Short answer: the Genelec 8010A for the higher ranking, the Presonus Eris E3.5 2nd Gen for the lower price. The Genelec 8010A ranks #1 of 8 powered bookshelf speakers at $700. The Presonus Eris E3.5 2nd Gen ranks #7 at $99.99, $600.01 cheaper.
What the Genelec 8010A gets right: An extremely neutral speaker for mastering and mixing recordings. The tradeoff: Not as deep of bass as the IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor.
On the Presonus Eris E3.5 2nd Gen side: Includes rear-panel high- and low-frequency shelf tone controls, letting you tailor the sound (helpful for near-wall placement. The catch: Stock on-axis response has a pronounced “smiley face” V-curve.
Buy the Genelec 8010A if the ranking matters more than the price. Buy the Presonus Eris E3.5 2nd Gen if the price matters more than the ranking.
Specifications Side By Side
| Genelec 8010A | Presonus Eris E3.5 2nd Gen | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $700 | $99.99 |
| Ranked | #1 of 8 in Small Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #7 of 8 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) | 8.3"H x 6.0"W x 5.5"D (210.8 x 152.4 x 139.7 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 67 Hz-25 kHz (-6dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 80 Hz-20 kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | XLR | RCA, 1/4" Balanced |
| Weight | 3.3 lbs / 1.5 kg | 8.6 lbs / 3.9 kg |
| Drivers | 3" woofer, 0.75" metal dome tweeter | 3.5" woofer, 1" silk dome tweeter |
| App | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 67Hz | 70Hz |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 74Hz | 80Hz |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| EQ | Yes (Bass tilt, Desk proximity) | Yes (Acoustic space) |
| Max SPL | 96dB @ 1m | 95dB @ 1m |
| Output Power | 50W (25W woofer + 25W tweeter) | 50W total (25W per speaker) |
| Outputs | - | 1/8" headphone jack |
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.
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 67Hz |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 74Hz |
| 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 |
- 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
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Links
Presonus Eris E3.5 2nd Gen: $99.99 Amazon
Pros: Includes rear-panel high- and low-frequency shelf tone controls, letting you tailor the sound (helpful for near-wall placement, where the reviewer suggests reducing the bass knob). Distortion and neutrality can be meaningfully improved with simple mods - sealing the rear port and adjusting the tone controls (low +3dB, high -6dB in testing) noticeably flattened the default V-shaped response.
Cons: Stock on-axis response has a pronounced “smiley face” V-curve, with the midrange scooped roughly 6-7dB below the bass and treble - problematic for any mixing or monitoring use. The rear port is too small for the cabinet, producing peaky, boomy bass rather than genuine extension. A strong resonance around 1-2kHz persists even with the port sealed, suggesting an internal standing wave rather than a purely port-related issue. Directivity mismatch between the tweeter and woofer as the woofer narrows with frequency. Hard limiting kicks in above about 86dB, and distortion at 96dB is high - not intended for loud listening. Frequency response measurably drifts over time at moderate-to-high volume (about 1dB shift after 4 minutes at 86dB, worse within a couple minutes at 96dB). In direct comparison, measures 3-5dB hotter in the treble than the Mackie CR3-X, and even after sealing the port and adjusting the tone controls, still measured behind the Mackie overall. Best used aimed off-axis (about 30-40°) and with the port sealed; without EQ/DSP correction, significant tonal problems remain.
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 70Hz |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 80Hz |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Dimensions | 8.3"H x 6.0"W x 5.5"D (210.8 x 152.4 x 139.7 mm) |
| Drivers | 3.5" woofer, 1" silk dome tweeter |
| EQ | Yes (Acoustic space) |
| Frequency Response | 80 Hz-20 kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | RCA, 1/4" Balanced |
| Max SPL | 95dB @ 1m |
| Output Power | 50W total (25W per speaker) |
| Outputs | 1/8" headphone jack |
| Weight | 8.6 lbs / 3.9 kg |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Erin’s Audio Corner Review Measurements
- Audio Science Review Measurements
- DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review Edifier MR4 vs Presonus Eris E3.5 sound.DEMO
- DSAUDIO.review: Presonus Eris E3.5 vs Edifier R1280T Sound Demo w/ Bass Test
- DSAUDIO.review: Presonus Eris E3.5 vs Mackie CR3 Sound Demo w/ Bass Test
- Erin’s Audio Corner: Mackie CR3-X vs PreSonus E3.5 Budget Monitor Showdown!
- Erin’s Audio Corner: 10 Great (and Terrible) Speakers Under $300!
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Links
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Product prices and availability were last checked August 9, 2026 at 6:57 AM UTC 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.