Short answer: the JBL 708P, if you are buying new. The Genelec 8040B ranks higher than it (#33 vs #39 of 68 powered bookshelf speakers, 4.3/5 vs 4.2/5) but is discontinued, so only consider it used; the JBL 708P is still sold new at $4,000.
The case for the Genelec 8040B: Based on the smaller sibling’s measured performance against others, it is ranked accordingly. The tradeoff: Very expensive.
What the JBL 708P offers: CEA2034 spinorama shows extremely good frequency response both on- and off-axis, with excellent horizontal directivity. Watch for: A port resonance creates a mild rise around 600-900Hz.
Buy the JBL 708P if you want one new; the Genelec 8040B is discontinued, so only look for it used.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Powered Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Genelec 8040B | JBL 708P | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2,790 per pair Discontinued | $4000 per pair |
| Ranked | #33 of 68 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #39 of 68 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) | 17.2”H x 9.8”W x 11.5”D (438 x 248 x 292 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 41Hz - 25kHz (-6dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 41Hz - 25kHz (+/-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | XLR | XLR/TRS combo (analog), XLR AES3 (digital) |
| Weight | 20.7 lbs (9.4 kg) each | 25.1 lbs (11.4 kg) each |
| Drivers | 6.5” (165mm) woofer | 8” woofer, 2409H 1” compression driver |
| App | No | No |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) | No |
| DSP | No | No |
| Amplifier Power | 180w Per Speaker | 500W total (250W woofer, 250W tweeter) |
| 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 | Yes |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | - | 43.9Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 35.6Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | - | 5.03 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | - | 6.91 |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More worthwhile head-to-heads for 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 2, 2026 at 10:18 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.
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. It’s likely to perform similarly, though we don’t have measurements to confirm that yet. It uses the same cabinet and woofer size, adding GLM room calibration and an AES/EBU digital input.
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 708P: $4000 per pair B&H Photo Video eBay
Pros: Erin’s measurements give 43.9Hz -3dB extension and a 6.91 ideal-subwoofer score, with useful bass from a professional active monitor. The waveguide and onboard processing make it a practical choice for a carefully installed studio system. Measured bass extension of 43.9Hz (-3dB).
Cons: The 2.6dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz includes audible-relevance irregularities, with port-region features and vertical crossover sensitivity. High-level distortion remains a constraint. Its professional positioning and amplifier power do not make it automatically more neutral than the cheaper 308P MKII. A port resonance adds a mild rise around 600 to 900Hz, and vertical dispersion is narrower than horizontal, so stay within a few degrees of the tweeter axis.
Full JBL 708P review and specifications →
| AES Input | Yes |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 500W total (250W woofer, 250W tweeter) |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 35.6Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 43.9Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| DSP | No |
| Dimensions | 17.2”H x 9.8”W x 11.5”D (438 x 248 x 292 mm) |
| Drivers | 8” woofer, 2409H 1” compression driver |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 41Hz - 25kHz (+/-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | XLR/TRS combo (analog), XLR AES3 (digital) |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | No |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.03 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.91 |
| TRS Input | Yes |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 25.1 lbs (11.4 kg) each |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons