Short answer: the HEDD Type 20 MK2 if sound quality matters most, the Genelec 8040B if price matters most. The HEDD Type 20 MK2 ranks #18 of 66 powered bookshelf speakers at $4800. The Genelec 8040B ranks #32 at $2350, $2450 cheaper.
The case for the Genelec 8040B: Based on their smaller speaker’s performance against others, I’m ranking this accordingly. The tradeoff: Very expensive.
What the HEDD Type 20 MK2 gets right: CEA2034 spinorama shows a nice flat on-axis response with a very smooth directivity index. Set against that: Horizontal beamwidth is asymmetric (+60/-80 degrees depending on reference point) and narrows above 10kHz.
Buy the Genelec 8040B when the price outweighs sound quality for you, and the HEDD Type 20 MK2 when sound quality outweighs the price instead.
Specifications Side By Side
| Genelec 8040B | HEDD Type 20 MK2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2350 | $4800 |
| Ranked | #32 of 66 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #18 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) | 14.1"H x 11"W x 13.3"D (358.1 x 279.4 x 337.8 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 41Hz - 25kHz (-6dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 32Hz - 40kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | XLR | XLR (Analog/AES) |
| Weight | 20.7 lbs / 9.4 kg each | 34 lbs / 15.4 kg each |
| Drivers | 6.5" (165mm) woofer | 7" honeycomb composite woofer, 4" honeycomb composite midrange, HEDD AMT (Air Motion Transformer) tweeter |
| App | No | Yes (HEDD CTRL) |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) | Yes (Desk filter, shelf filters) |
| DSP | No | Yes (96kHz/32-bit) |
| Output Power | 180w Per Speaker | 900W (3x300W) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 26Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | - | 32Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Max SPL | - | 120dB @ 1m (per pair) |
| Outputs | - | XLR (AES pass-through) |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More worthwhile head-to-heads for HEDD Type 20 MK2:
- Genelec 8351B vs HEDD Type 20 MK2
- Genelec 8361A vs HEDD Type 20 MK2
- HEDD Type 20 MK2 vs Buchardt A10
- HEDD Type 20 MK2 vs Buchardt A500
- Yamaha HS8 vs HEDD Type 20 MK2
Prices on this page were last checked September 8, 2026 at 6:02 PM 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
HEDD Type 20 MK2: $4800 B&H Photo Video eBay
Pros: The measured ported configuration reaches 35.2Hz at -3dB and scores 6.92 with an ideal subwoofer. A 2.4dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz supports broadly balanced mids, while ported operation reduces deep-bass strain compared with the sealed setting in the review.
Cons: These results are for ported operation, not every bass or phase setting. Horizontal asymmetry and vertical crossover behavior make orientation and listening position important. Distortion rises at higher output, and linear-phase processing can add latency for live monitoring.
Full HEDD Type 20 MK2 review and specifications →
| App | Yes (HEDD CTRL) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 26Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 32Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| DSP | Yes (96kHz/32-bit) |
| Dimensions | 14.1"H x 11"W x 13.3"D (358.1 x 279.4 x 337.8 mm) |
| Drivers | 7" honeycomb composite woofer, 4" honeycomb composite midrange, HEDD AMT (Air Motion Transformer) tweeter |
| EQ | Yes (Desk filter, shelf filters) |
| Frequency Response | 32Hz - 40kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | XLR (Analog/AES) |
| Max SPL | 120dB @ 1m (per pair) |
| Output Power | 900W (3x300W) |
| Outputs | XLR (AES pass-through) |
| Weight | 34 lbs / 15.4 kg each |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons