Short answer: both are discontinued, so this only matters if you are buying used. Used, the Genelec 8040B is the better pick: it ranks #54 of 113 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality (rated 4.3/5), against #77 (rated 4.0/5) for the Emotiva Airmotiv 6s. If you want one new, the Genelec 8340A replaces the Genelec 8040B and is rated 4.4/5 at $3,790.
The case for the Genelec 8040B: A compact professional monitor with balanced XLR input and analog room-adjustment controls. The catch: It lacks GLM calibration and consumer streaming inputs.
The case for the Emotiva Airmotiv 6s: ASR measured 49.1Hz -3dB bass extension and a 5.75 ideal-subwoofer score. Watch for: The 3.0dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz includes lower-midrange unevenness that can change vocal weight.
Buy the Genelec 8040B only if you find one used in good condition; both are discontinued, and it is the better rated of the two. For a new speaker, buy the Genelec 8340A, which replaces the Genelec 8040B.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Genelec 8040B | Emotiva Airmotiv 6s | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2,790 per pair Discontinued | $800 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #54 of 113 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #77 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) | 13.5” x 8.5” x 12.8” (343 x 216 x 324 mm) (H x W x D) |
| Frequency Response | 41Hz - 25kHz (-6dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 42Hz - 25kHz (+0/-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | XLR | XLR, RCA |
| 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 | No |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) | Yes (built-in presets) |
| DSP | No | No |
| Amplifier Power | 180w Per Speaker | 210W total (100W tweeter, 110W woofer) |
| 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 |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | - | 49.1Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 37.6Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) |
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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.
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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
Emotiva Airmotiv 6s: $800 per pair Discontinued eBay
Pros: ASR measured 49.1Hz -3dB bass extension and a 5.75 ideal-subwoofer score. The review found useful output capability, making it a credible option for ordinary nearfield playback with additional bass support when needed. Measured bass extension of 49.1Hz (-3dB).
Cons: The 3.0dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz includes lower-midrange unevenness that can change vocal weight. Treble peaks also prevent a fully neutral balance. Equalization may help, but the substantially higher EQ-optimized score is not its native performance. A suckout between 300 and 600Hz in the listening window is followed by a peak from 600Hz up. Discontinued.
Full Emotiva Airmotiv 6s review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 210W total (100W tweeter, 110W woofer) |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 37.6Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 49.1Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| DSP | No |
| Dimensions | 13.5” x 8.5” x 12.8” (343 x 216 x 324 mm) (H x W x D) |
| Drivers | 6.5” AirMotiv low-frequency transducer, 60x32mm AirMotiv tweeter |
| EQ | Yes (built-in presets) |
| Frequency Response | 42Hz - 25kHz (+0/-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | XLR, RCA |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | Yes |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 24.9 lbs (11.3 kg) each |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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