Short answer: the HEDD Type 20 MK2 for the higher ranking, the Genelec 8040B for the lower price. The HEDD Type 20 MK2 ranks #5 of 20 powered bookshelf speakers at $4800. The Genelec 8040B ranks #7 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 if the price matters more than the ranking. Buy the HEDD Type 20 MK2 if the ranking matters more than the price.
Specifications Side By Side
| Genelec 8040B | HEDD Type 20 MK2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2350 | $4800 |
| Ranked | #7 of 20 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #5 of 20 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 |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | - | 32Hz |
| Max SPL | - | 120dB @ 1m (per pair) |
| Outputs | - | XLR (AES pass-through) |
The Two Speakers In Full
Genelec 8040B: $2350 Bhphotovideo
Pros: Based on their smaller speaker’s performance against others, I’m ranking this accordingly.
Cons: Very expensive
| 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 |
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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HEDD Type 20 MK2: $4800 Bhphotovideo
Pros: CEA2034 spinorama shows a nice flat on-axis response with a very smooth directivity index, plus an intentional boost at 40-50Hz for extra bass warmth. Predicted in-room response is nice and smooth. Early reflections integrate very cleanly with the direct sound, rated “very nice” by the reviewer. Distortion at 86dB SPL/1m is very good, staying well below the reviewer’s audibility threshold across the range. Its open-port configuration measures notably lower bass distortion than the same speaker run in closed-port mode.
Cons: Horizontal beamwidth is asymmetric (+60/-80 degrees depending on reference point) and narrows above 10kHz. Vertical directivity means listening position needs to stay at or below the reference axis for accurate tonal balance. At 96dB SPL/1m, distortion rises broadly across the spectrum, exceeding the reviewer’s audibility threshold over a wide frequency range - a notably worse result than at 86dB. Cumulative spectral decay (waterfall) shows resonances lingering in the 500Hz-2kHz region. Switching to closed-port mode increases bass distortion further, so the open-port configuration is preferable.
| App | Yes (HEDD CTRL) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 26Hz |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 32Hz |
| 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 |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Links
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Product prices and availability were last checked August 9, 2026 at 6:57 AM UTC 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.