Neumann KH120 II Monitor Review

[musicforants]

I remember reading something about kh120ii resonance issue when I read this post few months ago. did it get fixed? I wanted to buy it at the time but that issue put me on hold

 

[musicforants]

also does this speaker has any hiss noise? I used krk vxt8 active speaker few years ago and the hiss noise was really bad. thinking of getting passive speaker because of active speaker hiss noise issue but kh120ii is very well reviewed so I was wondering whether kh120ii is hiss free

 

[dfuller]

also does this speaker has any hiss noise? I used krk vxt8 active speaker few years ago and the hiss noise was really bad. thinking of getting passive speaker because of active speaker hiss noise issue but kh120ii is very well reviewed so I was wondering whether kh120ii is hiss free

Neumanns in general are extremely low self-noise.

 

[mp70]

Sry for asking again, but no answers so far.

Is it only possible to access 120II build in DSP/PEQ features with the seperat sold MA-1 Microfon?

How can I manualy set PEQ?

 

[uleikw]

I ended up with the Node because of the physical controls with presets and the availability of eARC. For cables, you can use coaxial cables between each device (Node to sub, sub to speaker 1, speaker 1 to speaker 2). The sub uses BNC connectors, while the Node & speakers use RCA connectors. Standard RCA cables are fine with BNC to RCA adapters. I used the Laird cables in my post above with RCA to BNC connectors, Blue Jeans makes similar cables.

There are lots of similar options on Amazon.

Amazon.com

Amazon.com

Amazon.com

With the Bluesound node, how did you connect the MA1 mic to it? I thought an audio interface is required to execute room correction. Is it possible to get a cheap audio interface to do the correction, and once it is done, just swap it out with the Node to get more connectivity?

 

[Matias]

Sry for asking again, but no answers so far.

Is it only possible to access 120II build in DSP/PEQ features with the seperat sold MA-1 Microfon?

How can I manualy set PEQ?

The KH 80 DSP was introduced before the MA 1 software and allowed the user to set its PEQ by connecting each speaker to a Ethernet network and using an app from Neumann that was only available for iPad. Not very convenient, compared to SVS for example and their excellent Android app via Bluetooth.

Then KH 150 and KH 120 II were released after MA1 and the focus is entirely on selling the bundle. The speaker's manual does not even mention accessing its DSP through the iPad app anymore. It still needs Ethernet connection to the local network, but now the adjustments are done via MA1 software on Mac/Windows post measuring.

So unless I got it wrong, I think the DSP is now locked to the MA1 software only?

I personally never used the DSP of my KH 80 DSP because of this inconvenience. And owning UMIK-1 and knowing REW, I don't feel the need to buy MA1. I just apply my DSP correction earlier on the signal chain. But if the DSP were easier accessed by Bluetooth app then sure I would use it in the speakers instead.

 

[somebodyelse]

Is it only possible to access 120II build in DSP/PEQ features with the seperat sold MA-1 Microfon?

How can I manualy set PEQ?

There's a 3rd party implementation of the control protocol. Python library on 1st page, and a couple of tools using it on the 2nd. No GUI versions so far though. https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...-sennheiser-sound-control-protocol-ssc.38607/

 

[Pouyoux]

Then KH 150 and KH 120 II were released after MA1 and the focus is entirely on selling the bundle. The speaker's manual does not even mention accessing its DSP through the iPad app anymore. It still needs Ethernet connection to the local network, but now the adjustments are done via MA1 software on Mac/Windows post measuring.

MA1 connects to the speakers using IPV6 so IPV6 has to be enabled and not filtered

So unless I got it wrong, I think the DSP is now locked to the MA1 software only?

khtool (https://github.com/schwinn/khtool) can access the speakers parameters (including DSP) so I don't think there is any locking in place.

 

[quattro98]

With the Bluesound node, how did you connect the MA1 mic to it? I thought an audio interface is required to execute room correction. Is it possible to get a cheap audio interface to do the correction, and once it is done, just swap it out with the Node to get more connectivity?

Yes. I used a Focusrite Scarlett Solo for the calibration. In retrospect, I probably could have gone with a Wiim streamer as well.

 

[uleikw]

Yes. I used a Focusrite Scarlett Solo for the calibration. In retrospect, I probably could have gone with a Wiim streamer as well.

Do you mean by conneceting the MA1 mic to Wiim via XLR to RCA adapter? It works like that? Also, is it possible to play my pc sound through Wiim? Lastly, do I need an optical to coax adapter for the optical SPDIF out on Wiim since the coax output isn't labeled SPDIF?

 

[staticV3]

Do you mean by conneceting the MA1 mic to Wiim via XLR to RCA adapter? It works like that?

It does not work like that.

Also, is it possible to play my pc sound through Wiim?

Yes, via Toslink.

