Short answer: the Focal Twin6 Be. It ranks #34 of 40 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality at $2200; the Genelec 8341A ranks #36 and costs $6590, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
What the Focal Twin6 Be gets right: 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. The catch: 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.
What the Genelec 8341A offers: 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. Watch for: The bass amplifier runs out of headroom well before the mid/treble sections.
Buy the Focal Twin6 Be. 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
| Focal Twin6 Be | Genelec 8341A | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2,200 each | $6590 |
| Ranked | #34 of 40 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #36 of 40 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension | 40Hz manufacturer specified; Erin measured strong low-frequency linearity | - |
| Sensitivity | Not applicable (active studio monitor) | - |
| Drivers | 1" inverted beryllium tweeter; dual 6.5" W-cone drivers | 2x 6.5" woofers, 3.5" midrange, 0.75" tweeter (coaxial mid/tweeter) |
| Amplification | 150W LF + 100W LF/MF + 100W HF | - |
| Inputs | Balanced XLR with +4dBu/-10dBV sensitivity | - |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | - | 58Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 40Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Dimensions | - | not published by manufacturer |
| Frequency Response | - | 338Hz - 37kHz (-6dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Weight | - | not published by manufacturer |
| App | - | No |
| EQ | - | Yes (Room adjustment) |
| DSP | - | No |
| Output Power | - | 550W total (250W bass, 150W mid, 150W treble) |
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- Klipsch The Nines vs Genelec 8341A
- Genelec 8341A vs Adam Audio S2V
The Two Speakers In Full
Focal Twin6 Be: $2,200 each Amazon
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 |
| Drivers | 1" inverted beryllium tweeter; dual 6.5" W-cone drivers |
| Inputs | Balanced XLR with +4dBu/-10dBV sensitivity |
| Sensitivity | Not applicable (active studio monitor) |
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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