Short answer: the Genelec 8350A for better sound quality, the JBL 308P MKII for the lower price. The Genelec 8050B measures as well as the JBL 308P MKII (#39 vs #34 of 119 powered bookshelf speakers) but is discontinued. Its replacement, the Genelec 8350A, is rated 4.5/5 at $5,550; the JBL 308P MKII is rated 4.4/5 at $298, $5,252 cheaper.
The Genelec 8050B is the deeper-bass pick. Measured -3dB extension of 35.2Hz gives the 8050B deeper native bass than many similarly ranked monitors. Its bass reaches about 35.2Hz before falling 3dB, against 42.5Hz for the JBL 308P MKII. It has an adjustable EQ, which the JBL 308P MKII lacks. The tradeoff: A 2.7dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz and a dip around 2kHz keep it below the strongest tonal performers.
What the JBL 308P MKII does well: A 1.8dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz and 7.69 ideal-subwoofer score support unusually good tonal balance for an accessible studio monitor. Watch for: Amplifier hiss may be noticeable in quiet, close-range use.
Buy the JBL 308P MKII if price matters most. For better sound quality, the Genelec 8350A, the replacement for the discontinued Genelec 8050B, is rated higher but costs $5,550.
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Measured -3dB extension of 35.2Hz gives the 8050B deeper native bass than many similarly ranked monitors.
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A 1.8dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz and 7.69 ideal-subwoofer score support unusually good tonal balance for an accessible studio monitor.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Genelec 8050B | JBL 308P MKII | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $4,390 per pair Discontinued | $298 per pair |
| Ranked | #39 of 119 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #34 of 119 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 35.2Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 42.5Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 28.8Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) | 37.6Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) |
| Dimensions | 17.8”H x 11.3”W x 10.9”D (452.1 x 287 x 276.9 mm) | 16.5”H x 10”W x 12.1”D (419.1 x 254 x 307.3 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 32Hz - 25kHz (-6dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 45Hz - 20kHz (+/-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | XLR | XLR, 1/4” TRS |
| Weight | 31.7 lbs (14.4 kg) each | 17.9 lbs (8.1 kg) each |
| Drivers | 8” (203mm) woofer | 8” woofer, 1” neodymium tweeter |
| App | No | No |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) | No |
| DSP | No | No |
| Amplifier Power | 270w Per Speaker | 112W total |
| XLR Input | Yes | Yes |
| RCA Input | No | No |
| 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 |
| Spinorama Preference Score | - | 5.88 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | - | 7.69 |
Frequency Response Compared
Both speakers’ spinorama measurements, overlaid. A flatter line is more neutral: peaks sound forward or harsh, dips sound recessed. Each curve is shifted so its average from 300 Hz to 3 kHz sits at 0 dB, so loudness differences between the two are removed and only the shape is compared.
Measurement data: Genelec 8050B (measured by Audio Science Review) and JBL 308P MKII (measured by Audio Science Review), via spinorama.org.
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