Short answer: the Genelec 8351B for the higher ranking, the Genelec 8050B for the lower price. The Genelec 8351B ranks #4 of 20 powered bookshelf speakers at $9150. The Genelec 8050B ranks #6 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 the ranking. Buy the Genelec 8351B if the ranking matters more than the price.
Specifications Side By Side
| Genelec 8050B | Genelec 8351B | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $3800 | $9150 |
| Ranked | #6 of 20 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #4 of 20 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| 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 |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 28Hz |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | - | 33Hz |
| Max SPL | - | 113dB @ 1m |
The Two Speakers In Full
Genelec 8050B: $3800 Bhphotovideo
Pros: CEA2034 spinorama shows a very good on-axis response with excellent directivity. Predicted in-room response is smooth, with only a 2kHz dip as a real issue. Horizontal beamwidth of about ±50 degrees is very smooth and well controlled. Vertical directivity is similarly even outside the 2kHz region, as long as listening position stays within about ±20 degrees of the woofer’s border. Distortion at 96dB SPL/1m is typical low-frequency behavior with the rest of the range well controlled.
Cons: A dip around 2kHz shows up in both the on-axis and predicted in-room measurements. An unexplained distortion spike appears around 10-15kHz at 96dB SPL/1m that the reviewer couldn’t identify a clear cause for. Cumulative spectral decay (waterfall) shows a port resonance lingering in the upper-bass/lower-midrange region. Very expensive.
| App | No |
|---|---|
| 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 |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Links
Genelec 8351B: $9150 Bhphotovideo
Pros: CEA2034 spinorama shows exceptionally flat response both on- and off-axis. Predicted in-room response is “as good as it gets” - should sound very neutral in nearly any room. Horizontal beamwidth of about ±50 degrees is described by the reviewer as exceptionally smooth, a model example of well-executed directivity control. Vertical directivity is nearly as good as horizontal, a benefit of its coaxial driver design that’s rare among non-coaxial monitors. Distortion at 86dB SPL/1m is remarkably low - the reviewer says it’s “better than many headphones.”
Cons: Deep bass distortion rises substantially at higher output (96dB SPL/1m) - the reviewer notes “deep bass suffers” below about 100Hz. A distortion spike also appears near 8-10kHz at that same higher output level. Cumulative spectral decay (waterfall) measurements show resonances around 1-2kHz. Very expensive.
| App | Yes (GLM) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 28Hz |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 33Hz |
| 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 |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Links
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Product prices and availability were last checked August 9, 2026 at 6:57 AM UTC 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.