Neumann KH120 II

[Grotti]

OK, that's it for me. The "discussion" about aluminum being superior has become boring if not annoying. Will check from time to time if this thread is back on topic.

 

[Pearljam5000]

Time is the ultimate judge in some cases:

(from a quick search at the used market)

Indeed

 

[boxerfan88]

Please, can this discussion stop to turn disrespectful and offensive each time?

If there would be measured proof of the superiority of one material over the other, that question would not be raised regularly.

Science is made by constant questionning, as such it is legitimate and there is nothing stupid to raise that topic until it is scientifically answered.

I find the disrespectful arguments and annoyed reactions much more annoying and only contribute to spoil the thread.

It’s quite disgusting to read insinuations that manufacturer giving poor value for money repeatedly “I mentioned the aluminum in the context of the price raise”.

Not happy with a product value or MDF cabinet, go buy something else. Gosh….

Price/Value isn’t just about aluminium-MDF; there is the DSP engine added, new components, etc…

I follow this thread to learn more about this new model, not to repeatedly read a post running down the products value for money. Gosh.

 

[YSC]

View attachment 279968
Indeed

well but if you abuse any speaker, even the exterior is still intact, I doubt the internal components are still in good shape and sound as it should be, no idea of how critical for drivers to sit perfectly in the waveguide, but in my experience in camers, if you beat it up hard, even the metal stuffs looks fine, the alignment of internal stuff more often than not will giveway, for my own preference, yes, metal feels better, but my old budget KEF X300A made of MDF in hot, humid climate survived for 7 years until the amp goes haywire before I replace it with KRK RP5 G4

 

[Sokel]

View attachment 279968
Indeed

Guess how easy to fix is this wood to it's prior state and how difficult (next to impossible) to restore alu.

(my next reply to you will be AFTER you actually get something (prices will continue to go up for years,that's the market),so no excuses )

 

[Pearljam5000]

Guess how easy to fix is this wood to it's prior state and how difficult (next to impossible) to restore alu.

(my next reply to you will be AFTER you actually get something (prices will continue to go up for years,that's the market),so no excuses )

Prices may go down now that Covid is over and everything is back to normal

 

[Sokel]

Prices may go down now that Covid is over and everything is back to normal

Nope,ask anyone who actual market is it's expertise.WAY up in some cases and sadly electronics is one of them.

 

[Pearljam5000]

Nope,ask anyone who actual market is it's expertise.WAY up in some cases and sadly electronics is one of them.

Then I'll waiting for something used

 

[Takanaka]

I’m glad to see we’re finally getting updated products from Neumann, I can’t wait for the KH 310 II to inevitably drop with even better performance.

I probably need to prepare my wallet a bit as Neumann adjusted their prices accordingly.

 

[muslhead]

Prices may go down now that Covid is over and everything is back to normal

 

[AnalogSteph]

So it appears the KH120 II essentially replaces both the old A and D models. Its pricing is good news if you were going to buy a D model beforehand (which has generally been above 900€), not so much for A model customers. The spot with extra functionality is now going to be taken by an AES67 version equipped for network audio (with a fully redundant connection no less), a sensible addition for the current studio landscape.

These monitors have gone through just about every conceivable cabinet material now:
O110 - LRIM (a resin affair)
KH120 A/D - Alu
KH120 II - MDF

Considering that idle power draw is a relatively healthy 17 W, the (now common) auto standby function that drops this to 0.3 W is a welcome addition. The ground lift option should avoid some issues with problematic devices as well.

 

[Pearljam5000]

So it appears the KH120 II essentially replaces both the old A and D models. Its pricing is good news if you were going to buy a D model beforehand (which has generally been above 900€), not so much for A model customers. The spot with extra functionality is now going to be taken by an AES67 version equipped for network audio (with a fully redundant connection no less), a sensible addition for the current studio landscape.

These monitors have gone through just about every conceivable cabinet material now:
O110 - LRIM (a resin affair)
KH120 A/D - Alu
KH120 II - MDF

Considering that idle power draw is a relatively healthy 17 W, the (now common) auto standby function that drops this to 0.3 W is a welcome addition. The ground lift option should avoid some issues with problematic devices as well.

It would have been better if they offered a cheaper non DSP version

 

[computer-audiophile]

It would have been better if they offered a cheaper non DSP version

The old analogue version is still available and costs less. However, it's price has gone up a bit this time, it used to be cheaper.

 

[MrSoul4470]

I think that speaker prices have stayed relatively constant throughout the past few years, inspite of Covid and whatever. Some Genelecs are even cheaper now than before. I paid almost 100 Euros more for each my Genelec 8331s compared to how much they cost now. Neumann's pricing for their new speakers is absolutely fair I think. Nothing to complain.

 

[MrSoul4470]

It would have been better if they offered a cheaper non DSP version

I think built-in DSP makes absolutely sense, especially outside a studio. Some kind of DSP is a must and I'd be glad to not have another device on my table, more cables, more trouble.

And of course a non-DSP version is impossible for a speaker like that, because the DSP also acts as a crossover and linearizes the frequency response. The DSP is the heart of this speaker and not some add-on.

 

[Pearljam5000]

The old analogue version is still available and costs less. However, it's price has gone up a bit this time, it used to be cheaper.

Yeah what I meant was, the newer improved model but without the DSP for less $$$
Exactly like Genelec that has 8030, or 8330

 

[Pearljam5000]

I think built-in DSP makes absolutely sense, especially outside a studio. Some kind of DSP is a must and I'd be glad to not have another device on my table, more cables, more trouble.

It's great to have obviously
But if I could save some $$$ then I'd choose the non DSP
Also you also save on the MA1
It adds up and I'm sure they sound great even without it

 

[MrSoul4470]

Like I said, without DSP is not possible because the "DSP" is not just used for room correction. That would mean they keep the same hardware but deactivate room-correction functionalety on the software side. Makes no sense. Otherwise I'd agree with you.

 

[mj30250]

Yeah what I meant was, the newer improved model but without the DSP for less $$$
Exactly like Genelec that has 8030, or 8330

The primary "new and improved" component of this speaker is the integrated DSP. It's core to the redesign. Otherwise, it'd mostly be the current model but with a more powerful / efficient amp. Based on your prior commentary on the standard KH 120s, that alone would not solve any of your concerns.

 

[Ilkless]

I’m glad to see we’re finally getting updated products from Neumann, I can’t wait for the KH 310 II to inevitably drop with even better performance.

I probably need to prepare my wallet a bit as Neumann adjusted their prices accordingly.

Vertical KH310 to appeal to home users and studios that prefer to use it freestanding rather than on a meter bridge would be really nice. But I suspect they think the KH150 serves the domestic crossover market well enough.