Neumann KH80 DSP Monitor Measurements #3

[Illtrick]

Does anyone know what changed with the firmware update? Mine just updated to 1.3.6 The Neumann site doesn't make it readily apparent. My hope is they fixed the finicky standby but I suspect that's a lower level hardware issue. (I had to manually update the MA 1 software to get the update)

 

[Illtrick]

YMMV. but I heard a calibrated KH120 II at a pro audio store and it didn't particularly impressed me. Another ASR member who ultimately bought his iLoud Precision 6 also shared the same view.

Oluv from YT also did a binaural recording video on the KH80 versus the ILoud MMs, and many still preferred the much cheaper iLouds.

I had the MTM's before the KH80''s. Bottom line they began distorting way before the KH80's. I unfortunately didn't have them at the same time so can't give an A/B subjective on sound quality but the MTM's didn't have anywhere near the headroom before they got sloppy.

 

[Curvature]

The written review is now also online:

Neumann KH 80 Studio Monitor Review

Neumann KH 80 Studio Monitor Review

www.erinsaudiocorner.com

Nice to see very tight agreement: https://www.spinorama.org/compare.h...3-20200711&speaker1=Neumann+KH+80&origin1=ASR

 

[Paxilexifaxi]

I'd like to share my very short experience with the KH 80.

Listening distance is 90 cm at my desk, placed on IsoAcoustics 130 stands. The distance between the tweeters is 86 cm, center to center. I calibrated the speakers using a miniDSP DDRC-24 with Dirac Live and also integrated a Sunfire HRS-8 subwoofer. The speakers are crossed over at 80 Hz.
I'll keep it short: What I’m hearing here is by far the best sound I’ve ever experienced in my life.
Over the years, I’ve owned countless speakers – both in my living room and at the desk. I’ve also previously owned the KH 120 and KH 310, but those were used in my living room with a listening distance of around 3.5 meters.
Back then, thanks to Hörzone, I had the chance to attend a Neumann workshop in Wedemark. Markus Wolff was there as well. I’m still speechless about his expertise and friendly, down-to-earth manner.
One thing I found hilarious was when we got a tour of the offices: There were KH 120s on every desk.
But what left a lasting impression on me was the listening room. All the speakers were lined up – KH 120, KH 310, KH 420, and others – and you could switch between them while listening without any audible loss or shift. To this day, I can’t wrap my head around how consistent and similar they all sounded.
With the KH 80 and subwoofer, I still have a lot to explore and fine-tune.
But what I’m hearing right now tops everything I’ve experienced in 20 years.
I want to apologize in advance for my enthusiasm – but I just had to say it.

Please also excuse my English – I don’t speak the language and had this text translated from German.
Thank you to Neumann for these speakers, and of course to the trusted dealer who made it possible for me to take part in the Sennheiser workshop as well. Truly grateful.

 

[ProAktiv]

I had the chance to attend a Neumann workshop in Wedemark. Markus Wolff was there as well. I’m still speechless about his expertise and friendly, down-to-earth manner.

Hi,
I also attended a Neumann workshop in Wedemark back in 2019 (perhaps the same as you ) and enjoyed the presentation by Markus Wolff. I am also running a combination of KH 80s and a KH 750 Sub, calibrated by the MA 1 system, at my desktop. And I share your conclusion that this is a fantastic combo! I am also running a combination of O 410 (the predecessor of the KH 420) and two KH 750s and there is no tonal deviation. Of course, the big buddies provide more SPL and hence allow for a larger, more relaxed listening distance, but that's it. My next experiment will be the KH 150 and whether this loadspeaker - in combination with my KH 750s - will rival the O 410.

As you might have guessed, I am also from Germany and still trying to train my brain and get along without any translating software.

