Neumann KH120 II

[Spocko]

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.

It's that extra mid bass presence/power from the larger 6.5" woofers (as is usually the SQ reason to consider it over 5" woofers) - I think the 120 IIs are more for mixing/mastering vocals unless you match them to subwoofers. I'm seriously considering swapping out my iLoud Precision 5 for the 120 IIs.

 

[Spocko]

DSP + more powerful amp + (slightly) larger cabinet x inflation = less happy wallet (but happier ears).

Almost 2.5 lbs lighter too, for me this is a big plus as I have them sitting on arms above my monitor so I'm all about the performance to weight ratio - this is why I originally got the iLoud Precision 5 but the new 120ii are over 1 lb. lighter!

UPDATE: Just spoke to my sales rep at Sweetwater and I'm indeed returning the Precision 5 for the Neumann (FYI nothing wrong with the Precision 5 and its excellent room correction DSP software). And before anyone asks, I had the 8330 on the top of my list but I have so much experience with Genelec that I wanted to try something different with similar levels of engineering excellence.

 

[Spocko]

any idea when these will be released?

Sweetwater rep told me early May is when they'll get them.

 

[teashea]

Almost 2.5 lbs lighter too, for me this is a big plus as I have them sitting on arms above my monitor so I'm all about the performance to weight ratio - this is why I originally got the iLoud Precision 5 but the new 120ii are over 1 lb. lighter!

UPDATE: Just spoke to my sales rep at Sweetwater and I'm indeed returning the Precision 5 for the Neumann (FYI nothing wrong with the Precision 5 and its excellent room correction DSP software). And before anyone asks, I had the 8330 on the top of my list but I have so much experience with Genelec that I wanted to try something different with similar levels of engineering excellence.

I noticed the weight different ---- that is very interesting.

Good move....................

 

[Pearljam5000]

Almost 2.5 lbs lighter too, for me this is a big plus as I have them sitting on arms above my monitor so I'm all about the performance to weight ratio - this is why I originally got the iLoud Precision 5 but the new 120ii are over 1 lb. lighter!

UPDATE: Just spoke to my sales rep at Sweetwater and I'm indeed returning the Precision 5 for the Neumann (FYI nothing wrong with the Precision 5 and its excellent room correction DSP software). And before anyone asks, I had the 8330 on the top of my list but I have so much experience with Genelec that I wanted to try something different with similar levels of engineering excellence.

Not sure lighter = better ...

 

[Pearljam5000]

 

[Pearljam5000]

 

[oversky]

Does anyone know what cabinet material is used in KH 120 II?

 

[Moonhead]

Pearljam5000 …Might know and he surely can help with specs on focal and Genelec if needed.

 

[Pearljam5000]

Does anyone know what cabinet material is used in KH 120 II?

It's not aluminum unfortunately ):

 

[Dharmaone]

I have the KH750 with MA-1 that i'm using with Kali IN-5s atm (room corrected via KH750 DSP) - would I see a benefit from swapping the Kalis with the 120 IIs? Have also thought about the KH-80s instead of the Kalis, they are quite cheap and pair well with KH750

 

[unpluggged]

I have the KH750 with MA-1 that i'm using with Kali IN-5s atm (room corrected via KH750 DSP)

MA 1 does not support non-Neumann speakers.

 

[computer-audiophile]

It's not aluminum unfortunately ):

When I think of my former Neumann KH120a this was cast aluminium imo.
Did they change the material of the cabinet?

 

[Pearljam5000]

Pearljam5000 …Might know and he surely can help with specs on focal and Genelec if needed.

I think so
It doesn't say aluminum any where
and the KH80,KH150 are also not aluminum.
I guess it's too expensive for them to make

 

[Matias]

I guess it's too expensive for them to make

I am sure they could, it's just that they decided it was not worth it (price increase x performance increase).

 

[computer-audiophile]

This means that the new speakers are made cheaper to produce, but sold more expensively. A 'win-win situation' for the manufacturer, so to say.

 

[MrSoul4470]

I think it's not that easy. Don't reduce the speaker to it's housing only. We know nothing about the woofer and the new KH120 has features the old one didn't have. I also don't think that the molds for plastic injection moulding are so much cheaper. I don't think we have to fear the new version will be a rip off.

 

[Trell]

This means that the new speakers are made cheaper to produce, but sold more expensively. A 'win-win situation' for the manufacturer, so to say.

A little harsh, I'd say. Neumann added DSP, they'll have to recoup R&D, and there has been a substantial price hike all over that affects them as well.

The KH 120 II is more comparable to Genelec 8330A than the 8030C, and about 10% more expensive than the 8330A here in EU. I'm sure when it's reviewed/measured it will do just fine, and if you don't use the DSP there is always the previous generation. That one is still great even if there now is an updated version of it.

 

[computer-audiophile]

No offence intended. Just slightly ironic.
What I liked about the 120s was not least the solid aluminium housing. So it's important information for me - thanks!

But I don't plan to buy the new ones anyway.

 

[Trell]

No offence intended. Just slightly ironic.
What I liked about the 120s was not least the solid aluminium housing. So it's important information for me - thanks!

But I don't plan to buy the new ones anyway.

None taken! It's very unlikely I'll replace my 8330A if a 8330B is released.