Short answer: both are discontinued, so this only matters if you are buying used. Used, the Genelec 8030B is the better pick: it ranks #10 of 108 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality (rated 4.5/5), against #15 (rated 4.4/5) for the Genelec 8030A. If you want one new, the Genelec 8030C replaces the Genelec 8030B and is rated 4.6/5 at $1,750.
What the Genelec 8030A does well: An older compact studio monitor with exceptionally consistent sound off to the sides, now discontinued but worth buying used. The tradeoff: Princeton’s data does not cover bass, so it has no preference score; the rating is estimated from it and the measured Genelec 8030C that replaced it.
The case for the Genelec 8030B: A compact aluminum studio monitor from a highly accurate line, now discontinued but worth buying used. Watch for: No independent measurements yet, so its tonal balance and directivity can’t be compared with ranked speakers.
Buy the Genelec 8030B only if you find one used in good condition; both are discontinued, and it is the better rated of the two. For a new speaker, buy the Genelec 8030C, which replaces the Genelec 8030B.
About the ratings: neither speaker has been measured yet, so both ratings are estimated from measured siblings and predecessors (likely ranges: Genelec 8030A 4.2 to 4.6; Genelec 8030B 4.3 to 4.7). Treat this verdict as provisional.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Powered Home rankings.
An older compact studio monitor with exceptionally consistent sound off to the sides, now discontinued but worth buying used.
A compact aluminum studio monitor from a highly accurate line, now discontinued but worth buying used.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Genelec 8030A | Genelec 8030B | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,300 per pair Discontinued | $1,790 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #15 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers Estimated | #10 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers Estimated |
| XLR Input | Yes | - |
| RCA Input | No | - |
| TRS Input | No | - |
| Optical Input | No | - |
| Coaxial Input | No | - |
| USB Input | No | - |
| HDMI Input | No | - |
| AES Input | No | - |
| Aux Input | No | - |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| Inputs | XLR | - |
| Drivers | 5” woofer, 3/4” metal dome tweeter with Directivity Control Waveguide | 1x 3/4” tweeter, 1x 5” woofer |
| Amplifier Power | 80W (40W LF + 40W HF) | 80W (40W bass + 40W treble) |
| Frequency Response | 58Hz-20kHz ±2dB (manufacturer specified) | - |
| Maximum SPL | 108dB peak per pair (manufacturer specified) | - |
| EQ | Yes (bass tilt, treble tilt, desktop control) | - |
| Dimensions | 11.8”H x 7.4”W x 7”D (299 x 189 x 178 mm) | 11.8”H x 7.4”W x 7”D (299 x 189 x 178 mm) |
| Weight | 12.3 lbs (5.6 kg) each | 12.3 lbs (5.6 kg) |
| DIY Kit | No | - |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | - | 55Hz (manufacturer specified) |
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