Short answer: the Genelec 8331A if sound quality matters most, the Airpulse A100 if price matters most. The Genelec 8331A ranks #1 of 100 powered bookshelf speakers, rated 4.8/5, at $5,750. The Airpulse A100 ranks #34, rated 4.0/5, at $999.99, $4,750.01 cheaper.
The case for the Airpulse A100: ASR’s Klippel data gives a 2.9dB midrange span and scores of 4.56 standalone and 7.08 with an ideal subwoofer. It keeps a wired aux input, which the Genelec 8331A lacks. Watch for: Bass reaches -3dB around 63Hz, so lower notes need a subwoofer for full weight.
The Genelec 8331A is the more accurate, deeper-bass choice. Erin’s Klippel measurements support its reference-monitor credentials: a 1.4dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz, low listening-window and predicted-room irregularity, 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 4.56 for the Airpulse A100. Its bass reaches about 49Hz before falling 3dB, against 63Hz for the Airpulse A100. The catch: Expensive, with studio-oriented XLR connectivity rather than consumer streaming.
Buy the Airpulse A100 if the price matters more than sound quality. Buy the Genelec 8331A if sound quality matters more than the price.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Airpulse A100 | Genelec 8331A | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $999.99 per pair | $5,750 per pair |
| Ranked | #34 of 100 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #1 of 100 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 53.2Hz (measured, spinorama.org) | 39Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 63.0Hz (measured, spinorama.org) | 49Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Inputs | RCA (aux), USB, optical, coaxial, Bluetooth aptX | XLR, AES/EBU |
| Drivers | Horn-loaded ribbon tweeter, 5” hard-anodized aluminum cone woofer | Dual 130x65mm woofers; 90mm coaxial mid; 19mm tweeter |
| App | None (physical bass/treble knobs, IR remote) | - |
| Bluetooth | Yes (SBC, aptX) | No |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, aptX | - |
| EQ | Yes, rear-panel bass/treble trim knobs | - |
| Weight | 24.3 lbs (11 kg) each | 14.8 lbs (6.7kg) each |
| Amplifier Power | 100W total (40W+40W woofer, 10W+10W tweeter) | 72W LF + 36W MF + 36W HF |
| Dimensions | 6.3” x 11.1” x 10” (160 x 283 x 255 mm) each | 12”H x 7.4”W x 8.3”D (305 x 189 x 212 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 52Hz - 40kHz | 45Hz - 37kHz (-6dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.56 | 6.57 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.08 | 8.51 |
| XLR Input | No | Yes |
| RCA Input | Yes | No |
| TRS Input | No | No |
| Optical Input | Yes | No |
| Coaxial Input | Yes | No |
| USB Input | Yes | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | Yes |
| Aux Input | Yes | No |
| Maximum SPL | - | 100dB at 3m before protection (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
Related Speaker Comparisons
How Genelec 8331A compares with other leading options:
- Genelec 8331A vs Neumann KH120 MKII
- Genelec 8331A vs Genelec 8030C
- Genelec 8331A vs Neumann KH80 DSP
- Dynaudio LYD 5 vs Genelec 8331A
- Genelec 8331A vs Genelec 8330A
Prices on this page were last checked October 9, 2026 at 8:01 AM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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The Two Speakers In Full
Airpulse A100: $999.99 per pair Amazon B&H Photo Video eBay
Same family: the Airpulse A60 (smaller bookshelf, estimated 3.8/5), the Airpulse A80 (smaller bookshelf, ranked lower, estimated 3.9/5) and the Airpulse A200T (larger bookshelf, ranked lower, estimated 4/5).
Pros: ASR’s Klippel data gives a 2.9dB midrange span and scores of 4.56 standalone and 7.08 with an ideal subwoofer. The ribbon tweeter and five-inch woofer provide a distinctive compact powered system, with remote control and a subwoofer output simplifying everyday use. Measured bass extension of 63.0Hz (-3dB).
Cons: Bass reaches -3dB around 63Hz, so lower notes need a subwoofer for full weight. Listening-window narrow-band deviation of 0.419 shows more local tonal variation than the leading monitors. Rear tone controls are less flexible than parametric EQ or room correction. Neither the ribbon tweeter nor a directivity-index summary establishes uniquely wide or perfectly controlled dispersion. The remote cannot reach the rear bass and treble knobs, and there is no app EQ.
Full Airpulse A100 review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 100W total (40W+40W woofer, 10W+10W tweeter) |
| App | None (physical bass/treble knobs, IR remote) |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 53.2Hz (measured, spinorama.org) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 63.0Hz (measured, spinorama.org) |
| Bluetooth | Yes (SBC, aptX) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, aptX |
| Coaxial Input | Yes |
| Dimensions | 6.3” x 11.1” x 10” (160 x 283 x 255 mm) each |
| Drivers | Horn-loaded ribbon tweeter, 5” hard-anodized aluminum cone woofer |
| EQ | Yes, rear-panel bass/treble trim knobs |
| Frequency Response | 52Hz - 40kHz |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | RCA (aux), USB, optical, coaxial, Bluetooth aptX |
| Optical Input | Yes |
| RCA Input | Yes |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.56 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.08 |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | Yes |
| Weight | 24.3 lbs (11 kg) each |
| XLR Input | No |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Genelec 8331A: $5,750 per pair B&H Photo Video eBay
Same family: the Genelec 8341A (larger bookshelf, rated 4.8/5), the Genelec 8351B (larger bookshelf, rated 4.8/5), the Genelec 8361A (larger bookshelf, rated 4.8/5) and the Genelec 8381A (floorstanding, estimated 4.9/5).
Pros: Erin’s Klippel measurements support its reference-monitor credentials: a 1.4dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz, low listening-window and predicted-room irregularity, and preference scores of 6.57 standalone and 8.51 with an ideal subwoofer. The coaxial mid/tweeter and concealed woofers maintain coherent radiation as listening position changes. Bass reaches -3dB around 48Hz, and GLM adds level, delay and room-response calibration. Measured bass extension of 49Hz (-3dB).
Cons: Expensive, with studio-oriented XLR connectivity rather than consumer streaming. The compact woofers still limit deep-bass output, and the review reports protection muting when pushed beyond its operating range. GLM calibration hardware is an additional purchase. Its excellent tonal score does not remove the need for a subwoofer or larger monitor at demanding levels.
Full Genelec 8331A review and specifications →
| AES Input | Yes |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 72W LF + 36W MF + 36W HF |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 39Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 49Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| Dimensions | 12”H x 7.4”W x 8.3”D (305 x 189 x 212 mm) |
| Drivers | Dual 130x65mm woofers; 90mm coaxial mid; 19mm tweeter |
| Frequency Response | 45Hz - 37kHz (-6dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | XLR, AES/EBU |
| Maximum SPL | 100dB at 3m before protection (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | No |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.57 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 8.51 |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 14.8 lbs (6.7kg) each |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons