Short answer: the Genelec 8030C. It ranks #3 of 100 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality (rated 4.6/5) at $1,750 and is still sold new; the NHT Pro M-00 ranks #98 (rated 1.7/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used.
The Genelec 8030C is the better-sounding, deeper-bass option. ASR’s Klippel measurements show a 1.9dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz and smooth listening-window behavior. Its bass reaches about 59Hz before falling 3dB, against 83.3Hz for the NHT Pro M-00. The tradeoff: A dip around 2-3kHz remains, and vertical placement is less forgiving than the horizontal coverage suggests.
What the NHT Pro M-00 does well: A sturdy metal enclosure, analog studio/consumer connections and selectable nearfield/farfield voicing give it practical features as an older powered monitor. The tradeoff: The review identifies a pronounced upper-bass cancellation, treble peaks and problematic vertical response, and strongly prefers the JBL 305P MKII in direct listening.
Buy the Genelec 8030C. It is rated higher for sound quality; the NHT Pro M-00 is no longer sold new.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Genelec 8030C | NHT Pro M-00 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,750 per pair | $498 per pair (used market; originally $249 each), Discontinued |
| Ranked | #3 of 100 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #98 of 100 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 47Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 59.7Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 59Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 83.3Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Dimensions | 11.7”H x 7.4”W x 7”D (297.2 x 188 x 177.8 mm) | 9H x 5.7W x 7.3D in |
| Inputs | XLR | RCA, XLR/TRS |
| Weight | 11 lbs (5 kg) each | 14 lbs (6.35 kg) each |
| Drivers | 5.1” woofer, 0.75” metal dome tweeter | 1” ferrofluid-cooled fabric dome tweeter, 4.5” treated paper-cone woofer |
| App | No | No |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| EQ | Yes (Bass tilt, treble tilt, room response) | - |
| Frequency Response | 54Hz - 20kHz (±2.5dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 98Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Amplifier Power | 100W (50W woofer + 50W tweeter) | 75W RMS continuous, 150W peak (per speaker) |
| Maximum SPL | 110dB @ 1m (manufacturer specified) | - |
| XLR Input | Yes | Yes |
| RCA Input | No | Yes |
| TRS Input | No | Yes |
| Optical Input | No | No |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | No | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| DSP | - | 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
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The Two Speakers In Full
Genelec 8030C: $1,750 per pair B&H Photo Video eBay
Older model: the Genelec 8030A (ranked lower, estimated 4.4/5).
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 →
| 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
NHT Pro M-00: $498 per pair (used market; originally $249 each) Discontinued eBay
Pros: A sturdy metal enclosure, analog studio/consumer connections and selectable nearfield/farfield voicing give it practical features as an older powered monitor. Measured bass extension of 83.3Hz (-3dB).
Cons: The review identifies a pronounced upper-bass cancellation, treble peaks and problematic vertical response, and strongly prefers the JBL 305P MKII in direct listening. Discontinued.
Full NHT Pro M-00 review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 75W RMS continuous, 150W peak (per speaker) |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 59.7Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 83.3Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| DSP | No |
| Dimensions | 9H x 5.7W x 7.3D in |
| Drivers | 1” ferrofluid-cooled fabric dome tweeter, 4.5” treated paper-cone woofer |
| Frequency Response | 98Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | RCA, XLR/TRS |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | Yes |
| TRS Input | Yes |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 14 lbs (6.35 kg) each |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons