Short answer: the Genelec 8010A for better sound quality, the Mackie CR3-X for the lower price. The Genelec 8010A ranks #1 of 12 powered bookshelf speakers at $700. The Mackie CR3-X ranks #11 at $99.99, $600.01 cheaper.
On the Genelec 8010A side: An extremely neutral speaker for mastering and mixing recordings. Set against that: Not as deep of bass as the IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor.
The case for the Mackie CR3-X: More neutral overall on-axis response than its closest $100 rival, the PreSonus Eris E3.5 - less of a scooped, V-shaped curve. The tradeoff: Still a ported design in too small a cabinet, producing boosted, boomy bass rather than genuine low-end extension.
Buy the Genelec 8010A if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Mackie CR3-X if the price matters more than sound quality.
If sound quality matters at all to you, skip the Mackie CR3-X. It ranks near the bottom of the 12 powered bookshelf speakers, so look higher up the list instead.
Specifications Side By Side
| Genelec 8010A | Mackie CR3-X | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $700 | $99.99 |
| Ranked | #1 of 12 in Small Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #11 of 12 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) | 8.1"H x 5.5"W x 7.1"D (205.7 x 139.7 x 180.3 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 67 Hz-25 kHz (-6dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 80 Hz-20 kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | XLR | RCA, Aux |
| Weight | 3.3 lbs / 1.5 kg | 7.7 lbs / 3.5 kg |
| Drivers | 3" woofer, 0.75" metal dome tweeter | 3" woofer, 0.75" silk dome tweeter |
| App | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 67Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 70Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 74Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 80Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| EQ | Yes (Bass tilt, Desk proximity) | No |
| Max SPL | 96dB @ 1m | 92dB @ 1m |
| Output Power | 50W (25W woofer + 25W tweeter) | 50W total (25W per speaker) |
| Outputs | - | 1/8" headphone jack |
| Sensitivity | - | 96dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More useful head-to-heads from the same speaker class:
- IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor vs Klipsch ProMedia Lumina
- Klipsch ProMedia Lumina vs Fiio SP3
- Audioengine HD3 vs IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor
- Genelec 8010A vs Presonus Eris E3.5 2nd Gen
- Edifier MR3 vs Genelec 8010A
The Two Speakers In Full
Genelec 8010A: $700 Bhphotovideo
Pros: An extremely neutral speaker for mastering and mixing recordings. Although for mastering, it’s highly recommended to use a larger speaker with deeper bass extension or add a subwoofer
Cons: Not as deep of bass as the IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor. Probably not the best choice for general music listening due to the price and limited bass extension.
Full Genelec 8010A review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 67Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 74Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Dimensions | 7.7"H x 4.8"W x 4.5"D (195.6 x 121.9 x 114.3 mm) |
| Drivers | 3" woofer, 0.75" metal dome tweeter |
| EQ | Yes (Bass tilt, Desk proximity) |
| Frequency Response | 67 Hz-25 kHz (-6dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | XLR |
| Max SPL | 96dB @ 1m |
| Output Power | 50W (25W woofer + 25W tweeter) |
| Weight | 3.3 lbs / 1.5 kg |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Audio Science Review Measurements
- DSAUDIO.review: Genelec 8010A (Genelec G One) vs iLoud Micro Monitor Sound Demo w/ Bass Test
- DSAUDIO.review: Genelec 8010A (Genelec G One) vs Presonus Eris E4.5 Sound Demo w/ Bass Test
- DSAUDIO.review: Genelec 8010A (G One) vs JBL LSR305 Sound Demo w/ Bass Test
- DSAUDIO.review: Genelec 8010A (Genelec G One) vs Audioengine A2+ Sound Demo w/ Bass Test
- DSAUDIO.review: Genelec 8010A (Genelec G One) vs Yamaha HS5 Sound Demo w/ Bass Test
- Reddit Search for Genelec 8010A Review
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Genelec 8010A vs IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor
- Genelec 8010A vs Adam Audio D3v
- Genelec 8010A vs Edifier MR3
- Genelec 8010A vs Audioengine HD3
- Genelec 8010A vs Edifier M60
- Genelec 8010A vs Klipsch ProMedia Lumina
- Genelec 8010A vs Audioengine A2+
- Genelec 8010A vs Presonus Eris E3.5 2nd Gen
- See all 10 comparisons
Mackie CR3-X: $99.99 Amazon
Pros: More neutral overall on-axis response than its closest $100 rival, the PreSonus Eris E3.5 - less of a scooped, V-shaped curve. Distortion at 96dB stays below 3% THD through most of the midrange - no real issues at typical near-field listening levels. Better long-term compression behavior than the PreSonus at both 86dB and 96dB. The reviewer’s pick between the two $100 monitors, even though the PreSonus has tone-adjustment knobs it lacks.
Cons: Still a ported design in too small a cabinet, producing boosted, boomy bass rather than genuine low-end extension. No tone-control knobs for adjusting the sound, unlike the PreSonus. Hard limiting and compression set in significantly above 86dB - not intended for loud listening. Off-axis measurements show the treble smooths out with moderate toe-out, but on-axis it reads as somewhat lifted. Vertical placement matters - going above or below tweeter-ear-level causes real deviation through the crossover region. Benefits substantially from sealing the port to tame the bass hump, a modification the reviewer recommends for both this and the PreSonus.
Full Mackie CR3-X review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 70Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 80Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Dimensions | 8.1"H x 5.5"W x 7.1"D (205.7 x 139.7 x 180.3 mm) |
| Drivers | 3" woofer, 0.75" silk dome tweeter |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 80 Hz-20 kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | RCA, Aux |
| Max SPL | 92dB @ 1m |
| Output Power | 50W total (25W per speaker) |
| Outputs | 1/8" headphone jack |
| Sensitivity | 96dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Weight | 7.7 lbs / 3.5 kg |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Erin’s Audio Corner Review Measurements
- Audio Science Review Measurements
- DSAUDIO.review: Presonus Eris E3.5 vs Mackie CR3 Sound Demo w/ Bass Test
- DSAUDIO.review: Mackie CR3-X vs Edifier R1280T Sound, Distortion & Frequency Response Comparison
- Erin’s Audio Corner: Mackie CR3-X vs PreSonus E3.5 Budget Monitor Showdown!
- Reddit Search for Mackie CR3-X Review
- Head-to-Head Comparisons