Short answer: the Genelec 8020D for better sound quality, the Edifier MR5 for the lower price. The Genelec 8020D ranks #11 of 76 powered bookshelf speakers, rated 4.4/5, at $1,390. The Edifier MR5 ranks #59, rated 3.3/5, at $349.99, $1,040.01 cheaper.
The Genelec 8020D is the better-sounding pick. A compact waveguided monitor with balanced XLR input and placement filters, well suited to a small studio desk. Watch for: Small size limits deep-bass reach and headroom.
Why pick the Edifier MR5: Erin’s Audio Corner measured useful bass for a compact 5-inch monitor, with F3 around 51Hz. It keeps a wired aux input, which the Genelec 8020D lacks. The tradeoff: Erin’s CTA-2034 data shows upper-midrange and treble irregularities, while off-axis response narrows more quickly than ideal above about 2-3kHz.
Buy the Genelec 8020D if sound quality is the priority over the price, or the Edifier MR5 if the price is the priority over sound quality.
Still deciding? The full Powered Home rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Genelec 8020D | Edifier MR5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,390 per pair | $349.99 per pair |
| Ranked | #11 of 76 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #59 of 76 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) | 6.3”W x 10.4”H x 11”D (159 x 264 x 280 mm) (active); 159W x 264H x 257D mm (passive) |
| Frequency Response | 56 Hz - 25 kHz (-6 dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 46Hz-40kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | XLR | Balanced XLR, balanced 6.35mm TRS, RCA, 3.5mm Aux |
| Weight | 7.1 lbs (3.2 kg) each | 22.9 lbs (10.38 kg) |
| Drivers | 4.1” woofer, 0.75” metal dome tweeter | 5-inch woofer + 3.75-inch midrange + 1-inch silk-dome tweeter (each) |
| App | No | Yes (Edifier ConneX) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 50Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | - |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 56Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 51Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bluetooth | No | Yes |
| EQ | Yes (Bass tilt, desk proximity) | Yes (app EQ and rear high/low controls) |
| Amplifier Power | 100W (50W woofer + 50W tweeter) | 110W RMS total (Manufacturer specified) |
| Maximum SPL | 103dB @ 1m (manufacturer specified) | 101dB (Manufacturer specified, 1m) |
| XLR Input | Yes | Yes |
| RCA Input | No | Yes |
| TRS Input | No | Yes |
| Optical Input | No | No |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | No | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | No | Yes |
| Outputs | - | 3.5mm headphone |
| Bluetooth Version | - | 6.0 |
| Bluetooth Codecs | - | LDAC, SBC |
| Sensitivity | - | 85dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Measurement Source | - | Erin’s Audio Corner |
| Headphone Output | - | Yes |
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Prices on this page were last checked October 4, 2026 at 9:58 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.
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The Two Speakers In Full
Genelec 8020D: $1,390 per pair B&H Photo Video eBay
Smaller model: the Genelec 8010A (rated 4.5/5).
Larger models: the Genelec 8030C (ranked higher, rated 4.6/5), the Genelec 8040B (rated 4.3/5) and the Genelec 8050B (rated 4.4/5).
Pros: A compact waveguided monitor with balanced XLR input and placement filters, well suited to a small studio desk. Klippel measurements show a flat, well-behaved on-axis response from about 60Hz to 10kHz, with listening-window and early-reflection curves tracking closely, a sign of well-controlled directivity. Measured bass extension of 56Hz (-3dB).
Cons: Small size limits deep-bass reach and headroom. It lacks the GLM calibration of the SAM models, and the price is substantial for a compact analog-input monitor. Sound power starts rolling off around 500Hz to 1kHz as the small drivers begin to beam.
Full Genelec 8020D review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 100W (50W woofer + 50W tweeter) |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 50Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 56Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | 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) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | XLR |
| Maximum SPL | 103dB @ 1m (manufacturer specified) |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | No |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 7.1 lbs (3.2 kg) each |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Audio Science Review Measurements More from Audio Science Review →
- DSAUDIO.review: Genelec 8020D vs Yamaha HS5 Soun & Frequency Response Comparison More from DSAUDIOreview →
- 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
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Edifier MR5: $349.99 per pair Amazon B&H Photo Video eBay
Pros: Erin’s Audio Corner measured useful bass for a compact 5-inch monitor, with F3 around 51Hz. The three-way active design adds a dedicated 3.75-inch midrange, and the 110W RMS system, app EQ, room-compensation controls, LDAC, balanced XLR/TRS inputs, and front headphone output make it unusually well equipped at $350 per pair. Measured bass extension of 51Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 85dB.
Cons: Erin’s CTA-2034 data shows upper-midrange and treble irregularities, while off-axis response narrows more quickly than ideal above about 2-3kHz. Bass output is level-limited below about 70Hz and distortion/compression rise at higher levels, so it suits moderate nearfield use better than loud mid-field playback.
Full Edifier MR5 review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 110W RMS total (Manufacturer specified) |
| App | Yes (Edifier ConneX) |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 51Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | LDAC, SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 6.0 |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| Dimensions | 6.3”W x 10.4”H x 11”D (159 x 264 x 280 mm) (active); 159W x 264H x 257D mm (passive) |
| Drivers | 5-inch woofer + 3.75-inch midrange + 1-inch silk-dome tweeter (each) |
| EQ | Yes (app EQ and rear high/low controls) |
| Frequency Response | 46Hz-40kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Headphone Output | Yes |
| Inputs | Balanced XLR, balanced 6.35mm TRS, RCA, 3.5mm Aux |
| Maximum SPL | 101dB (Manufacturer specified, 1m) |
| Measurement Source | Erin’s Audio Corner |
| Optical Input | No |
| Outputs | 3.5mm headphone |
| RCA Input | Yes |
| Sensitivity | 85dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| TRS Input | Yes |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 22.9 lbs (10.38 kg) |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons