Short answer: this one is a compromise either way. The Kali Audio LP-8 has a newer V2 that could be a little better, and the Eris 8 beats it by a little bit, while the Genelec 8040B is very expensive and is ranked on its smaller speaker’s performance.
What the Genelec 8040B gets right: Based on the smaller sibling’s measured performance against others, it is ranked accordingly. The catch: Very expensive.
Buy the Genelec 8040B only if you find one used in good condition; both are discontinued, and it is the better rated of the two. For a new speaker, start with the Neumann KH 150 instead.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Powered Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Genelec 8040B | Kali Audio LP-8 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2,790 per pair Discontinued | $598 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #33 of 68 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #56 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) | 16.5”H x 10”W x 11.3”D (419.1 x 254 x 287 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 41Hz - 25kHz (-6dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 45Hz - 21kHz (+-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | XLR | TRS, XLR, RCA |
| Weight | 20.7 lbs (9.4 kg) each | 19.8 lbs (9.0 kg) each |
| Drivers | 6.5” (165mm) woofer | 8” woofer, 1” soft dome tweeter |
| App | No | No |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) | Yes (Room adjustment) |
| DSP | No | No |
| Amplifier Power | 180w Per Speaker | 100w Per Speaker |
| XLR Input | Yes | Yes |
| RCA Input | No | Yes |
| 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 |
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 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.
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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. 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
Kali Audio LP-8: $598 per pair Discontinued eBay
Newer model: the Kali Audio LP-8 V2, ranked higher, rated 4.1/5.
Pros: The original LP-8 offers a large woofer, a waveguide and placement switches for affordable nearfield monitoring.
Cons: First-generation amplifier noise can be distracting at a quiet desk. The large cabinets need substantial space, and placement switches do not replace full room correction. The response sounds a bit hooded. Discontinued.
Full Kali Audio LP-8 review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 100w Per Speaker |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| DSP | No |
| Dimensions | 16.5”H x 10”W x 11.3”D (419.1 x 254 x 287 mm) |
| Drivers | 8” woofer, 1” soft dome tweeter |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) |
| Frequency Response | 45Hz - 21kHz (+-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | TRS, XLR, RCA |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | Yes |
| TRS Input | Yes |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 19.8 lbs (9.0 kg) each |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- DSAUDIO.review: Tannoy Gold 8 vs Kali Audio LP-8 Sound & Frequency Response Comparison More from DSAUDIOreview →
- DSAUDIO.review: Focal Alpha 80 vs Kali Audio LP-8 Sound & Frequency Response Comparison
- DSAUDIO.review: Yamaha HS8 vs Kali Audio LP-8 Sound & Frequency Response Comparison
- DSAUDIO.review: Kali Audio LP-8 vs Presonus Eris E8 XT Sound & Frequency Response Comparison
- DSAUDIO.review: Kali Audio LP-8 vs JBL 306P MKII Sound & Frequency Response Comparison
- Audioholics Measurements (spinorama.org)
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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- Kali Audio LP-8 vs Adam Audio T8V
- Kali Audio LP-8 vs KRK Rokit 7 G4
- Kali Audio LP-8 vs Presonus Eris Studio 8
- Kali Audio LP-8 vs Edifier S3000Pro
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- Kali Audio LP-8 vs Focal Alpha 65 EVO
- See all 43 comparisons