Grotti
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What would be YOUR answer considering your requirements?
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Neumann KH120 II
- Thread starter BDE
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The KH 120 II a nice upgrade in bass extension and max bass SPL for not a lot more space than the KH 80.
Pearljam5000
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I mean
is the difference between them in SQ so big that it justifies the price difference?
DJBonoBobo
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I am not a technical expert, but the directivity plots should be as smooth as possible (KH120II: vertical better than 120, horizontal pretty much the same, KH150: pretty much the same as 120II, i think). I think the KH120II and the 150 are as good as it gets (at least at this time) with a non-coaxial design.
Distortion: The lines in the max spl graph should be as high as possible, in the other graph as low as possible. There is not too much difference between the 120 and the 120 II. The 120 seems to have a little advantage between 100 and 150 Hz, the 120 II is a bit cleaner in the 1-2khz region (which should be more important because the hearing is most sensitive there). The 150 can play clean upper bass louder. It also has a dip (=can play very clean less loudly) in the 1.5khz are, maybe a little disadvantage of the bigger woofer(?).
So, all in all, i would say from what can be seen as of now: all of them are very good. The 150 is the best of those overall, because it has better bass capabilities with only small drawbacks. The 120 II is better than the 120, but not a complete revolution - probably the most important new features are the DSP capabilities (MA1) and the lower bass, also some tweaks overall. A very good successor, i think, but you don't need to throw away the old KH120. The 120 II is for you if the 150 is too big or too expensive. The form factor is better (more practical) for desktop use than the 150. I think it is suitable for a very broad span of use cases and will show few true limitations in most near field scenarios. Compared to the KH120II the KH80 is more of a niche product for people who want really small speakers and can accept their limitations.
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dickiefunk
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Thankyou for your helpful explanation. I will be using this speakers on my desk with IsoAcoustics ISO stands. I have a feeling the KH150’s may not be the best choice due to the extended bass reflecting and resonating with the desk despite being on the stands?
Whilst I own an Eve TS108 sub, I often use my KH120’s by themselves for mixing and also use headphones for referencing sub frequencies. I do like the Eve TS108 though and it does get used a fair amount.
unpluggged
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Not at all.
I have two pairs of 120A's and a pair of KH 150's. Remember that the KH150 has a very narrow vertical dispersion pattern, which minimizes desk reflections - depending on the exact geometry of your setup. (I am ordering a second pair of KH150's this morning from Sweetwater).
DJBonoBobo
Major Contributor
I found the horizontal directivity data. KH 120 II looks a bit wider than KH 150 (updated my other post).
DJBonoBobo
Major Contributor
Official release date seems to be April 17th: https://de-de.neumann.com/newsroom/...tion-neumann-prasentiert-den-kh-120-ii-scxk27
Pre-order available everywhere since today.
Pre-order available everywhere since today.
Pearljam5000
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price difference is pretty big
nice ------- tempting
unpluggged
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It's still significantly smaller than the difference between the corresponding Genelec models, the 8030C and 8330A.
OP
BDE
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The difference of 580EUR or 61% between the 120II and 150 is indeed mentionable. Especially if considerd that they use the same tweeter, DSP/amp module (power) so only due to bigger woofer and enclosure. However is the same as Genelec and other brands. I assume due to the applied percentage calculation along the whole supply and especially sales chain. Furthermore we/ customers are willing to pay.
New 120 has DSP, plays a little lower and flatter are the main things. The 150 goes still lower and is also pretty flat. Each have lower distortion and perhaps go a little louder than the models below them. That’s the simplest way to understand it and pretty much the case with any product line.
Yes - the price difference is pretty big. I agree. For certain purposes it is worth it. For others .......
Recently I set up a separate mixing/mastering station in my studio. I purchased a set of KH120's for it and they work fine, but ....... So yesterday I ordered a pair of KH150's from Sweetwater to use at that station. The KH150's are simply a significant step up from the 120's. It will be very interesting to see the comparisons of the 120 II's and KH150's.
That is a good summary.
That is an important thing to consider. I have found that the minimum listening distances are valid for my purposes. I like very nearfield listening in my studio. All of my Neumann monitors are 1.3 meters or less from my LP.
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