Neumann KH120 II Monitor Review

[ZööZ]

There is essentially no noise from these speakers? The self-noise produced by the Kali IN-8 V2's(nearfield) is a bit more audible than I'd prefer. Not sure what the (amp?) noise is like on KH 120 II or similar Genelecs.

Also - can anyone say if the KH 120 II would be more revealing than a Kali IN-8 or SM-5/8? I'm not sure I would want something much more analytical/hyper-detailed/unforgiving than the IN-8, but hard to say without hearing it. Might be awesome.

The hiss of the tweeter fades pretty much to nonexistent after about 50cm or so, that's with my ears and not completely quiet room and after just paused my music. I bet there can be some variance unit by unit but not huge difference, excluding faulty units of course. I'm yet to use these in a nearfield setup so this is just based on a quick test, might be able to notice it further away if given more time.

 

[solawind]

Unfortunately, one of my KH120 II units developed tweeter noise after about a year of use. There were reports of the same issue earlier in this thread. It sounds like a quiet static noise even when no inputs are connected, regardless of the switch or knob positions. I tried a different power outlet and repositioning it (thinking it might be an EMI issue), but it doesn’t go away. Strangely enough, it was the same issue shortly right after I purchased it, but it went away for a few months and then appeared again. My other monitor with serial which almost the same is dead silent.
I contacted Neumann, and without asking further questions, they confirmed that it is a hardware defect and asked to contact retailer. Which takes a lot of time, since I am outside the EU where I bought them. Maybe I will ask my local electronics repair service to look at it. There were some skilled guys who repaired my previous Neumanns out of warranty.
I will give up on Neumanns for now. In my previous pair of KH80s with a KH750, one of the monitors broke just after the warranty ended, and the repair technician said that one of the capacitors had gone bad. Just too many issues with each pair

 

[G-rig]

Unfortunately, one of my KH120 II units developed tweeter noise after about a year of use. There were reports of the same issue earlier in this thread. It sounds like a quiet static noise even when no inputs are connected, regardless of the switch or knob positions. I tried a different power outlet and repositioning it (thinking it might be an EMI issue), but it doesn’t go away. Strangely enough, it was the same issue shortly right after I purchased it, but it went away for a few months and then appeared again. My other monitor with serial which almost the same is dead silent.
I contacted Neumann, and without asking further questions, they confirmed that it is a hardware defect and asked to contact retailer. Which takes a lot of time, since I am outside the EU where I bought them. Maybe I will ask my local electronics repair service to look at it. There were some skilled guys who repaired my previous Neumanns out of warranty.
I will give up on Neumanns for now. In my previous pair of KH80s with a KH750, one of the monitors broke just after the warranty ended, and the repair technician said that one of the capacitors had gone bad. Just too many issues with each pair

Hmm there would be more to go wrong with the new model than the analogue ones. Having said that something broke in a mate's mkA one as well.

PS. J
Does anyone know if you get more noise using RCA to XLR cables or should be fine?

 

[Paul7777x]

Lo All.

Does anyone know of a strip down video for the 120KH II’s please?

I’m torn between these and the Clarity 6.2s for my new speakers.

The problem with the Neumanns is their appearance; the finish is fine, but the colour is not.

I’d need to strip them and have the cabinets re-sprayed satin black.

But I don’t want to damage them, naturally, so a how to video might be useful.

Cheers

 

[solawind]

But I don’t want to damage them, naturally, so a how to video might be useful.

You will void your warranty by doing this, and it is not something you want with neumanns.

 

[G-rig]

You will void your warranty by doing this, and it is not something you want with neumanns.

Exactly, why would you both just for appearance. I think they look good anyway (got the aluminium mkA).

Some people love RGB ram though..

 

[Paul7777x]

You will void your warranty by doing this, and it is not something you want with neumanns.

I’m happy to do that.

I’m quite certain modern electronics are largely bullet proof, and their drivers are also quite likely to last a good long time; especially as I do not ever over drive anything. I’m not a volume hound.

Plus, I’ll take the risk of paying for any repairs if necessary simply so I don’t have to look at the grey finish. I find it worse than ugly, straying in to the ‘objectionable’ category.

 

[G-rig]

Most people by these speakers for how they sound. Mine look more black than grey.

Sounds like you're going to do it anyway, no need to ask everyone. Wouldn't be able to sell them either once you do that.

 

[solawind]

I’m quite certain modern electronics are largely bullet proof, and their drivers are also quite likely to last a good long time;

My KH80 died after a few years, and the KH120 II developed tweeter noise just after a few months. Likely, your assumption is wrong. And it is not about drivers, active speaker with DSP is a complex device with at least two amplifiers inside , two power supply , dac adc and dsp

 

[Paul7777x]

Most people by these speakers for how they sound. Mine look more black than grey.

