Neumann KH310 or KH120 and KH750/MA1 sub

[Iwan Morgan]

Hi,

I’ve been using Neumann Kh120s for around 9 years and have been thinking of improving the setup. I feel I’m lacking a bit of resolution across the frequency range so i’m looking at possible upgrades.

First of all I like the Neumann’s in conjunction with Sonarworks and my mono mixcube and VSX so I was naturally looking at moving up to a pair of KH310s. However I’ve just seen the KH750 and MA1 combination has just been released. Would pairing the sub to the KH120s be a system on a par with the KH310s without the the sub? I definitely can’t afford to buy the KH310+KH750+MA1 at the same time.

I’m in a fairly small mixing room, which is treated to the point where i’m familiar with it but things like Sonarworks can be quite helpful and I really like the idea of calibrating using the Neumann MA1. This would make switching between monitors much easier as I wouldn’t have to thing about bypassing SW. I am however drawn to the KH310s due to the 3 way design and the sealed cabinet design (which I’ve always found to be easier to understand than ported speakers)

The other option is leaving Neumann altogether and going for used Proac 100s or Spiral Grooves and a decent Amp although i’m not sure the frequency balance would extend quite as low with these options.

Any feedback would be great.

Cheers

Iwan

[RichardT]

I have KH120s and agree that sometimes they can lack a little in resolution compared to pricier monitors. They can also sound a little ‘papery’ to my ears.

I haven’t heard the 310s but I would expect based on the reviews I’ve seen that they better the 120s in every way and in most cases you will not need a sub. Luckily there are members of the forum who own KH310s and are in a better position to judge this!

[Luke W]

I've got KH310s, but I've not compared them to the 120s. I'm certainly very happy with them without a sub, they're absolutely fine down at that end on their own for me personally.

Although something that occurs to me is that if one of your main concerns is the DSP/calibration side of things, then a pair of KH80s may be worth a look/listen?

[Iwan Morgan]

Hi Luke,
Thanks for the feedback. The KH750 sub allows dsp correction (via the MA1 mic) for any KH line monitors connected to it. Although there is talk that they will be releasing DSP capable versions of the KH310 I need to upgrade fairly soon and just thought the KH750 would give me some of that functionality and build on what I already have.

[Aled Hughes]

I'd have a serious look at the KH750 + KH80 setup - it's probably what I'd go for if/when upgrading my monitors (currently have AE22)

I've used the KH120, and while I like them, they're in the same room as a pair of ATC worth five times the price, so they don't get a fair chance to impress! I like the small ATCs very much, and they are remarkably consistent with the massive (and massively more expensive) ATC mains we have in the big studio. The KH120 I find to be roughly on par with my AE22, and I don't have a clear favourite there.

I've also used the KH310, and really didn't see or feel the need for a sub with them (unless you're in quite a big room). Very impressive speakers.

The KH80, from what I've read, offer a step up from the KH120 in terms of mid-range clarity, and they do use more sophisticated technology. Their restricted low end wouldn't be an issue when paired with the KH750. I'm sure the KH80/KH750 combo rivals the KH310, and even betters it in some respects.

Aled

[Luke W]

Hi Luke,
Thanks for the feedback. The KH750 sub allows dsp correction (via the MA1 mic) for any KH line monitors connected to it. Although there is talk that they will be releasing DSP capable versions of the KH310 I need to upgrade fairly soon and just thought the KH750 would give me some of that functionality and build on what I already have.

Absolutely, I can imagine the KH750 being a great addition to any of the range if the situation requires it. But (and I may be wrong as my understanding is limited here) whilst you get the benefit of the room correction with any of the KH line, in the case of the 120s and 310s the sub is still sending a full range signal which is dealt with by analogue crossovers.

I believe that a lot of the performance of the KH80 is down to the fact that the DSP also deals with things like crossover filtering, so they are a slightly different beast in that respect. Happy to be corrected on that if I'm talking nonsense though!