 

[Paxilexifaxi]

There was one thing that really bothered me: I'm extremely sensitive to light, especially bright LED indicators. And the otherwise elegant Neumann logo on the front can unfortunately only be dimmed via software – which wasn’t an option for me. So I ordered something called “Dimm Lights” – basically just tinting film, which you can cut to size and apply in one or two layers directly onto the logo, depending on how much you want to dim it. I used a single layer, and the brightness is now perfect. No software needed, totally discreet and effective.

What I really didn’t expect, though: Since I’ve been using this setup at my desk, I can’t listen to music in the living room anymore. The difference in sound quality is so drastic that I sold my 3.0 setup with large floorstanding speakers just one week later. I simply couldn’t bear listening to them anymore – the direct comparison completely ruined them for me. Sure, it’s not a fair comparison – nearfield vs. farfield, completely different conditions. But the KH 80 setup impressed me so much with its precision and directness that I just couldn’t go back. It really shows how much room and listening distance affect the result.

So now the plan is to build another setup in the living room – most likely again with Neumann – combined with two subwoofers and Dirac Bass Control to properly adapt everything to the room. My dream speakers would be the KH 420. Sonically, they’re probably amazing, but the price is a different story. More realistically, the KH 310s would be the logical choice – I really appreciate their performance. But they’re designed exclusively for horizontal placement, which isn’t ideal visually for my front setup. Most likely, it’ll be the KH 150 – which I find visually stunning – basically the big brother of the KH 80.

We’ll see how it goes – but before making a final decision, I definitely want to listen to some Genelec monitors. I’ve never heard any before, and I want to fix that first.

Oh, and I recently found some old pictures from the Neumann workshop. I’ll just post a few images here. That was back in 2014 – feels like yesterday.

If this post violates any forum rules, please let me know or feel free to remove the images.
Best regards!

 

[teashea]

I'd like to share my very short experience with the KH 80.

Listening distance is 90 cm at my desk, placed on IsoAcoustics 130 stands. The distance between the tweeters is 86 cm, center to center. I calibrated the speakers using a miniDSP DDRC-24 with Dirac Live and also integrated a Sunfire HRS-8 subwoofer. The speakers are crossed over at 80 Hz.
I'll keep it short: What I’m hearing here is by far the best sound I’ve ever experienced in my life.
Over the years, I’ve owned countless speakers – both in my living room and at the desk. I’ve also previously owned the KH 120 and KH 310, but those were used in my living room with a listening distance of around 3.5 meters.
Back then, thanks to Hörzone, I had the chance to attend a Neumann workshop in Wedemark. Markus Wolff was there as well. I’m still speechless about his expertise and friendly, down-to-earth manner.
One thing I found hilarious was when we got a tour of the offices: There were KH 120s on every desk.
But what left a lasting impression on me was the listening room. All the speakers were lined up – KH 120, KH 310, KH 420, and others – and you could switch between them while listening without any audible loss or shift. To this day, I can’t wrap my head around how consistent and similar they all sounded.
With the KH 80 and subwoofer, I still have a lot to explore and fine-tune.
But what I’m hearing right now tops everything I’ve experienced in 20 years.
I want to apologize in advance for my enthusiasm – but I just had to say it.

Please also excuse my English – I don’t speak the language and had this text translated from German.
Thank you to Neumann for these speakers, and of course to the trusted dealer who made it possible for me to take part in the Sennheiser workshop as well. Truly grateful.

Your English is excellent. Nice review. Take care and best wishes.

 

[WillBrink]

My dream speakers would be the KH 420. Sonically, they’re probably amazing, but the price is a different story. More realistically, the KH 310s would be the logical choice – I really appreciate their performance. But they’re designed exclusively for horizontal placement, which isn’t ideal visually for my front setup. Most likely, it’ll be the KH 150 – which I find visually stunning – basically the big brother of the KH 80.

I lust for those too. Considering what you get for the $, not that expensive all things considered. Other than a source, entire system for the one cost, which no doubt covers all one needs. I'm tempted to sell my entire system, get those and a streamer, and done!