Sounds like you're going to do it anyway, no need to ask everyone. Wouldn't be able to sell them either once you do that.

I am indeed going to if I decide on the Neumanns

But if there’s a video about of how they are dismantled then that will reduce the risk of any damage I may cause.

Each persons taste in appearance is entirely their own and can’t reflect on the worth of any one else’s.

I once ruined the resale value of my Trio floorstanders (£3500) by hand painting them black (from a Cherrywood finish). I never regretted it (mostly as I still use them).

And I could not bear looking at a timber finish.

Ps, I will be buying them for their sound. The same reason I’ve bought all my speakers. But that doesn’t mean I have to look at and have in my living room anything that I don’t like the appearance of. Especially if it’s easy to remedy.

 

[Paul7777x]

My KH80 died after a few years, and the KH120 II developed tweeter noise just after a few months. Likely, your assumption is wrong. And it is not about drivers, active speaker with DSP is a complex device with at least two amplifiers inside , two power supply , dac adc and dsp

Indeed. I’ve had about a dozen actives over the years. Mostly Adam Audio.

And, just as a general rule, the internet is full of examples of broken stuff. People tend to mention it. Precisely because of that.

But for all the broken ones, of anything at all, there are countless other owners who have never had the least problem, and who consequently do not post much if anything about their gear.

They simply enjoy it without comment on social media.

 

[Bamboszek]

Lo All.

Does anyone know of a strip down video for the 120KH II’s please?

I’m torn between these and the Clarity 6.2s for my new speakers.

The problem with the Neumanns is their appearance; the finish is fine, but the colour is not.

I’d need to strip them and have the cabinets re-sprayed satin black.

But I don’t want to damage them, naturally, so a how to video might be useful.

Cheers

There are Neumann KH 120 II Black Edition already available on the market.

You can also have Neumann paint them any RAL color at the factory.

Made to Order - Neumann

Neumann's 'Made To Order' team is your point of contact for anything beyond the regular portfolio, such as custom designs and special editions for customers seeking something unique, as well as organizations and dealers. A wide variety of finishes is available, along with engravings, custom...

www.neumann.com

 

[G-rig]

I am indeed going to if I decide on the Neumanns

But if there’s a video about of how they are dismantled then that will reduce the risk of any damage I may cause.

Each persons taste in appearance is entirely their own and can’t reflect on the worth of any one else’s.

I once ruined the resale value of my Trio floorstanders (£3500) by hand painting them black (from a Cherrywood finish). I never regretted it (mostly as I still use them).

And I could not bear looking at a timber finish.

I'm glad I got the mkA half price and also prefer the aluminium finish over MDF. Maybe look for a pair of those. I don't need the room correction or any of the built in DSP or wireless actives (like the kef etc) just outright quality.

 

[Paul7777x]

There are Neumann KH 120 II Black Edition already available on the market.

You can also have Neumann paint them any RAL color at the factory.

Made to Order - Neumann

Neumann's 'Made To Order' team is your point of contact for anything beyond the regular portfolio, such as custom designs and special editions for customers seeking something unique, as well as organizations and dealers. A wide variety of finishes is available, along with engravings, custom...

www.neumann.com

Excellent.

Thank you sir. I was entirely unaware of that. It will save a lot of hassle.

 

[Paul7777x]

I'm glad I got the mkA half price and also prefer the aluminium finish over MDF. Maybe look for a pair of those. I don't need the room correction or any of the built in DSP or wireless actives (like the kef etc) just outright quality.

A good point. I’ll be using the preouts of my Lyngdorf 1120 and RoomPerfect anyway.

 

[G-rig]

There are Neumann KH 120 II Black Edition already available on the market.

You can also have Neumann paint them any RAL color at the factory.

Made to Order - Neumann

Neumann's 'Made To Order' team is your point of contact for anything beyond the regular portfolio, such as custom designs and special editions for customers seeking something unique, as well as organizations and dealers. A wide variety of finishes is available, along with engravings, custom...

www.neumann.com

That's cool, I bet it's not cheap but a much better option.

 

[Paul7777x]

That's cool, I bet it's not cheap but a much better option.

I’ll find out the cost, but I’d much rather do it this way. If it’s not too extortionate.

Even just to save me whipping out the toolbox.

 

[G-rig]

I’ll find out the cost, but I’d much rather do it this way. If it’s not too extortionate.

Even just to save me whipping out the toolbox.

Yes would be much better and less risk of damage as long as they maintain your warranty themselves, as they should if charging a heap (I assume). There is more to go wrong with the newer model as well.

 

[Bamboszek]

"Black Edition" costs almost the same as standard model at Thomann.
Unfortunately they are out of stock right now.

https://www.thomann.pl/intl/neumann_kh_120_ii_black_edition.htm

https://www.thomann.pl/intl/neumann_kh_120_ii.htm

I'm also curious what the price would be for just two custom painted monitors.