Short answer: the Genelec S360. It ranks #28 of 113 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality (rated 4.5/5) at $9,550 and is still sold new; the Genelec 8040B ranks #54 (rated 4.3/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used. The Genelec 8040B’s replacement, the Genelec 8340A, is rated 4.4/5.
Why pick 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 Genelec S360: A strong choice when professional output capability and listening distance matter. The catch: The substantial enclosure and installation requirements make it excessive for many desks.
Buy the Genelec S360. It is rated higher for sound quality; the Genelec 8040B is no longer sold new.
Still deciding? The full Powered Home rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Genelec 8040B | Genelec S360 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2,790 per pair Discontinued | $9,550 per pair |
| Ranked | #54 of 113 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #28 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) | 20.9”H x 14.2”W x 14.2”D (530 x 360 x 360 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 41Hz - 25kHz (-6dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 36Hz-22kHz -6dB |
| Inputs | XLR | XLR (analog), XLR AES/EBU (digital) |
| Weight | 20.7 lbs (9.4 kg) each | 66.1 lbs (30 kg) each |
| Drivers | 6.5” (165mm) woofer | 1” titanium compression tweeter, 10” cone woofer |
| App | No | - |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) | - |
| DSP | No | - |
| Amplifier Power | 180w Per Speaker | 350W total (250W woofer, 100W tweeter, Class D) |
| 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 | Yes |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Enclosure | - | ported |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | - | 39.6Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 35.6Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Warranty | - | 2 years (5 with product registration) |
| Country | - | Finland |
| Maximum SPL | - | Peak 128dB (manufacturer specified) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | - | 5.96 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | - | 7.70 |
Related Speaker Comparisons
How Genelec S360 compares with other leading options:
- LOGProfessional Alpha vs Genelec S360
- Neumann KH 310 A vs Genelec S360
- Genelec S360 vs JBL 308P MKII
- Yamaha HS8 vs Genelec S360
- Kali Audio LP-6 V2 vs Genelec S360
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
Genelec S360: $9,550 per pair B&H Photo Video eBay
Pros: A strong choice when professional output capability and listening distance matter. The measured 2.0dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz, 39.6Hz -3dB extension and 7.70 ideal-subwoofer score support balanced sound, while GLM provides room-integration tools. It is capable of peak output over 128dB. Measured bass extension of 39.6Hz (-3dB).
Cons: The substantial enclosure and installation requirements make it excessive for many desks. Its tonal measurements do not surpass the best smaller monitors simply because it can play louder. Deep-bass reproduction still benefits from a subwoofer, especially in high-output systems. The fitted bass-alignment Q of 1.16 suggests a mild bump near the port tuning rather than a clean rolloff.
Full Genelec S360 review and specifications →
| AES Input | Yes |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 350W total (250W woofer, 100W tweeter, Class D) |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 35.6Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 39.6Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| Country | Finland |
| Dimensions | 20.9”H x 14.2”W x 14.2”D (530 x 360 x 360 mm) |
| Drivers | 1” titanium compression tweeter, 10” cone woofer |
| Enclosure | ported |
| Frequency Response | 36Hz-22kHz -6dB |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | XLR (analog), XLR AES/EBU (digital) |
| Maximum SPL | Peak 128dB (manufacturer specified) |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | No |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.96 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.70 |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Warranty | 2 years (5 with product registration) |
| Weight | 66.1 lbs (30 kg) each |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons