Neumann KH 150 Monitor Review

[IamJF]

For professional use - always RME. I use my RME UFX interface now for 15 years, get's yearly driver updates and plays like day 1. And I can sell it for more as half the new price.

In my office I just use a WiiM preamp with digital output. Computer is connected with RME Babyface to the preamp optical, streaming and vinyl is going over the WiiM.

So it's pretty open what you use. I just like a big volume knob for my use and some interfaces can't change the output volume of the digital output.

 

[AnalogCircuit]

For professional use - always RME. I use my RME UFX interface now for 15 years, get's yearly driver updates and plays like day 1. And I can sell it for more as half the new price.

In my office I just use a WiiM preamp with digital output. Computer is connected with RME Babyface to the preamp optical, streaming and vinyl is going over the WiiM.

So it's pretty open what you use. I just like a big volume knob for my use and some interfaces can't change the output volume of the digital output.

I'm having a tough time finding an interface, everything I see seems like it's either oversized and overkill (more than my DAC costs) or it's too cheap to be worthy of these speakers.

Alternatively, if there was a DAC as good as my RME ADI-2 DAC FS but added the functionality of digital outputs I could consider selling my RME to fund buying that.

 

[dfuller]

Alternatively, if there was a DAC as good as my RME ADI-2 DAC FS but added the functionality of digital outputs I could consider selling my RME to fund buying that.

Lynx Hilo might do it.

 

[AnalogCircuit]

Lynx Hilo might do it.

I'm an enthusiast, not a professional Lynx Hilo is cost prohibitive at $3.5k.

 

[sm5]

I'm having a tough time finding an interface, everything I see seems like it's either oversized and overkill (more than my DAC costs) or it's too cheap to be worthy of these speakers.

Alternatively, if there was a DAC as good as my RME ADI-2 DAC FS but added the functionality of digital outputs I could consider selling my RME to fund buying that.

RME Digiface USB + ARC USB + cheap adat to s/pdif converter is your cheapest way. UCX II + ARC USB otherwise.

I prefer those options over the RME ADI-2 Pro FS R BE or 2/4 as the ARC USB is nicer than the remote control. Just get a long USB cable.

For the cheapest option with inputs: Motu MK5 + using volume controls on your mouse wheel/keyboard. I actually find it easier to use with a logi MX Master 3S / MX Keys S to use those volume controls than the RME ARC USB many times. (I have the ARC + mouse/keyboard volume so plenty of options) Obviously the keyboard volume control won't work in pro tools though: so you'll need to use the software faders.

A reasonable combo is digiface usb into the Motu MK5 and spdif out of that: don't need a cheap adat to s/pdif converter that way - and you get better converters than the UCX II.

Wiim Ultra is okay, but latency is pretty high for tracking. TC BMC-2 doesn't have the latency issue but not easy to find: I'd suggest the RME or keyboard options instead.

*I THINK according to the manual a Avid Mbox Studio can control digital spdif volume and has xlr inputs/etc ... so it may be the cheapest option? The inputs won't be as good as Motu MK5/etc - but probably fine.

I've had the KH150's since they came out and they are great.

 

[dfuller]

I'm an enthusiast, not a professional Lynx Hilo is cost prohibitive at $3.5k.

I would've suggested the ADI-2 Pro, but those are (unfortunately) discontinued. Might be able to find one used though!

 

[dasherzx]

Topping d10 has digital out, douk audio u2 dongle too. Expensive side there’s the minidsp flex digital version that comes with dirac too in case one moves to non-dsp monitors

 

[Bamboszek]

I had been using MOTU UltraLite mk4 for a long time, but I recently changed to FiiO K11 which seems perfect for my intended use-case - device which can handle both headphones and digital connection to KH120 II.

MOTU is great, includes extremely rich I/O capacity (electrical and optical SPDIF, lots of channels, very good ADC useful for measurements, mic preamps, etc.) but in my opinion it has major drawbacks too.
1. Headphone amplifier is not the best. Definitely not suitable for low impedance or power hungry headphones.
2. I don't like leaving my equipment on all the time, and it takes about 1-2 minutes from turning it on to being fully operational.
3. The knobs are quite small and not convenient for everyday use.

