Neumann KH120 II Monitor Review

[starfly]

ok. Could it maybe be a kind of coil whine from the board?

Perhaps, but either way would likely need to be swapped out. Or I step up to the KH150 or I go all Genelec.

Genelec appears to have a reputation for being very reliable. Curious how that is for Neumann.

 

[unpluggged]

Curious how that is for Neumann.

Why ask the same questions in different threads? It's hard to track the conversation this way.

As I noted there, I have had not a single issue with my Neumann setup in three years of use (just as with RME since 2021, and which I can not say of HEDD, unfortunately, but their support was quite helpful, too, even out of the original warranty period). And their service is also top-notch. They even still service 75-year-old microphones using original parts:

 

[starfly]

Why ask the same questions in different threads? It's hard to track the conversation this way.

As I noted there, I have had not a single issue with my Neumann setup in three years of use (just as with RME since 2021, and which I can not say of HEDD, unfortunately, but their support was quite helpful, too, even out of the original warranty period). And their service is also top-notch. They even still service 75-year-old microphones using original parts:

I’m a multi threaded person

And thanks.

 

[randomusername]

guys has anyone tried calibration with MA1 connected via a separate interface and the kh120 II connected via digital input using the po100 interface? Documentation suggests connecting the MA1 and both monitors to the same interface, but i am not sure why it is important? probably due to possible latency issues? i can use asio driver for po100. I just do not have trs to xlr analog cables to connect the KH120 to the same interface as the MA1 and i am wondering if i should buy them or just try to calibrate as it is.

 

[unpluggged]

guys has anyone tried calibration with MA1 connected via a separate interface and the kh120 II connected via digital input using the po100 interface? Documentation suggests connecting the MA1 and both monitors to the same interface, but i am not sure why it is important? probably due to possible latency issues? i can use asio driver for po100. I just do not have trs to xlr analog cables to connect the KH120 to the same interface as the MA1 and i am wondering if i should buy them or just try to calibrate as it is.

Both the input and the outputs should be available via the same ASIO driver. Also the input and the output should use the same clock. If your interface has a digital output that can be used as the main out, you can connect your speakers to it directly or via your PO100 (whatever is it).

 

[dl95]

guys has anyone tried calibration with MA1 connected via a separate interface and the kh120 II connected via digital input using the po100 interface? Documentation suggests connecting the MA1 and both monitors to the same interface, but i am not sure why it is important? probably due to possible latency issues? i can use asio driver for po100. I just do not have trs to xlr analog cables to connect the KH120 to the same interface as the MA1 and i am wondering if i should buy them or just try to calibrate as it is.

I'm planning to use the Topping E2X2 OTG which has a SPDIF optical output that I'm going to connect to a converter for coaxial input into the speaker. An interface with direct coaxial output would be ideal but I wasn't really able to find one that satisfied me from a price/quality standpoint compared to the Topping. My understanding is it needs to be on the same interface or else the MA-1 software won't be able to detect it. I don't think you'd be able to use the PO100 since it only has USB input.

 

[unpluggged]

I'm planning to use the Topping E2X2 OTG which has a SPDIF optical output

I doubt it can be used as the main output of the interface, though. And how are you going to control volume in this case? Consider connecting the monitors via analog if you have no budget for a DSP-enabled interface that can control volume on its digital output. And this Topping is not the best choice IMO due to the analog pot-based volume control that will introduce artifacts and channel imbalance; at this price range I think a MOTU M-series interface, a 4th Gen Focusrite Scarlett, or an Audient one, either their iD series or the Evo series (they control volume digitally), would be a much better choice.

price/quality standpoint compared to the Topping

Let's not deceive ourselves: in this case, it's about price, not about quality

I don't think you'd be able to use the PO100 since it only has USB input.

If this is the case, you are correct.

 

[dl95]

I doubt it can be used as the main output of the interface, though. And how are you going to control volume in this case? Consider connecting the monitors via analog if you have no budget for a DSP-enabled interface that can control volume on its digital output. And this Topping is not the best choice IMO due to the analog pot-based volume control that will introduce artifacts and channel imbalance; at this price range I think a MOTU M-series interface, a 4th Gen Focusrite Scarlett, or an Audient one, either their iD series or the Evo series (they control volume digitally), would be a much better choice.


Let's not deceive ourselves: in this case, it's about price, not about quality


If this is the case, you are correct.

The Topping has probably the best or on par ADC out of the bunch if I'm not wrong. Also it is a lot more modern than a lot of the other choices. It has probably the best headphone amp out of the bunch and a good enough DAC that is probably transparent, neither of which are important as I have separate amps and DACs already. Volume control would be nice but it isn't a huge deal, I can control the volume from the source.

I've considered most of them and they usually lose out to the Topping in some way or another for my purposes. Motu M-series doesn't have digital output for the ones I was considering. Scarlett is significantly more expensive for features I won't use unless I get an older generation. Audient ID is significantly more expensive for features I won't use except for the ID22 which is doesn't seem to have any advantages over the Topping. I actually have an EVO 16 but the volume pot is only for the analog outputs and it is too big compared to the much more compact Topping.

 

[lordhumungous]

Finally got two proper monitors , one which was defective . Good lord, these are unbelievable monitors.

They have scared me a few times when listening to very familiar tracks with the resolution .

For nearfield ,small to lower medium sized rooms ,I don't think you will find anything better at any price when it comes to small speakers,monitors.

