Both sets of monitors came out around the same time under a similar price tier, leaving many consumers to wonder which of the two is the better option and the differences between the two. Below we took a detailed look at the Neumann KH 120 vs Adam A7X so that you can get a wider scope at which is the better option for you and your needs.
Neumann KH 120 Overview
The KH branding stands for Klein + Hummel which has long been an anchor in the monitoring industry. The front baffle uses Neumanns MMD waveguide which produces a “sweet spot” response. This can provide a more stable image while also incorporating depth, in a sense almost emulating a mono feedback (while maintaining its stereo qualities) which can be important in maintaining accurate mixes today across many platforms from hifi stereo speaker setups to the smallest mobile playback use cases.
In previous years the Neumann KH 120’s were known for having more low end than other monitors in this size and price range. Keep in mind that KH 120’s are best suited for small and medium-sized treated rooms. The 120’s are really a great set of monitors for anyone looking for a pair of monitors that can provide a true sound that they can rely on for accurate translation in mix sessions. Great for anyone who needs to analyze frequency ranges and critically listen your mixes. They definitely pack a punch for a smaller form factor, with a smaller 5.25″ woofer that holds its own among larger studio monitor speakers.
Powered? Yes.
Woofer Size: 5.25″ (130 mm)
Frequency Response: 52Hz – 21,000kHz
Original Release Date: 2011
Buy: Neumann KH 120 (New)
Subwoofer Model: Neumann KH 805 (New)
KH 120 Pro’s
- KH 120’s translate extremely well and are very accurate for referencing and imaging. An all around great monitor set to mix on.
- They provide a nice detailed sound.
- Easy on the ears and great for long listening sessions.
KH 120 Con’s
- Smaller woofer size, however they do pack a punch. Still better low end than the A7X’s so it’s hardly a con.
Adam Audio A7X Overview
Some will argue that the Adam Audio A7X has become a standard for many industry users of some genres for a number of reasons. The Adam Audio’s A7X’s skeptics say they don’t sound very good in the low end and many aren’t happy with the distortion. Keep in mind this may only affect a limited stock number and could have been an error in a production run as some have noted. This model seems to be likable by the hard rock and metal community and definitely preferred over the Neumann KH 120 by some.
The A7X model boasts a high quality ribbon tweeter that its rivals do not. It’s able to provide a nice top end and defined mid-range without sounding harsh. This certainly helps gives the Adam Audio A7X its signature higher frequency sound. Keep in mind that Adam Audio puts in the manual that its important to break these monitors in first. Many users have noted that the high end sounds hyped and is much much better after being thoroughly broken in.
Powered? Yes.
Woofer Size: 7” (178 mm)
Frequency Response: 42Hz – 50kHz
Original Release Date: 2010
Buy: Adam Audio A7X (New)
Subwoofer Model: Adam Sub 10 (New)
A7X Pro’s
- They are a high quality pair of monitors no doubt about that. A step up from a lot of studio monitor options.
- Stereo imaging will be better on the A7X’s.
- High clarity in the high end thanks to its ribbon tweeter.
- More pronounced in the high end, although some see this as a con depending on use case.
A7X Con’s
- Low end sounds “smeared” on the A7X’s and has been cited as a major problem by lots of users. This may be an old issue and I believe this is fixed on models made within the last couple of years.
Best option of the two?
This is a tough one honestly. A lot of people seem to really love the A7X’s as of lately in the last couple of years. This leads me to believe that Adam Audio has fixed a lot of, if not all of the issues mentioned previously above.
Despite being the smaller option of the two, KH 120’s are the better option and the arguable winner here. Users of the Neumann KH 120 boast a more professional vibe to them for most all use cases. Many people who compare them side-by-side prefer the 120’s. Although, after hearing about the break in process with the ribbon tweeter on the A7X, i’m curious if all users reporting have properly broken in their pair.
Is Neumanns MMD (mathematically modeled dispersion) an asset or are the A7X’s better because they don’t have it? Since it provides a broader sweet spot for the KH 120’s, I would argue that in today’s mobile and ear-bud-heavy climate its definitely an asset. You can arguably get a better stereo image with the A7X’s but in my opinion that’s not as valuable in today’s “must sound good in mono” mixing landscape.
Most use cases for studio monitors will require some sort of translation especially for mixing, and the KH 120’s are better for that with their edge in the low end. All things considered, its important to factor in the room that you will be using these monitors in. Is it a large room or a small room? Treated or untreated? Dead space in the room like couches? All of these things will be also be factors to consider when choosing a studio monitor setup.
With that said, at least some in the hard rock and heavy metal community seem to prefer the Adam Audio A7X’s saying that the 120’s are bit more muddy. Could it be perception? Maybe, maybe not. Either way, some say that the A7X’s are the cleaner option with less fatigue on the ear.
What other studio monitors do people consider in this range?
Conclusion
Depending on the genre, after hearing the Adam Audio A7X’s you may prefer them for the specific things they do different. However, if you need a good pair of monitors to mix on that you can rely on to give you a great translation, the Neumann KH 120’s are probably the better option. Buyers have been beyond pleased with the sound that they produce saying that its both excellent sounding in addition to also being an accurate translation.
Keep in mind though, that at this point in time both are probably an extremely wise choice and will probably translate well either way. If you are looking for something warmer go with the Neumann KH 120’s, and if you are looking for a more polished sound in the top end frequencies for things like vocals… maybe go with the Adam Audio A7X’s.