Experts recommend Neumann KH 120 A more than Focal Shape 65
As of 10 Jan 2025, experts prefer Neumann KH 120 A over Focal Shape 65, but both Studio Monitors have solid expert endorsements.
As per this month's meta ranking, Neumann KH 120 A received 4 recommendations: from woodandfirestudio.com (14 Nov 2023), Gearank (7 Nov 2024) Careers In Music (27 Nov 2024) and 1 other. By contrast, Focal Shape 65 received only 2 recommendations from Hyperbits and Music Radar (27 Nov 2024).
| Rank | Change | Price | Studio Monitor | higherhz.com  | Pocket-lint  | woodandfirestudio.com  | Hyperbits  | Gearank  | Careers In Music  | Music Radar  | PianoDreamers  | Music Critic  | Popular Science  |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | - | Check price |  Neumann KH 120 A The Neumann KH 120 A is a bi-amplified speaker system designed for accurate and detailed sound reproduction, making it ideal for critical listening applications in professional recording studios, post-production facilities, and broadcast environments. | - | - | 1 | - | 12 | 4 | - | - | 9 | - |
| 12 | - | $899 |  Focal Shape 65 The Focal Shape 65 Studio Monitor is a powerful and precise nearfield monitor suitable for professional use, praised for its accurate and detailed sound reproduction and well-balanced low-frequency performance. | - | - | - | 12 | - | - | 1 | - | - | - |
Curious to see this month's entire Studio Monitors ranking? It's here
Endorsement summary:
- Hyperbits ranked Focal Shape 65 as #12
Rank Studio Monitor Comment ... ... ... #12 out of 20 Focal Shape 65 Best Professional Monitors ($1,000-$5,000/pair)... ... ... Source: hyperbitsmusic.com - On 27 Nov 2024 Music Radar ranked Focal Shape 65 as #1
Rank Studio Monitor Comment #1 out of 9 Focal Shape 65 The best value for money high-end studio monitors... ... ... Source: www.musicradar.com - On 14 Nov 2023 woodandfirestudio.com ranked Neumann KH 120 A as #1
Rank Studio Monitor Comment #1 out of 10 Neumann KH 120 A Best Studio Monitors... ... ... Source: woodandfirestudio.com - On 7 Nov 2024 Gearank ranked Neumann KH 120 A as #12
Rank Studio Monitor Comment ... ... ... #12 out of 12 Neumann KH 120 A The Best Studio Monitors under $1000Source: www.gearank.com - On 27 Nov 2024 Careers In Music ranked Neumann KH 120 A as #4
Rank Studio Monitor ... ... #4 out of 8 Neumann KH 120 A ... ... Source: www.careersinmusic.com - On 16 Feb 2024 Music Critic ranked Neumann KH 120 A as #9
Rank Studio Monitor ... ... #9 out of 10 Neumann KH 120 A ... ... Source: musiccritic.com
After counting and adding up the 99 expert endorsements of the January rankings, Neumann KH 120 A outranks Focal Shape 65. This is not to say that Focal Shape 65 is a bad option. Like Neumann KH 120 A, it is recommended by experts, but less.
As can be seen below, Neumann KH 120 A outranks Focal Shape 65 by 8 positions. This indicates that, as of 10 Jan 2025, Neumann KH 120 A is more critically acclaimed than Focal Shape 65.
| Rank | Change | Price | Studio Monitor | higherhz.com | Pocket-lint | woodandfirestudio.com | Hyperbits | Gearank | Careers In Music | Music Radar | PianoDreamers | Music Critic | Popular Science |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | - | $198 |  Yamaha HS5 The Yamaha HS5 is a powerful and reliable studio monitor that delivers accurate and detailed sound reproduction, making it a great choice for home studios and small recording spaces. | - | - | - | 4 | 8 | - | 4 | 4 | 2 | 1 |
| 2 | - | Check price |  JBL 305P MkII The JBL 305P MkII is a highly recommended and affordable studio monitor that delivers accurate and detailed sound reproduction with advanced technology and excellent stereo imaging. | - | - | - | 1 | 5 | - | 7 | 5 | 3 | 6 |
| 3 | - | $720 |  Adam Audio A7V The Adam Audio A7V Studio Monitor is a powerful and accurate speaker that is ideal for professional recording studios, home studios, and music producers who require high-quality sound and accurate monitoring. | - | 5 | - | - | - | 1 | - | 8 | 7 | - |
| 4 | - | Check price | Neumann KH 120 A The Neumann KH 120 A is a bi-amplified speaker system designed for accurate and detailed sound reproduction, making it ideal for critical listening applications in professional recording studios, post-production facilities, and broadcast environments. | - | - | 1 | - | 12 | 4 | - | - | 9 | - |
| Show all rows | |||||||||||||
Expert reviews [10]
Total expert reviews: 10
- with a score: 3
- without a score: 7
| Highest score by techapel.com | 100 |
| Average score based on 10 reviews | 90 |
| Lowest score by What Hi-Fi | 80 |
Score distribution:
| 80-100 | |
| 60-80 | |
| 40-60 | |
| 20-40 | |
| 0-20 |
Expert reviews [9]
Total expert reviews: 9
- with a score: 2
- without a score: 7
| Highest score by Chef Audio | 96 |
| Average score based on 9 reviews | 95 |
| Lowest score by Home DJ Studio | 94 |
Score distribution:
| 80-100 | |
| 60-80 | |
| 40-60 | |
| 20-40 | |
| 0-20 |
From Seller:
- Low tweeter directivity for a flexible listening position
- Designed without a port allowing it to be placed near a wall
- Numerous settings for optimal integration & accurate control, even in the very high end. Numerous settings for optimal integration & accurate control, even in the very high end
- Read more
From Seller:
- Biamplified (50Watt + 50Watt) 2 way monitoring speaker system featuring a 5.25 inch long throw woofer and 1inch titanium fabric dome tweeter
- Precision manufactured to ± .5db tolerance ensuring perfectly matched pairs to deliver superb sound staging and imaging
- Read more