Genelec 8040B vs Yamaha HS8

Last updated: August 18, 2026

Short answer: the Genelec 8040B for better sound quality, the Yamaha HS8 for the lower price. The Genelec 8040B ranks #9 of 40 powered bookshelf speakers at $2350. The Yamaha HS8 ranks #23 at $678.28, $1671.72 cheaper.

What the Genelec 8040B gets right: Based on their smaller speaker’s performance against others, I’m ranking this accordingly. The catch: Very expensive.

On the Yamaha HS8 side: Good for mixing and anything needing a neutral output. Set against that: Slight midrange boost.

Buy the Genelec 8040B if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Yamaha HS8 if the price matters more than sound quality.

Genelec 8040B vs Yamaha HS8

Specifications Side By Side

Genelec 8040B Yamaha HS8
Price$2350$678.28
Ranked#9 of 40 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers#23 of 40 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers
Dimensions14.4"H x 9.3"W x 8.8"D (365.8 x 236.2 x 223.5 mm)15.4"H x 9.8"W x 13.1"D (391.2 x 248.9 x 332.7 mm)
Frequency Response41Hz - 25kHz (-6dB) (Manufacturer specified)47Hz - 24kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified)
InputsXLRXLR
Weight20.7 lbs / 9.4 kg each22.5 lbs / 10.2 kg
Drivers6.5" (165mm) woofer8" woofer, 1" dome tweeter
AppNoNo
BluetoothNoNo
EQYes (Room adjustment)Yes (Room adjustment)
DSPNoNo
Output Power180w Per Speaker120w Per Speaker

More useful head-to-heads from the same speaker class:

The Two Speakers In Full

Genelec 8040B: $2350 Bhphotovideo

Genelec 8040B ranking card

Pros: Based on their smaller speaker’s performance against others, I’m ranking this accordingly.

Cons: Very expensive

AppNo
BluetoothNo
DSPNo
Dimensions14.4"H x 9.3"W x 8.8"D (365.8 x 236.2 x 223.5 mm)
Drivers6.5" (165mm) woofer
EQYes (Room adjustment)
Frequency Response41Hz - 25kHz (-6dB) (Manufacturer specified)
InputsXLR
Output Power180w Per Speaker
Weight20.7 lbs / 9.4 kg each

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Yamaha HS8: $678.28 Amazon

Yamaha HS8 ranking card

Pros: Good for mixing and anything needing a neutral output.

Cons: Slight midrange boost. Quite expensive.

AppNo
BluetoothNo
DSPNo
Dimensions15.4"H x 9.8"W x 13.1"D (391.2 x 248.9 x 332.7 mm)
Drivers8" woofer, 1" dome tweeter
EQYes (Room adjustment)
Frequency Response47Hz - 24kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified)
InputsXLR
Output Power120w Per Speaker
Weight22.5 lbs / 10.2 kg

As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.