Short answer: the Genelec 8030C. It ranks #3 of 105 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 4.6/5, at $1,750; the Genelec G Three ranks #9, rated 4.5/5, at $1,750. With prices this close, go by the sound-quality ranking rather than the cost.
Why pick the Genelec 8030C: ASR’s Klippel measurements show a 1.9dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz and smooth listening-window behavior. The catch: A dip around 2-3kHz remains, and vertical placement is less forgiving than the horizontal coverage suggests.
Why pick the Genelec G Three: The home version of Genelec’s 8030 studio monitor: the same 5” woofer, 0.75” metal-dome tweeter and Directivity Control Waveguide in a die-cast aluminum cabinet, with 50W each for bass and treble. The tradeoff: No independent measurements yet, so its tonal balance and directivity can’t be compared directly with measured speakers; the rating is estimated from the measured Genelec 8030C it is based on.
Buy the Genelec 8030C. It is rated higher for sound quality than the Genelec G Three at the same price, so only choose the other one for a particular feature it does better.
Worth knowing: the Genelec G Three has not been measured yet. Its rating is estimated from related models, with a likely range of 4.2 to 4.7, so treat this verdict as provisional.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Powered Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Genelec 8030C | Genelec G Three | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,750 per pair | $1,750 per pair |
| Ranked | #3 of 105 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #9 of 105 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers Estimated |
| 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) | 11.8” (299 mm) H x 189mm W x 178mm D (with Iso-Pod) |
| Inputs | XLR | RCA, XLR |
| Weight | 11 lbs (5 kg) each | 11 lbs (5.0 kg) each |
| Drivers | 5.1” woofer, 0.75” metal dome tweeter | 5.1” (130mm) woofer, 0.75” (19mm) metal dome tweeter |
| App | No | No |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| EQ | Yes (Bass tilt, treble tilt, room response) | Yes (bass and treble room switches) |
| Frequency Response | 54Hz - 20kHz (±2.5dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 54Hz - 20kHz (±2.5dB), 47Hz - 25kHz (-6dB) (manufacturer specified) |
| Amplifier Power | 100W (50W woofer + 50W tweeter) | 100W (50W woofer + 50W tweeter) |
| Maximum SPL | 110dB @ 1m (manufacturer specified) | 104dB short-term @ 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 |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More worthwhile head-to-heads for 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 8330A
Prices on this page were last checked October 11, 2026 at 4:59 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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The Two Speakers In Full
Genelec 8030C: $1,750 per pair B&H Photo Video eBay
Older models: the Genelec 8030B (ranked lower, estimated 4.5/5) and the Genelec 8030A (ranked lower, estimated 4.4/5). See every Genelec 8000 and 8300 Series generation.
Same family: the Genelec 8010A (smaller bookshelf, rated 4.5/5), the Genelec 8020D (smaller bookshelf, ranked lower, rated 4.4/5), the Genelec 8040B (larger bookshelf, rated 4.3/5) and the Genelec 8050B (larger bookshelf, 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 →
| Released | Apr 2017 (9 years ago) |
|---|---|
| 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 G Three: $1,750 per pair Estimated B&H Photo Video eBay
Same family: the Genelec G One (smaller bookshelf, estimated 4.4/5), the Genelec G Two (smaller bookshelf, ranked lower, rated 4.3/5), the Genelec G Four (larger bookshelf, estimated 4.2/5) and the Genelec G Five (larger bookshelf, estimated 4.3/5).
Pros: The home version of Genelec’s 8030 studio monitor: the same 5” woofer, 0.75” metal-dome tweeter and Directivity Control Waveguide in a die-cast aluminum cabinet, with 50W each for bass and treble. The waveguide gives smooth, even off-axis sound, so the tonal balance holds up across a sofa rather than only at one seat. It takes both RCA and balanced XLR, reaches 54Hz (±2.5dB) and plays to 104dB short-term.
Cons: No independent measurements yet, so its tonal balance and directivity can’t be compared directly with measured speakers; the rating is estimated from the measured Genelec 8030C it is based on. Bass rolls off below about 54Hz, so a subwoofer helps for movies and electronic music, and there is no GLM room calibration like the studio models, only rear tone switches.
Full Genelec G Three review and specifications →
| Released | Sep 2013 (13 years ago) |
|---|---|
| AES Input | No |
| Amplifier Power | 100W (50W woofer + 50W tweeter) |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| Dimensions | 11.8” (299 mm) H x 189mm W x 178mm D (with Iso-Pod) |
| Drivers | 5.1” (130mm) woofer, 0.75” (19mm) metal dome tweeter |
| EQ | Yes (bass and treble room switches) |
| Frequency Response | 54Hz - 20kHz (±2.5dB), 47Hz - 25kHz (-6dB) (manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | RCA, XLR |
| Maximum SPL | 104dB short-term @ 1m (manufacturer specified) |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | Yes |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 11 lbs (5.0 kg) each |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- No independent measurement review is linked for this model; it is ranked from hands-on listening and comparison against similarly priced speakers.
- Head-to-Head Comparisons