Short answer: the Genelec 8340A, if you are buying new. The Genelec 8040B ranks higher than the JBL 306P MKII (#54 vs #67 of 113 powered bookshelf speakers) but is discontinued; its replacement, the Genelec 8340A, is rated 4.4/5 at $3,790 and is still sold new.
What the Genelec 8040B does well: A compact professional monitor with balanced XLR input and analog room-adjustment controls. It has an adjustable EQ, which the JBL 306P MKII lacks. Watch for: It lacks GLM calibration and consumer streaming inputs.
What the JBL 306P MKII does well: A 6.94 ideal-subwoofer score and 46.9Hz measured -3dB extension make this a useful affordable nearfield monitor. The catch: The 3.4dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz is less even than the JBL 308P MKII’s, with midrange resonances affecting neutrality.
Buy the Genelec 8340A, the replacement for the discontinued Genelec 8040B; it is rated higher for sound quality than the JBL 306P MKII.
Want more options? Browse the full Powered Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Genelec 8040B | JBL 306P MKII | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2,790 per pair Discontinued | $238 per pair |
| Ranked | #54 of 113 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #67 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) | 16.1”H x 11.2”W x 12.9”D (408 x 285 x 328 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 41Hz - 25kHz (-6dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 39Hz - 24kHz (-10dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | XLR | XLR, 1/4” TRS |
| Weight | 20.7 lbs (9.4 kg) each | 13.4 lbs (6.1 kg) each |
| Drivers | 6.5” (165mm) woofer | 6.5” woofer, 1” neodymium tweeter |
| App | No | No |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) | No |
| DSP | No | No |
| Amplifier Power | 180w Per Speaker | 112W total |
| XLR Input | Yes | Yes |
| RCA Input | No | No |
| TRS Input | No | Yes |
| Optical Input | No | No |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | No | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | - | 46.9Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 38.6Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | - | 5.06 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | - | 6.94 |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More top alternatives to Genelec 8040B:
- Genelec 8351B vs Genelec 8040B
- Neumann KH420 vs Genelec 8040B
- Genelec 8361A vs Genelec 8040B
- Genelec 8040B vs Genelec 8341A
- Genelec 8040B vs Neumann KH 150
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.
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
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
JBL 306P MKII: $238 per pair B&H Photo Video eBay
Same family: the JBL 305P MKII (smaller bookshelf, rated 4.3/5) and the JBL 308P MKII (larger bookshelf, ranked higher, rated 4.4/5).
Pros: A 6.94 ideal-subwoofer score and 46.9Hz measured -3dB extension make this a useful affordable nearfield monitor. The waveguide supports broad horizontal listening coverage, and basic boundary controls help with setup. Measured bass extension of 46.9Hz (-3dB).
Cons: The 3.4dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz is less even than the JBL 308P MKII’s, with midrange resonances affecting neutrality. Hiss can matter at a quiet desk, while bass distortion limits demanding playback. A subwoofer improves bandwidth but does not remove the midrange irregularities. A narrow dip around 1.6kHz shows in the on-axis and listening-window curves.
Full JBL 306P MKII review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 112W total |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 38.6Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 46.9Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| DSP | No |
| Dimensions | 16.1”H x 11.2”W x 12.9”D (408 x 285 x 328 mm) |
| Drivers | 6.5” woofer, 1” neodymium tweeter |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 39Hz - 24kHz (-10dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | XLR, 1/4” TRS |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | No |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.06 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.94 |
| TRS Input | Yes |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 13.4 lbs (6.1 kg) each |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons