Short answer: the Genelec 8351B if sound quality matters most, the Genelec 8050B if price matters most. The Genelec 8351B ranks #4 of 66 powered bookshelf speakers at $9150. The Genelec 8050B ranks #27 at $3800, $5350 cheaper.
On the Genelec 8050B side: CEA2034 spinorama shows a very good on-axis response with excellent directivity. The catch: A dip around 2kHz shows up in both the on-axis and predicted in-room measurements.
The case for the Genelec 8351B: CEA2034 spinorama shows exceptionally flat response both on- and off-axis. The catch: Deep bass distortion rises substantially at higher output (96dB SPL/1m) - the reviewer notes “deep bass suffers” below about 100Hz.
Buy the Genelec 8050B if the price matters more than sound quality. Buy the Genelec 8351B if sound quality matters more than the price.
Specifications Side By Side
| Genelec 8050B | Genelec 8351B | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $3800 | $9150 |
| Ranked | #27 of 66 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #4 of 66 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 68Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 33Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 50Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 28Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Dimensions | 17.8"H x 11.3"W x 10.9"D (452.1 x 287 x 276.9 mm) | 17"H x 11.3"W x 10.9"D (431.8 x 287 x 276.9 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 32Hz - 25kHz (-6dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 32Hz - 40kHz (±1.5dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | XLR | XLR |
| Weight | 31.7 lbs / 14.4 kg each | 31.1 lbs / 14.1 kg each |
| Drivers | 8" (203mm) woofer | 8.6" woofer, 5" coaxial with tweeter midrange, 0.75" (19mm) coaxial tweeter |
| App | No | Yes (GLM) |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) | Yes (via GLM software) |
| DSP | No | Yes |
| Output Power | 270w Per Speaker | 550w Per Speaker |
| Max SPL | - | 113dB @ 1m |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More useful head-to-heads from the same speaker class:
- Neumann KH420 vs Genelec 8040B
- Genelec 8361A vs JBL 4305P
- Neumann KH420 vs JBL 4305P
- Genelec 8351B vs JBL 708P
- Genelec 8351B vs Neumann KH 150
Prices on this page were last checked September 4, 2026 at 6:09 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 8050B: $3800 B&H Photo Video eBay
Pros: Measured -3dB extension of 35.2Hz gives the 8050B deeper native bass than many similarly ranked monitors. The 6.49 ideal-subwoofer score supports broadly balanced listening, with a waveguide and analog boundary controls for practical studio placement.
Cons: A 2.7dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz and a dip around 2kHz keep it below the strongest tonal performers. Port-related response features and high-level distortion also warrant attention. Unlike the SAM models, it does not provide GLM room calibration.
Full Genelec 8050B review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 50Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 68Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| DSP | No |
| Dimensions | 17.8"H x 11.3"W x 10.9"D (452.1 x 287 x 276.9 mm) |
| Drivers | 8" (203mm) woofer |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) |
| Frequency Response | 32Hz - 25kHz (-6dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | XLR |
| Output Power | 270w Per Speaker |
| Weight | 31.7 lbs / 14.4 kg each |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Genelec 8351B: $9150 B&H Photo Video eBay
Pros: The vertical ASR measurement scores 7.75 with an ideal subwoofer and reaches 35.2Hz at -3dB. Coaxial midrange and treble help maintain consistent sound as the listening angle changes. Low measured distortion at ordinary listening levels and GLM calibration make it a strong precision-monitoring choice.
Cons: Bass distortion increases at higher playback levels, so a subwoofer remains useful for demanding material. Upper-treble distortion in the test also cautions against assuming unlimited output. Calibration hardware adds to an already expensive system, and the quoted result is for the measured vertical orientation.
Full Genelec 8351B review and specifications →
| App | Yes (GLM) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 28Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 33Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| DSP | Yes |
| Dimensions | 17"H x 11.3"W x 10.9"D (431.8 x 287 x 276.9 mm) |
| Drivers | 8.6" woofer, 5" coaxial with tweeter midrange, 0.75" (19mm) coaxial tweeter |
| EQ | Yes (via GLM software) |
| Frequency Response | 32Hz - 40kHz (±1.5dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | XLR |
| Max SPL | 113dB @ 1m |
| Output Power | 550w Per Speaker |
| Weight | 31.1 lbs / 14.1 kg each |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons