Short answer: the Genelec 8010A. It ranks #2 of 48 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 4.5/5, at $900. The Audioengine HD3 ranks #29, rated 3.2/5, at $359, $541 cheaper, a saving that is not big enough to make up the sound-quality gap.
What the Genelec 8010A gets right: An extremely neutral speaker for mastering and mixing recordings. The tradeoff: Not as deep of bass as the IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor.
Buy the Genelec 8010A. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $541 you would save on the Audioengine HD3 does not close the gap.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Powered Home rankings.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Audioengine HD3 | Genelec 8010A | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $359.00 per pair | $900 per pair |
| Ranked | #29 of 48 in Small Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #2 of 48 in Small Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Dimensions | 9”H x 5.5”W x 6.5”D (228.6 x 139.7 x 165.1 mm) | 7.7”H x 4.8”W x 4.5”D (195.6 x 121.9 x 114.3 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 65 Hz-20 kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 67 Hz-25 kHz (-6dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, Aux, RCA Input | XLR |
| Outputs | RCA variable output (subwoofer) | - |
| Weight | 7.3 lbs (3.3 kg) | 3.3 lbs (1.5 kg) |
| Drivers | 2.75” woofer, 0.75” silk dome tweeter | 3” woofer, 0.75” metal dome tweeter |
| App | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 58Hz | 67Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 65Hz | 74Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | No |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, aptX | - |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | - |
| EQ | No | Yes (Bass tilt, Desk proximity) |
| Amplifier Power | 30W total (15W per speaker) | 50W (25W woofer + 25W tweeter) |
| Maximum SPL | 90dB @ 1m (manufacturer specified) | 96dB @ 1m (manufacturer specified) |
| Subwoofer Output | Yes | - |
| XLR Input | No | 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 | No |
| Aux Input | Yes | No |
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