Short answer: the Adam Audio S2V. It ranks #16 of 113 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality (rated 4.6/5) at $3,399.98 and is still sold new; the Genelec 8040B ranks #54 (rated 4.3/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used. The Genelec 8040B’s replacement, the Genelec 8340A, is rated 4.4/5.
Why pick the Genelec 8040B: A compact professional monitor with balanced XLR input and analog room-adjustment controls. It has an adjustable EQ, which the Adam Audio S2V lacks. Watch for: It lacks GLM calibration and consumer streaming inputs.
Why pick the Adam Audio S2V: A 7.98 ideal-subwoofer score and relatively even listening-window response support a strong role as a subwoofer-assisted studio monitor. Watch for: Measured -3dB extension is 52.7Hz, so the large cabinet does not automatically deliver the deepest bass here.
Buy the Adam Audio S2V. It is rated higher for sound quality; the Genelec 8040B is no longer sold new.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Powered Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Genelec 8040B | Adam Audio S2V | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2,790 per pair Discontinued | $3,399.98 per pair |
| Ranked | #54 of 113 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #16 of 113 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Dimensions | 14.4”H x 9.3”W x 8.8”D (365.8 x 236.2 x 223.5 mm) | 13.6” x 8.7” x 13.3” (346 x 222 x 338 mm) (H x W x D) |
| Frequency Response | 41Hz - 25kHz (-6dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 35Hz - 50kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | XLR | XLR, AES/EBU |
| Weight | 20.7 lbs (9.4 kg) each | 24.3 lbs (11.0 kg) |
| Drivers | 6.5” (165mm) woofer | 7” woofer, S-ART AMT tweeter |
| App | No | Yes |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) | No |
| DSP | No | Yes |
| Amplifier Power | 180w Per Speaker | 350W total (300W woofer Class D, 50W tweeter Class A/B) |
| 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 |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | - | 52.7Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 41.2Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | - | 5.84 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | - | 7.98 |
Related Speaker Comparisons
How Adam Audio S2V compares with other leading options:
- Genelec 8341A vs Adam Audio S2V
- LOGProfessional Alpha vs Adam Audio S2V
- Neumann KH 310 A vs Adam Audio S2V
- JBL 308P MKII vs Adam Audio S2V
- Yamaha HS8 vs Adam Audio S2V
Prices on this page were last checked October 9, 2026 at 8:01 AM 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.
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
The Two Speakers In Full
Genelec 8040B: $2,790 per pair Discontinued B&H Photo Video eBay
Newer model: the Genelec 8340A, ranked higher, estimated 4.4/5. It uses the same cabinet and woofer size, adding GLM room calibration and an AES/EBU digital input.
Same family: the Genelec 8010A (smaller bookshelf, rated 4.5/5), the Genelec 8020D (smaller bookshelf, rated 4.4/5), the Genelec 8030C (smaller bookshelf, rated 4.6/5) and the Genelec 8050B (larger bookshelf, ranked higher, rated 4.4/5).
Pros: A compact professional monitor with balanced XLR input and analog room-adjustment controls. The manufacturer’s 41Hz limit is specified at -6dB, offering a useful reference for system planning without confusing it with a measured -3dB point.
Cons: It lacks GLM calibration and consumer streaming inputs. The balanced XLR connection may require an interface or controller for a typical desktop source. It is expensive. Discontinued.
Full Genelec 8040B review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 180w Per Speaker |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| DSP | No |
| Dimensions | 14.4”H x 9.3”W x 8.8”D (365.8 x 236.2 x 223.5 mm) |
| Drivers | 6.5” (165mm) woofer |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) |
| Frequency Response | 41Hz - 25kHz (-6dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | XLR |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | No |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 20.7 lbs (9.4 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
Adam Audio S2V: $3,399.98 per pair Amazon eBay
Same family: the ADAM Audio S3V (larger bookshelf, ranked lower, estimated 4.5/5), the ADAM Audio S3H (larger bookshelf, ranked lower, estimated 4.5/5), the ADAM Audio S5V (larger bookshelf, ranked lower, estimated 4.4/5) and the ADAM Audio S5H (larger bookshelf, ranked lower, estimated 4.4/5).
Pros: A 7.98 ideal-subwoofer score and relatively even listening-window response support a strong role as a subwoofer-assisted studio monitor. The review’s low-distortion findings add useful evidence beyond amplifier ratings, and onboard DSP permits tailored adjustment. The review measured distortion about 70dB below the signal at 1kHz. Measured bass extension of 52.7Hz (-3dB).
Cons: Measured -3dB extension is 52.7Hz, so the large cabinet does not automatically deliver the deepest bass here. The native balance rises toward the treble, with some lower-midrange unevenness. DSP can improve that balance, but an EQ-optimized result is not its unadjusted performance.
Full Adam Audio S2V review and specifications →
| AES Input | Yes |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 350W total (300W woofer Class D, 50W tweeter Class A/B) |
| App | Yes |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 41.2Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 52.7Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| DSP | Yes |
| Dimensions | 13.6” x 8.7” x 13.3” (346 x 222 x 338 mm) (H x W x D) |
| Drivers | 7” woofer, S-ART AMT tweeter |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 35Hz - 50kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | XLR, AES/EBU |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | No |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.84 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.98 |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 24.3 lbs (11.0 kg) |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons