Short answer: the Genelec 8320A. It ranks #8 of 100 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 4.5/5, at $1,700. The Audioengine HD6 ranks #77, rated 3.3/5, at $1,048, $652 cheaper, a saving that is not big enough to make up the sound-quality gap.
The Genelec 8320A is the better-sounding pick. A measured 1.6dB span from 300Hz to 5kHz and preference scores of 5.52 standalone and 8.04 with an ideal subwoofer support accurate close-range monitoring. Watch for: The -3dB point is about 67Hz, making a subwoofer important for lower bass and giving the larger Genelec 8330A a practical advantage without one.
Why pick the Audioengine HD6: Analog and optical inputs, RCA output and built-in amplification provide a convenient self-contained stereo setup. It keeps a wired aux input, which the Genelec 8320A lacks. The tradeoff: Listening impressions describe bass and treble emphasis with a recessed midrange, which may suit casual listening better than neutral monitoring.
Buy the Genelec 8320A. It is rated higher for sound quality, and saving $652 with the Audioengine HD6 does not make up for the sound-quality gap.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Genelec 8320A | Audioengine HD6 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,700 per pair | $1,048.00 per pair |
| Ranked | #8 of 100 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #77 of 100 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Enclosure | ported | - |
| Drivers | 0.75” metal dome tweeter, 4.1” cone woofer | 5.5” (140mm) woofer |
| Dimensions | 9.5”H x 5.9”W x 5.6”D (242 x 151 x 142 mm) | 11.7”H x 7.2”W x 10”D (298.4 x 184.1 x 254 mm) |
| Weight | 7.1 lbs (3.2 kg) each | 17.4 lbs (7.9 kg) |
| Amplifier Power | 100W total (50W woofer, 50W tweeter, Class D) | 50w RMS Per Speaker |
| Frequency Response | 55Hz-23kHz -6dB | 45Hz-40kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 67.4Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 53.2Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | - |
| Warranty | 2 years (5 with product registration) | - |
| Country | Finland | - |
| Maximum SPL | Peak 107dB (manufacturer specified) | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.52 | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 8.04 | - |
| Inputs | XLR | Bluetooth, Aux, RCA Input, Digital Optical |
| XLR Input | Yes | No |
| RCA Input | No | Yes |
| TRS Input | No | No |
| Optical Input | No | Yes |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | No | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | No | Yes |
| Bluetooth | No | Yes |
| Outputs | - | RCA variable output (subwoofer) |
| App | - | No |
| Bluetooth Version | - | 5.0 |
| Bluetooth Codecs | - | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD |
| EQ | - | No |
| Subwoofer Output | - | Yes |
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Prices on this page were last checked October 9, 2026 at 8:01 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 8320A: $1,700 per pair B&H Photo Video eBay
Same family: the Genelec 8330A (larger bookshelf, ranked higher, rated 4.5/5), the Genelec 8340A (larger bookshelf, estimated 4.4/5) and the Genelec 8350A (larger bookshelf, estimated 4.5/5).
Pros: A measured 1.6dB span from 300Hz to 5kHz and preference scores of 5.52 standalone and 8.04 with an ideal subwoofer support accurate close-range monitoring. The waveguide helps control the balance between direct and reflected sound. GLM room calibration is useful for matching levels and placement in a compact setup. Measured bass extension of 67.4Hz (-3dB).
Cons: The -3dB point is about 67Hz, making a subwoofer important for lower bass and giving the larger Genelec 8330A a practical advantage without one. Calibration hardware is sold separately. The small woofer limits its intended listening distance and bass output; a favorable response-fit parameter is not evidence that it has uniquely well-damped bass or unusually high headroom.
Full Genelec 8320A review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 100W total (50W woofer, 50W tweeter, Class D) |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 53.2Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 67.4Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| Country | Finland |
| Dimensions | 9.5”H x 5.9”W x 5.6”D (242 x 151 x 142 mm) |
| Drivers | 0.75” metal dome tweeter, 4.1” cone woofer |
| Enclosure | ported |
| Frequency Response | 55Hz-23kHz -6dB |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | XLR |
| Maximum SPL | Peak 107dB (manufacturer specified) |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | No |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.52 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 8.04 |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Warranty | 2 years (5 with product registration) |
| Weight | 7.1 lbs (3.2 kg) each |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Audioengine HD6: $1,048.00 per pair Amazon eBay
Same family: the Audioengine HD3 (smaller bookshelf, rated 3.2/5) and the Audioengine HD4 (smaller bookshelf, ranked lower, rated 3.2/5).
Pros: Analog and optical inputs, RCA output and built-in amplification provide a convenient self-contained stereo setup. The cabinet and driver size can be practical for general music listening without assembling a separate amplifier system.
Cons: Listening impressions describe bass and treble emphasis with a recessed midrange, which may suit casual listening better than neutral monitoring.
Full Audioengine HD6 review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 50w RMS Per Speaker |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| Dimensions | 11.7”H x 7.2”W x 10”D (298.4 x 184.1 x 254 mm) |
| Drivers | 5.5” (140mm) woofer |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 45Hz-40kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, Aux, RCA Input, Digital Optical |
| Optical Input | Yes |
| Outputs | RCA variable output (subwoofer) |
| RCA Input | Yes |
| Subwoofer Output | Yes |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 17.4 lbs (7.9 kg) |
| XLR Input | No |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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