Short answer: the Genelec 8030C. It ranks #3 of 108 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 4.6/5, at $1,750. The ADAM Audio A4V ranks #67, rated 3.6/5, at $1,079.98, $670.02 cheaper, not enough of a saving to outweigh the sound-quality gap.
The Genelec 8030C is the better-sounding option. A highly accurate compact studio monitor with smooth, even sound across a wide desk, a long time reference choice. The catch: A dip around 2-3kHz remains, and vertical placement is less forgiving than the horizontal coverage suggests.
What the ADAM Audio A4V does well: A compact studio monitor with onboard DSP, placement controls and room correction support for tricky rooms. Watch for: A small average-deviation figure hides a major localized response irregularity: the selected measurement spans 10.8dB from 300Hz to 5kHz, and listening-window narrow-band deviation is 0.547.
Buy the Genelec 8030C. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $670.02 saving on the ADAM Audio A4V is not enough to make up the difference.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Powered Home rankings.
A highly accurate compact studio monitor with smooth, even sound across a wide desk, a long time reference choice.
A compact studio monitor with onboard DSP, placement controls and room correction support for tricky rooms.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Genelec 8030C | ADAM Audio A4V | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,750 per pair | $1,079.98 per pair |
| Ranked | #3 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #67 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 47Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | - |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 59Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | - |
| Dimensions | 11.7”H x 7.4”W x 7”D (297.2 x 188 x 177.8 mm) | 10.6H x 6.2W x 8.7D in |
| Inputs | XLR | XLR and RCA; Ethernet for control |
| Weight | 11 lbs (5 kg) each | 12.8 lbs (5.8 kg) each |
| Drivers | 5.1” woofer, 0.75” metal dome tweeter | X-ART folded-ribbon tweeter, 4” MLM woofer |
| App | No | - |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| EQ | Yes (Bass tilt, treble tilt, room response) | - |
| Frequency Response | 54Hz - 20kHz (±2.5dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 58Hz - 41kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Amplifier Power | 100W (50W woofer + 50W tweeter) | 130W RMS each |
| Maximum SPL | 110dB @ 1m (manufacturer specified) | - |
| XLR Input | Yes | Yes |
| RCA Input | No | Yes |
| 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 |
| Enclosure | - | 2-way active, dual front ports |
| Spinorama Preference Score | - | 3.92 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | - | 6.33 |
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