Short answer: the Genelec 8020D for better sound quality, the M-Audio BX5 D3 for the lower price. The Genelec 8020D ranks #11 of 65 powered bookshelf speakers at $695. The M-Audio BX5 D3 ranks #30 at $149.50, $545.50 cheaper.
What the Genelec 8020D offers: 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. It lacks the GLM calibration of the SAM models, and the price is substantial for a compact analog-input monitor.
What the M-Audio BX5 D3 offers: The third-party measurements suggest scores of 3.34 standalone and 5.94 with an ideal subwoofer, with a 2.4dB midrange span. Balanced inputs and acoustic-space adjustment are useful for a basic studio setup. The measured -3dB estimate is about 64Hz. Watch for: The response slopes downward by about 0.65dB per octave, potentially softening treble relative to the midrange. There is no digital input or automatic calibration, and the preference estimate does not verify distortion or output headroom.
Buy the Genelec 8020D when sound quality outweighs the price for you, and the M-Audio BX5 D3 when the price outweighs sound quality instead.
Want more options? Browse the full Powered Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Genelec 8020D | M-Audio BX5 D3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,390 per pair | $299 per pair |
| Ranked | #11 of 65 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #30 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) | 10H x 6.9W x 7.8D in |
| Frequency Response | 56 Hz - 25 kHz (-6 dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 52Hz-35kHz |
| Inputs | XLR | XLR and TRS |
| Weight | 7.1 lbs (3.2 kg) each | 12.3 lbs (5.6 kg) each |
| Drivers | 4.1" woofer, 0.75" metal dome tweeter | 1-inch silk tweeter, 5-inch Kevlar woofer |
| App | No | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 50Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | - |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 56Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | - |
| Bluetooth | No | - |
| EQ | Yes (Bass tilt, desk proximity) | - |
| Amplifier Power | 100W (50W woofer + 50W tweeter) | 100W each |
| Maximum SPL | 103dB @ 1m (manufacturer specified) | 110dB |
| Enclosure | - | Active 2-way, rear-ported |
| Spinorama Preference Score | - | 3.34 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | - | 5.94 |
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Prices on this page were last checked September 16, 2026 at 12:41 AM 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 →
| Amplifier Power | 100W (50W woofer + 50W tweeter) |
|---|---|
| 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 |
| Maximum SPL | 103dB @ 1m (manufacturer specified) |
| Weight | 7.1 lbs (3.2 kg) each |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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M-Audio BX5 D3: $299 per pair Amazon eBay
Pros: The third-party measurements suggest scores of 3.34 standalone and 5.94 with an ideal subwoofer, with a 2.4dB midrange span. Balanced inputs and acoustic-space adjustment are useful for a basic studio setup. The measured -3dB estimate is about 64Hz.
Cons: The response slopes downward by about 0.65dB per octave, potentially softening treble relative to the midrange. There is no digital input or automatic calibration, and the preference estimate does not verify distortion or output headroom.
Full M-Audio BX5 D3 review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 100W each |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 10H x 6.9W x 7.8D in |
| Drivers | 1-inch silk tweeter, 5-inch Kevlar woofer |
| Enclosure | Active 2-way, rear-ported |
| Frequency Response | 52Hz-35kHz |
| Inputs | XLR and TRS |
| Maximum SPL | 110dB |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.34 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 5.94 |
| Weight | 12.3 lbs (5.6 kg) each |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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