Short answer: the Genelec 8331A for better sound quality, the ADAM Audio A4V for the lower price. The Genelec 8331A ranks #1 of 108 powered bookshelf speakers, rated 4.8/5, at $5,750. The ADAM Audio A4V ranks #67, rated 3.6/5, at $1,079.98, $4,670.02 cheaper.
The case for the ADAM Audio A4V: Compact monitor with onboard DSP, placement controls and room-correction integration. Watch for: A small average-deviation figure hides a major localized response irregularity: the selected measurement spans 10.8dB from 300Hz to 5kHz, and listening-window narrow-band deviation is 0.547.
The Genelec 8331A is the more accurate pick. A coaxial three-way studio monitor with reference-grade measurements and preference scores of 6.57 standalone and 8.51 with an ideal subwoofer. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 6.57 against 3.92 for the ADAM Audio A4V. The tradeoff: Expensive, with studio-oriented XLR connectivity rather than consumer streaming.
Buy the ADAM Audio A4V if the price matters more than sound quality. Buy the Genelec 8331A if sound quality matters more than the price.
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Compact monitor with onboard DSP, placement controls and room-correction integration.
Amazon $539.99 B&H Photo Video $539.99 eBay
A coaxial three-way studio monitor with reference-grade measurements and preference scores of 6.57 standalone and 8.51 with an ideal subwoofer.
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Specifications Side By Side
| ADAM Audio A4V | Genelec 8331A | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,079.98 per pair | $5,750 per pair |
| Ranked | #67 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #1 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Enclosure | 2-way active, dual front ports | - |
| Drivers | X-ART folded-ribbon tweeter, 4” MLM woofer | Dual 130x65mm woofers; 90mm coaxial mid; 19mm tweeter |
| Dimensions | 10.6H x 6.2W x 8.7D in | 12”H x 7.4”W x 8.3”D (305 x 189 x 212 mm) |
| Weight | 12.8 lbs (5.8 kg) each | 14.8 lbs (6.7kg) each |
| Amplifier Power | 130W RMS each | 72W LF + 36W MF + 36W HF |
| Inputs | XLR and RCA; Ethernet for control | XLR, AES/EBU |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.92 | 6.57 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.33 | 8.51 |
| XLR Input | Yes | Yes |
| RCA Input | Yes | No |
| TRS Input | No | No |
| Optical Input | No | No |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | No | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | Yes |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| Frequency Response | 58Hz - 41kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 45Hz - 37kHz (-6dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | - | 49Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 39Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Maximum SPL | - | 100dB at 3m before protection (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
Frequency Response Compared
Both speakers’ spinorama measurements, overlaid. A flatter line is more neutral: peaks sound forward or harsh, dips sound recessed. Each curve is shifted so its average from 300 Hz to 3 kHz sits at 0 dB, so loudness differences between the two are removed and only the shape is compared. The two were measured by different sources, so small differences, especially in the bass, can come from the measurement setup rather than the speakers.
Measurement data: ADAM Audio A4V (measured by Audio Science Review) and Genelec 8331A (measured by Erin’s Audio Corner), via spinorama.org.
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