Short answer: the JBL 4305P, if you are buying new. The Genelec 8050B measures as well as it (#27 vs #28 of 68 powered bookshelf speakers, 4.4/5 vs 4.4/5) but is discontinued, so only consider it used; the JBL 4305P is still sold new at $1,499.99.
What the Genelec 8050B does well: Measured -3dB extension of 35.2Hz gives the 8050B deeper native bass than many similarly ranked monitors. The tradeoff: A 2.7dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz and a dip around 2kHz keep it below the strongest tonal performers.
Why pick the JBL 4305P: The measured 1.5dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz supports even mids, with a 7.45 ideal-subwoofer score and 45.4Hz -3dB bass extension. Watch for: Crossover-region directivity changes mean the narrow on-axis span does not describe every listening angle.
Buy the JBL 4305P if you want one new; the Genelec 8050B is discontinued, so only look for it used.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Genelec 8050B | JBL 4305P | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $3800 per pair Discontinued | $1,499.99 per pair |
| Ranked | #27 of 68 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #28 of 68 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 35.2Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 45Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 28.8Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) | 40.5Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Dimensions | 17.8”H x 11.3”W x 10.9”D (452.1 x 287 x 276.9 mm) | 13.2H x 8.3W x 8.8D inches |
| Frequency Response | 32Hz - 25kHz (-6dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 45Hz - 25kHz (-6dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | XLR | XLR/TRS combo, 3.5mm Aux, Optical, USB-B, Ethernet |
| Weight | 31.7 lbs (14.4 kg) each | Primary 14.6 lbs (6.6 kg), Secondary 14.1 lbs (6.4 kg) |
| Drivers | 8” (203mm) woofer | 5.25-inch pulp woofer; 1-inch annular compression driver |
| App | No | - |
| Bluetooth | No | Yes, 5.1 |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) | - |
| DSP | No | - |
| Amplifier Power | 270w Per Speaker | 300W system: 125W LF + 25W HF per speaker |
| XLR Input | Yes | Yes |
| RCA Input | No | No |
| TRS Input | No | Yes |
| Optical Input | No | Yes |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | No | Yes |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | No | Yes |
| Maximum SPL | - | ~93dB at 2m in-room before limiting (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | - | 5.44 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | - | 7.45 |
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- Genelec 8050B vs Neumann KH 150
Prices on this page were last checked September 29, 2026 at 3:43 PM 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 per pair Discontinued B&H Photo Video eBay
Newer model: the Genelec 8350A. It’s likely to perform similarly, though we don’t have measurements to confirm that yet. It uses the same cabinet and woofer size, adding GLM room calibration and an AES/EBU digital input.
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. Measured bass extension of 35.2Hz (-3dB).
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. Discontinued.
Full Genelec 8050B review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 270w Per Speaker |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 28.8Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 35.2Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | 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) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | XLR |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | No |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 31.7 lbs (14.4 kg) each |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
JBL 4305P: $1,499.99 per pair Amazon JBL eBay
Pros: The measured 1.5dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz supports even mids, with a 7.45 ideal-subwoofer score and 45.4Hz -3dB bass extension. Integrated consumer connectivity makes this a more convenient living-room system than many studio monitors. Measured bass extension of 45Hz (-3dB).
Cons: Crossover-region directivity changes mean the narrow on-axis span does not describe every listening angle. Limiting becomes relevant at high output, particularly with bass-heavy music. It suits near- to midfield listening better than the largest high-output systems here. Erin measured about 8dB lost near 50Hz at the highest drive level and reached roughly 93dB unweighted at 2m in-room.
Full JBL 4305P review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 300W system: 125W LF + 25W HF per speaker |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 40.5Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 45Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bluetooth | Yes, 5.1 |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| Dimensions | 13.2H x 8.3W x 8.8D inches |
| Drivers | 5.25-inch pulp woofer; 1-inch annular compression driver |
| Frequency Response | 45Hz - 25kHz (-6dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | XLR/TRS combo, 3.5mm Aux, Optical, USB-B, Ethernet |
| Maximum SPL | ~93dB at 2m in-room before limiting (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Optical Input | Yes |
| RCA Input | No |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.44 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.45 |
| TRS Input | Yes |
| USB Input | Yes |
| Weight | Primary 14.6 lbs (6.6 kg), Secondary 14.1 lbs (6.4 kg) |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons