Short answer: the Genelec 8040B for better sound quality, the Emotiva Airmotiv 6s for the lower price. The Genelec 8040B ranks #9 of 66 powered bookshelf speakers at $2350. The Emotiva Airmotiv 6s ranks #63 at $400, $1950 cheaper.
What the Genelec 8040B offers: Based on their smaller speaker’s performance against others, I’m ranking this accordingly. Watch for: Very expensive
What the Emotiva Airmotiv 6s offers: CEA2034 spinorama shows lots of bass energy below 300Hz and the ability to play louder than a JBL 305P MKII comparison unit. Bi-amped design with 100W (tweeter) plus 110W (woofer) drives a 6.5” AirMotiv low-frequency transducer and AMT-style tweeter. Watch for: A suckout between 300-600Hz on the listening window is followed by a peak from 600Hz up. The built-in EQ options don’t fix this - one preset has the same dip plus a 3-7kHz peak. Vertical response droops at the 2.5kHz crossover. The reviewer’s verdict: there’s no reason to buy a speaker with a suckout in the upper bass if you have a choice.
Buy the Genelec 8040B if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Emotiva Airmotiv 6s if the price matters more than sound quality.
If sound quality matters at all to you, skip the Emotiva Airmotiv 6s. It ranks near the bottom of the 66 powered bookshelf speakers, so look higher up the list instead.
Specifications Side By Side
| Genelec 8040B | Emotiva Airmotiv 6s | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2350 | $400 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #9 of 66 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #63 of 66 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) | - |
| Frequency Response | 41Hz - 25kHz (-6dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 42Hz - 25kHz (+0/-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | XLR | - |
| Weight | 20.7 lbs / 9.4 kg each | 24.9 lbs / 11.3 kg each |
| Drivers | 6.5" (165mm) woofer | 6.5" AirMotiv low-frequency transducer, 60x32mm AirMotiv tweeter |
| App | No | No |
| Bluetooth | No | - |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) | Yes (built-in presets) |
| DSP | No | No |
| Output Power | 180w Per Speaker | 210W total (100W tweeter, 110W woofer) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | - | 72Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 55Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Discontinued | - | Yes |
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Prices on this page were last checked August 25, 2026 at 6:19 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.
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The Two Speakers In Full
Genelec 8040B: $2350 Bhphotovideo eBay
Pros: Based on their smaller speaker’s performance against others, I’m ranking this accordingly.
Cons: Very expensive
Full Genelec 8040B review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 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) |
| Inputs | XLR |
| Output Power | 180w Per Speaker |
| Weight | 20.7 lbs / 9.4 kg each |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Emotiva Airmotiv 6s: $400 Discontinued eBay
Pros: CEA2034 spinorama shows lots of bass energy below 300Hz and the ability to play louder than a JBL 305P MKII comparison unit. Bi-amped design with 100W (tweeter) plus 110W (woofer) drives a 6.5” AirMotiv low-frequency transducer and AMT-style tweeter.
Cons: A suckout between 300-600Hz on the listening window is followed by a peak from 600Hz up. The built-in EQ options don’t fix this - one preset has the same dip plus a 3-7kHz peak. Vertical response droops at the 2.5kHz crossover. The reviewer’s verdict: there’s no reason to buy a speaker with a suckout in the upper bass if you have a choice. Discontinued.
Full Emotiva Airmotiv 6s review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 55Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 72Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| DSP | No |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 6.5" AirMotiv low-frequency transducer, 60x32mm AirMotiv tweeter |
| EQ | Yes (built-in presets) |
| Frequency Response | 42Hz - 25kHz (+0/-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Output Power | 210W total (100W tweeter, 110W woofer) |
| Weight | 24.9 lbs / 11.3 kg each |
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