Short answer: the Genelec 8030C. It ranks #3 of 100 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 4.6/5, at $1,750. The Edifier S1000MKII ranks #80, rated 3.3/5, at $499.99, $1,250.01 cheaper, not enough of a saving to outweigh the sound-quality gap.
Why pick the Edifier S1000MKII: A self-powered stereo pair with optical, coaxial and analog inputs, plus high-resolution digital support, makes source switching unusually simple. The tradeoff: High-resolution input support is not a guarantee of perfect tuning, and the fixed internal amplification prevents the gradual upgrades possible with separates.
The Genelec 8030C is the better-sounding choice. ASR’s Klippel measurements show a 1.9dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz and smooth listening-window behavior. It has an adjustable EQ, which the Edifier S1000MKII lacks. Watch for: A dip around 2-3kHz remains, and vertical placement is less forgiving than the horizontal coverage suggests.
Buy the Genelec 8030C. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $1,250.01 you would save on the Edifier S1000MKII does not close the gap.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Powered Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Edifier S1000MKII | Genelec 8030C | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $499.99 per pair | $1,750 per pair |
| Ranked | #80 of 100 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #3 of 100 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Dimensions | 13.6”H x 7.6”W x 11.6”D (345.4 x 193 x 294.6 mm) | 11.7”H x 7.4”W x 7”D (297.2 x 188 x 177.8 mm) |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, 2x RCA Input, Digital Optical, Digital Coax | XLR |
| Outputs | None | - |
| Weight | 37 lbs (16.8 kg) | 11 lbs (5 kg) each |
| Drivers | 5.5” (140mm) woofer | 5.1” woofer, 0.75” metal dome tweeter |
| App | No | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes | No |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, aptX HD | - |
| EQ | No | Yes (Bass tilt, treble tilt, room response) |
| Amplifier Power | 60w RMS Per Speaker | 100W (50W woofer + 50W tweeter) |
| XLR Input | No | Yes |
| RCA Input | Yes | No |
| TRS Input | No | No |
| Optical Input | Yes | No |
| Coaxial Input | Yes | No |
| USB Input | No | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Frequency Response | 45Hz - 40kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 54Hz - 20kHz (±2.5dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 47Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | - | 59Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Maximum SPL | - | 110dB @ 1m (manufacturer specified) |
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Prices on this page were last checked October 7, 2026 at 9:25 PM 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 S1000MKII: $499.99 per pair Amazon eBay
Pros: A self-powered stereo pair with optical, coaxial and analog inputs, plus high-resolution digital support, makes source switching unusually simple. Consumer Reports rates its sound accurate and detailed, so it is a strong one-box alternative to separate amplifier-and-speaker systems for nearfield or small-room listening.
Cons: High-resolution input support is not a guarantee of perfect tuning, and the fixed internal amplification prevents the gradual upgrades possible with separates. These are mains-powered speakers rather than portable wireless speakers, and their size and left/right cabling need a planned desktop or stand setup. No independent measurements exist; reviews are limited to informal listening comparisons.
Full Edifier S1000MKII review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 60w RMS Per Speaker |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, aptX HD |
| Coaxial Input | Yes |
| Dimensions | 13.6”H x 7.6”W x 11.6”D (345.4 x 193 x 294.6 mm) |
| Drivers | 5.5” (140mm) woofer |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 45Hz - 40kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, 2x RCA Input, Digital Optical, Digital Coax |
| Optical Input | Yes |
| Outputs | None |
| RCA Input | Yes |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 37 lbs (16.8 kg) |
| XLR Input | No |
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Genelec 8030C: $1,750 per pair B&H Photo Video eBay
Older model: the Genelec 8030A (ranked lower, estimated 4.4/5).
Same family: the Genelec 8010A (smaller bookshelf, rated 4.5/5), the Genelec 8020D (smaller bookshelf, ranked lower, rated 4.4/5), the Genelec 8040B (larger bookshelf, rated 4.3/5) and the Genelec 8050B (larger bookshelf, rated 4.4/5).
Pros: ASR’s Klippel measurements show a 1.9dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz and smooth listening-window behavior. Predicted preference scores of 5.35 standalone and 7.60 with an ideal subwoofer support its high position for tonal accuracy. Broad, controlled horizontal radiation makes the balance relatively stable across a desk, and bass reaches -3dB around 56Hz. Measured bass extension of 59Hz (-3dB).
Cons: A dip around 2-3kHz remains, and vertical placement is less forgiving than the horizontal coverage suggests. Deep-bass headroom is limited; isolated high-output measurements at higher frequencies do not describe full-band loudness. The review found demanding bass material could cause audible distress beyond moderate levels. A subwoofer is useful for full-range monitoring.
Full Genelec 8030C review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 100W (50W woofer + 50W tweeter) |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 47Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 59Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| Dimensions | 11.7”H x 7.4”W x 7”D (297.2 x 188 x 177.8 mm) |
| Drivers | 5.1” woofer, 0.75” metal dome tweeter |
| EQ | Yes (Bass tilt, treble tilt, room response) |
| Frequency Response | 54Hz - 20kHz (±2.5dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | XLR |
| Maximum SPL | 110dB @ 1m (manufacturer specified) |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | No |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 11 lbs (5 kg) each |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons