!".
Conclusions after a couple of weeks:
- KH120 sound much more direct "into the face", very intense, close, but also kind of fatiguing. It's like standing in first row at a live concert. A great experience, but you're glad when it's over. 8331 more relaxed, laid back, maybe more HiFi.
- Sweetspot with KH120 is tiny in comparison. Sitting one feet out of the sweet spot makes them sound like crap. 8331 have a huge sweet spot. They kind of fill the room with sound. KH120 is for a very small listening spot only.
- KH120 show better midrange detail. I hear things with them that stay hidden with the 8331. KH120 just reveal EVERYTHING in the mix.
- Bass on KH120 is a lot of fun. I thought it was very clean, until I heard 8331. The bass on 8331 is very very dry, very precise, deeper.
- Music sounds farther away with 8331 (at the same listening distance of about 1 meter). KH120 sound like wearing headphones. The sound sticks more to the speakers with KH120.
- KH120 sound a bit darker, maybe muddier. 8331 sound brighter and more open and airy to me.
I think they are both excellent speakers and it's hard to say which is actually better. The KH120 has qualities that the 8331 don't have and vice versa. After a few weeks with 8331 I prefer them and keep them as my main speakers.