Neumann KH 150 vs Genelec 8340 (plus subs) for Studio setup

[Twinningses]

Hi All,

I've been flirting with low-end studio monitors for a while now and would like to just buy my end-game setup.

I think I've narrowed it down to one of two systems:

• Neumann KH 150 + KH 750 (or KH 805...)
• Genelec 8340 + 7350 (or 7360...)

Here are what are top-priority for me:

• Lowest possible self-noise/hiss. I'm particularly annoyed by it.
• Great low end extension
• Large enough system to feel air moving. I want to be able to pump this thing on occasion and feel it.

Here are my uses:

• Mixing film/video
• Testing guitar products
• Using with a guitar amp modeller
• Listening to music

Here is my room setup:

• 12' x 13'
• Large 5' desk, but happy to add stands
• I will generally be seated roughly 3' away from each speaker when working. Farther when I just want to crank volume and relax.
• I will add acoustic treatment paneling when I buy this system

Would love anyone's hot take on the Neumann vs Genelec models, and then within those, which sub you would prefer.

 

[dfuller]

Both would work great. GLM is a little more user friendly than MA1. That said, I'm actually not sure how much you need subs for mixing unless you're working on stuff with deep sub-bass content.

I would, however, advise getting a smaller desk. Desk bounce is obnoxious and hard to deal with.

 

[Mort]

The 8340's will hiss a tiny bit. Neumann may be better, not sure.

 

[Twinningses]

Both would work great. GLM is a little more user friendly than MA1. That said, I'm actually not sure how much you need subs for mixing unless you're working on stuff with deep sub-bass content.

I would, however, advise getting a smaller desk. Desk bounce is obnoxious and hard to deal with.

Appreciate the fast reply!

Noted on desk. It's tough to fit visual monitor, mixers, interfaces etc on anything smaller.

For the sub - really only comes into play on film work for those deep hits.

 

[Twinningses]

The 8340's will hiss a tiny bit. Neumann may be better, not sure.

Ah that may decide it.

The closest reported hiss values I can find are not from these exact models, but close.

 

[Marc v E]

Your 2nd requirement of hitting hard will be fulfilled by the kh750. It may be only 10 inch or so but that thing is genuinely a sub-woofer.

 

[Twinningses]

Your 2nd requirement of hitting hard will be fulfilled by the kh750. It may be only 10 inch or so but that thing is genuinely a sub-woofer.

Thoughts on the KH750 vs the new KH 805? I see the output is doubled but wonder how often that would come into play

 

[Marc v E]

Thoughts on the KH750 vs the new KH 805? I see the output is doubled but wonder how often that would come into play

I haven't heard the kh850, but ime in a room measuring more or less 4 by 4 meters, listening at 2 meters, the kh750 was very powerful and dynamic.

 

[nat1]

Thoughts on the KH750 vs the new KH 805? I see the output is doubled but wonder how often that would come into play

The KH805 is ported which will give significant gains below 40Hz or so, probably around +10dB which will sound twice as loud.

 

[nrabbit]

Might want to read the kh 120 thread about hissing / crackling issues.

One of my 150s hissed / crackled for about a month but it seems to have hit the requisite level of "burn in" and stopped.

A single kh 750 works very well if you can get optimal room placement. I ran a mono 750 for a few months before upgrading to dual 750s and the upgrade is 100% worth it.

I got to listen to some 8340a connected to a 7071a, very similar experience to my setup. I am not sure if there is sealed vs ported sub differences (or room differences) but I could swear the transient response / step response on my 750s is tighter and/or more accurate.

GLM can be a little bit annoying at times. If you are handy, you can get some very good results with neumanns and command line tools.

I would say you can't go wrong with either. I could've seen myself going down the genelec path.

 

[badboygolf16v]

I replaced one KH805 with two KH750 and I preferred the KH805. Get two if you can! I had them with KH80s. I replaced with 2x8341 and 2x7360. I prefer the Genelec but I suspect I would have enjoyed the KH150.

 

[aschen]

Cant comment on the genelecs but I have KH150s in a 350ish sqft room with 2x arendhal 1s 1961 subs integrated with minidsp SHD listening distance around 10 ft. Plenty of output top to bottom and no detectable hiss ear to tweeter. The Neumann's have startling bass by themselves in a small room but subs needed for nose hair rattling.

Considered pair of Neuman subs but but $$$

 

[Kyle_PL]

• Genelec 8340 + 7350 (or 7360...)

In my opinion for Genelec 8340A pair, much more optimal is Genelec 7360A, than Genelec 7350A.