I haven't measured my FiiO K11 yet, but if we trust the manufacturer's specifications, the analog output seems solid and provides ample power for headphones.
Unlike most DAC+AMP combos, it has a configurable SPDIF input/output. Popular devices from SMSL, Topping or Fosi usually only offer an SPDIF input.

 

[IamJF]

Alternatively, if there was a DAC as good as my RME ADI-2 DAC FS but added the functionality of digital outputs I could consider selling my RME to fund buying that.

You can simply use a Babyface plus an optical/SPDIF converter. The Benefit, you are 100% ground loop save with your computer/laptop. Babyface also runs with USB power when needed, one of the rare interfaces performing well and without computer noises.

But while the D/A part is good, it's not on par with the ADI-2 series. Depending on what you need the converter for (at least not for monitoring any more).

 

[dtaylo1066]

They don't need to break in. That's mostly a myth.

Worry about house break-in not speaker.

 

[Woofersnoofer]

Worry about house break-in not speaker.

You either use a woofer to break down your house or you use a woofer to prevent break-in. Though i guess the vice versa is also possible.

 

[Breeze98]

I prefer those options over the RME ADI-2 Pro FS R BE or 2/4 as the ARC USB is nicer than the remote control. Just get a long USB cable.

I also prefer the rotary control of the arc usb (with ucxii), or rotary controls in general, over a remote. Surprised to read that using the arc is not possible with adi 2/4 SE. The main advantage of the RME remote for me is easy bass/treble change, which is great.

 

[AnalogCircuit]

You can simply use a Babyface plus an optical/SPDIF converter. The Benefit, you are 100% ground loop save with your computer/laptop. Babyface also runs with USB power when needed, one of the rare interfaces performing well and without computer noises.

But while the D/A part is good, it's not on par with the ADI-2 series. Depending on what you need the converter for (at least not for monitoring any more).

Are you saying digital into the KH150 and using it's internal DAC will not be as good as my current setup which is PC USB > RME ADI-2 DAC FS > Analog XLR inputs of KH150 ?

I don't know if it's worth noting I bought the MA1 and am planning on calibrating them for my space.

I don't mix music, this is only for on and off critical listening plus day-long general PC use.

 

[somebodyelse]

Are you saying digital into the KH150 and using it's internal DAC will not be as good as my current setup which is PC USB > RME ADI-2 DAC FS > Analog XLR inputs of KH150 ?

That makes no sense. You're using the internal DAC either way, but if you use the analog input you're also using the internal ADC and the RME DAC.

 

[staticV3]

Are you saying digital into the KH150 and using it's internal DAC will not be as good as my current setup which is PC USB > RME ADI-2 DAC FS > Analog XLR inputs of KH150 ?

Digital input into the KH150 will be as good or better than any external DAC that money can buy, as digital input bypasses the internal ADC and any DA conversions upstream of the monitor.

That's not to say that using an external DAC like the ADI-2 DAC will be detrimental or anything, as modern converters are highly transparent.

It's just that there's no point in paying extra for a fancy converter when straight digital is usually cheaper and definitely not any worse.

 

[AnalogCircuit]

Thanks all. I'm going to explore the recommendations above and eliminate unnecessary D/A conversions.

 

[AnalogCircuit]

Ok, I bought a used RME ADI-2 Pro FS R BE because I can do everything my current RME ADI-2 DAC FS does, but also have digital outputs.

 

[Jonazkur]

Measurements look pretty similar to my sealed 8" two way diy passive.

 

[DSJR]

I'm just catching up with (also of this parish) Phil Ward's review in SoS and also, his blog about them here -

Secrets of The Neumann KH150

My work reviewing nearfield monitors for Sound On Sound occasionally provokes thoughts that are perhaps a little too far off-piste for the relatively simple needs of a magazine review, and my recen…

musicandmiscellany.com

Me likey very much

 

[IamJF]

Are you saying digital into the KH150 and using it's internal DAC will not be as good as my current setup which is PC USB > RME ADI-2 DAC FS > Analog XLR inputs of KH150 ?

I don't know if it's worth noting I bought the MA1 and am planning on calibrating them for my space.

No, the opposite! Use the digital inputs and only get one conversion, not 3.

MA1 is EASY worth it's money! Brings it to the next step.