Short answer: the HEDD Type 20 MK2 for better sound quality, the Genelec 8050B for the lower price. The HEDD Type 20 MK2 ranks #18 of 66 powered bookshelf speakers at $4800. The Genelec 8050B ranks #27 at $3800, $1000 cheaper.
What the Genelec 8050B gets right: CEA2034 spinorama shows a very good on-axis response with excellent directivity. The tradeoff: A dip around 2kHz shows up in both the on-axis and predicted in-room measurements.
On the HEDD Type 20 MK2 side: CEA2034 spinorama shows a nice flat on-axis response with a very smooth directivity index. Set against that: Horizontal beamwidth is asymmetric (+60/-80 degrees depending on reference point) and narrows above 10kHz.
Buy the Genelec 8050B if the price is the priority over sound quality, or the HEDD Type 20 MK2 if sound quality is the priority over the price.
Specifications Side By Side
| Genelec 8050B | HEDD Type 20 MK2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $3800 | $4800 |
| Ranked | #27 of 66 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #18 of 66 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 68Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 32Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 50Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 26Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Dimensions | 17.8"H x 11.3"W x 10.9"D (452.1 x 287 x 276.9 mm) | 14.1"H x 11"W x 13.3"D (358.1 x 279.4 x 337.8 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 32Hz - 25kHz (-6dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 32Hz - 40kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | XLR | XLR (Analog/AES) |
| Weight | 31.7 lbs / 14.4 kg each | 34 lbs / 15.4 kg each |
| Drivers | 8" (203mm) woofer | 7" honeycomb composite woofer, 4" honeycomb composite midrange, HEDD AMT (Air Motion Transformer) tweeter |
| App | No | Yes (HEDD CTRL) |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) | Yes (Desk filter, shelf filters) |
| DSP | No | Yes (96kHz/32-bit) |
| Output Power | 270w Per Speaker | 900W (3x300W) |
| Max SPL | - | 120dB @ 1m (per pair) |
| Outputs | - | XLR (AES pass-through) |
Related Speaker Comparisons
Other pairings from the same speaker class worth checking:
- JBL 4305P vs Genelec 8341A
- Neumann KH 310 A vs JBL 708P
- Neumann KH 310 A vs JBL 4329P
- Genelec 8050B vs JBL 4329P
- HEDD Type 20 MK2 vs Buchardt A500
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.
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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
HEDD Type 20 MK2: $4800 B&H Photo Video eBay
Pros: The measured ported configuration reaches 35.2Hz at -3dB and scores 6.92 with an ideal subwoofer. A 2.4dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz supports broadly balanced mids, while ported operation reduces deep-bass strain compared with the sealed setting in the review.
Cons: These results are for ported operation, not every bass or phase setting. Horizontal asymmetry and vertical crossover behavior make orientation and listening position important. Distortion rises at higher output, and linear-phase processing can add latency for live monitoring.
Full HEDD Type 20 MK2 review and specifications →
| App | Yes (HEDD CTRL) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 26Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 32Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| DSP | Yes (96kHz/32-bit) |
| Dimensions | 14.1"H x 11"W x 13.3"D (358.1 x 279.4 x 337.8 mm) |
| Drivers | 7" honeycomb composite woofer, 4" honeycomb composite midrange, HEDD AMT (Air Motion Transformer) tweeter |
| EQ | Yes (Desk filter, shelf filters) |
| Frequency Response | 32Hz - 40kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | XLR (Analog/AES) |
| Max SPL | 120dB @ 1m (per pair) |
| Output Power | 900W (3x300W) |
| Outputs | XLR (AES pass-through) |
| Weight | 34 lbs / 15.4 kg each |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons