Short answer: the Genelec 8020D for better sound quality, the Adam Audio T5V for the lower price. The Genelec 8020D ranks #5 of 42 powered bookshelf speakers at $1100. The Adam Audio T5V ranks #10 at $239.99, $860.01 cheaper.
On the Genelec 8020D side: Klippel-based spinorama measurements show a flat, well-behaved on-axis response from about 60Hz to 10kHz. Set against that: Sound power rolls off starting around 500Hz-1kHz as the small 4.1” woofer/tweeter pair begins to beam, a typical trait of small nearfield monitors at this price.
The case for the Adam Audio T5V: Better than the HS5 in terms of vocals detail and better low end. The tradeoff: Elevated, slightly uneven top end from the AMT tweeter, shared with Adam’s other T-series monitors - the rear treble trim only tilts the response rather than flattening it.
Buy the Genelec 8020D if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Adam Audio T5V if the price matters more than sound quality.
Specifications Side By Side
| Genelec 8020D | Adam Audio T5V | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1100 | $239.99 |
| Ranked | #5 of 42 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #10 of 42 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Dimensions | 9.5"H x 5.8"W x 5.6"D (241.3 x 147.3 x 142.2 mm) | 11.7"H x 7"W x 11.7"D (297.2 x 177.8 x 297.2 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 56 Hz - 25 kHz (-6 dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 58Hz - 24kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | XLR | XLR, RCA |
| Weight | 7.1 lbs / 3.2 kg each | 12.6 lbs / 5.7 kg each |
| Drivers | 4.1" woofer, 0.75" metal dome tweeter | 5" (127mm) woofer |
| App | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 50Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 60Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 56Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 78Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| EQ | Yes (Bass tilt, desk proximity) | Yes (Room adjustment) |
| Max SPL | 103dB @ 1m | - |
| Output Power | 100W (50W woofer + 50W tweeter) | 70w Per Speaker |
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The Two Speakers In Full
Genelec 8020D: $1100 Bhphotovideo
Pros: Klippel-based spinorama measurements show a flat, well-behaved on-axis response from about 60Hz to 10kHz, with listening-window and early-reflections curves tracking closely together - a sign of well-controlled directivity. Horizontal directivity holds tight out to about ±30 degrees before starting to narrow. Applying EQ correction visibly closes the gap between the on-axis and predicted in-room curves, raising the calculated on-axis preference score from 5.4 to 6.4 and the in-room score from 5.6 to 6.6 - a straightforward, worthwhile tuning target for anyone using it with room correction.
Cons: Sound power rolls off starting around 500Hz-1kHz as the small 4.1” woofer/tweeter pair begins to beam, a typical trait of small nearfield monitors at this price. Off-axis response (measured out to 90 degrees) narrows noticeably above 1kHz, so off-center listening loses top-end energy. High price for the driver size.
Full Genelec 8020D review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 50Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 56Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Dimensions | 9.5"H x 5.8"W x 5.6"D (241.3 x 147.3 x 142.2 mm) |
| Drivers | 4.1" woofer, 0.75" metal dome tweeter |
| EQ | Yes (Bass tilt, desk proximity) |
| Frequency Response | 56 Hz - 25 kHz (-6 dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | XLR |
| Max SPL | 103dB @ 1m |
| Output Power | 100W (50W woofer + 50W tweeter) |
| Weight | 7.1 lbs / 3.2 kg each |
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 8020D vs Yamaha HS5 Soun & Frequency Response Comparison
- DSAUDIO.review: Genelec 8020D vs Yamaha HS8 Sound & Frequency Response Comparison
- DSAUDIO.review: Neumann KH80 DSP vs Genelec 8020D Sound & Frequency Response Comparison
- DSAUDIO.review: IK Multimedia iLoud MTM vs Genelec 8020D Sound & Frequency Response Comparison
- DSAUDIO.review: KEF LSX vs Genelec 8020D Sound & Frequency Response Comparison
- DSAUDIO.review: Genelec 8020D vs Adam Audo T5V Sound & Frequency Response Comparison
- DSAUDIO.review: Genelec 8020D & KRK Rokit 5 G4 PR5G4 - Same, same, but different Sound & Response Comparison
- Reddit Search for Genelec 8020D Review
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Adam Audio T5V: $239.99 Amazon
Pros: Better than the HS5 in terms of vocals detail and better low end.
Cons: Elevated, slightly uneven top end from the AMT tweeter, shared with Adam’s other T-series monitors - the rear treble trim only tilts the response rather than flattening it. Distortion, while better controlled than most speakers in this price range, isn’t reference quality.
Full Adam Audio T5V review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 60Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 78Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Dimensions | 11.7"H x 7"W x 11.7"D (297.2 x 177.8 x 297.2 mm) |
| Drivers | 5" (127mm) woofer |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) |
| Frequency Response | 58Hz - 24kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | XLR, RCA |
| Output Power | 70w Per Speaker |
| Weight | 12.6 lbs / 5.7 kg each |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
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- Adam Audio T5V vs Focal Alpha 50 EVO
- Adam Audio T5V vs Vanatoo Transparent Zero Plus
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- See all 23 comparisons