Short answer: the Genelec 8030C if sound quality matters most, the Presonus Eris E5 if price matters most. The Genelec 8030C ranks #3 of 67 powered bookshelf speakers, rated 4.6/5, at $875. The Presonus Eris E5 ranks #51, rated 3.3/5, at $109.99, $765.01 cheaper.
What the Genelec 8030C gets right: CEA2034 spinorama shows a near-flat on-axis response with smooth directivity - “very nice overall.” Predicted in-room response is excellent. The catch: A minor but measurable dip between 2-3kHz shows up in both on- and off-axis measurements.
Buy the Genelec 8030C if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Presonus Eris E5 if the price matters more than sound quality.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Genelec 8030C | Presonus Eris E5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,750 per pair | $219.98 per pair |
| Ranked | #3 of 67 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #51 of 67 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) | 10.2"H x 7"W x 7.7"D (259.1 x 177.8 x 195.6 mm) |
| Inputs | XLR | TRS, XLR, RCA |
| Weight | 11 lbs (5 kg) each | 10.1 lbs (4.6 kg) each |
| Drivers | 5.1" woofer, 0.75" metal dome tweeter | 5" (127mm) woofer |
| App | No | No |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| EQ | Yes (Bass tilt, treble tilt, room response) | Yes (Room adjustment) |
| Frequency Response | 54Hz - 20kHz (±2.5dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 53Hz - 22kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Amplifier Power | 100W (50W woofer + 50W tweeter) | 80w 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 |
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Prices on this page were last checked September 23, 2026 at 11:24 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
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
Presonus Eris E5: $219.98 per pair Amazon eBay
Pros: Balanced XLR/TRS and RCA inputs plus placement adjustment make the original Eris E5 easy to connect to studio or consumer sources. Existing listening notes describe a fuller low end than some small, bass-light monitors, which may suit casual nearfield listening.
Cons: A fuller bass balance is not necessarily neutral. Placement adjustment is useful, but it does not replace a properly integrated subwoofer for deep-bass monitoring.
Full Presonus Eris E5 review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 80w Per Speaker |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| Dimensions | 10.2"H x 7"W x 7.7"D (259.1 x 177.8 x 195.6 mm) |
| Drivers | 5" (127mm) woofer |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) |
| Frequency Response | 53Hz - 22kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | TRS, XLR, RCA |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | Yes |
| TRS Input | Yes |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 10.1 lbs (4.6 kg) each |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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