Genelec 8020D vs Yamaha HS8

Last updated: September 19, 2026

Short answer: the 8020D, if the price gap is acceptable. It ranks #11 of 65 in the bookshelf-medium class at $695; the HS8 ranks #24 of 67 in the larger bookshelf-large class at $797.98, $102.98 less.

Genelec 8020D vs Yamaha HS8

The 8020D’s measurements are unusually well documented in our notes. Klippel-based spinorama data shows a flat, well-behaved on-axis response from about 60Hz to 10kHz, with tight horizontal directivity out to roughly ±30 degrees before narrowing. Its limitation is a small 4.1-inch woofer and tweeter pair that begins to beam above 500Hz to 1kHz.

The HS8 is the more conventional, larger-cabinet choice, good for mixing with a neutral output, at the cost of a slight midrange boost.

Buy the 8020D for the stronger measurements if budget allows. Buy the HS8 for a bigger cabinet at a meaningfully lower price.

Looking for alternatives? See the complete Powered Home rankings.

Specifications Side By Side

Genelec 8020D Yamaha HS8
Price$1,390 per pair$797.98 per pair
Ranked#11 of 65 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers#24 of 67 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers
Dimensions9.5"H x 5.8"W x 5.6"D (241.3 x 147.3 x 142.2 mm)15.4"H x 9.8"W x 13.1"D (391.2 x 248.9 x 332.7 mm)
Frequency Response56 Hz - 25 kHz (-6 dB) (Manufacturer specified)47Hz - 24kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified)
InputsXLRXLR
Weight7.1 lbs (3.2 kg) each22.5 lbs (10.2 kg)
Drivers4.1" woofer, 0.75" metal dome tweeter8" woofer, 1" dome tweeter
AppNoNo
Bass Extension (-10dB)50Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)34.7Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bass Extension (-3dB)56Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)43.9Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
BluetoothNoNo
EQYes (Bass tilt, desk proximity)Yes (Room adjustment)
Amplifier Power100W (50W woofer + 50W tweeter)120w Per Speaker
Maximum SPL103dB @ 1m (manufacturer specified)-
XLR InputYesYes
RCA InputNoNo
TRS InputNoNo
Optical InputNoNo
Coaxial InputNoNo
USB InputNoNo
HDMI InputNoNo
AES InputNoNo
Aux InputNoNo
DSP-No
Spinorama Preference Score-4.95
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub-6.68

How Genelec 8020D compares with other leading options:

Prices on this page were last checked September 22, 2026 at 5:11 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

Genelec 8020D ranking card

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.

AES InputNo
Amplifier Power100W (50W woofer + 50W tweeter)
AppNo
Aux InputNo
Bass Extension (-10dB)50Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bass Extension (-3dB)56Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
BluetoothNo
Coaxial InputNo
Dimensions9.5"H x 5.8"W x 5.6"D (241.3 x 147.3 x 142.2 mm)
Drivers4.1" woofer, 0.75" metal dome tweeter
EQYes (Bass tilt, desk proximity)
Frequency Response56 Hz - 25 kHz (-6 dB) (Manufacturer specified)
HDMI InputNo
InputsXLR
Maximum SPL103dB @ 1m (manufacturer specified)
Optical InputNo
RCA InputNo
TRS InputNo
USB InputNo
Weight7.1 lbs (3.2 kg) each
XLR InputYes

Yamaha HS8: $797.98 per pair Amazon eBay

Yamaha HS8 ranking card

Pros: ASR measurements support broadly neutral sound: a 2.3dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz and 6.68 ideal-subwoofer score. Measured -3dB bass extension of 43.9Hz gives useful weight for music, with straightforward analog connections and room-adjustment controls. Measured bass extension of 43.9Hz (-3dB).

Cons: Its response and off-axis behavior are not as refined as the leading monitors. Vertical positioning around the crossover matters, and a subwoofer remains useful for deep bass. Basic rear-panel controls do not replace measured room correction.

AES InputNo
Amplifier Power120w Per Speaker
AppNo
Aux InputNo
Bass Extension (-10dB)34.7Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bass Extension (-3dB)43.9Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
BluetoothNo
Coaxial InputNo
DSPNo
Dimensions15.4"H x 9.8"W x 13.1"D (391.2 x 248.9 x 332.7 mm)
Drivers8" woofer, 1" dome tweeter
EQYes (Room adjustment)
Frequency Response47Hz - 24kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified)
HDMI InputNo
InputsXLR
Optical InputNo
RCA InputNo
Spinorama Preference Score4.95
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub6.68
TRS InputNo
USB InputNo
Weight22.5 lbs (10.2 kg)
XLR InputYes