 

[astcal]

haha, this has been what I've been telling people: KH 80 + KH 750 + MA-1 system is THE end game for audio, at least for near field setup. I have had the system in my study room for several years and I am completely convinced. I read some "audiophiles" saying the system is a bit "boring". That is exactly why the Neumann system reigns supreme -- the sound stage and FR are so good and accurate mathematically, they don't surprise the "golden ears" just like normal daily life the sound don't "surprise" you but they are the true sound.

(with love from a Californian traveling in London)

 

[AudioSceptic]

I'd like to share my very short experience with the KH 80.

Listening distance is 90 cm at my desk, placed on IsoAcoustics 130 stands. The distance between the tweeters is 86 cm, center to center. I calibrated the speakers using a miniDSP DDRC-24 with Dirac Live and also integrated a Sunfire HRS-8 subwoofer. The speakers are crossed over at 80 Hz.
I'll keep it short: What I’m hearing here is by far the best sound I’ve ever experienced in my life.
Over the years, I’ve owned countless speakers – both in my living room and at the desk. I’ve also previously owned the KH 120 and KH 310, but those were used in my living room with a listening distance of around 3.5 meters.
Back then, thanks to Hörzone, I had the chance to attend a Neumann workshop in Wedemark. Markus Wolff was there as well. I’m still speechless about his expertise and friendly, down-to-earth manner.
One thing I found hilarious was when we got a tour of the offices: There were KH 120s on every desk.
But what left a lasting impression on me was the listening room. All the speakers were lined up – KH 120, KH 310, KH 420, and others – and you could switch between them while listening without any audible loss or shift. To this day, I can’t wrap my head around how consistent and similar they all sounded.
With the KH 80 and subwoofer, I still have a lot to explore and fine-tune.
But what I’m hearing right now tops everything I’ve experienced in 20 years.
I want to apologize in advance for my enthusiasm – but I just had to say it.

Please also excuse my English – I don’t speak the language and had this text translated from German.
Thank you to Neumann for these speakers, and of course to the trusted dealer who made it possible for me to take part in the Sennheiser workshop as well. Truly grateful.

I replied to this before in German because you don't speak English but it was deleted because it was against forum rules. Fair enough, but I hoped it would still get through.
English version: Don't worry, the English is excellent!

 

[AudioSceptic]

Hi,
I also attended a Neumann workshop in Wedemark back in 2019 (perhaps the same as you ) and enjoyed the presentation by Markus Wolff. I am also running a combination of KH 80s and a KH 750 Sub, calibrated by the MA 1 system, at my desktop. And I share your conclusion that this is a fantastic combo! I am also running a combination of O 410 (the predecessor of the KH 420) and two KH 750s and there is no tonal deviation. Of course, the big buddies provide more SPL and hence allow for a larger, more relaxed listening distance, but that's it. My next experiment will be the KH 150 and whether this loadspeaker - in combination with my KH 750s - will rival the O 410.

As you might have guessed, I am also from Germany and still trying to train my brain and get along without any translating software.

Is that without translation SW? If so, you have no need to worry.

 

[Paxilexifaxi]

I'm honestly surprised by all the compliments on my English. I just throw my thoughts and some German texts into ChatGPT, and it turns them into proper English. I tweak a few things, add a bit here and there – that's it. Super easy.

I’ve also tried calibrating the KH 80s on their own with Dirac and let the subwoofer sleep – but honestly, I always prefer the sound with the subwoofer active. And it’s not just about deep bass – there’s something more cohesive and natural about the overall sound.

My setup is in the right-hand corner of the room, close to the walls. The speakers are just 10 cm from the rear wall, and the right speaker is about 20 cm from the side wall. To compensate, I placed a 10 cm thick Basotect panel vertically on the desk against the right wall.

The KH 80s are toed in so precisely that I can still see about 3 cm of their inner walls – aimed straight at my ears. Despite the asymmetrical setup, I don’t hear any imbalance. Dirac seems to handle it all quite well.

