Short answer: the Edifier R2850DB. It ranks #32 of 40 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality at $424.99; the Genelec 8341A ranks #36 and costs $6590, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
On the Edifier R2850DB side: 3 way speaker. Set against that: Quite large and heavy.
The case for the Genelec 8341A: CEA2034 spinorama shows an exceptionally flat on-axis response, within about +1.8dB/-2.2dB of the target curve, with excellent directivity control from the coaxial midrange/tweeter and dual 6.5” woofers. The tradeoff: The bass amplifier runs out of headroom well before the mid/treble sections.
Buy the Edifier R2850DB. It ranks higher for sound quality than the Genelec 8341A and costs less, so there is no real case for the other one.
If sound quality matters at all to you, skip both of these and look higher up the 40 powered bookshelf speakers instead.
Specifications Side By Side
| Edifier R2850DB | Genelec 8341A | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $424.99 | $6590 |
| Ranked | #32 of 40 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #36 of 40 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Dimensions | 18.1"H x 10.1"W x 12.4"D (459.7 x 256.5 x 315 mm) | not published by manufacturer |
| Frequency Response | 42Hz-20KHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 338Hz - 37kHz (-6dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, 2x RCA Input, Digital Optical, Digital Coax | - |
| Weight | 50.7 lbs / 23 kg | not published by manufacturer |
| Drivers | 8" (203mm) woofer | 2x 6.5" woofers, 3.5" midrange, 0.75" tweeter (coaxial mid/tweeter) |
| App | No | No |
| Bluetooth | No | - |
| EQ | No | Yes (Room adjustment) |
| DSP | No | No |
| Output Power | 75w RMS Per Speaker | 550W total (250W bass, 150W mid, 150W treble) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | - | 58Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 40Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More useful head-to-heads from the same speaker class:
- Focal Twin6 Be vs Adam Audio S2V
- Klipsch The Nines vs Adam Audio S2V
- Adam Audio S2V vs Klipsch The Sevens
- Genelec 8341A vs Emotiva Airmotiv 6s
- JBL 306P MKII vs Genelec 8341A
The Two Speakers In Full
Edifier R2850DB: $424.99 Amazon
Pros: 3 way speaker. Deeper bass and more of a fun listen compared to the neutral sound of the HS8. Shockingly close to the HS8 at half the price.
Cons: Quite large and heavy
Full Edifier R2850DB review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bluetooth | No |
| DSP | No |
| Dimensions | 18.1"H x 10.1"W x 12.4"D (459.7 x 256.5 x 315 mm) |
| Drivers | 8" (203mm) woofer |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 42Hz-20KHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, 2x RCA Input, Digital Optical, Digital Coax |
| Output Power | 75w RMS Per Speaker |
| Weight | 50.7 lbs / 23 kg |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Edifier R2850DB vs Focal Twin6 Be
- Edifier R2850DB vs JBL 306P MKII
- Edifier R2850DB vs Kali Audio LP-6
- Edifier R2850DB vs Klipsch The Nines
- Edifier R2850DB vs Adam Audio S2V
- Edifier R2850DB vs Adam Audio T7V
- Edifier R2850DB vs Klipsch The Sevens
- Edifier R2850DB vs Emotiva Airmotiv 6s
- See all 19 comparisons
Genelec 8341A: $6590 Bhphotovideo
Pros: CEA2034 spinorama shows an exceptionally flat on-axis response, within about +1.8dB/-2.2dB of the target curve, with excellent directivity control from the coaxial midrange/tweeter and dual 6.5” woofers. Tri-amplified design totals 550W across bass, mid, and treble sections.
Cons: The bass amplifier runs out of headroom well before the mid/treble sections, producing audible glitching/ticking distortion at higher volumes even at 1 meter - not well suited to larger rooms or higher playback levels as a result. No hard power switch, and it produces a loud static pop when AC power is cut. Very expensive at $6,590 per pair.
Full Genelec 8341A review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 40Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 58Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| DSP | No |
| Dimensions | not published by manufacturer |
| Drivers | 2x 6.5" woofers, 3.5" midrange, 0.75" tweeter (coaxial mid/tweeter) |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) |
| Frequency Response | 338Hz - 37kHz (-6dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Output Power | 550W total (250W bass, 150W mid, 150W treble) |
| Weight | not published by manufacturer |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons