Short answer: the Genelec 8050B if sound quality matters most, the Genelec 8040B if price matters most. The Genelec 8050B ranks #27 of 66 powered bookshelf speakers at $3800. The Genelec 8040B ranks #32 at $2350, $1450 cheaper.
On the Genelec 8040B side: Based on their smaller speaker’s performance against others, I’m ranking this accordingly. Set against that: Very expensive.
The case for the Genelec 8050B: CEA2034 spinorama shows a very good on-axis response with excellent directivity. The tradeoff: A dip around 2kHz shows up in both the on-axis and predicted in-room measurements.
Buy the Genelec 8040B when the price outweighs sound quality for you, and the Genelec 8050B when sound quality outweighs the price instead.
Specifications Side By Side
| Genelec 8040B | Genelec 8050B | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2350 | $3800 |
| Ranked | #32 of 66 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #27 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) | 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 |
| Output Power | 180w Per Speaker | 270w Per Speaker |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | - | 68Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 50Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
Related Speaker Comparisons
A few more comparisons worth a look in the same class:
- JBL 4305P vs JBL 708P
- Buchardt A500 vs JBL 4305P
- Neumann KH 310 A vs JBL 4305P
- Genelec 8050B vs JBL 4305P
- Focal Twin6 Be vs Genelec 8050B
Prices on this page were last checked September 4, 2026 at 6:09 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 B&H Photo Video eBay
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.
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
Genelec 8050B: $3800 B&H Photo Video eBay
Pros: Measured -3dB extension of 35.2Hz gives the 8050B deeper native bass than many similarly ranked monitors. The 6.49 ideal-subwoofer score supports broadly balanced listening, with a waveguide and analog boundary controls for practical studio placement.
Cons: A 2.7dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz and a dip around 2kHz keep it below the strongest tonal performers. Port-related response features and high-level distortion also warrant attention. Unlike the SAM models, it does not provide GLM room calibration.
Full Genelec 8050B review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 50Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 68Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| DSP | No |
| Dimensions | 17.8"H x 11.3"W x 10.9"D (452.1 x 287 x 276.9 mm) |
| Drivers | 8" (203mm) woofer |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) |
| Frequency Response | 32Hz - 25kHz (-6dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | XLR |
| Output Power | 270w Per Speaker |
| Weight | 31.7 lbs / 14.4 kg each |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons