Short answer: the Genelec 8010A. It ranks #2 of 48 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 4.5/5, at $900. The Cambridge Audio L/R S ranks #4, rated 4.4/5, at $549, $351 cheaper, a saving that is not big enough to make up the sound-quality gap.
The case for the Genelec 8010A: Tiny studio monitors with neutral, accurate sound, best paired with a subwoofer for bass. Watch for: The measured -3dB point is about 78Hz, so deep bass is missing without a subwoofer.
The Cambridge Audio L/R S is the deeper-bass choice. Compact desk speakers with very accurate sound, Bluetooth and optical and USB inputs, best for close listening. Its bass reaches about 57Hz before falling 3dB, against 74Hz for the Genelec 8010A. The tradeoff: Maximum clean output is limited: Erin’s Audio Corner measured about 86dB before the onboard limiter engages around 96dB to protect the drivers, so this is a near-field or small-room speaker rather than one built to fill a living room.
Buy the Genelec 8010A. It is rated higher for sound quality, and saving $351 with the Cambridge Audio L/R S does not make up for the sound-quality gap.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Powered Home rankings.
Tiny studio monitors with neutral, accurate sound, best paired with a subwoofer for bass.
Compact desk speakers with very accurate sound, Bluetooth and optical and USB inputs, best for close listening.
Prices on this page were last checked October 31, 2026 at 7:11 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.
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
Specifications Side By Side
| Genelec 8010A | Cambridge Audio L/R S | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $900 per pair | $549.00 per pair |
| Ranked | #2 of 48 in Small Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #4 of 48 in Small Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Dimensions | 7.7”H x 4.8”W x 4.5”D (195.6 x 121.9 x 114.3 mm) | 5.3” (134 mm) W x 226mm H x 180mm D (each) |
| Frequency Response | 67 Hz-25 kHz (-6dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 55Hz - 24kHz (±3dB, manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | XLR | RCA, optical digital, USB-C |
| Weight | 3.3 lbs (1.5 kg) | 6.6 lbs (3.0kg) primary speaker, 5.7 lbs (2.6kg) secondary speaker |
| Drivers | 3” woofer, 0.75” metal dome tweeter | 21mm aluminum dome tweeter, 3” long-throw woofer |
| App | No | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 67Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 50Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 74Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 57Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bluetooth | No | Yes |
| EQ | Yes (Bass tilt, Desk proximity) | - |
| Amplifier Power | 50W (25W woofer + 25W tweeter) | 100W total (50W to woofer, 50W to tweeter, per speaker) |
| Maximum SPL | 96dB @ 1m (manufacturer specified) | - |
| XLR Input | Yes | No |
| RCA Input | No | Yes |
| TRS Input | No | No |
| Optical Input | No | Yes |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | No | Yes |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth Codecs | - | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD |
| DSP | - | Yes, room size, wall distance, and reflective surface correction; desktop-placement and near-wall/free-space switches |
| Subwoofer Output | - | Yes |
| Outputs | - | Subwoofer, wired speaker-to-speaker link |
| Spinorama Preference Score | - | 5.08 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | - | 7.72 |
| Bluetooth Version | - | 5.1 |
Related Speaker Comparisons
How Genelec 8010A compares with other leading options: