Short answer: the Genelec 8050B for better sound quality, the Focal Twin6 Be for the lower price. The Genelec 8050B ranks #8 of 61 powered bookshelf speakers at $3800. The Focal Twin6 Be ranks #38 at $2200, $1600 cheaper.
What the Focal Twin6 Be offers: High-output 2.5-way studio monitor with an inverted beryllium tweeter and two 6.5-inch W-composite drivers, one covering bass/midrange and the other reinforcing only 40-150Hz. Erin measured excellent harmonic distortion at both 86 and 96dB, essentially quarter-decibel dynamic compression and clean subjective output around 95dB. Mirror-configurable driver orientation, front ports, shelving/notch controls and switchable +4dBu/-10dBV input sensitivity support professional installation. Watch for: The response and directivity are not as uniformly neutral as newer waveguided three-way monitors, and Erin suspected intermodulation-related roughness even though conventional harmonic distortion was low. The amplifier plate becomes notably warm after extended operation. Hiss is more audible in -10dBV mode, and safe output can be deceptive because the speaker gives little audible warning before excessive exposure. The active design has no passive impedance or sensitivity figure; low-bass extension should be augmented for full-range mastering.
What the Genelec 8050B offers: CEA2034 spinorama shows a very good on-axis response with excellent directivity. Predicted in-room response is smooth, with only a 2kHz dip as a real issue. Horizontal beamwidth of about ±50 degrees is very smooth and well controlled. Vertical directivity is similarly even outside the 2kHz region, as long as listening position stays within about ±20 degrees of the woofer’s border. Distortion at 96dB SPL/1m is typical low-frequency behavior with the rest of the range well controlled. Watch for: A dip around 2kHz shows up in both the on-axis and predicted in-room measurements. An unexplained distortion spike appears around 10-15kHz at 96dB SPL/1m that the reviewer couldn’t identify a clear cause for. Cumulative spectral decay (waterfall) shows a port resonance lingering in the upper-bass/lower-midrange region. Very expensive.
Buy the Focal Twin6 Be if the price matters more than sound quality. Buy the Genelec 8050B if sound quality matters more than the price.
Specifications Side By Side
| Focal Twin6 Be | Genelec 8050B | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2,200 each | $3800 |
| Ranked | #38 of 61 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #8 of 61 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension | 40Hz manufacturer specified; Erin measured strong low-frequency linearity | - |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 48.3Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 68Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 39.1Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 50Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Sensitivity | Not applicable (active studio monitor) | - |
| Drivers | 1" inverted beryllium tweeter; dual 6.5" W-cone drivers | 8" (203mm) woofer |
| Amplification | 150W LF + 100W LF/MF + 100W HF | - |
| Inputs | Balanced XLR with +4dBu/-10dBV sensitivity | XLR |
| Dimensions | - | 17.8"H x 11.3"W x 10.9"D (452.1 x 287 x 276.9 mm) |
| Frequency Response | - | 32Hz - 25kHz (-6dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Weight | - | 31.7 lbs / 14.4 kg each |
| App | - | No |
| Bluetooth | - | No |
| EQ | - | Yes (Room adjustment) |
| DSP | - | No |
| Output Power | - | 270w Per Speaker |
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- Genelec 8040B vs Genelec 8050B
Prices on this page were last checked August 24, 2026 at 6:53 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
Focal Twin6 Be: $2,200 each Amazon eBay
Pros: High-output 2.5-way studio monitor with an inverted beryllium tweeter and two 6.5-inch W-composite drivers, one covering bass/midrange and the other reinforcing only 40-150Hz. Erin measured excellent harmonic distortion at both 86 and 96dB, essentially quarter-decibel dynamic compression and clean subjective output around 95dB. Mirror-configurable driver orientation, front ports, shelving/notch controls and switchable +4dBu/-10dBV input sensitivity support professional installation.
Cons: The response and directivity are not as uniformly neutral as newer waveguided three-way monitors, and Erin suspected intermodulation-related roughness even though conventional harmonic distortion was low. The amplifier plate becomes notably warm after extended operation. Hiss is more audible in -10dBV mode, and safe output can be deceptive because the speaker gives little audible warning before excessive exposure. The active design has no passive impedance or sensitivity figure; low-bass extension should be augmented for full-range mastering.
Full Focal Twin6 Be review and specifications →
| Amplification | 150W LF + 100W LF/MF + 100W HF |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension | 40Hz manufacturer specified; Erin measured strong low-frequency linearity |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 39.1Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 48.3Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Drivers | 1" inverted beryllium tweeter; dual 6.5" W-cone drivers |
| Inputs | Balanced XLR with +4dBu/-10dBV sensitivity |
| Sensitivity | Not applicable (active studio monitor) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Genelec 8050B: $3800 Bhphotovideo eBay
Pros: CEA2034 spinorama shows a very good on-axis response with excellent directivity. Predicted in-room response is smooth, with only a 2kHz dip as a real issue. Horizontal beamwidth of about ±50 degrees is very smooth and well controlled. Vertical directivity is similarly even outside the 2kHz region, as long as listening position stays within about ±20 degrees of the woofer’s border. Distortion at 96dB SPL/1m is typical low-frequency behavior with the rest of the range well controlled.
Cons: A dip around 2kHz shows up in both the on-axis and predicted in-room measurements. An unexplained distortion spike appears around 10-15kHz at 96dB SPL/1m that the reviewer couldn’t identify a clear cause for. Cumulative spectral decay (waterfall) shows a port resonance lingering in the upper-bass/lower-midrange region. Very expensive.
Full Genelec 8050B review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 50Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 68Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| DSP | No |
| Dimensions | 17.8"H x 11.3"W x 10.9"D (452.1 x 287 x 276.9 mm) |
| Drivers | 8" (203mm) woofer |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) |
| Frequency Response | 32Hz - 25kHz (-6dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | XLR |
| Output Power | 270w Per Speaker |
| Weight | 31.7 lbs / 14.4 kg each |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons