Short answer: the Genelec 8030C. It ranks #3 of 108 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality (rated 4.6/5) at $1,750 and is still sold new; the Genelec 8030A ranks #15 (rated 4.4/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used.
The case for the Genelec 8030A: A compact two-way studio monitor with a 5” woofer, a 3/4” metal dome tweeter in Genelec’s Directivity Control Waveguide and 40W per driver. The catch: 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.
What the Genelec 8030C does well: ASR’s Klippel measurements show a 1.9dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz and smooth listening-window behavior. The tradeoff: A dip around 2-3kHz remains, and vertical placement is less forgiving than the horizontal coverage suggests.
Buy the Genelec 8030C. It is rated higher for sound quality and still sold new, while the Genelec 8030A is discontinued.
Worth knowing: the Genelec 8030A has not been measured yet. Its rating is estimated from related models, with a likely range of 4.2 to 4.6, so treat this verdict as provisional.
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A compact two-way studio monitor with a 5” woofer, a 3/4” metal dome tweeter in Genelec’s Directivity Control Waveguide and 40W per driver.
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ASR’s Klippel measurements show a 1.9dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz and smooth listening-window behavior.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Genelec 8030A | Genelec 8030C | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,300 per pair Discontinued | $1,750 per pair |
| Ranked | #15 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers Estimated | #3 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| XLR Input | Yes | Yes |
| RCA Input | No | No |
| TRS Input | No | No |
| Optical Input | No | No |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | No | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| Inputs | XLR | XLR |
| Drivers | 5” woofer, 3/4” metal dome tweeter with Directivity Control Waveguide | 5.1” woofer, 0.75” metal dome tweeter |
| Amplifier Power | 80W (40W LF + 40W HF) | 100W (50W woofer + 50W tweeter) |
| Frequency Response | 58Hz-20kHz ±2dB (manufacturer specified) | 54Hz - 20kHz (±2.5dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Maximum SPL | 108dB peak per pair (manufacturer specified) | 110dB @ 1m (manufacturer specified) |
| EQ | Yes (bass tilt, treble tilt, desktop control) | Yes (Bass tilt, treble tilt, room response) |
| Dimensions | 11.8”H x 7.4”W x 7”D (299 x 189 x 178 mm) | 11.7”H x 7.4”W x 7”D (297.2 x 188 x 177.8 mm) |
| Weight | 12.3 lbs (5.6 kg) each | 11 lbs (5 kg) each |
| DIY Kit | No | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 47Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | - | 59Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| App | - | No |
Frequency Response Compared
Both speakers’ spinorama measurements, overlaid. A flatter line is more neutral: peaks sound forward or harsh, dips sound recessed. Each curve is shifted so its average from 300 Hz to 3 kHz sits at 0 dB, so loudness differences between the two are removed and only the shape is compared. The two were measured by different sources, so small differences, especially in the bass, can come from the measurement setup rather than the speakers.
Measurement data: Genelec 8030A (measured by the manufacturer) and Genelec 8030C (measured by Audio Science Review), via spinorama.org.
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