And once Dirac is done, you can go even further with REW and fine-tune everything until it’s perfect. The rear switches on the KH 80s aren’t really an option – every little change in the target curve is instantly audible. These small KHs are so incredibly precise that they translate even the tiniest EQ tweaks into clearly audible differences.

P.S. The AI can also help you use REW and the MiniDSP DDRC-24/Dirac to match the subwoofer to your front speakers.

 

[Paxilexifaxi]

I lust for those too. Considering what you get for the $, not that expensive all things considered. Other than a source, entire system for the one cost, which no doubt covers all one needs. I'm tempted to sell my entire system, get those and a streamer, and done!

At my PC, I use the KH 80 together with the Wiim Ultra as a preamp. This setup makes it super easy to connect the KHs with the miniDSP and the Wiim. The large volume knob on the Wiim is just perfect for me. On top of that, I can distribute music throughout the entire apartment – for example, into the kitchen, where there’s just a monitor, a mini PC, and a Wiim Mini connected to a pair of PreSonus Eris 3.5.

In the living room, I’m currently only using the Denon X4800H with Dirac – and temporarily a pair of PreSonus Studio 4s, which I had previously tested on the PC setup but ultimately didn’t find convincing. I'm leaning more and more toward the KH 150 – and definitely with two subwoofers. I suspect that this combination can achieve more than just “a lot.”

 

[jmf11]

Another very happy user here. The KH80 are paired with a SVS SB-1000 subwoofer. I'm 1.5m from the speakers. Since I set up the system, I just listen to music. No more "is there...", "should it...", "Could I..." questions, which is a good sign considering my personality.

I have an eye on second hand market in case KH120 II would pop-up at a good price, but this does not happen, and more important, I don't need them

JMF

 

[Paxilexifaxi]

Another very happy user here. The KH80 are paired with a SVS SB-1000 subwoofer. I'm 1.5m from the speakers. Since I set up the system, I just listen to music. No more "is there...", "should it...", "Could I..." questions, which is a good sign considering my personality.

I have an eye on second hand market in case KH120 II would pop-up at a good price, but this does not happen, and more important, I don't need them

JMF

I definitely considered the KH 120 and KH 120 II before buying the KH 80. But the KH 80 are just so much more compact – and that’s exactly what I love about them. I really tried to find an advantage the KH 120s might offer for my use case, but honestly, I just don’t see it. I wouldn’t know what they could do better for me.

Especially in combination with the Sunfire HRS-8 – that thing is simply beyond words. A second one paired with the KH 80s would be the icing on the cake. If I ever find another one used at a good price, I’ll definitely add it. It connects flawlessly to the miniDSP again.

That said, the DDRC-24 would be maxed out – two fronts and two subs is the limit. But honestly, what more could you need?

 

[Paxilexifaxi]

I know this forum values facts above all – and I truly appreciate that. But I still want to take a moment to share how much joy the KH 80 brings me.
I’ve integrated a Sunfire HRS-8 subwoofer into the system and carefully calibrated everything using REW, UMIK-1, miniDSP DDRC-24, and Dirac Live. The target curve is slightly reduced in the treble and gently lifted in the bass – exactly how I like it.

My musical taste is pretty broad: I listen to a lot of ’90s pop (Bravo Hits), recent Club Sounds compilations, electronic sub-genres, and indie pop. The only styles I avoid are hard rock, blues, and classical.

Out of curiosity, I recently removed the subwoofer and listened to the KH 80s alone – placed directly on the desk. After more than 20 hours of listening, I honestly didn't miss anything. Sure, some tracks have a very low rumble at the intro that’s not reproduced – but that happens so rarely that it’s completely negligible to me.

As small as these speakers are – they sound so direct, so dry, and so punchy that I sometimes literally flinch. The soundstage is a dream, and the imaging is razor-sharp. I’ve never heard any speaker do that – no matter the size, no matter the price.

