Short answer: the Genelec 8040B. It ranks #9 of 66 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality at $2350; the Genelec 8341A ranks #43 and costs $6590, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
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 Genelec 8341A offers: CEA2034 spinorama shows an exceptionally flat on-axis response, within about +1.8dB/-2.2dB of the target curve, with excellent directivity control from the coaxial midrange/tweeter and dual 6.5” woofers. Tri-amplified design totals 550W across bass, mid, and treble sections. Watch for: The bass amplifier runs out of headroom well before the mid/treble sections, producing audible glitching/ticking distortion at higher volumes even at 1 meter - not well suited to larger rooms or higher playback levels as a result. No hard power switch, and it produces a loud static pop when AC power is cut. Very expensive at $6,590 per pair.
Buy the Genelec 8040B. It ranks higher for sound quality than the Genelec 8341A and costs less, so there is no real case for the other one.
Specifications Side By Side
| Genelec 8040B | Genelec 8341A | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2350 | $6590 |
| Ranked | #9 of 66 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #43 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) | not published by manufacturer |
| Frequency Response | 41Hz - 25kHz (-6dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 338Hz - 37kHz (-6dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | XLR | - |
| Weight | 20.7 lbs / 9.4 kg each | not published by manufacturer |
| Drivers | 6.5" (165mm) woofer | 2x 6.5" woofers, 3.5" midrange, 0.75" tweeter (coaxial mid/tweeter) |
| App | No | No |
| Bluetooth | No | - |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) | Yes (Room adjustment) |
| DSP | No | No |
| Output Power | 180w Per Speaker | 550W total (250W bass, 150W mid, 150W treble) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | - | 58Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 40Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More useful head-to-heads from the same speaker class:
- Genelec 8050B vs HEDD Type 20 MK2
- Genelec 8050B vs JBL 4329P
- Genelec 8050B vs Neumann KH 310 A
- JBL 4305P vs Genelec 8341A
- Focal Twin6 Be vs Genelec 8341A
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
Genelec 8341A: $6590 Bhphotovideo eBay
Pros: CEA2034 spinorama shows an exceptionally flat on-axis response, within about +1.8dB/-2.2dB of the target curve, with excellent directivity control from the coaxial midrange/tweeter and dual 6.5” woofers. Tri-amplified design totals 550W across bass, mid, and treble sections.
Cons: The bass amplifier runs out of headroom well before the mid/treble sections, producing audible glitching/ticking distortion at higher volumes even at 1 meter - not well suited to larger rooms or higher playback levels as a result. No hard power switch, and it produces a loud static pop when AC power is cut. Very expensive at $6,590 per pair.
Full Genelec 8341A review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 40Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 58Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| DSP | No |
| Dimensions | not published by manufacturer |
| Drivers | 2x 6.5" woofers, 3.5" midrange, 0.75" tweeter (coaxial mid/tweeter) |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) |
| Frequency Response | 338Hz - 37kHz (-6dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Output Power | 550W total (250W bass, 150W mid, 150W treble) |
| Weight | not published by manufacturer |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons