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 Devialet Phantom II 98 dB ranks #11 (rated 4.4/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used. The Devialet Phantom II 98 dB’s replacement, the Devialet Phantom Ultimate 98dB, is rated 4.4/5 at $3,998.
What the Genelec 8030C does well: A highly accurate compact studio monitor with smooth, even sound across a wide desk, a long time reference choice. The tradeoff: A dip around 2-3kHz remains, and vertical placement is less forgiving than the horizontal coverage suggests.
The Devialet Phantom II 98 dB is the deeper-bass pick. A compact wireless streaming speaker with startlingly deep bass for its size and an even, well balanced sound. Its bass reaches about 30Hz before falling 3dB, against 59Hz for the Genelec 8030C. Watch for: Small-enclosure bass extension at the measurement level does not guarantee the same response at high volume.
Buy the Genelec 8030C. It is rated higher for sound quality and still sold new, while the Devialet Phantom II 98 dB is discontinued.
Still deciding? The full Powered Home rankings cover every ranked option.
A highly accurate compact studio monitor with smooth, even sound across a wide desk, a long time reference choice.
A compact wireless streaming speaker with startlingly deep bass for its size and an even, well balanced sound.
Prices on this page were last checked October 31, 2026 at 7:11 PM 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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Specifications Side By Side
| Genelec 8030C | Devialet Phantom II 98 dB | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,750 per pair | $2,998 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #3 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #11 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 47Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | approximately 22.6Hz (measured, spinorama.org) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 59Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 30Hz (measured, spinorama.org) |
| Dimensions | 11.7”H x 7.4”W x 7”D (297.2 x 188 x 177.8 mm) | 6.6 x 6.2 x 8.6 in each |
| Inputs | XLR | Wi-Fi, Ethernet, Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, UPnP, Roon Ready, analog/optical combo jack |
| Weight | 11 lbs (5 kg) each | 9.5 lbs (4.3 kg) each |
| Drivers | 5.1” woofer, 0.75” metal dome tweeter | One aluminum full-range driver; two aluminum bass drivers |
| App | No | - |
| Bluetooth | No | Yes |
| EQ | Yes (Bass tilt, treble tilt, room response) | - |
| Frequency Response | 54Hz - 20kHz (±2.5dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 18Hz - 21kHz (-6dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Amplifier Power | 100W (50W woofer + 50W tweeter) | 400W RMS each |
| Maximum SPL | 110dB @ 1m (manufacturer specified) | 98dB at 1m each (manufacturer specified) |
| XLR Input | Yes | No |
| RCA Input | No | No |
| TRS Input | No | No |
| Optical Input | No | Yes |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | No | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth Codecs | - | SBC, AAC |
| Spinorama Preference Score | - | 6.87 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | - | 7.95 |
| Bluetooth Version | - | 5.0 |
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