Short answer: the Genelec 8040B. It ranks #33 of 68 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 4.3/5, at $1395; the Fluid Audio Image 2 ranks #43, rated 4.1/5, and costs $1899, so there is little reason to consider the other one.
What the Fluid Audio Image 2 does well: Measured -3dB extension of 38.1Hz gives useful bass reach, while a 2.5dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz supports broadly balanced mids. The catch: The 6.80 ideal-subwoofer score places its measured native tonality below the leading monitors.
What the Genelec 8040B does well: A compact professional monitor with balanced XLR input and analog room-adjustment controls. The catch: It lacks GLM calibration and consumer streaming inputs.
Buy the Genelec 8040B. It is rated higher for sound quality than the Fluid Audio Image 2 and costs less, which settles it without a real tradeoff to make.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Powered Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Fluid Audio Image 2 | Genelec 8040B | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $3,798 per pair | $2,790 per pair |
| Ranked | #43 of 68 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #33 of 68 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Enclosure | Active sealed 3-way | - |
| Drivers | AMT tweeter, 5-inch midrange, dual opposed 8-inch woofers | 6.5" (165mm) woofer |
| Frequency Response | 40Hz-27kHz +/-2.2dB | 41Hz - 25kHz (-6dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Amplifier Power | 675W each | 180w Per Speaker |
| Maximum SPL | 112dB each | - |
| Inputs | XLR/TRS, AES/EBU, SPDIF | XLR |
| Dimensions | 14.3H x 9.5W x 13.8D in | 14.4"H x 9.3"W x 8.8"D (365.8 x 236.2 x 223.5 mm) |
| Weight | 28.4 lbs (12.9 kg) each | 20.7 lbs (9.4 kg) each |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.22 | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.80 | - |
| XLR Input | Yes | Yes |
| RCA Input | No | No |
| TRS Input | Yes | No |
| Optical Input | No | No |
| Coaxial Input | Yes | No |
| USB Input | No | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | Yes | No |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| App | - | No |
| EQ | - | Yes (Room adjustment) |
| DSP | - | No |
Related Speaker Comparisons
How Genelec 8040B compares with other leading options:
- Genelec 8351B vs Genelec 8040B
- Neumann KH420 vs Genelec 8040B
- Genelec 8361A vs Genelec 8040B
- Genelec 8040B vs Genelec 8341A
- Genelec 8040B vs Neumann KH 150
Prices on this page were last checked September 23, 2026 at 11:24 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
Fluid Audio Image 2: $3,798 per pair Fluid Audio eBay
Pros: Measured -3dB extension of 38.1Hz gives useful bass reach, while a 2.5dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz supports broadly balanced mids. The active multiway design and DSP tools offer flexibility for a studio installation.
Cons: The 6.80 ideal-subwoofer score places its measured native tonality below the leading monitors. DSP flexibility should not be confused with verified accuracy before adjustment. Full-range headroom, room integration and cabinet placement still need attention in a demanding monitoring system.
Full Fluid Audio Image 2 review and specifications →
| AES Input | Yes |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 675W each |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | Yes |
| Dimensions | 14.3H x 9.5W x 13.8D in |
| Drivers | AMT tweeter, 5-inch midrange, dual opposed 8-inch woofers |
| Enclosure | Active sealed 3-way |
| Frequency Response | 40Hz-27kHz +/-2.2dB |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | XLR/TRS, AES/EBU, SPDIF |
| Maximum SPL | 112dB each |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | No |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.22 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.80 |
| TRS Input | Yes |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 28.4 lbs (12.9 kg) each |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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Genelec 8040B: $2,790 per pair B&H Photo Video eBay
Pros: A compact professional monitor with balanced XLR input and analog room-adjustment controls. The manufacturer’s 41Hz limit is specified at -6dB, offering a useful reference for system planning without confusing it with a measured -3dB point.
Cons: It lacks GLM calibration and consumer streaming inputs. The balanced XLR connection may require an interface or controller for a typical desktop source.
Full Genelec 8040B review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 180w Per Speaker |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| DSP | No |
| Dimensions | 14.4"H x 9.3"W x 8.8"D (365.8 x 236.2 x 223.5 mm) |
| Drivers | 6.5" (165mm) woofer |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) |
| Frequency Response | 41Hz - 25kHz (-6dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | XLR |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | No |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 20.7 lbs (9.4 kg) each |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- No independent measurement review is linked for this model; it is ranked from hands-on listening and comparison against similarly priced speakers.
- Head-to-Head Comparisons