Lastly, do I need an optical to coax adapter for the optical SPDIF out on Wiim since the coax output isn't labeled SPDIF?

Both Optical and Coax output SPDIF.

 

[mp70]

The KH 80 DSP was introduced before the MA 1 software and allowed the user to set its PEQ by connecting each speaker to a Ethernet network and using an app from Neumann that was only available for iPad. Not very convenient, compared to SVS for example and their excellent Android app via Bluetooth.

Then KH 150 and KH 120 II were released after MA1 and the focus is entirely on selling the bundle. The speaker's manual does not even mention accessing its DSP through the iPad app anymore. It still needs Ethernet connection to the local network, but now the adjustments are done via MA1 software on Mac/Windows post measuring.

So unless I got it wrong, I think the DSP is now locked to the MA1 software only?

I personally never used the DSP of my KH 80 DSP because of this inconvenience. And owning UMIK-1 and knowing REW, I don't feel the need to buy MA1. I just apply my DSP correction earlier on the signal chain. But if the DSP were easier accessed by Bluetooth app then sure I would use it in the speakers instead.

-> "So unless I got it wrong, I think the DSP is now locked to the MA1 software only?"

Seems so. And also DSP is locked for the use of the MA-1 Mic. There is no way to access manually the DSP PEQs.

Same for the use 120II with 750DSP Sub - since last Firmwareupdate of the Sub I can't acces the 750DSP with the Neumann Ipad Control App.

The only thing I am alllowed to do is to switch Bassmanagemnt ON/OFF in MA-1 Software.

So Neumann wants me(better forces me) to buy their calibration Mic. and furthermore - all these setup things are not nearly explained by the manual, you have to find out how it works by try and error.

 

[DJBonoBobo]

-> "So unless I got it wrong, I think the DSP is now locked to the MA1 software only?"

Seems so. And also DSP is locked for the use of the MA-1 Mic. There is no way to access manually the DSP PEQs.

Same for the use 120II with 750DSP Sub - since last Firmwareupdate of the Sub I can't acces the 750DSP with the Neumann Ipad Control App.

The only thing I am alllowed to do is to switch Bassmanagemnt ON/OFF in MA-1 Software.

So Neumann wants me(better forces me) to buy their calibration Mic. and furthermore - all these setup things are not nearly explained by the manual, you have to find out how it works by try and error.

There is a way, but i did not try it.

GitHub - schwinn/khtool: Tool to query or change settings of Neumann KH DSP speakers

Tool to query or change settings of Neumann KH DSP speakers - schwinn/khtool

github.com

 

[mp70]

There is a way, but i did not try it.

GitHub - schwinn/khtool: Tool to query or change settings of Neumann KH DSP speakers

Tool to query or change settings of Neumann KH DSP speakers - schwinn/khtool

github.com

Yes, but kind of command line based, No userinterface at all and inoffical, with a serious Chance to mess up things completly.

 

[Matias]

Yes, for 99,99% of the people, it is locked and no way to access the PEQ without MA1. Bummer.

 

[custom]

Yes, but kind of command line based, No userinterface at all and inoffical, with a serious Chance to mess up things completly.

I have to disagree. The speakers do input validation and only accept valid values. You can always perform a factory reset to return the speakers to their original state.

 

[quattro98]

Do you mean by conneceting the MA1 mic to Wiim via XLR to RCA adapter? It works like that? Also, is it possible to play my pc sound through Wiim? Lastly, do I need an optical to coax adapter for the optical SPDIF out on Wiim since the coax output isn't labeled SPDIF?

I meant Wiim as a less expensive alternative to the Bluesound Node (I’m using Optical from computer and Coaxial to Neumann sub then to speakers).

For calibration with MA1 need an audio interface.

 

[LeonidKogan]

I wonder if anyone upgraded to those monitors from Kali IN-8 v2? 3 days ago I received IN-8, even though I had ordered v2, so I have to send them back. I'm not sure if I should order v2 or stretch the budget and get the Neumanns.
I wish they had slightly more solid center imaging and midrange clarity and separation, but I have to say it's very good (almost on par with my LS50 Meta). I love the bass they provide and after room EQ I don't even have to turn on my sub. I don't experience any boominess in my room. FR measurements show that KH120 II should perform just as well, but I'm not sure they can compete in reality due to woofers' size difference.
Btw. I think v2 should be even better than already awesome v1 and the price/quality ratio is astonishing, but what speaks for Neumann is reliability, more convenient size and protective grills. Its linear FR is impressive but I'm not sure if I will get any advantage of that in my untreated room.
What would you do?

 

[dasherzx]

I'm interested in a pair of these. I plan to use it with the topping a90+ elac sub that i already have. so just hook these up from the xlr out to the analog input, right? the sub will be using the rca out of the a90 as usual.

 

[TheBatsEar]

What would you do?

Wait for a cheap pair of In8-V2 to come along.