Short answer: the 8030C, and it costs less too. It ranks #3 of 76 medium powered bookshelf speakers against the 8330A’s #7, and it is $500 cheaper.
ASR’s Klippel measurements favor the simpler, analog 8030C. It shows a tight 1.9dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz with smooth listening-window behavior, backing predicted preference scores of 5.35 standalone and 7.60 with an ideal subwoofer. The 8330A’s own measurements are a bit rougher: a wider 2.3dB midrange response span with more local variation in the listening window than either the 8030C or the Neumann KH80 in the same test set, scoring 5.54 standalone and 7.79 with a subwoofer.
The 8330A’s main advantage is DSP and calibration, not raw tonal accuracy. It’s part of Genelec’s SAM lineup with GLM calibration support for room correction, something the analog 8030C doesn’t offer. Our notes are careful to point out that DSP capability shouldn’t be mistaken for superior native neutrality, since GLM hardware also costs extra on top of the speaker’s own price.
Bass extension is close, with a slight edge to the 8330A. It reaches -3dB around 55.7Hz against the 8030C’s 59Hz, and -10dB around 44.9Hz against 47Hz, likely helped by its ported enclosure. Neither speaker has much deep-bass headroom on its own; our notes recommend a subwoofer for full-range monitoring with either one.
Buy the 8030C. It measures more neutral according to ASR’s data, scores higher for tonal accuracy, and costs less.
Buy the 8330A if you specifically want Genelec’s GLM room-calibration ecosystem or its slightly deeper bass extension, and are willing to pay extra for the calibration hardware.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Powered Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Genelec 8030C | Genelec 8330A | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,750 per pair | $2,250 per pair |
| Ranked | #3 of 76 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #7 of 76 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 47Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 44.9Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 59Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 55.7Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Dimensions | 11.7”H x 7.4”W x 7”D (297.2 x 188 x 177.8 mm) | 11.8”H x 7.4”W x 7”D (299 x 189 x 178 mm) |
| Inputs | XLR | XLR, AES/EBU |
| Weight | 11 lbs (5 kg) each | 11.2 lbs (5.1 kg) each |
| Drivers | 5.1” woofer, 0.75” metal dome tweeter | 0.75” metal dome tweeter, 5.1” cone woofer |
| App | No | - |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| EQ | Yes (Bass tilt, treble tilt, room response) | - |
| Frequency Response | 54Hz - 20kHz (±2.5dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 45Hz-23kHz -6dB |
| Amplifier Power | 100W (50W woofer + 50W tweeter) | 100W total (50W woofer, 50W tweeter, Class D) |
| Maximum SPL | 110dB @ 1m (manufacturer specified) | 104dB (manufacturer specified) |
| 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 | Yes |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Enclosure | - | ported |
| Warranty | - | 2 years (5 with product registration) |
| Country | - | Finland |
| Spinorama Preference Score | - | 5.54 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | - | 7.79 |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More top alternatives to Genelec 8030C:
- Genelec 8331A vs Genelec 8030C
- Genelec 8030C vs Neumann KH120 MKII
- Genelec 8030C vs Neumann KH80 DSP
- Genelec 8030C vs Dynaudio LYD 5
- Genelec 8030C vs Genelec 8320A
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The Two Speakers In Full
Genelec 8030C: $1,750 per pair B&H Photo Video eBay
Smaller models: the Genelec 8020D (ranked lower, rated 4.4/5) and the Genelec 8010A (rated 4.5/5).
Larger models: the Genelec 8040B (rated 4.3/5) and the Genelec 8050B (rated 4.4/5).
Pros: ASR’s Klippel measurements show a 1.9dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz and smooth listening-window behavior. Predicted preference scores of 5.35 standalone and 7.60 with an ideal subwoofer support its high position for tonal accuracy. Broad, controlled horizontal radiation makes the balance relatively stable across a desk, and bass reaches -3dB around 56Hz. Measured bass extension of 59Hz (-3dB).
Cons: A dip around 2-3kHz remains, and vertical placement is less forgiving than the horizontal coverage suggests. Deep-bass headroom is limited; isolated high-output measurements at higher frequencies do not describe full-band loudness. The review found demanding bass material could cause audible distress beyond moderate levels. A subwoofer is useful for full-range monitoring.
Full Genelec 8030C review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 100W (50W woofer + 50W tweeter) |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 47Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 59Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| Dimensions | 11.7”H x 7.4”W x 7”D (297.2 x 188 x 177.8 mm) |
| Drivers | 5.1” woofer, 0.75” metal dome tweeter |
| EQ | Yes (Bass tilt, treble tilt, room response) |
| Frequency Response | 54Hz - 20kHz (±2.5dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | XLR |
| Maximum SPL | 110dB @ 1m (manufacturer specified) |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | No |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 11 lbs (5 kg) each |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Genelec 8330A: $2,250 per pair B&H Photo Video eBay
Pros: ASR’s measurements give a 2.3dB midrange response span and a -3dB point around 56Hz. Scores of 5.54 standalone and 7.79 with an ideal subwoofer indicate solid tonal accuracy, while deeper bass than the 8320A helps without a sub. GLM calibration, the waveguide and rounded aluminum enclosure make it a practical compact studio system. Measured bass extension of 55.7Hz (-3dB).
Cons: The listening-window response has more local variation than the 8030C or KH80 in the selected measurements, so DSP capability should not be mistaken for superior native neutrality. GLM calibration hardware costs extra. Small-driver bass headroom remains finite, and neither the modeled ideal-subwoofer score nor the fitted bass Q establishes maximum output or freedom from resonances.
Full Genelec 8330A review and specifications →
| AES Input | Yes |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 100W total (50W woofer, 50W tweeter, Class D) |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 44.9Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 55.7Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| Country | Finland |
| Dimensions | 11.8”H x 7.4”W x 7”D (299 x 189 x 178 mm) |
| Drivers | 0.75” metal dome tweeter, 5.1” cone woofer |
| Enclosure | ported |
| Frequency Response | 45Hz-23kHz -6dB |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | XLR, AES/EBU |
| Maximum SPL | 104dB (manufacturer specified) |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | No |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.54 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.79 |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Warranty | 2 years (5 with product registration) |
| Weight | 11.2 lbs (5.1 kg) each |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons