Short answer: the JBL 305P MKII on value, the Genelec 8020D on measured accuracy. The 305P MKII is a fantastic value in studio monitors, though its amps may hiss slightly at low levels. The 8020D’s Klippel-based spinorama shows a flat, well-behaved on-axis response from about 60Hz to 10kHz, but sound power rolls off starting around 500Hz-1kHz as its small 4.1” woofer/tweeter pair begins to beam.
What the Genelec 8020D gets right: Klippel-based spinorama measurements show a flat, well-behaved on-axis response from about 60Hz to 10kHz. The catch: Sound power rolls off starting around 500Hz-1kHz as the small 4.1” woofer/tweeter pair begins to beam.
On the JBL 305P MKII side: A fantastic value in studio monitors. The catch: Possible slight hissing from the amps at low levels.
Buy the Genelec 8020D if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the JBL 305P MKII if the price matters more than sound quality.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Genelec 8020D | JBL 305P MKII | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,390 per pair | $299.00 per pair |
| Ranked | #11 of 65 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #13 of 65 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 7.3"W x 9.1"D (297.2 x 185.4 x 231.1 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 56 Hz - 25 kHz (-6 dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 49 Hz - 20 kHz (+-3 dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | XLR | XLR, TRS |
| Weight | 7.1 lbs (3.2 kg) each | 10.4 lbs (4.7 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) | 43Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 56Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 50Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| EQ | Yes (Bass tilt, desk proximity) | Yes (Room adjustment) |
| Amplifier Power | 100W (50W woofer + 50W tweeter) | 81w Per Speaker |
| Maximum SPL | 103dB @ 1m (manufacturer specified) | - |
| XLR Input | Yes | Yes |
| RCA Input | No | No |
| 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 | No |
| Sensitivity | - | 91.1dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | - | 4.47 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | - | 6.61 |
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Prices on this page were last checked September 23, 2026 at 11:24 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
Pros: A compact waveguided monitor with balanced XLR input and placement filters, well suited to a small studio desk. 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.
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 →
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JBL 305P MKII: $299.00 per pair Amazon eBay
Pros: Erin’s Klippel data gives 4.47 standalone and 6.61 with an ideal subwoofer, with bass reaching -3dB around 51Hz. Broad horizontal coverage and reasonably smooth reflected sound support stable imaging across a desk. The existing review reports effective limiting and little sustained thermal compression, making it a strong budget-monitor option rather than just a speaker with a promising frequency curve. Measured bass extension of 50Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 91.1dB.
Cons: The 3.3dB midrange span and rising response show it is not perfectly neutral. A port-related feature around 1.6kHz and some excess treble can be audible; the review recommends the treble-trim switch. Vertical crossover interference makes ear height important. Amplifier hiss may matter in very quiet nearfield use, and rear-port placement needs room-boundary adjustment.
Full JBL 305P MKII review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 81w Per Speaker |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 43Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 50Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| Dimensions | 11.7"H x 7.3"W x 9.1"D (297.2 x 185.4 x 231.1 mm) |
| Drivers | 5" (127mm) woofer |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) |
| Frequency Response | 49 Hz - 20 kHz (+-3 dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | XLR, TRS |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | No |
| Sensitivity | 91.1dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.47 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.61 |
| TRS Input | Yes |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 10.4 lbs (4.7 kg) each |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Erin’s Audio Corner Review Measurements More from Erin’s Audio Corner →
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- Erin’s Audio Corner Measurements (spinorama.org)
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