 

[Oldson]

considering a pair of these instead of my passive desktop monitors.
my setup is nearfield and speakers only 10cm from the back walls, 1m from nearest side wall (on one side, 2.5m on the other).
am i right in thinking i wont need to consider room reflections as i am only arm's length from speakers?

have been trialling Spendor classic 4/5 for a few days (to replace my emit m10's), but they just dont quite have enough low end for me.
tried boosting with eq on my ADI-2 but to little effect.

the KH120 are a cheaper option and i am guessing you guys would recommend them over passives anyway?
downside for me on these is i cannot home trial them, so its a gamble whether i get on with them.

 

[Settembrini]

considering a pair of these instead of my passive desktop monitors.
my setup is nearfield and speakers only 10cm from the back walls, 1m from nearest side wall (on one side, 2.5m on the other).
am i right in thinking i wont need to consider room reflections as i am only arm's length from speakers?

have been trialling Spendor classic 4/5 for a few days (to replace my emit m10's), but they just dont quite have enough low end for me.
tried boosting with eq on my ADI-2 but to little effect.

the KH120 are a cheaper option and i am guessing you guys would recommend them over passives anyway?
downside for me on these is i cannot home trial them, so its a gamble whether i get on with them.

I think Thomann offers a 30 day trial period on all their products

 

[staticV3]

am i right in thinking i wont need to consider room reflections as i am only arm's length from speakers?

Room modes will wreak havoc on your bass response regardless of listening distance.

Desk bounce likely a factor as well.

 

[unpluggged]

the KH120 are a cheaper option and i am guessing you guys would recommend them over passives anyway?

Yes, any time of the day! But they are discontinued since 2023, being replaced by the DSP-based KH 120 II (basically, the 5-inch version of the KH 150) which are even better, and make sure you get the MA 1 kit.

am i right in thinking i wont need to consider room reflections as i am only arm's length from speakers?

Not as much, but, as @staticV3 noted, the room will still have influence, especially in the low end, as will the desk surface, of course. That's why it's better to get the KH 120 II in a bundle with the MA 1 to be able to easily calibrate them to your environment.

 

[lordhumungous]

considering a pair of these instead of my passive desktop monitors.
my setup is nearfield and speakers only 10cm from the back walls, 1m from nearest side wall (on one side, 2.5m on the other).
am i right in thinking i wont need to consider room reflections as i am only arm's length from speakers?

have been trialling Spendor classic 4/5 for a few days (to replace my emit m10's), but they just dont quite have enough low end for me.
tried boosting with eq on my ADI-2 but to little effect.

the KH120 are a cheaper option and i am guessing you guys would recommend them over passives anyway?
downside for me on these is i cannot home trial them, so its a gamble whether i get on with them.

Aren't Spendor and Neumann quite different ? It's been a awhile since I listened to Spendor speakers but I recall a smooth audio presentation.

The Neumanns are highly resolving . I have not listened to the Spendors you are talking about .

 

[bitels]

Hello good fellas, at page 26 of this discussion, there is discussion about resonance about 340 hz within kh120II.

Mr Marcus, from Neumann, allegedly informed it could be connected to the design of backplate.

I found it in almost all units tested.


Here is a link to loop. If kh120II users could be so kind to test it and come back with feedback. I am listening at c weighed 85 db, 1,3 meter from speaker.
Resonance is not coming from drivers; it is caused by elements on the back of the speaker.

kh120 test 348hz.wav

1 file sent via WeTransfer, the simplest way to send your files around the world

we.tl

 

[Oldson]

Aren't Spendor and Neumann quite different ? It's been a awhile since I listened to Spendor speakers but I recall a smooth audio presentation.

The Neumanns are highly resolving . I have not listened to the Spendors you are talking about .

the Spendors do certainly sound smoother than my Dyno M10's, just lacking a bit of bass.
mids seem more forward to my ears, so there is a lot to like about them.

i understand the KH120ii would be totally different and highly resolving, but (please correct me if i am wrong) as they measure flat could they be easily eq'd to sound how i prefer?

 

[lordhumungous]

the Spendors do certainly sound smoother than my Dyno M10's, just lacking a bit of bass.
mids seem more forward to my ears, so there is a lot to like about them.

i understand the KH120ii would be totally different and highly resolving, but (please correct me if i am wrong) as they measure flat could they be easily eq'd to sound how i prefer?

Sure but man these babies sound terrific with no EQ.

 

[bitels]

Hello good fellas, at page 26 of this discussion, there is discussion about resonance about 340 hz within kh120II.

Mr Marcus, from Neumann, allegedly informed it could be connected to the design of backplate.

I found it in almost all units tested.


Here is a link to loop. If kh120II users could be so kind to test it and come back with feedback. I am listening at c weighed 85 db, 1,3 meter from speaker.
Resonance is not coming from drivers; it is caused by elements on the back of the speaker.

kh120 test 348hz.wav

1 file sent via WeTransfer, the simplest way to send your files around the world

we.tl

I am adding a new link, as old one expired.

test

1 file sent via WeTransfer, the simplest way to send your files around the world

we.tl

 

[LeonidKogan]

I just bought KH120 II, right now connected to DAC with preamp via XLR, I might switch to digital inputs later. I think about getting a sub for them (not necessarily KH750 since it's very expensive) but I have no idea how to connect sub if even 750 only has analogue inputs. Any advice please?

 

[NeverBetter]

Room modes will wreak havoc on your bass response regardless of listening distance.

Desk bounce likely a factor as well.

Sadly, in my 8x9ft DIY treated room I get a large dip at 80hz. I just can't do much about it. Don't have the wriggle room to trial different room configs etc.