Over the years, I’ve owned and listened to many speakers, including:

Presonus Eris Studio 4
ADAM T5V
JBL LSR 305
Heco Aurora 200
Klipsch RB-51 II / RB-81 II / RP-280F Piano
Nubert nuLine 102 / nuVero 140 / nuVero 70
Wharfedale Linton

I’ve used most of these in my living room setup, which used to include speakers like the nuVero 140, nuVero 70, Klipsch RP-280F, and others. But none of them fully satisfied me.
Only now – in the nearfield with the KH 80 and subwoofer – everything finally clicked.

Eventually, I might remove the subwoofer from the PC setup and use it in the living room with a second subwoofer, along with KH 120 II or KH 150. But for the first time in my life, there’s no rush.

Attached images:

Albums I’ve been listening to lately:
Röyksopp, Fred again.., Tycho, Moby, ODESZA, RÜFÜS DU SOL, Tender, Teddy Swims, Sharon Van Etten, Miro, Mollono.Bass, Maz and much more

My current Dirac Live target curve

Huge thanks to:
Reinhard from Hörzone, who made it possible for me to attend the Neumann workshop years ago – and who sold me the KH 80s
Neumann, for designing such impressive and intelligent speakers
And to this amazing forum – the quality of knowledge and exchange here is truly special.

P.S. Over the past few days since joining this forum, I’ve read through the entire KH 150 thread – every single page. I’m now halfway through the KH 120 II thread.
There’s so much insight and shared experience here – a real treasure trove for anyone who takes sound seriously.

 

[Scrench]

Hello, I'm brand new to the forum but have been perusing it for years to get the best and most complete measurements and advice for my equipment.

I'm currently using KH80 DSP's full range with a JBL S120PII sub crossed over at 70hz, tuned in by ear and frequency sweep. I'd like to use Neumann's MA1 to calibrate the 80's, which I assume I will have to do sans sub, then mix it back in afterwards. But do you think I will notice any appreciable difference for mixing and mastering as opposed to what I have now? My room is small, 11' x 11.5', but very well treated and my sub is controlled down to 25hz. I'm on Windows 10, using a MOTU M4 DAC, and the 80's are free standing 32" high, nearly in the middle of the room, 38" apart c-t-c from the cones. I also have JBL 308's, 305's, original Auratone C5's, and check mixes on Sennheiser 600, Sony MDR 7506, Fostex T-20 and cheap Realistic headphones from the 70's. The problem is, everything sounds different and I don't know which one to trust for my absolute final mix and master. That's where the KH80's came in, as I thought they would be a better neutral reference than all the rest. But if the MA1 alignment process can make them even better, I need that to turn out a more professional product for the songs I put on my YouTube channel.

I'm also a little fuzzy about the whole ethernet switch thing. As I understand it I need to get one to connect both speakers, but then does that go out to the same ethernet port on my PC that I use for internet? And what is a good switcher to buy? Something like this? https://www.amazon.com/NETGEAR-Ethe...911274916710581404-B0000BVYT3-&hvexpln=0&th=1

Thank you all for the years of expertise and knowledge you generously share with all comers.

Scrench

 

[jmf11]

I can't say for the MA1 and the switch, but as you have a Motu M4, and a non Neumann sub, it could be possible to go the open source way with REW with a microphone like the umik-1. Measurements would be much more effective than working by hear. Filters would be outside of the KH80, which is fine. I had investigated a bit and didn't identified things that would not be possible to do without the MA1.

Jmf

 

[Scrench]

Thank you for your response Jmf. I see that you are using KH-80's with a SVS SB-1000, which seems to be similar to my JBL sub. Did you calibrate your system using REW?

 

[jmf11]

Yes, some time ago. For the moment my set up is less powerful as yours as I use a simple Dac. Low pass filtering is done by the sub. Highpass by the KH80 switches. I have an equalisation defined with REW (measurements and filters definition). Filter is implemented with CamillaDSP in my streamer (Moode).