Short answer: the Genelec 8050B, on measurements. Its CEA2034 spinorama shows a very good on-axis response with excellent directivity, though a dip around 2kHz appears in both the on-axis and predicted in-room measurements. The 8040B is ranked on its smaller speaker’s performance and is very expensive.
On the Genelec 8040B side: Based on the smaller sibling’s measured performance against others, it is ranked accordingly. Set against that: Very expensive.
Buy the Genelec 8050B 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 8350A, which replaces the Genelec 8050B.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Genelec 8040B | Genelec 8050B | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2,790 per pair Discontinued | $4,390 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #57 of 119 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #39 of 119 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) | 17.8”H x 11.3”W x 10.9”D (452.1 x 287 x 276.9 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 41Hz - 25kHz (-6dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 32Hz - 25kHz (-6dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | XLR | XLR |
| Weight | 20.7 lbs (9.4 kg) each | 31.7 lbs (14.4 kg) each |
| Drivers | 6.5” (165mm) woofer | 8” (203mm) woofer |
| App | No | No |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) | Yes (Room adjustment) |
| DSP | No | No |
| Amplifier Power | 180w Per Speaker | 270w Per Speaker |
| 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 | No |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | - | 35.2Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 28.8Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) |
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