Short answer: the Genelec 8351B for better sound quality, the Edifier R2850DB for the lower price. The Genelec 8351B ranks #6 of 66 powered bookshelf speakers at $9150. The Edifier R2850DB ranks #56 at $499.99, $8650.01 cheaper.
What the Edifier R2850DB offers: 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. Watch for: Quite large and heavy
What the Genelec 8351B offers: CEA2034 spinorama shows exceptionally flat response both on- and off-axis. Predicted in-room response is “as good as it gets” - should sound very neutral in nearly any room. Horizontal beamwidth of about ±50 degrees is described by the reviewer as exceptionally smooth, a model example of well-executed directivity control. Vertical directivity is nearly as good as horizontal, a benefit of its coaxial driver design that’s rare among non-coaxial monitors. Distortion at 86dB SPL/1m is remarkably low - the reviewer says it’s “better than many headphones.” Watch for: Deep bass distortion rises substantially at higher output (96dB SPL/1m) - the reviewer notes “deep bass suffers” below about 100Hz. A distortion spike also appears near 8-10kHz at that same higher output level. Cumulative spectral decay (waterfall) measurements show resonances around 1-2kHz. Very expensive.
Buy the Edifier R2850DB if the price matters more than sound quality. Buy the Genelec 8351B if sound quality matters more than the price.
If sound quality matters at all to you, skip the Edifier R2850DB. It ranks near the bottom of the 66 powered bookshelf speakers, so look higher up the list instead.
Specifications Side By Side
| Edifier R2850DB | Genelec 8351B | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $499.99 | $9150 |
| Ranked | #56 of 66 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #6 of 66 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) | 17"H x 11.3"W x 10.9"D (431.8 x 287 x 276.9 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 42Hz-20KHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 32Hz - 40kHz (±1.5dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, 2x RCA Input, Digital Optical, Digital Coax | XLR |
| Weight | 50.7 lbs / 23 kg | 31.1 lbs / 14.1 kg each |
| Drivers | 8" (203mm) woofer | 8.6" woofer, 5" coaxial with tweeter midrange, 0.75" (19mm) coaxial tweeter |
| App | No | Yes (GLM) |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| EQ | No | Yes (via GLM software) |
| DSP | No | Yes |
| Output Power | 75w RMS Per Speaker | 550w Per Speaker |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 28Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | - | 33Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Max SPL | - | 113dB @ 1m |
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- HEDD Type 20 MK2 vs Buchardt A10
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- Genelec 8351B vs Kali Audio IN-8 V2
- Genelec 8351B vs Focal Alpha 65 EVO
Prices on this page were last checked August 25, 2026 at 6:19 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
Edifier R2850DB: $499.99 Amazon eBay
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 |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Edifier R2850DB vs Adam Audio T7V
- Edifier R2850DB vs Klipsch The Sevens
- Edifier R2850DB vs Kali Audio LP-8
- Edifier R2850DB vs Emotiva Airmotiv 6s
- Edifier R2850DB vs Adam Audio S2V
- Edifier R2850DB vs Genelec 8341A
- Edifier R2850DB vs JBL 306P MKII
- Edifier R2850DB vs Focal Twin6 Be
- See all 33 comparisons
Genelec 8351B: $9150 Bhphotovideo eBay
Pros: CEA2034 spinorama shows exceptionally flat response both on- and off-axis. Predicted in-room response is “as good as it gets” - should sound very neutral in nearly any room. Horizontal beamwidth of about ±50 degrees is described by the reviewer as exceptionally smooth, a model example of well-executed directivity control. Vertical directivity is nearly as good as horizontal, a benefit of its coaxial driver design that’s rare among non-coaxial monitors. Distortion at 86dB SPL/1m is remarkably low - the reviewer says it’s “better than many headphones.”
Cons: Deep bass distortion rises substantially at higher output (96dB SPL/1m) - the reviewer notes “deep bass suffers” below about 100Hz. A distortion spike also appears near 8-10kHz at that same higher output level. Cumulative spectral decay (waterfall) measurements show resonances around 1-2kHz. Very expensive.
Full Genelec 8351B review and specifications →
| App | Yes (GLM) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 28Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 33Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| DSP | Yes |
| Dimensions | 17"H x 11.3"W x 10.9"D (431.8 x 287 x 276.9 mm) |
| Drivers | 8.6" woofer, 5" coaxial with tweeter midrange, 0.75" (19mm) coaxial tweeter |
| EQ | Yes (via GLM software) |
| Frequency Response | 32Hz - 40kHz (±1.5dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | XLR |
| Max SPL | 113dB @ 1m |
| Output Power | 550w Per Speaker |
| Weight | 31.1 lbs / 14.1 kg each |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons